Tour Policy Since September 11th

On Tuesday, September 16, 2003, the White House re-opened for public tours after more than two years of closure. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, the White House closed for general public tours due to security concerns. The re-opening comes with some additional security measures, and listed below are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding the new ticket distribution, which is handled only through congressional offiices. If your question is not addressed below, please contact my Tour Coordinator in the Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-6142.

Who can tour the White House?

Parties of 10 or more people may request a tour the White House, regardless of age or type of group. There is no maximum number; however, during peak seasons smaller groups may have an easier time getting in for a tour.

What kinds of tours are there?

All White House tours are self-guided, however tour officers are positioned throughout the White House to help answer questions and share interesting information.

How does one request a group tour?

Each Congressional office designates one staff member as the tour coordinator. This person serves as the liaison between the office's constituents and the White House Visitors Office. The tour coordinator submits tour requests to theWhite House on behalf of the constituents. Requests may be submitted up to six months in advance. Tours are scheduled about one month prior to the requested date. It is the responsibility of the Congressional office to relay tour information to the group. The group will not be contacted separately by the White House Visitors Office.

When do tours take place?

Group tours are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. As always, the tour schedule is dependent on official events taking place in the White House. Occasionally, it will be necessary to deviate from the regular tour schedule and reschedule or change the time of your tour. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.

What types of security measures are in place for those touring the White House?

All tour attendees aged 14 and above will be required to submite their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and country of origin to their congressional office. Attendees under the age of 14 will only need to submit their name, date of birth and country of origin. This information must be received at least ten days prior to the tour date. Parties whose information is not submitted to the White House in the proper format and in this time frame will be subject to cancellation.

All attendees 15 years of age or older will be required to present photo identification with the information exactly matching the name previously submitted for clearance. Individuals whose identification does not exactly match the name or data cleared for entry may be denied admittance.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, bookbags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size (including pocket knives).

The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Neither the White House nor the U.S. Secret Service will provide coat or package check facilities. Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House.

All necessary medications must be identified and remain in the custody of an adult chaperone or contact for the entire tour.

All persons and items entering the White House will be screened through a security process. Individuals may be requested to consent to an interview or additional security procedures before they were admitted to the White House complex.

What accomodations are made for mobility-impaired visitors or those in wheelchairs?

Guests requiring the loan of a wheelchair should notify the officer at the Visitors Entrance upon arrival. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible. Visitors in wheelchairs, or with other mobility disabilities, use the same Visitors Entrace and are escorted by ramp from the Entrace to the Ground floor, and by elevator from the Ground floor to the State floor.

Are tours available for hearing-impaired or visually-impaired individuals?

Yes, tours for groups of ten or more may be requested through one's Member of Congress. Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

Is parking available at the White House?

On-street parking near the White House is not available, and use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines), Metro Center (blue, orange, and red lines), and McPherson Square (blue and orange lines).

How can I make the most of my tour of the White House?

All tours are significantly enhanced with a stop by the White House Visitor Center at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets. The Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishing, First Families, social events, and relations with the media and world leaders, as well as a 30-minute video. The National Park Service at the White House Visitor Center is also available to provide your group with a variety of alternative experiences related to the White House. These include guided walks, talks, films, and lectures.