Visits by state representatives are an efficient means of maintaining and strengthening mutual relations. In the course of time, and as transport has become ever faster, there have been far-reaching changes in the way visits are organized. More visits take place today than 20 years ago, but they do not last as long.

Official visits include state visits, visits by heads of government, and visits by ministers or other foreign dignitaries invited by the Federal Council or the Foreign Minister. Six forms of visit exist.

A state visit is carried out by a head of state on the invitation of the Federal Council. One or two state visits take place per year, each lasting two days. On the first day the entire Federal Council receives the visitor with military honours on the Bundesplatz, and a reception is held at the Bundeshaus in Berne. On the second day the programme traditionally includes an excursion.

An official visit by a head of state also takes place on the invitation of the Federal Council. It lasts one day and is devoted to official discussions with a delegation of the Federal Council. The guest is received with military honours. The national anthems are played.

An official visit by a head of government also takes place on the invitation of the national government. It consists of official discussions with a delegation of the Federal Council.

This is a visit by a member of a foreign government on the invitation of his or her Swiss opposite number.

An official working visit by a head of state and a head or member of government is generally shorter than an official visit and is subject to less strict rules of protocol.

A head of state, head of government or member of a government who is passing through Switzerland pays a courtesy visit to the Federal President or a member of the Federal Council. A courtesy visit is generally brief, lasting perhaps half an hour. Simplified rules of protocol apply.