How to Address an Ambassador

Below are the forms for a U.S. citizen to address a U.S. ambassador wherever the ambassador serves.  How to Address a U.S. Ambassador

Non-U.S. citizens may use these styles for a U.S. ambassador – OR – use the forms for a foreign ambassador: Excellency.  For that form follow the link  Ambassador of one country ot another.—-

How to Address a US Ambassador by US Citizen

Ambassador of the USA by a US Citizen at Post
Except in the Western Hemisphere

See next formula for US Ambasador in North or South America.

Envelope, official:
—-—-The Honorable
—-—-(Full Name)
—-—-American Ambassador
—-—-(Address)

—-Letter salutation:
——–Dear Ambassador:
—-—-Dear Mr./Madam Ambassador:

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

Ambassador of the USA by a US Citizen at Post In the Western Hemisphere

Envelope, official:
—-—-The Honorable
—-—-(Full Name)
—-—-Ambassador of the United States of America
—-—-(Address)

Letter salutation:
——-Dear Ambassador:
____Dear Mr./Madam Ambassador:

How to Address a US Ambassador by US Citizen

Ambassador of the USA by a US Citizen Away from Post

#1) When away from post, include the country to which the ambassador is accredited.

#2) ‘Ambassador of the United States of America’ is acceptable anywhere in the world and is preferred in the Western Hemisphere. ‘American Ambassador’ is acceptable outside the Western Hemisphere.

Envelope, official:
—-—-The Honorable
—-—-(Full Name)
—-—-American Ambassador to (country)
—-—-(Address)
—-—-—-or
—-—-The Honorable
—-—-(Full Name)
—-—-Ambassador of the United States of America to (country)
—-—-(Address)

Letter salutation:
——–Dear Ambassador:
—-
—-Dear Mr./Madam Ambassador:

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?

You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.)  The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them.
___What I don’t cover on this site are many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions, etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.

Not Finding Your Answer?

—-#1)  At right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones, is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.

—-#2)  If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so (unless I am traveling.)  Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.

—-#3)  If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question  – but always change all the specifics.

— Robert Hickey 

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”