In the realm of international diplomacy, few events hold the prestige and importance of a State visit. Hosted by a sovereign or head of state, the highest level of hospitality is offered to the visiting Head of State and their delegation, with all costs covered by the host nation, including accommodation and travel.
Typically, a State Visit begins with an inspection of the honour guard at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle (or at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh if they are visiting from the United Kingdom). The Head of State or Government will then attend formal meetings with their counterparts and members of their official delegation. The visit will usually culminate in a State dinner, or, as is the case with Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit to the UK, a working luncheon.
In addition to high-level diplomatic discussions, a State visit is an opportunity for the Head of State to engage with their hosts on issues of mutual interest, such as trade and security. It’s also an occasion for the host to show off their country, displaying its finest landmarks and institutions to visitors.
During state visits, lamp posts on Pennsylvania Avenue are outfitted with the flags of the visiting country and the United States, and, on their departure, a full honors departure ceremony is accorded (with a 21 gun salute). Unlike the next level of foreign visit – an official visit – a state visit ensures that the president is accorded an arrival and departure ceremony and that gifts can be exchanged.