Tours of the White House

Self-guided tours of the White House are offered Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding federal holidays). Please keep in mind that if the tour is approved the White House designates which time you will be touring. The White House requires requests to be placed at least 30 days in advance and starts taking requests up to six (6) months in advance. Because this is one of the most popular attractions, it is strongly recommended that you place your request as close to six months ahead of time as possible. The White House tour is free of charge. Please note that tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.

In the event that your request for a tour is approved, the White House requires you to submit the name and date of birth of everyone in the group. For guests 12 years of age or older, Social Security Numbers are also required.

Prohibited items – Items that are prohibited inside the White House include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, 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. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted. Please note that no storage facilities are available on or around the complex. Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House.

The White House Visitor Center – The White House Visitor Center, which is open to the public and does not require tickets, is a great way to enhance your tour and provide you with additional information. The Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and and features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video. Allow between 20 minutes to one hour to explore the exhibits. The White House Historical Association also sponsors a sales area. Please note that restrooms are available, but food service is not. The visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets.

**Please note that if you are not a resident of Pennsylvania’s 14th Congressional district your request for a White House tour will not be processed. To find out who your Representative is click here.