Official visits to the Netherlands
Heads of state and government can both pay official visits to the Netherlands whereas a state visit is made by one head of state to another. A head of government who is not a head of state may make an official visit to the Netherlands.
The ceremonial part of the programme for an official visit largely takes place in The Hague, whereas the ceremonial part of a state visit is centred in Amsterdam.
Elements of an official visit
Foreign dignitaries and their entourage are accommodated at Noordeinde Palace, where the King also hosts a dinner or lunch. Sometimes the King or another member of the Royal House attends other events during an official visit.
An audience with the King may also form part of an official visit to the Netherlands