From the moment that President Bush's Air Force One touches down at Heathrow next Tuesday evening, his visit will be a nerve racking experience for security officials from both sides of the Atlantic.

The threat of mass protests, disruption and a terrorist attack makes this probably the most contentious state visit to Britain by a foreign leader.

Mr Bush will be in Britain from the evening of Tuesday, November 18, to Friday, November 21.

The itinerary for such visits is usually planned and announced months in advance, but even at this late stage many of the details remain vague.

Mr Bush is expected to fly by helicopter from Heathrow to the grounds of Buckingham Palace where he will spend his three nights.

The formal start of his state visit begins next Wednesday with an expected speech at the Mansion House, although no details have yet been announced. The Queen will give a banquet in his honour at the Palace that night.

On November 20 Mr Bush will spend time at 10 Downing Street with Tony Blair and other members of the Government. He may also address the Houses of Parliament.

That night Mr Bush is the host at the return banquet for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Winfield House, the official residence of William Farish, the US Ambassador.

On Friday morning, the President formally leaves the Palace, and is expected to visit Sedgefield, Mr Blair's constituency, although this part of his visit may be cancelled because of security concerns.

He will then fly back to Washington on Friday night, possibly from Newcastle airport.

Many have questioned the wisdom of such a visit at this time, given the fierce opposition to the war in Iraq.

But in coming to Britain Mr Bush is merely responding to an invitation by the Queen which was first issued in July 2001, two months before the September 11 attacks which have defined his presidency.

Explore Specials

• Style Guide