The Office of Protocol welcomes visiting dignitaries, heads of state, and ambassadors—and ensures they experience the best of San Francisco. From high-impact meetings to experiencing a Warriors or Giants game to touring local startup hubs, every guest departs with a sense of the city’s unique energy, diversity and spirit.

San Francisco is home to 72 foreign consulates, each playing a vital role in connecting their home countries with our city. These consulates support their citizens, foster international business relationships, celebrate cultural heritage, and contribute in many meaningful ways to our city. The Office of Protocol welcomes and supports the Consular Corps, helping ensure a smooth transition to life in San Francisco. In turn, these diplomats serve as ambassadors for our city abroad, strengthening San Francisco’s presence on the global stage.

The Office of Protocol partners with organizations across the city to promote civic events that bring people to the heart of San Francisco. The Office of Protocol helps present high-quality, free, and affordable public programs that enrich San Francisco’s cultural vibrancy. These events ensure that San Francisco remains a city where creativity thrives, cultures connect, and people come together to celebrate its unique spirit.

As the City’s diplomatic gateway, the Office of Protocol cultivates purposeful connections and meetings that unite global business innovators, tech visionaries, cultural ambassadors, and community leaders. The Office bridges sectors and cultures, translating the city’s spirit of openness into concrete partnerships.

For over 40 years, San Francisco's Office of Protocol has partnered with the consulates in San Francisco to host flag raising ceremonies at City Hall. These events honor the unique contributions of each nation to San Francisco’s culture and economy, while celebrating the strong and lasting partnerships that connect our city to the world.

The City of San Francisco is the proud sister city of 19 cities around the world. The Sister City Program encourages the constant exchange of culture and knowledge around the world. Over the decades, the people of San Francisco and its sister cities have had to opportunity to engage with their neighbors overseas through student exchange programs, co-hosted cultural events, and co-led initiatives.