Invitation Protocols

Prior consultation with the Marshal’s Office is required for invitations to incumbent heads of state or government, which must be extended in writing. The Marshal must review and approve such invitations in advance and will determine who issues the invitation. If approved, the Marshal’s Office will work with the appropriate University unit on requirements for the visit. 

Any invitation to a head of state or other high-level dignitary to give a public address at Harvard must include explicit reference to the University’s expectation that they take questions from the audience following his or her address. Typically, a Harvard faculty member will moderate.

Use the invitation protocol checklist to ensure you are thinking through the issues of a visit.

When in doubt, consult with the Marshal’s Office in advance regarding invitations to dignitaries or high-level officials, both foreign and domestic, as additional considerations may need to be taken.  

Most visitors will be invited directly by a school, department, center, student group, or administrative unit. Many of Harvard’s Schools have their own protocols and processes for issuing invitations, so check with your school dean’s office for specific protocols for your school.