Plan Way Ahead — Seriously

This cannot be overstated. White House tours are in extremely high demand and the White House accepts only a small percentage of requests that congressional offices submit. Most offices recommend submitting 3 to 6 months in advance — especially during peak tourist season (spring break, summer, fall holidays).

The official window is 21 to 90 days before your visit, but 90 days is the realistic minimum if you actually want a confirmed spot. Don’t wait until you’re planning your trip. Start this process the moment you know you’re going to DC.

How to Request a Tour: Step by Step

1. Find your senator or representative. Go to congress.gov/members and enter your zip code. You’ll see your two U.S. Senators and one U.S. Representative.
2. Contact their office. Look for a “Tours” or “Visiting DC” section on their official website — most offices have a dedicated tour request form. You can also call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
3. Submit your information. You’ll need names, dates of birth, and other identifying info for every person in your group. This is for Secret Service security clearance. After submission, each adult visitor gets an email with a link to complete their security info — do it immediately when it arrives.
4. Wait for confirmation. You’ll be notified of your tour status 2 to 3 weeks before your requested date. If confirmed, you’ll be assigned a specific arrival time.
5. Bring the right ID. Every visitor 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport. Check your license for the star symbol — if it’s not there, bring your passport. Digital IDs and photocopies are not accepted.

What You’ll See

Tours are self-guided and last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Secret Service officers are stationed throughout and can answer questions about each room’s history and furnishings.

Due to ongoing East Wing construction and ballroom renovation, the current tour route includes:

• Blue Room — the oval-shaped formal reception room, used for receiving heads of state
• Red Room — known for its crimson silk walls and American Empire furniture
• Green Room — one of the more intimate parlors, with a long history of small gatherings
• State Dining Room — seats up to 140 guests for official state dinners
• Cross Hall — the long corridor connecting the State Floor rooms
• Entrance Hall — where you enter and exit

Rooms not currently on the tour due to construction: the East Room, China Room, Vermeil Room, Library, and several East Wing spaces.

If You Can’t Get In

Don’t let a denied tour ruin your DC trip. There are still good ways to experience the White House:

• White House Visitor Center at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW — free, no reservation needed, excellent exhibits on the building’s history, presidents, artwork, and architecture. Worth an hour.
• The Ellipse — the park directly south of the White House, with clear views of the South Portico. One of the most photographed spots in DC, no access required.
• Lafayette Square — north side of the White House, clear view of the iconic North Portico.
• White House Garden Tours — held in spring and fall, offering access to the South Lawn, Rose Garden, and Kitchen Garden. Tickets distributed at the Visitor Center on tour days starting at 8:30 am. No advance congressional coordination required.
• Easter Egg Roll — held annually on the South Lawn, free tickets distributed by online lottery. Worth entering if you’re visiting with young kids and the timing works.

Practical Tips

• REAL ID is required. Check your license before you go. No star = bring your passport.
• No restrooms on the tour route. Use the facilities at the White House Visitor Center or Ellipse Visitor Pavilion before you arrive.
• Tours can be canceled with little notice due to weather or official White House events — even after confirmation. Call 202-456-7041 (24 hours) if you’re unsure on the day.
• No large bags. Travel as light as possible through security screening.
• International visitors should contact their country’s embassy in Washington DC to arrange a tour — the congressional process is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

Getting There by Metro

Parking Near the White House

There is no parking on the White House grounds. Street parking in the surrounding area is extremely limited. Metro is strongly recommended. If you drive, book a garage nearby.

Quick Reference

What	Details
Tour hours	Tue–Thu 7:30–11:30 am / Fri–Sat 7:30 am–1:30 pm
Admission	Free
How to book	Through your senator or representative
How far ahead	21–90 days minimum; 3–6 months recommended
ID required	REAL ID or passport (18+)
Photos	Now allowed inside (new 2026)
Visitor Center	1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW — no reservation needed
Metro	McPherson Square, Federal Triangle, or Metro Center
Info line	202-456-7041 (24 hours)

Getting inside the White House starts with your congressional office — the same offices that arrange Capitol tours, Pentagon visits, and access to the Supreme Court gallery. See our full guide to visiting your senator or representative in DC. And if you’re driving — see our guide to parking near the White House.