Have you had contact with an honorary consul? How was the experience?

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In my work, I focus on topics that are relevant to Swiss citizens abroad – from political developments in Switzerland and their impact on the diaspora to social, economic, and cultural issues. Before joining SWI swissinfo.ch, I worked as a local journalist for the Aargauer Zeitung. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Multilingual Communication and, as is typically Swiss, completed an apprenticeship as a commercial employee.

Deutsch

Hatten Sie schon einmal Kontakt zu einem Schweizer Honorarkonsulat? Warum? Und wie war Ihre Erfahrung? Original
Français

Dans quel contexte avez-vous déjà été en contact avec un consulat honoraire? Quelle a été votre expérience?
Italiano

In quale occasione avete avuto contatti con un consolato onorario e qual è stata la vostra esperienza?

In a mini-series, Swissinfo looks at the widely networked, less visible network of Swiss honorary consuls. In contrast to professional consuls, their work is voluntary.

Who are these people who work on behalf of Switzerland from Bordeaux to Brisbane, from Denver to Durban? And what motivates them to take on this quiet role, which can become so important at a crucial moment?

We would like to hear from you if you have any stories to tell about the Swiss honorary consuls.

Swiss Abroad

Switzerland expands voluntary honorary consul network

This content was published on Nov 4, 2025 Switzerland is strengthening its global network of honorary consuls. It now boasts 225 diplomatic representatives around the world.

Yes we can 2025-11-13 07:33

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

If I hadn't been a member of a swissclub, I wouldn't have known about an honorary consul or his function or purpose.

Si je n’avais pas été membre d’un swissclub, je n’aurais pas eu connaissance d’un consul honoraire oubde sa fonction ou utilité

Brigitte Platten 2025-11-11 20:45

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

In the winter of 2013/14, we visited New Zealand for three months. That's how we got to know Adrian Blaser, then President of the Swiss Club. Thanks to him, we found a teacher for our children. Without his help, the trip would hardly have been possible. Since then, we have made further visits to New Zealand and Switzerland - each time a celebration. We have found dear friends and are already looking forward to the next meeting. Take care and see you soon.

Im Winter 2013/14 besuchten wir für drei Monate Neuseeland. So haben wir Adrian Blaser, damals Präsident des Schweizer Clubs , kennengelernt. Dank ihm haben wir eine Lehrerin für unsere Kinder gefunden. Ohne seine Hilfe wäre die Reise kaum möglich gewesen. Seither sind weitere Besuche in Neuseeland und der Schweiz erfolgt - jedesmal ein Fest. Wir haben liebe Freunde gefunden und freuen uns schon auf das nächste Treffen. Hebed eu Sorg und bis gli.

Jumbo007 2025-11-06 18:40

In summer 2024, I had the pleasure of meeting Marcel Schütz from Svalbard in Spitsbergen. In addition to his position as honorary consul, he is also a tour guide for the local area. He was very friendly and open-minded __Best regards at this point.

Ich hatte im Sommer 2024 das Vergnügen Marcel Schütz aus Svalbard in Spitzbergen kennen zu lernen. Dort ist er neben dem Amt als Honorarkonsul auch Tourguide für die dortige Umgebung. Er war sehr freundlich und aufgeschlossen.__Herzliche Grüsse an dieser Stelle.

Melanie Eichenberger SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2025-11-06 22:28

@Jumbo007

Thank you for your comment. Did you see that we have already reported on Marcel Schütz?https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/wirtschaft/vom-tourguide-zum-diplomaten/48860816

Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar. Haben Sie gesehen, dass wir über Marcel Schütz auch schon berichtet haben?__https://www.swissinfo.ch/ger/wirtschaft/vom-tourguide-zum-diplomaten/48860816

Have you had contact with an honorary consul? How was the experience?

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Switzerland expands voluntary honorary consul network

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