A State visit is a formally recognised tour, organised at the invitation of another sovereign country’s head of state (or their representative). The visiting head of state is given the highest level of formal welcome. This often involves ceremonial activities, such as a formal banquet and laying of wreaths, or the staging of cultural events celebrating links between the two countries.
The ceremonial elements of a State visit are usually negotiated in advance during pre-visit talks between protocol officials of the hosting government and the visiting country. These might include an official welcoming ceremony, a march-on of the military escort, or a high-profile address to members of the host legislature. Other ceremonial activities may be the rekindling of an eternal flame at a monument, or a tribute by the visiting head of state to the dead of a war or disaster.
Beyond the pomp, State visits provide a unique opportunity for governments to make business and economic connections. Behind the protocol and glitz, vigorous diplomatic efforts take place to secure agreements which can be announced during the visits themselves. Even Trump, whose domestic popularity has slumped to new lows, was able to secure the promise of significant investments from Google and other companies while on his second State visit to the UK.