A diplomatic bag, also known as a diplomatic pouch, is a container with certain legal protections used for carrying official correspondence or other items between a diplomatic mission and its home government or other diplomatic, consular, or otherwise official entity.[1] The physical concept of a "diplomatic bag" is flexible and it can take many forms (e.g., a cardboard box, briefcase, duffel bag, large suitcase, crate or even a shipping container).[1]
Additionally, a diplomatic bag usually has some form of lock and/or tamper-evident seal attached to it to deter or detect interference by unauthorized third parties. The most important point is that as long as it is externally marked to show its status, the "bag" has diplomatic immunity from search or seizure,[2] as codified in article 27 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.[3] It may only contain articles intended for official use,[3] though there have been numerous cases where the privileges of the diplomatic bag have been used to facilitate smuggling. Bags are often escorted by a diplomatic courier, who is similarly immune from arrest and detention.[2][3]
- ^ a b Boczek, Boleslaw Adam (2005). International Law: A Dictionary. Scarecrow Press. pp. 51–52. ISBN 0-8108-5078-8. Archived from the original on 2021-11-13. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
- ^ a b "Diplomatic bag: The inside story". BBC News. March 10, 2000. Archived from the original on 2007-03-17. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
- ^ a b c "Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961" (PDF). United Nations. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-11-11. Retrieved 2008-10-05., p. 8