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
—-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:
See Specific Ambassadors:
———U.S. Ambassador by a U.S. Citizen
———U.S. Career Ambassador Retired
———U.S. Ambassador, Retired Foreign Service
———U.S. Ambassador, former, political appointee
———U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom
———Goodwill Ambassador
———Foreign Ambassador
—
See Other Diplomats:
———Attaché
———Chargé d’Affaires
———Consul
———Consul General
———Consul Honorary
———Counselor
———Deputy Chief of Mission
———First Secretary
———Second Secretary
———Third Secretary
Ab
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”
Recommended Resources: The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) and Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA) For more information see the Protocol Resources page.