When most people plan a trip to Washington, D.C., they think of the White House. While you definitely want to book one of the White House tours, you also need to plan well in advance in order to enter the executive residence.
You can not simply show up at the White House, knock on the door and ask to enter.
Just like a trip to Disneyland, you will need to request tour dates in advance with your congressional tour coordinator, and have a little patience and flexibility when you try to get on a tour. Remember, you are working with the White House tour schedule, which is subject to change, even if you request tickets 90 days in advance.
Is it worth it? YES! Especially if you can get on a White House Christmas tour, but we enjoy wandering the President and First Lady’s house throughout the year.
And if you can catch the rose garden in bloom during your visit, you will be in for something extra special.
How can I visit the White House?
- Pick a date or date range for your visit
- Contact your state representative (Congressman or Congresswoman, or state senator) to submit a request for tour tickets. All public tour requests must go through your congressional office.
- Wait for confirmation of your ticket request for public tours of the White House.
- Wait to hear when your scheduled date and time of your tour will be.
- Submit your identification credentials (passport number, driver’s license, social security number, etc. for anyone over 18 years of age)
- Keep an eye on your email in case your tour is changed at the last minute (can happen up to the time of your tour).
- Bring your government issued I.D. to your tour
- Enjoy the beauty of the White House!
There is a lot of nitty gritty in between this quick list, but that’s the basic gist of it.
How do I request a White House tour tickets?
U.S. citizens must request White House tours through their state representative’s office (House of Representatives or Senators). You can request tickets up to 90 days in advance. Tickets are in high demand in the spring, summer and over the Christmas holidays, so request your tickets as soon as possible.
You may request more than one ticket, but be prepared with each person’s legal identification information once your request is approved.
You must submit your request at least 21 days before you wish to tour the White House. Once you are approved (about 2-3 weeks before your requested dates), you will then have to fill out security forms with your social security number, birth date and other legal information to verify your identity. There is a due date for this information, so make sure you enter the information for everyone in your party, or your tour will be forfeit.
One to two weeks in advance of the requested tour date, your exact date and time will be sent to you.
Please keep in mind that the White House can change your tour date or time, and even cancel your tour entirely with very little notice. The day before my last tour of the White House I was informed that my tour time was being pushed back a day. Not ideal, but this is why you never request a tour on the day you arrive or depart from Washington, D.C.
What can I expect to see on a White House tour?
Self-guided tours of the White House give the public access to the ground floor of the East Wing of the White House, which includes the China Room, Vermeil Room, the Library, and the Map Room. Sadly, you can only peek into most rooms, not enter them.
You will also see photos of the First Families who have called the White House home, as well as a few of the First Pets.
Next, you will be able to tour the State Rooms where you will see the East Room, Blue Room (where the White House Christmas tree is displayed), Green Room, Red Room, and the State Dining Room (when available).
While there are no official guides on this tour, the U.S. Secret Service personnel that you meet have gone through special training and will try to answer as many questions as possible. Many are surprisingly knowledgable, giving you historical facts you won’t find many places.
The White House Historical Association also has a small shop on the tour route where you can pick up souvenirs.
Is there a fee for White House tours?
No, White House tours, including Christmas tours, are always free of charge. However, reservations are required, and must be reserved with your state representative well in advance.
When do White House take place?
Tours are available from 8:00AM – 12:30PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. HOWEVER, your tour can be cancelled or rescheduled at any time.
When do the White House Christmas tours take place?
Generally, the White House Christmas theme is revealed around Thanksgiving, but you should request your tickets before then. You can request tour dates throughout the month of December. Most tours take place before noon, and they can be canceled at a moment’s notice depending on official engagements and an ever changing political landscape.
Are there age restrictions for White House tours?
Everyone, no matter the age (small children, babies, teens, grandparents, etc.) are welcome to tour the White House. However, everyone in your group, even infants, will need a reservation. All adults in your group must present valid identification, which includes:
- U.S. CITIZENS: United States Driver’s License, Valid United States Passport, or United States Military ID
- FOREIGN NATIONALS: Valid Passport, Alien Registration Card, Permanent Resident Card, or U.S. State Department Issued Diplomatic ID Card
Can international visitors participate in White House tours?
Technically, international visitors can request White House public tours through their embassy, but not all embassies can or will accommodate these requests. F
or example, last we checked, the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. was not able to accommodate White House complex tour requests.
However, anyone can visit the White House Visitors Center. You do not need a reservation or to have confirmed public White House tour requests in the system to visit.
What security measures are in place for White House tours?
Stringent security measures are in place for when members of the public visit the White House. Visitors should be prepared for thorough security screenings on the day of your tour, and information about prohibited items and guidelines can be found on the official tour page.
Are there storage lockers at the White House for my items?
No. There are zero storage facilities and no storage lockers at the White House for personal items. You must leave all prohibited items in your hotel, car or elsewhere. If you show up with a prohibited item, you will be turned away from the tour.
Things you CAN NOT bring on a White House tour
Common things you can not bring into the White House
- Bags of any kind (including fanny packs, clutches, and diaper bags)
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Food
- Liquids (including water)
- Monopods
- Tablets (no iPad, etc.)
- Strollers
- Tablets
- Tripods
- Video cameras
Less Common, but still banned
- Aerosols
- Ammunition
- Electric stun guns
- E-cigarettes
- Fireworks
- Flags
- Guns
- Knives of any kind
- Lighters
- Mace
- Martial arts
- Signs
- Tobacco Products
- Toy Weapons
- Weapons/devices
- Any pointed object
- Any other item determined to be a potential safety hazard
Remember, if the U.S. Secret Service or government officials deem something unsafe to bring in, you can not argue. If you do, they still might not let you in whether you store the item back in your hotel or not.
What can I carry into the White House?
The list of what is actually allowed inside of the White House with you on your tour is VERY short, especially for parents with kids.
- Baby carriers worn on the body
- Baby wipes
- Breast pumps
- Cell phones
- Compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches
- Diapers
- Umbrellas without metal tips
- Wallets
- All items needed for medical purposes (i.e. wheelchairs, EpiPens, medication, etc.)
Note to parents going on a White House Tour with Kids
You can not bring a stroller or diaper bag into the White House. Food and liquids of any kind are not permitted. There are also no bathrooms.
Make sure your kids go to the bathroom, you change diapers, everyone has a snack, and you pack your baby carrier if you need to hold a baby or toddler duriung the tour.
You are allowed to bring in diapers, wipes and wear your baby in a carrier. That is it. Everything else (ok, a pacifier is probably OK, but not on a metal clamp to their clothing) should be left in the hotel or car.
If everyone is hungry after the tour, check out a few of our favorite restaurants near the White House.
Is the White House Tour Accessible?
Yes, the White House tour route is wheelchair accessible. Service dogs and guide dogs are also allowed on the tour, but please don’t try to bring your emotional support animal. Only service animals defined by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) will be permitted.
How long does a White House tour last?
You can count on spending at least 45 minutes to an hour touring the White House. It is a self-guided tour, so you can go at your own pace. There is a one-way route, so you can’t get lost (they won’t let you).
From the time you get in line to enter the White House, through security checkpoints and then your tour, you should assume you will be there for at least two hours though. Block out the morning so you aren’t scrambling to make another timed ticket or event.
Can I take photos during the White House tour?
Yes, you are allowed to take photographs with your mobile phone or a camera with a fixed short lens (less than 3 inches, which means no dSLR cameras).
Still photos are allowed, but NO VIDEO recording in the White House.
If you aren’t traveling with a group, feel free to ask a fellow tour member to take your picture. Most people are in a jovial mood and happy to help you capture the moment.
No cameras with lenses that can detach will be allowed on the tour. If one is found on you during the security checks, you will have to leave the line to store your camera back in your car or hotel.
Remember, there is NO STORAGE at the White House tour.
What should I wear for a White House tour?
There is no specific dress code to tour the White House, but most try to dress business casual or holiday appropriate if you are there during Christmas in D.C.. You will see people in their office outfits, as well as families dressed up for the holidays to take photos.
Just try not to look sloppy. Show the official residence of our Nation the respect it deserves.
How do I get to the White House?
- Official White House Tour Entrance: Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW
CHECK OUT OUR GOOGLE MAPS FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS SUGGESTED
Can you drive to the White House?
You can drive to the White House, but you will need to park on the street or in a nearby parking garage.
Parking near the White House
On-street parking can be VERY hard to find, so plan on using an app like SpotHero to find a space in a garage within your budget (read our full guide to parking in DC). I’ve found spots for as low as $15, even during the holidays.
Look at spots near the Hotel Washington and Willard Continental. Both will put you just a few blocks from the White House, and easy access to a lot of other sites in Washington, D.C.
How to Take a Rideshare to the White House
If you take a rideshare service, like Uber or Lyft, set the destination point to the White House Visitor Center. You can NOT be dropped off on 15th Street NW. D.C.; Police and Secret Service will wave you away.
The WHVC is only a block away from the White House. You can see the tour entrance from the front of the visitor center at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20230
What DC Metro Stop is Close to the White House?
You can take the DC Metro to one of these stations that are within walking distance of the White House and the White House Visitors Center (listed from closest to farthest- see the map below for the closest metrorail station to you).
Most are on the Orange Lines or Red Lines. The use of public transportation is highly recommended on your tour day by the White House.
- McPherson Square Metrorail Station
- Metro Center
- Federal Triangle
- Farragut North
Walk to the White House
If you are staying in a hotel near the White House, or work nearby, you can simply walk over to the White House tour entrance. Remember to leave everything but your phone and I.D. at the office, your hotel or in your car.
See above for prohibited items on a White House tour.
Can you bike to the White House?
Yes! If you brought your bike, you can lock your bike up at a bike rack on a nearby street.
Capital Bikeshare
If you need to rent a bike, you can grab a Capital Bikeshare bike to get from your hotel to the White House tour entrance. Drop the bikeshare off at one of the nearby racks so you don’t continue to be charged for use and then walk over to the White House.
Learn how to use the city bike program in our guide to Capital Bikeshare.
Where can I park near the White House?
Spothero and Parking Panda are your best option when looking for the cheapest parking in D.C.
Since most tours are in the morning on weekdays, street parking can be tricky, so try to get a spot in a parking garage if you can. Most charge a day rate, so plan a day in D.C. checking out the other historic sites, museums and government buildings.
What hotels are near the White House?
The Hotel Washington and Willard InterContinental are directly across the street from where you line up for the White House tour, but there are several within a few blocks, which are just as great and fit most budgets.
- Willard InterContinental Washington
- Hotel Washington
- JW Marriott Washington DC
- Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
- The Hay-Adams
- Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House
- Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown
What are some fun facts about the White House?
- Construction and Design: The White House was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and its construction began in 1792. It was inspired by the Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, and has been the residence of every U.S. President since John Adams in 1800.
- Burned Down and Rebuilt: During the War of 1812, the British Army set fire to the White House in 1814, destroying the interior and charring much of the exterior. It was rebuilt and painted white to cover the burn marks, which is how it got its name.
- The White House Has Many Rooms: The White House is much larger than it appears, with 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in the residence. It also includes amenities such as a tennis court, a movie theater, a jogging track, a swimming pool, and a putting green.
- Secret Tunnels and Hidden Spaces: There are rumors of a series of tunnels and secret spaces beneath the White House. While some of these are known, like the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, others remain the subject of speculation and mystery.
- A Symbol of the Presidency: The White House is not just a home; it’s a symbol of the American presidency. Its image is often used to represent the executive branch of the U.S. government.
- The West Wing: The Oval Office, located in the West Wing, is where the President conducts business and meets with staff and world leaders. The West Wing also houses the offices of the President’s senior staff.
- Renovations and Additions: Over the years, the White House has undergone numerous renovations and additions. The most extensive was during the Truman administration when the interior was completely gutted and renovated from 1949 to 1952 due to structural concerns.
- Public Tours: The White House is one of the few government residences in the world open to the public for tours, although these need to be requested through a member of Congress and are subject to strict security screenings.
- Historical Moments: It has been the site of many historical moments, from Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to the signing of numerous landmark bills and acts that have shaped the course of American history.
- Firsts and Records: The White House has been a place of “firsts” and records, including the first to have electricity installed in 1891 (though reportedly, Benjamin Harrison was afraid of getting shocked and didn’t touch the switches), and it was the first government residence to have a website, launched in the 1990s.
What special events or activities happen at the White House that are open to the public?
- White House Christmas tours
- National Christmas Tree Lighting (not in the White House, but you still need tickets)
- White House Easter Egg Roll
- White House Spring Garden tours (White House gardens and South Grounds)
Where can I find merchandise featuring the White House?
Visit the White House Visitor Center (around the corner from the White House tour entrance) or the White House History Shop.
- White House History Shop, 1610 H St NW, Washington, DC 20006 (inside of the historic Decatur House)
- National Park Service White House Visitor Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
If you can’t visit the White House, you can order the annual White House ornament from the White House Historical Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions about White House Tours (FAQ)
How do I schedule a White House tour?
White House tours must be requested through one’s Member of Congress and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s recommended to make your request as early as possible, up to three months in advance.
Is there a cost to tour the White House?
No, tours of the White House are free of charge. However, they do require prior arrangement.
What identification is required for the tour?
All visitors aged 18 years or older must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Minors are not required to have ID if accompanied by an adult.
What can I expect to see during the tour?
The self-guided tour typically includes the public rooms in the East Wing, including the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, and sometimes the State Dining Room, depending on availability.
Is there a White House virtual tour I can see?
Yes, the White House offers an excellent virtual tour for those who can’t tour in person to experience online. This is perfect for teachers and students learning about Washington, D.C.
Check it out HERE.
How far in advance should I plan my visit?
You can request tickets up to 90 days in advance, and you must have you request in 21 days before you hope to visit.
Are the tours accessible for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, the White House is accessible for individuals with disabilities. Please notify your Member of Congress of any special accommodations needed when you submit your tour request.
What are the security protocols for tour attendees?
Visitors will go through security screenings similar to airport procedures. Prohibited items include but are not limited to weapons, large bags, food, and beverages.
Can I take photos during the White House tour?
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed, but the use of flash and video recording is prohibited. The Secret Service may restrict photography in certain areas.
What should I wear for a White House tour?
There is no formal dress code, but smart casual dress is recommended out of respect for the setting.
Are tours available on weekends?
White House tours are typically available Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays. Availability can vary, so check in advance when planning your visit.
