A State visit is the highest form of diplomatic travel and symbolises strong and close ties between nations. The visitor is formally welcomed on arrival by the host head of state (or their representative) and receives a guard of honour on departure from their hotel or official residence. The visit may include a formal reception and dinner, the playing of the two national anthems by a military band and a review of a military guard of honour.
As well as being a grand occasion, State visits have political potential and the visiting head of state or government may be given a tour of the country. They can meet parliamentarians and businesses in informal talks. They also usually give speeches. Some visitors have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
For a visitor, such as President Xi of China or Prime Minister Modi, a State visit is an important part of their international diplomacy. The visit is a chance to strengthen their relationship with the UK and to further their own foreign policy goals.
In a parliamentary democracy like the UK, state visits are arranged at the invitation of the monarch, on government advice. They are largely funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and are intended to reflect the high level of bilateral relations between countries. They are underpinned by the 1978 State Immunity Act and by customary international sources such as the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
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