extraterritorial asylum

Extraterritorial asylum is a form of protection granted by a state to a foreign citizen within the territory of another state, typically in embassies, consulates, or on warships. This differs from territorial asylum, which is granted within the sheltering state's own borders.1

While individuals do not have a legal right to demand asylum, states have the discretion to grant it. Extraterritorial asylum can be a source of diplomatic disputes, as seen when the United States granted asylum to Cardinal József Mindszenty in its embassy in Hungary for 15 years after a failed uprising. The concept of extraterritoriality itself refers to exemption from local laws and jurisdiction.123