Protocol and visits

Visits by the representatives of foreign states make it possible to ensure effective bilateral relations and further develop them. Switzerland distinguishes between six categories of visits ranging from the most formal, the state visit, to the least formal, the courtesy visit. The Visits and Ceremonies Section of FDFA Protocol is responsible for their organisation.

• State visit
  The state visit is the most formal, being by a head of state at the invitation of the Federal Council. The seven Federal Councillors and the Chancellor of the Confederation receive the visitor at the Bundesplatz in Bern with military honours and the playing of the national anthems.
  

Tasks of the Federal Presidency, The Federal Council

• Official visit by a head of state
  Leads of state are also invited by the Federal Council, but represented by the President of the Confederation. The visit involves official discussions with a Federal Council delegation. The guest is received with military honours and playing of the national anthems, at the Lohn Manor in Kehrsatz.
  
• Official visit by a head of government
  An official visit by a head of government is also at the invitation of the Federal Council. It consists of official discussions with a Federal Council delegation. 
  
• Official visit by a member of a foreign government
  This is a visit by a member of a foreign government at the invitation of his or her Swiss counterpart number. It is the most common type of visit, and involves official discussions only.
  
• Official working visit
  The rules of protocol for an official working visit by a head of state or by a head or member of government are less strict than in the categories mentioned above. 
  
• Courtesy visit
  A head of state, head of government or member of a government may also pay a courtesy visit to the President of the Confederation or to another member of the Federal Council. The visit lasts only 20 to 30 minutes. Simplified rules of protocol apply.

The Visits and Ceremonies Section of FDFA Protocol also organises the agrément (acceptance) procedure for new heads of mission, the ceremony for the presentation of credentials to the President of the Confederation and the New Year reception of the diplomatic corps.

Its duties also extend to the preparation and organisation of various events for the diplomatic corps accredited to the Federal Council, establishing criteria for the order of precedence within the FDFA and the Confederation, and the treatment of VIPs at Swiss airports.