Do they allow tours of the White House?
Public tours are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. If your tour is confirmed, please note that you will be assigned a specific time.
How hard is it to get a tour of the White House?
Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress (find your member of Congress and contact information) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit.
Can you meet the president on a White House tour?
No, the tour only allows the East wing. over a year ago.
Are tours of the White House suspended?
Public tours of the White House remain temporarily suspended until further notice. For the most up-to-date information about touring and visiting the White House, call the 24-hour Visitors Office Information Line at 202-456-7041.
How far in advance do you need to schedule a White House tour?
21 days inConsistent with prior practices, public White House tour requests must be submitted a minimum of 21 days in advance and no more than 90 days in advance of the requested tour date(s). Reservations cannot be accepted for tour dates outside this 21 – 90-day window.
Can you tour the Oval Office?
White House tours do not include the Oval Office and tours of the West Wing are usually reserved for VIPs or guests of the president.
Which U.S. president never visited the White House?
President George WashingtonWhile President George Washington selected the site and approved the design, he never actually lived in the White House— he ended his service as chief executive in 1797 and died in 1799, one year before the seat of the federal government moved from Philadelphia to the city named in his honor.
Who is allowed to visit the White House?
All U.S. citizens ages 18 and older, and foreign nationals of all ages (including children), must present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon arrival for their tour. Acceptable forms of identification are below.
Do the President sleep in the White House?
The President's Bedroom is a second floor bedroom in the White House. The bedroom makes up the White House master suite along with the adjacent sitting room and the smaller dressing room, all located in the southwest corner.
Can you tour the Pentagon?
Pentagon tours are available on a limited basis for U.S. citizens on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pentagon tour guides will conduct tours for up to 20 people during each time slot.
What do you wear to the White House?
The White House does not have an official dress code, but every event invite should state what attire is expected whether it is a garden party or black-tie affair. Black tie translates to a tuxedo for men, and formal dresses for women—think Oscars.
Is the US Capitol open for tours?
The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday – Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day.
What is the dress code for a White House tour?
There is no dress code to tour the White House, but due to the importance of the building, you should want to dress neatly.
Can you visit the Capitol without a tour?
Do I have to take a tour to see the Capitol? Yes, the only way to see the historic Capitol is on a tour. How long is the tour and what will I see? Tours last about an hour and include the Rotunda , National Statuary Hall , and the Crypt .
Can anyone visit the White House Visitor Center?
The White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (map), offers visitors a window into the president's iconic home. Admission is free.
How far in advance can you go to the White House?
White House tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis and they must be requested a minimum of 21 days in advance of your visit.
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What items are prohibited at the White House?
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, video cameras, selfie sticks, 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. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.#N#Umbrellas, wallets, compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches, cell phones and car keys are permitted. Come prepared; there are no storage facilities on-site.#N#Refer to the Tours & Events page of the White House website for detailed security requirements.
What is the West Wing tour?
These coveted tours are led by knowledgeable members of the White House staff and Secret Service.
How old do you have to be to get a secret service clearance?
All guests 14 years of age or older are required by the United States Secret Service to submit their name, date of birth, social security number and country of citizenship. All guests 18 and older will be required to present photo identification with information exactly matching the name previously submitted for clearance.
How to experience the West Wing?
At this time, the only way to experience a West Wing Tour is by invitation from the White House or through a personal connection to a White House staffer willing to lead you on an after-hours tour. Download the official West Wing Tour booklet from the White House.
Where is the closest metro station to the White House?
Parking. The closest Metrorail 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). On-street parking is not available near the White House, and use of public transportation is strongly encouraged.
What are the requirements to visit the White House?
All guests over 18 years old will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport. Please bring as little as possible (avoid backpacks, food, large handbags, bottled water, etc.). Note that smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are permitted on the public tour route, but video recording devices and flash photography are not allowed inside the White House. Visitors will go through security prior to entering the White House. There are no restrooms available at the White House. The closest restroom is located at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion nearby.
What metro lines are closest to the White House?
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). Please note there is NO PARKING near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.
What time does the White House open for tours?
Self-guided tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays unless otherwise not ed. For complete details on White House tours, visit the White House tours and events page or call the White House Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041.
Where are the restrooms in the White House?
There are no restrooms available at the White House. The closest restroom is located at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion nearby. Public tours of the White House include the public rooms in the East Wing, which includes the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden.
What is the 1600 Sessions app?
Catch up on White House history with the free podcast The 1600 Sessions and enhance your trip with the White House Experience app from the White House Historical Association. The app offers three tour experiences, including a virtual tour of the White House (with rooms you normally don't see on the tour), a neighborhood walking tour and a room-by-room guide for visitors on an in-person tour of the White House.
Is the White House free to visit?
Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All White House tours are free. Please note tours are subject to last minute cancellations based on the official White House schedule.
Can you see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW?
While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square and view the White House and the South Lawn from the Ellipse. Please note that a new fence is currently under construction at the White House, as the current 6-foot fence is being replaced by a stronger, wider fence that will be 13 feet.
How are wheelchairs escorted?
Visitors in wheelchairs, or with other mobility disabilities, use the same Visitors Entrance and are escorted by ramp from the entrance level to the Ground floor, and by elevator from the Ground floor to the State floor.
How far in advance can you request a White House tour?
Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available. The White House tour is free of charge. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.
What do exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the White House?
Exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the White House as a symbol, stage, and home.
What information must match the government issued photo ID you present when arriving at the White House?
All information submitted (e.g . name, date of birth, city, etc.) must exactly match the government-issued photo ID you present when arriving at the White House.
Where are the restrooms in the White House?
The nearest restrooms to the White House are located in the White House Visitor Center. Restrooms and public telephones are not available in the White House.
Does the National Park Service schedule tours?
The National Park Service does not schedule tours or provide tickets to enter the White House. Download the White House Experience app to assist with your tour, or to tour the White House virtually.
Can you have a guide animal in the White House?
Please contact your Member of Congress if you have a hearing or visual impairment and require assistance during your White House tour. Guide animals are permitted in the White House.
Requesting a White House tour
Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress ( find your member of Congress and contact information) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit.
What to expect on a White House tour
If there is a tour slot available during your visit to DC, you will be given a specific date and time to arrive and be instructed on where to check in. All guests over 18 years old will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport.
How to get to the White House
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). Please note there is NO PARKING near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.
How to tour the White House Garden
Another opportunity to visit the White House is to attend either its fall or spring garden tour. Check whitehouse.gov in early October and April. The announcement of the garden tours is usually made within a week or two of when they take place. Garden tours generally run for two consecutive days. They may be canceled due to poor weather.
Will I still be able to see the White House without going on a tour?
While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square and view the White House and the South Lawn from the Ellipse.
Where can I store my belongings during the tour?
It is important to note that security at the White House is extremely high. If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room during the tour. If this is not possible, there are a few other options. You can designate one member of your tour group to hold everyone’s belongings.
What is the White House decorated with?
Every December, the White House is filled with holiday decorations: Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, colorful lights, gingerbread houses, and more.
Can you see the Christmas decorations in the White House?
You can view the White House Christmas decorations in December by signing up in advance for a White House tour. These tours are popular, so the sooner you submit your request, the better chance you will have to tour the White House this holiday season.
Can you see the White House in December?
White House Christmas Tour Tickets. You can view the White House Christmas decorations in December by signing up in advance for a White House tour. These tours are popular, so the sooner you submit your request, the better chance you will have to tour the White House this holiday season.
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How does the White House security work?
Security at the White House is tight. There are multiple security checkpoints before you can enter the building. The first checkpoint is the name check, where you will show your photo ID and Secret Service will check your name off the reservation list. Then, you will stand in line to have your photo taken. After that, you will stand in line ...
What is the biggest room in the White House?
First, there is the East Room which is the biggest room in the White House. The East Room is used for ceremonies, receptions, and has hosted several weddings. The Green Room is next – it is a parlor often used to serve cocktails during the reception.
What is the most important thing to know about White House tours?
The most important thing to know about White House tours is that the require serious planning. Check out our post about how to request White House tickets from your Member of Congress. The second most important thing to know is what you’re going to see and what you are not.
How long does it take to visit the White House?
Since White House tours are unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything. However, the average person takes 30-45 minutes. There are no tour guides.
Where is the Christmas tree in the White House?
The Blue Room is where the White House Christmas tree is located. The Red Room is a small parlor and a personal favorite of some former first ladies. Finally, you will then see the State Dining Room which can host up to 130 people. Then, you will exit through the north side of the building.
Where is the closest restroom to the White House?
If there is a restroom emergency, you have to leave the White House grounds and go through the whole security process all over again. The closest public restroom is in the White House Visitor Center at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Who is the founder of Trip Hacks DC?
Trip Hacks DC was founded by Rob, a veteran tour guide in the Nation’s Capital. Trip Hacks DC provides tips, tricks and travel hacks for planning your trip; and guided tours to show you around once you get here. Our tours are family and school group friendly and our guides specialize in the major Washington, DC sites. Click here to check out the upcoming tour options and to book your tour here today! Feel free to contact us if you have any tour questions.
