Arrange a Tour of the White House
You may be surprised to learn that the White House, or the American president's residence in Washington, D.C., is very much accessible to tourists and visitors even in the wake of 9/11. This article will explain everything you need to know in order to arrange a personal, educational tour for you, your family, a group, or school class.
Steps
- Get in touch with your local member of Congress, either over the phone, by email or in writing. Ask about making reservations for a White House tour with the person you speak with. According to the White House's official website you can request a tour up to six months in advance, though the earlier you request, the better. If your desired date is within 30 days or less, the White House cannot accept your request.
- Keep in mind that walk-up, same-day tickets for tours are no longer offered. It would be a pity for you to bring your family, group, or class all the way to Washington and be denied a tour because you neglected to make advance reservations.
- You will have to present identification information to White House security before your request can be fulfilled. This includes your driver's license, ID, social security number, etc. If there is more than one person in your party, you will have to provide this information from everyone in the group.
- If you've been cleared, the only thing you can do is wait. To build enthusiasm about the tour with students if you're a teacher, perhaps you could begin a small history unit on the White House or the presidents that have lived there. Watch a documentary, or check out books from the library on the mansion.
- About a week before your tour, call the White House and confirm your reservations. Something may have come up on the president's schedule the day of your tour, and public visits may be cancelled or rescheduled. Call again the night before to make sure all is set.
- On the day of the tour, get to the White House early and have everything you will need handy. See Act on a White House Tour for more information on how to prepare and enjoy your tour of the White House!
Tips
- Wheelchairs are available for the mobility-impaired at the Visitors Entrance of the White House, but they cannot be reserved. The mansion is handicap-accessible, so there are ramps and elevators for this purpose.
- Tours of the White House are self-guided and are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays).
- The White House encourages that tourists take a look at the Visitors Center, across the street from the mansion, which displays a number of White House related exhibits and galleries. It's an interesting attraction to "kill time" at or visit before you leave for home, but not worth making a special trip to. However, a school class may benefit from visiting after touring the White House.
- The Australian Embassy in Washington also refuses to process any applications whatsoever for its citizens.
- The German Embassy refuses to submit requests from private citizens, claiming that the offer is not open to tourists or parties under 10 people.
- Tours for the hearing or vision-impaired are available through your member of Congress as well. Don't forget to ask about this if someone in your party will need it. Trained guide animals are also permitted for impaired visitors to use.
- If you are a citizen of a foreign country and wish to visit the White House, please contact your embassy in Washington, DC to help you submit a tour request.
Warnings
- Certain items are prohibited from entry into the White House, including handbags, backpacks, food and drinks, tobacco, weapons, and personal care items. Check the White House website for more details.
- There are no public bathrooms in the White House, so, if you need to, use the restroom before lining up to tour!
Related Articles
- Act on a White House Tour
- See the White House
