Visits

President George W. Bush delivers remarks Wednesday, April 16, 2008, during the arrival ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI on the South Lawn of the White House. Said the President, "Holy Father, thank you for making this journey to America. Our nation welcomes you. We appreciate the example you set for the world, and we ask that you always keep us in your prayers." White House photo by David Bohrer

The Visits division in the Office of the Chief of Protocol is responsible for planning, arranging and executing detailed programs for visiting Chiefs of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and other high-ranking foreign officials.

Headed by the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Visits, the division coordinates the visits of Chiefs of State and Heads of Government invited to the United States by the President, Vice President and Secretary of State.  The division also handles foreign press arrangements between the Department of State, the White House and foreign dignitaries.

Responsibilities also include facilitating bilateral, trilateral and multilateral meetings with foreign Chiefs of State and Heads of Government attending the United Nations General Assembly with the President, the Vice President, or the Secretary of State.

Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton paying respects on behalf of the President of the United States at the graveside of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin. State Dept. photo.

In addition, the Visits division is responsible for the planning and logistics for U.S. Presidential Delegations abroad as directed by the President, as well as overseeing the coordination of expedited port clearances for visiting dignitaries.

Other Divisions of the Office of the Chief of Protocol

Blair House
Ceremonials
Diplomatic Affairs
Management