How to request a tour of the White House

Tours of the White House are free and open to the public, but you cannot straightforward walk up to the gate and enter. You must request a tour in advance through your member of Congress — either your U.S. Representative or one of your two U.S. Senators. This is the only way to get on the official visitor list.

Contact your representative's or senator's office directly by phone, email, or through their website. Most offices have a dedicated staff member who handles tour requests. You will need to provide the names and ages of everyone in your group, your preferred tour dates (usually offered several months in advance), and a valid form of identification for each adult visitor. Groups are typically limited to 15 people.

Tour requests should be made at least four weeks before your intended visit, though availability depends on the congressional office's schedule and White House operations. Some offices accept requests year-round; others open requests on a rolling basis. Once your request is approved, you will receive confirmation with your tour time and instructions for what to bring on the day of your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • White House tours are free but require an advance request through your U.S. Representative or Senator — you cannot walk in without one.
  • You must provide names, ages, and valid identification for all visitors at least four weeks before your intended tour date.
  • Groups are limited to 15 people, and tour times are assigned by the congressional office handling your request.
  • Tours typically last 45 minutes to an hour and cover public rooms on the ground and state floors, but specific rooms shown may vary.
  • Security screening is required at entry, so arrive early and bring only permitted items like a small bag or camera.

What you will see on a White House tour

Standard public tours include the ground floor and state floor of the residence. You will walk through rooms such as the China Room (which displays presidential china collections), the Vermeil Room (featuring gold and silver pieces), the Library, the Diplomatic Reception Room, the East Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, and the State Dining Room. The exact route and rooms shown can vary depending on the day and any official events scheduled at the White House.

Tours do not include the private residence floors, the Oval Office, or the West Wing. A tour guide or volunteer leads your group and provides historical information about the building, its architecture, and the rooms you visit. You are welcome to take photographs in most areas, though flash photography is not permitted in certain rooms. The entire tour typically lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.

Security screening and what to bring

All visitors must pass through security screening before entering the White House. This process is similar to airport security and includes a metal detector, bag search, and identification check. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow time for screening.

You may bring a small bag (no larger than 7 inches by 4 inches by 2 inches), a camera, and a cell phone. You cannot bring weapons of any kind, including pocket knives or pepper spray. Backpacks, large purses, and luggage are not permitted. Strollers are allowed only for children under age two. Leave prohibited items at your hotel or in your car — there is no bag check or storage facility at the White House.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be standing and walking for the duration of the tour. The White House is climate-controlled, so dress in layers if you are sensitive to temperature changes. No special dress code is required, though visitors are expected to dress respectfully.

Finding your congressional representative's contact information

To request a tour, you first need to find the office of your U.S. Representative or Senator. Visit house.gov to find your Representative by entering your zip code. Visit senate.gov to find your Senators by selecting your state. Both websites provide phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email contact forms.

You can also call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative's or senator's office. Staff can transfer you directly or provide you with the correct contact information. Many offices also accept tour requests through their official websites, which may be faster than calling during busy seasons.

Timing and availability throughout the year

White House tours are typically offered Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but hours and availability change based on official events and the presidential schedule. Some weeks tours may be cancelled entirely if state dinners, press conferences, or other events are scheduled. Check with your congressional office about current availability before submitting your request.

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for tours, so requests made during those times may have longer wait times or fewer available dates. Winter and summer typically have more open slots. If your preferred dates are not available, ask your congressional office about alternative dates or whether they maintain a waitlist.

What to do if your tour request is denied

Tour requests are rarely denied, but they can be if your group includes someone who fails the security background check or if you do not provide required information. If your request is denied, your congressional office will notify you of the reason. In most cases, you can resubmit a request with corrected information or a different group composition.

If you are unable to request a tour through Congress, some tour operators offer paid tours that include exterior views and historical information about the White House, though these do not include interior access. These are private services and are not affiliated with the White House or the federal government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour the White House without going through Congress?

No. Congressional requests are the only official way to tour the interior of the White House. Private tour companies may offer exterior tours or historical walks, but these are not official White House tours and do not include interior access.

How far in advance should I request a tour?

Submit your request at least four weeks before your intended visit. During peak seasons (spring and fall), requesting six to eight weeks in advance increases your chances of getting your preferred dates. Some congressional offices accept requests several months ahead.

Can children tour the White House?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome on tours. You must provide their names and ages when you request the tour. Strollers are permitted only for children under age two. Older children should be able to walk for 45 minutes to an hour.

What if I cannot reach my congressional office?

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be transferred to your representative's or senator's office. You can also visit their official website and submit a tour request through their online form. Most offices respond to requests within one to two weeks.

Are there any restrictions on who can tour the White House?

U.S. citizens and foreign visitors are both welcome. All visitors must pass a security background check. If you have concerns about whether you will pass security screening, contact your congressional office before submitting your request.