Everything you need to know about planning a visit to the country’s most famous house.
White House tours are free, self-guided and must be requested in advance. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the nation's most famous house.
How to request a White House tour
U.S. visitors
Submit a tour request through your Member of Congress between 7 and 90 days before your preferred date. Find your representative here.
International visitors
Contact your embassy in Washington, DC, to arrange a tour.
Tour schedule
Tours typically take place Tuesday through Saturday and last about 45 minutes.
- Tuesday–Thursday: 7:30–11:30 a.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Note: Tour hours may be extended depending on the official White House schedule.
Good to know before you tour
- Tour Slots Fill Quickly: Tours are first-come, first-served, so it's best to request early.
- Cancellations: Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather or official White House events, even after confirmation.
- Contact: For more details, visit the White House tours and events page or call the White House Visitors Office at (202) 456-7041 (available 24/7).
- Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC
What to expect on a White House tour
Arrival and Check-In
- If your tour is confirmed, you’ll receive a specific date, time and check-in location
- All guests over 18 must show a valid, government-issued photo ID
- Foreign nationals must present a passport
What to Bring (and Not Bring)
- Travel light: avoid backpacks, food, large handbags, and bottled water
- Smartphones and compact cameras (lens no longer than 3") are allowed
- No video recording or flash photography inside
- All visitors go through security screening
Facilities
- No restrooms at the White House
- Closest restroom: Ellipse Visitor Pavilion
White House tour highlights
Secret Service members in each room can answer questions.
- East Wing public rooms: Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room
- State Dining Room and China Room
- View of the White House Rose Garden
Enhance Your Visit
Stop by the White House Visitor Center or the People's House before or after your tour to explore exhibits and scale models.
How to get to the White House
The closest Metro stations to the White House are:
- Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange lines)
- Metro Center (Blue, Orange and Red lines)
- McPherson Square (Blue and Orange lines)
Please note there is no parking near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.
White House Garden tours
In addition to the regular tours, visitors can explore the White House Garden during its fall or spring garden tours.
- Check whitehouse.gov in October and April for announcements.
- Garden tours are typically held over two consecutive days and may be canceled due to weather conditions.
- Tickets are required for all attendees and are distributed by the National Park Service at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion on each tour day, starting at 9 a.m.
The People's House © White House Historical Association
Can I still see the White House without a tour?
While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from:
- Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square
- The Ellipse (provides a view the White House and the South Lawn)
The White House Visitor Center and the People's House offer incredible windows into life inside the Executive Mansion without needing to go inside.
Where can I store my belongings during the tour?
Due to high security, visitors are discouraged from bringing large items. Here are some options for storage:
- Hotel: If your hotel is nearby, leave your belongings in your room.
- Tour Group: Designate one member to hold the group's belongings.
- Amtrak: If you're an Amtrak passenger, you can store luggage for $10 per item at the Checked Bag counter near Gate A. A valid photo ID is required. For questions, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Catch up on White House history with The White House 1600 Sessions, a podcast from the White House Historical Association that shares untold stories and personal accounts of life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or Facebook.
Now that you have read up on the White House, explore DC’s other awesome monuments and memorials.
