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Safety and Security

Before entering the Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. The following items are strictly prohibited:

  • Liquid, including water
  • Food or beverages of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food
  • Aerosol containers
  • Non-aerosol spray (prescriptions for medical needs are permitted)
  • Any pointed object (i.e., knitting needles, letter openers, etc. Note: pens and pencils are permitted.)
  • Any bag larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep
  • Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices
  • Guns, replica guns, ammunition, and fireworks
  • Knives of any size
  • Mace and pepper spray
  • Razors and box cutters

The following are allowed in the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol, but not in the Senate and House Galleries:

  • Cans and bottles
  • Battery-operated electronic devices (Medical devices are permitted.)
  • Cameras
  • Creams, lotions, or perfumes
  • Strollers
  • Video recorders or any type of recording device
  • Packages, briefcases, backpacks or suitcases
*Visitors to the Senate Gallery are required to check these items in Room CVC-139, in the Capitol Visitor Center, prior to entering the Gallery.

 
  

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