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15 Great Outfit Tips For A Visit To The White House

Located in Washington DC, the White House is the home and workplace of the president of the United States.

Visiting the White House is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you want to put together the best outfit for this special occasion, we have some great tips for you.

Keep reading to discover our extensively researched suggestions.

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White shirts

The quintessence of elegance and great taste, white shirts can be successfully worn on your visit to the White House. They are very easy to match with skirts and trousers, and they look effortlessly fantastic.

Men can also wear white shirts in many combinations, for example with blazers and trousers.

You can now purchase sustainable white shirts from ethical brands.

Blazers are timeless clothing items that can almost always save the day when you need a classy outfit.

They come in many colors and materials, but we suggest staying away from the very colorful ones, to keep your attire neat and fashionable.

Read our article if you want to discover amazing blazers made by sustainable brands.

Suits are widely known as elegant, office wear. A high-quality, beautiful suit is a great choice for many occasions, which is why you should have one in your wardrobe.

A visit to the White House is no exception, and wearing a suit can save you a lot of time and energy.

Purchase sustainable suits from eco-friendly brands.

In case wearing a suit sounds a little bit too sober for you, wearing a pair of trousers is a great idea! You can complete your outfit with a beautiful shirt or blouse.

Take a look at our article about the 20 best organic cotton trousers in 2023.

Bodycon dresses

If made from a thicker material, a bodycon dress can be the perfect dress for a visit to the White House.

Make sure yours isn't too short or revealing, and choose a dark or neutral color to make sure it's elegant.

Check out our sustainable recommendations.

Turtlenecks

Neither too elegant nor too relaxed, turtlenecks are classy and beautiful and they never go out of fashion.

Wear one if you want a smart-casual look. Here you can find our eco-friendly shopping recommendations.

Dark colors

Dark colors are considered more elegant than very bright ones, which is why they are more appropriate for special occasions such as a visit to the White House. They are known to highlight your natural beauty, and they also have a slimming effect.

Don't forget that you can now buy all your clothes from sustainable brands, without exception. Here is our article about the best 200 sustainable European brands in 2023.

Cute blouses

Women can wear cute blouses with trousers or with skirts. Blouses are a great alternative to shirts, especially if you prefer a more interesting design.

They are available in many colors and materials. However, we recommend again that you choose a neutral color instead of a very bright one. In case you do choose a colorful, bright blouse, make sure that your trousers or skirt are in a darker color.

Purchase amazing blouses from sustainable brands.

Midi dresses

Dresses are some of the most versatile clothes women can have in their wardrobes.

The best length that you can choose for a visit to the White House is midi, and that is because a mini dress can be too revealing, while a maxi dress can bother with its excess material.

Midi dresses are perfect for those times when you want to be classy and stylish.

Discover amazing dresses made by eco-friendly brands.

A lot of people love jeans and are used to wearing them on a daily basis. It is debatable whether it is a great idea to wear jeans when you visit the White House.

According to traditional standards, jeans are not part of elegant attire. However, modern trends allow wearing jeans as part of smart casual outfits. Our recommendation, in case you decide to wear jeans, is to choose a simple pair, in a dark color.

Take a look at our  sustainable recommendations.

Keep acid-washed and ripped jeans for more relaxed occasions.

Black and white outfits

The iconic combination of black and white is a classic that never fails to impress. It looks great on everyone, and it is very easy to obtain by just putting together a white shirt, a pair of black trousers, and eventually a blazer.

This combination works for both women and men.

Purchase beautiful clothes from sustainable brands.

Trench coats

In case it is a little bit chilly outside and you need a coat, a trench coat is one of the best choices.

It works fantastic for both women and men and it makes any elegant outfit complete.

Take a look at these amazing, ethically-made trench coats.

Comfortable shoes

For such a special occasion you need a pair of shoes that are both beautiful and comfortable.

Luckily, nowadays many sustainable brands produce cruelty-free, vegan shoes that look and feel great. Discover some of them here.

Avoid these mistakes

We've talked about the best outfits that you can wear on your visit to the White House, but we also need to talk about the things that you should avoid at any costs.

Do not wear clothes that are too bright or that have too many prints. Instead, remember that sometimes less is more, and choose simple designs.

Another thing to avoid is outfits that are too relaxed.

We all know that they feel great, and sometimes they even look great, but you should keep them for other contexts.

Also avoid clothes that are too elegant, as being overdressed is as bad as being underdressed.

Additional tips

One very important aspect to consider is the purpose of your visit to the White House. It can be a tour, and for this particular occasion, there is no dress code.

You should, however, avoid clothes that are sporty or too revealing.

If you are going to the White House for a special event, there will likely be a dress code. You should find out about it and then just wear appropriate attire.

Always buy clothes in the right size for your body, because this way they feel comfortable and look flattering.

Choose sustainable brands that work with great care for the environment and produce high-quality clothing items. If you like our tips, share this article with your friends!

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Miruna Dulcea

Miruna Dulcea has a science degree in Physics. She enjoys learning foreign languages and has so far lived and worked in four countries across Europe. Apart from her interest in science, she has a passion for fragrance and loves animals and art in all forms. - "Writing is a binder that breaks physical, temporal, and cultural boundaries and connects people everywhere, and that is the powerful fuel that motivates me to express myself with this form of communication. It is about both learning and sharing."

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White House tours are back: Here's what you need to know

I remember visiting the White House for the first time during former President George H.W. Bush's time in office.

A friend with a friend who worked in the Washington, D.C., landmark at the time — if that isn't a quintessential D.C. thing to say, I don't know what is — was couch surfing at my place and wanted to "pay" me with a tour of the presidential mansion.

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I happily accepted the offer and, not long after, found myself exploring the iconic building. In addition to checking out the usual rooms included in the tour, my friend scored us a peek inside the Oval Office, an experience I'll never forget.

Like many sites in D.C., the White House paused tours of its interior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But after 14 months, the Biden Administration announced that tours will resume on Friday and Saturday mornings starting April 15.

As was the case before the pandemic, you can't just show up and ask for tickets. Instead, you'll need to plan your visit weeks in advance.

Before you finalize your itinerary, here's everything you need to know about White House tours, plus suggestions for where to stay nearby.

Although the White House is managed by the National Park Service, you can't reach out to the agency to get tickets. Instead, you'll need to request them from your member of Congress (or your embassy, if you're not a U.S. resident). You can do this between three months and 21 days in advance.

Tours are limited to Friday and Saturday mornings (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll want to request your tickets as early as possible.

When you submit your request, be sure to include three potential dates for your tour, as well as the number of individuals in your party. Try to avoid the Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Christmas holidays, as tickets are a lot harder to come by during these busy times.

While you'll have a set tour time when you receive your tickets, know that unexpected events may occasionally cause your tour to be canceled at the last minute. If this happens, you'll need to submit a new request for a tour.

On the day of your tour, all members of your group who are 18 and older will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or military ID (or a passport, if they're from another country). Each person's name, date of birth, city and state given for the reserved tickets must exactly match the government-issued photo ID presented.

While face masks are not required during the tour, they will be available on site should you want to wear one. Items you're welcome to bring on the tour include:

• Compact cameras with lenses shorter than 3 inches long.
• Umbrellas without metal tips.
• Small personal items like wallets and cellphones.
• Items needed for medical purposes, such as wheelchairs (which you also can request at the Visitors Entrance), medications and mobility aids.

Keep in mind, though, that the White House's strict security protocols mean certain items are not permitted inside. These include:

• Video cameras, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, iPads, tripods, monopods and cameras sticks.
• Bags of any kind (handbags, purses, book bags, backpacks, diaper bags and camera bags).
• Any pointed object, including pocket knives.
• Food, liquids, aerosols, tobacco products and personal grooming items (makeup, lotion, etc.).
• Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons and devices, toy weapons and knives of any kind.

There is no storage available at the White House or the White House Visitor Center, so plan on keeping any prohibited items in your hotel safe or leaving them with a companion who isn't taking the tour.

What you'll see

After you've made your way through security, you'll embark on an hourlong tour that includes stops at several well-known spots in the building, including the family theater, the East Room (which you may recognize from press conferences and special events), the State Dining Room (a banquet hall and ceremonial chamber for official events) and the Blue Room (a reception room famous for its decorations during the holiday season).

Depending on what's going on during your visit (or who you know), you may also have the chance to see other spaces like the Oval Office and the South Lawn, where Marine One (the presidential helicopter) lands and departs.

To supplement your White House tour, check out the adjacent White House Visitor Center . Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center is home to roughly 100 historical artifacts and offers an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House.

There's also the nearby White House Historical Association retail store , which sells a great selection of souvenirs, including history books, jewelry, cherry blossom items and the official White House Christmas ornament.

Where to stay

Washington, D.C. is home to many chain, independent and boutique hotels, and luckily, some of the best ones happen to be within walking distance of the White House. Here are some of my personal favorites — and their current room rates for October 2022.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

The Hay-Adams

This historic hotel located between the White House and Lafayette Park regularly shows up on lists of the best hotels in D.C., and for good reason. If you play your cards right, you can snag a room with White House and Washington Monument views.

Speaking of views, the property's top-floor Top of the Hay has French doors that open onto a wraparound balcony with panoramic White House and city skyline vistas. It has a full-service rooftop kitchen, making it a terrific space for meetings and special occasions.

Since The Hay-Adams is a boutique hotel, it does not participate in any major brand's loyalty program. As a result, you'll need to pay cash for your stay. Standard superior rooms start at $439 a night.

Hotel Washington

For a while, this 105-year-old hotel was known as the W Washington DC, but it reverted back to its original name in August 2021.

The chic property is known for the Vue, an open-air space regularly touted as one of the city's best rooftop bars. You'll also find a mix of rooms and suites, including some with jaw-dropping city views.

Cash rates for a standard queen room at this independently operated hotel start at $337 per night, but if you're looking for a show-stopping view, consider upgrading to one of the Monument suites. You'll enjoy sweet views of the Washington Monument for a minimum of $580 a night.

JW Marriott Washington, DC

One of Marriott's flagship hotels just happens to sit right on Pennsylvania Avenue, less than two blocks away from the White House and next door to the National Theatre.

Like other hotels on this list, the JW Marriott Washington, DC boasts rooms with incredible views of downtown and the city's popular monuments. You'll also find a moody bar and an American-inspired restaurant on site, should you crave a cocktail or bite to eat after sightseeing.

While standard rooms do not come with a Washington Monument view, for a slight price increase, you can reserve a king bedroom that overlooks the monument starting at $359 a night. If you have a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points, you can apply 50,000 to 60,000 points per night to cover a stay here.

Willard InterContinental Washington DC

The history of this hotel, which opened in 1818, almost goes back to the start of the republic. As such, it was the place to see and be seen for centuries.

When I moved to D.C. in 1978, the iconic Willard had been closed for 10 years and was just a decaying building on Pennsylvania Avenue. That same year, a team was chosen to redevelop the hotel into the stunning property it is today.

Ever since reopening in 1986, the IHG-affiliated hotel has drawn visitors with its ornate lobby and classically-styled rooms.

To book a king room with a premium view, expect to spend at least $517 per night or apply a minimum of 53,000 to 94,000 IHG Rewards points per night.

Kimpton Banneker Hotel

Located on a tree-lined avenue with a view down 16th Street Northwest to the White House, this Kimpton outpost is slightly off the beaten path ... in a good way.

The property's Lady Bird rooftop bar features a bird's-eye view of D.C., including an unobstructed look at the White House, and a centerpiece U-shaped bar. Rooms and suites feature modern, eye-catching designs with colorful local art and bold accent walls.

Because this property participates in the IHG Rewards program, you can use either cash or points to pay for a room here. A standard room with two queen beds starts at $315 or 53,000 points per night.

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White House Tours: What to Expect when You Visit

The most important thing to know about White House tours is that the require serious planning. Check out our post about how to request White House tickets from your Member of Congress.

The second most important thing to know is what you’re going to see and what you are not. White House tours are an unguided walk and does not include the West Wing. So, unless you are friends with someone in the current presidential administration, you will not get to see the oval office, situation room, or any of the other spaces in the West Wing.

You got White House tickets, now what?

Once you have your confirmed reservation, make sure to review your all the paperwork you get from the White House very carefully. This paperwork will tell you exactly what to bring and also exactly what is prohibited. On the day of your assigned tour, show up on 15th Street NW at least 15 minutes before your assigned time. Photos are allowed on White House tours. However, you are not allowed to take videos.

White House security – what to expect

Security at the White House is tight. There are multiple security checkpoints before you can enter the building. The first checkpoint is the name check, where you will show your photo ID and Secret Service will check your name off the reservation list. Then, you will stand in line to have your photo taken. After that, you will stand in line for the second security check where they have the airport style metal detector. You should plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour in security lines depending on how early in the day your assigned time is.

A very crucial trip hack is to use the restroom before getting in line. The White House has no public restrooms. If there is a restroom emergency, you have to leave the White House grounds and go through the whole security process all over again. The closest public restroom is in the White House Visitor Center at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

What you see during White House tours

Once you clear security, you will enter the East Wing. Once you enter, you will see a corridor of pictures of past presidents. You will also see some photos of first families and first pets.

After that, you will be able to peek into some of the ground floor rooms like the Library, the China Room, the Map room and Vermeil Room. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to enter any of these rooms.

After that, you will go up and you can walk through the rooms on the state floor. First, there is the East Room which is the biggest room in the White House. The East Room is used for ceremonies, receptions, and has hosted several weddings. The Green Room is next – it is a parlor often used to serve cocktails during the reception. Then, there is the Blue Room which is where the president and first lady often receives guests. The Blue Room is where the White House Christmas tree is located. The Red Room is a small parlor and a personal favorite of some former first ladies. Finally, you will then see the State Dining Room which can host up to 130 people. Then, you will exit through the north side of the building.

How long White House tours take

Since White House tours are unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything. However, the average person takes 30-45 minutes. There are no tour guides. But, the Secret Service are stationed in all of the rooms and people do ask them questions. They go through special training and do their best to answer everyone’s questions.

Coming to Washington, DC and want us to show you around? Trip Hacks DC was founded by Rob, a veteran tour guide in the Nation’s Capital. Trip Hacks DC provides tips, tricks and travel hacks for planning your trip; and guided tours to show you around once you get here. Our tours are family and school group friendly and our guides specialize in the major Washington, DC sites.  Click here to check out the upcoming tour options  and to book your tour here today!  Feel free to contact us if you have any tour questions.

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How to Dress for a Day at the White House

This may come as a surprise to you, dear reader, but I don’t get invited to the White House every day. (Not even every month, the cads!) And so, when the opportunity arose to witness history in the making—namely the First Lady ’s Reach Higher initiative in action , in the residence, no less—I immediately began worrying about what to wear. (And the 7 a.m. train time, but that’s another story.) A long fashion month has left me relatively lazy in the wardrobe department—and once you start that downward slide into jeans and knits it’s very, very hard to climb back out. But this was no ordinary interview. After all, the sartorial stakes are never higher than when politics and an endlessly chic First Lady are involved. Too fashion-focused, and you’ll look unserious; too safely boring, and you’ll look, well, safely boring. Wear the wrong thing and risk not only embarrassing yourself, but embarrassing your nation. And friends, I am nothing if not a patriot.

So what to wear? One of my beloved skorts ? Too sporty. My comfortable, tumbling knits? Far too casual. A sensible black cocktail frock? See above, re: boring. A brocade suit? Too fussy. (And who am I kidding, I don’t own a brocade suit. I don’t really own any sort of suit, though I do own a lot of thrifted bouclé jackets, which taunted me from the racks of my closet.) “Cover your shoulders, and no open-toed shoes,” my sister, a relatively recent D.C. transplant warned, and she has friends that work in the White House, so she’d know. I toss aside a boat-necked fit-and-flare dress that looks too much like I’m there to court a senator. And look, I’m more of a riding boot than pillbox hat–and-pearls type; more Jackie O in Capri than, you know, Jackie Kennedy in the rose garden. But this wasn’t the time for excuses. I work at Vogue.com after all; that’s basically like being an ambassador. (To the fashionable Internet? Bear with me.) If Carla Bruni could do it, so can I.

Salvation arrived in the form of a Jason Wu short-sleeved sheath dress the color of a cloudy blue gray dawn with natty white leather belt—right in line with the ladylike runways for fall with a camel coat by Wes Gordon to top it off. (Let it be known: A great camel coat will cure a whole sprawl of wardrobe-related ills.) It was respectable. It was elegant. I was petrified I would spill coffee on it. (It may have wrinkled a bit on the train.) It was a success! My colleague referred to me as “Olivia Pope” more than once, though I maintain that the silhouette was more Robin Wright in House of Cards . One of the First Lady’s aides hustled over to whisper in my ear how much she loved it(!). And train travel in said getup aside—which, while less comfortable than my usual travel attire, did harken back to the halcyon days of railway porters and endless monogrammed trunks—I’ve never felt better: smarter, more adult, put-together, effortlessly chic. It brought back all of the joys of getting dressed up for work. I felt ready to take on anything, even the press corps. (Even if I was the press corps.) Let’s just say I’m readying my own run for office; in the meantime, here's the best way to get the look.

J.Crew double-cloth collarless coat, $350; j.crew.com ; Cartier Tank Anglaise large model watch, price upon request; cartier.us ; Victoria Beckham silk and wool-blend dress, $2,320; net-a-porter.com ; Manolo Blahnik Carolyne suede slingback pump, $645; saksfifthavenue.com ; Proenza Schouler PS13 large shoulder bag, $1,229; barneyswarehouse.com ; B-Low The Belt Baby Colette belt, $110; shopbop.com

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Tips for Dress Code While Sightseeing Washington, DC

• DC TRAVEL GUIDE

It’s always worth it to take some time in getting to know a place’s history, especially when it is your first time to travel there. It gives more meaning and depth to your travel experience when you visit places like museums and historical parks. That said, one of the best ways to see and get to know a new place as well is through its National Institutions.

Tips for Dress Code Etiquette when Touring National Institutions

So, perhaps, you’ve already decided to book a tour of the National Institutions in Washington D.C. What could be the next necessary thing to prepare now? The answer is simply what you will wear or pack in your luggage when you’re heading there.

The National Institutions in D.C., much like the Capitol or National Archives, do not have a very strict dress code to follow. This is true especially if you are just there as a tourist looking around and visiting the place. Other people might typically expect they are required to wear neat and professional business attire such as suits for men or blazers for women. However, this is not always the case.

The following are some of the things you might want to consider when choosing what to wear to your National Institutions tour. Additionally, to look even more presentable and respectable, there are online resources such as The Better Fit that educate you on how to dress appropriately for your body type.

Is there a dress code for a White House tour?

As mush as we know, there is no dress code to tour the White House, but due to the importance of the building, we recommend you dress neatly.

It’s Okay to Wear Casual

You will still be allowed inside the National Institutions even if you’re not wearing professional business or smart casual attire. Tourists are allowed to go with jeans or khaki shorts and simple shirts, as long as they still look respectable. That said, it will be best to avoid wearing short shorts or tank tops when going to these types of places.

Feel free to pack light and opt to include blouses or tops that may be casual yet still presentable enough. Wear jeans or skirts that are conservative.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

There may be lots of walking when you’re a part of these tours. It is highly recommended that you wear your most comfortable shoes. For some, this could be tennis shoes, sneakers, or flats. Try to avoid heels or anything that will make you uncomfortable while walking around throughout the tour and may cause pain in your feet afterward.

Don’t Use Hats or Caps Inside

During summer, it will be very common for you to see people who wear hats or caps outside these institutions, especially if the sun is shining so brightly outside. However, when going inside the National Institutions, you may be asked to remove your hat or cap when passing by security personnel. This is only for security measures and it is best to follow through with their requests.

When In Doubt, Wear Business Casual

Many of the National Institutions, like the Smithsonian Institution complex , the National Portrait Gallery , and the Natural History Museum are around the same area. This gives you a highly conservative and political vibe.

If you are uncertain about what to wear, your final option could be something business casual. This could be a bit dressier than the normal tourist. Just make sure you have your utmost comfort in all your pieces.

Leave Your Backpacks or Large Bags

Similar to the restriction of not wearing hats or caps inside, your backpacks or large bags will not be allowed to be brought inside while you’re touring around these buildings or institutions. This is because of security measures. That said, you may opt to leave these in your tour bus or vehicle. You could trade your backpack with a small purse or handbag instead.

These are just some of the things to take note of in planning your outfit for your tours in the National Institutions in Washington, D.C. To reiterate, it is not at all required to wear business attire when visiting and touring around in the area. You may still wear your casual jeans and tops but ditch your short shorts, ripped shorts, and tank tops. The main goal is still to look respectable and conservative.

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How to Dress to Go to the White House

For a tour: The White House is the people's house. It doesn't belong to the president and First Lady; it belongs to the people. But that doesn't mean that we don't have a sense of respect when we're there. Step it up a notch.

Nice casual: Trousers or khakis and a shirt (with sleeves). Sweater optional. No jacket necessary. Definitely no caps, flip-flops, or cutoffs.

To meet with a staff member: It's a conservative town. A business suit is very much what's worn in Washington.

Conservative business attire: Dark business suit with a shirt and tie. (Shirt doesn't have to be white.)

To attend a formal event: If you're invited to a social event, a state dinner, you will receive instructions on the invitation on what kind of attire is expected.

Business attire or black tie, depending on instructions.

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A family travel blog

Visiting the White House- How to Get a White House Tour and What to Expect

Visiting the White House is the opportunity of a lifetime. The White House tour is one of my most memorable experiences from all of my trips to Washington, DC. It requires a bit of planning to schedule a tour of the White House. Trust me when I say that it is well worth the effort!

Table of Contents

How to Schedule a Tour of the White House

The National Park Service no longer schedules tours of the White House. Instead, in order to secure a public tour, you must reach out to a Member of Congress ( find your representative here ). Requests must be made at least 21 days in advance, and up to three months out. We suggest submitting your request as early as possible since a limited number of spaces are available.

Tours are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays excluding federal holidays. The tours are free of charge.

At this time, embassies are not scheduling tours for international visitors.  

After contacting your Congressperson, you’ll receive an email letting you know whether or not there are any White House tours available during your visit to Washington, DC. You will receive an email 2-3 weeks before your requested dates indicating whether or not the date is available.

If there are time slots available during your visit, you are assigned a specific day and time for your White House tour. Weirdly, when we requested our tour we received an email telling us there were no tours available. A couple of days later, I received a second email confirming our visit. At this time, I submitted our social security numbers and full names to the White House.

Once we received clearance, we received a “Boarding Pass” that we had to present to the Secret Service Agents, along with our IDs.

Required Documentation

In order to gain access to the White House, you’ll need to bring a copy of the letter of approval (a digital copy is okay) and a government-issued photo ID.  Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, passport, military ID.

Items Prohibited on the White House Tour

• Aerosol sprays
• Bags of any kind (including backpacks, purses, diaper bags, fanny packs, etc).
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Weapons of any kid
• E-cigarettes, lighters, matches, tobacco products, drugs
• Foods and drinks
• Liquids of any kind
• Monopods & Tripods
• Toy weapons
• Video Cameras
• Pointed objects
• Any item determined to be a potential safety hazard

There are no storage facilities available during the White House tour.  There are also no restrooms available for public use.  We suggest using the restroom at the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour.

So... what can you bring...?

Honestly, you should plan on bringing as little as possible.  We brought our boarding pass, IDs, a credit card, a camera, a metro card, and an inhaler.  

Visitors will have to pass through strict security prior to entering the White House.  You’ll need to present your boarding pass, and ID cards (twice).

• Baby carriers worn on the body
• Breast pumps
• Cell phones
• Compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Necessary medications

Remember, there is no storage available at the White House for guests.  If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room.  If your hotel is far away, you can get a locker at Union Station.  The lockers are located near Gate A and are available from 6 am until 10 pm.  You’ll need a photo ID to get a locker.  The cost is $3-6 per hour depending on the size of your bag.

Arriving for the White House Tour

Parking around the White House is limited, so we strongly suggest using public transportation. The White House is easily accessible via the metro.

The closest metro stations are Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue/Orange/Silver/Red lines), and McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver lines).

If arriving via rideshare , use the White House Visitor Center as the drop-off address. The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

The White House Tour entrance is located in Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW.  We suggest stopping by the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour to use the restroom since there are no restrooms available for public use at the White House.

Know Before You Go

• Tours are self-guided and last about 45 minutes.
• Dress for the weather – you’ll need to wait outside until your tour beings.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time . Late arrivals may be turned away.
• A National Park Ranger will help ensure you’re lined up with the proper group and will have Junior Ranger booklets available.
• All guests must be previous registered via the RSVP link provided by the White House (via email).
• No flash photography or videography is permitted (there will be Secret Service agents in every room)
• Although the tour is self-guided, the Secret Service Agents can be a wealth of knowledge about the items found in each room.

What Rooms Will I See on the White House Tour?

Prior to our trip I did a lot of research on what rooms we’d be able to see during our White House Tour.  Every website I checked listed the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, the State Dining Room and a view of the White House Rose Garden.

Much to my surprise, we actually got to see additional rooms!  One our tour, we toured both the State Floor and the Ground Floor.  We saw the movie theater, library, the East Room, Vermeil Room, China Room, State Dining Room, Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room.

The White House tour was interesting.   Walking into the White House, I expected it to be just as opulent as  the Biltmore House and palaces such as the Tower of London and Versailles in Europe.  I was rather surprised to find that the rooms were much less stately.  The vibe felt a little more like going to visit your grandparents house, rather than the head of a country’s home.

That being said, it was really cool being able to marvel at the historical artifacts that decorate the White House.  We got to see Shikler’s portrait of JFK along with other portraits of past presidents, first ladies, and influential Americans like Benjamin Franklin.  It was very cool walking through the halls of the White House and retracing the footsteps of our nation’s leaders.

Secret Service agents are posted in each of the rooms.  Although the tour is self-guided, the Secret Service agents are a wealth of knowledge and will happily tell you about the history of the rooms and even give you the background information the art (and even artists!) and decor in each room.  Don’t be afraid to ask them questions- these ladies and gents are much more approachable than the guards at Buckingham Palace. 

Having the privilege of taking a tour of the White House is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It is definitely something every American should do at least once in their lifetime!

What is There to do Nearby?

• The White House Visitor Center
• Ford’s Theatre
• National Children’s Museum
• National Archives Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Museum of African American History
• Museum of Natural History
• National Museum of American History
• National Air and Space Museum
• National Gallery of Art
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Library of Congress
•  US Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Washington Monument
• World War II Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

FAQ About the White House Tour

Can you visit the white house as a toursit.

Yes! You do not need an invitation for the White House tour.  You do, however, need to request a tour via a Member of Congress. 

Who is allowed to take a White House tour?

All U.S. citizens 18 years and older are able to request a tour of the White House.  Visitors 18 and older need to present a valid, government-issued ID.  At the time of publication, only American citizens are able to visit the White House.

Are kids allowed in the White House?

Yes!  This is a great place for kids to experience.  When we visited our twins were 4 and our daughter was 8.  This is a great way for kids to develop background knowledge for things they’ll learn in school!

Fun Fact:   While we were in the White House, we had to remind one of the boys not to touch anything.  In response, he made a face at Ashley behind her back. One of the Secret Service Agents laughed and said, “Man, you should have seen the face he gave you.”

Is there a dress code for the White House?

There is no set dress code for the White House.  Since we were visiting multiple places on the day of our tour of the White House, we wore jeans.

Visitors should plan on waiting in a line outside of the White House, prior to their tour, and should plan to dress for the weather outside.

How long does the White House Tour take?

Since the White House tour is unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything.  Most people spend about 30 – 45 minutes.

Can you take photos in the White House?

Photography is permitted so long as it does not interfere with other guests tour experience.  Phones and cameras with lenses no longer than 3 inches are allowed inside the White House.

Can I meet the President on the White House tour?

No, tours are limited to the East Wing.  The West Wing, and the Oval Office, are reserved for VIPs or guests of the President.

Save Our Info on Scoring a White House Tour

For future reference, be sure to save our post on getting a tour of the White House!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest  while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, check out our 4 day itinerary and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC .  

Be sure to give us a like on  Facebook  or follow us on  Instagram   and  Twitter   for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Hello, thank you for the post about how to visit the White House! I was happy to find something beyond just the official government website. When you requested a tour via email, did you have to do anything besides ask? Do they pick and chose based on why a person is visiting? Just wanting to know how much information to put into my email request! Thanks!

Elle MacRae

Hey, Casey! In my initial email, I just sent the dates that we would be in DC and listed the names of each person in my group. Most states will send out a form for you to fill out with any specific information needed.

Dear _____,

My name is _____________. My family will be visiting Washington, DC between _______ and _______. We are interested in touring the White House and hope you could help us facilitate this. The following people will be traveling with me: ________________. Please let me know what further details you need in order to set up a tour during our visit.

Respectfully,

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to Visit the White House: A Local’s Guide

So, you want to visit DC’s favorite postcard spot, aka The White House. Scoring a tour of the halls of executive power may not be quite as easy as visiting a Smithsonian Museum or even the U.S. Capitol , but it’s definitely possible with a little advance knowledge of how to get in and how to visit the White House.

If a DC trip is in your near future and your heart is set on visiting the President’s Palace, you may want to leave a little extra time to get the necessary credentials to get in. With that in mind, here are my best tips for winning a spot on one of the White House tours .

Reminder: check openings, hours and dates before visiting any attractions in Washington, D.C.

How to Visit the White House

Requesting a tour of the white house.

Booking your White House tour is not quite as simple as grabbing a ticket online. If you’re wondering how to get a tour of the White House, keep in mind that you’ll need to send a request to your state’s Congressperson to be granted access. If you’re coming from outside the U.S., you should reach out to the embassy of your home country in Washington.

You can find your local Congressperson and their contact information based upon your home zip code at the “Find Your Representative” page of the official U.S. House of Representatives website . Many Congress members already have a page on their websites dedicated to requesting a White House visit because of the volume of requests they receive.

You’ll want to be specific in your email about the days you are available to take the White House tour, as you may not get your first choice.

As previously mentioned, leave a large window of time between initially requesting a tour and the date you plan to visit the White House. The White House’s official site says requests should be submitted no less than 21 days and no more than three months in advance of your White House visit, and I recommend leaning towards the latter part of that range.

The approval waiting period depends on a lot of factors, but responses are usually returned around two weeks before your tour day. If you are approved, an invitation will come back with a specific time and date of your visit.

Along with guidelines and rules for the visit, your acceptance email will also contain a link that will prompt you to enter in names and information for all guests that will come with you. Most importantly, double check that the information you submit matches exactly to the information on the government-issued I.D. that you plan to bring to your visit. If in doubt, call the White House’s 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041.

Make sure you send back any information requested in your invitation email as soon as possible; tour spots are in high demand, and your spot could go to someone else if you wait too long to reply.

What To Bring to the White House

The main rule for a visit to the White House: take as little as possible! Because of the strict rules, you’ll want to only take the bare necessities to ensure you’re not asked by security to throw anything out. When in doubt, leave it at the hotel!

Prohibited items include backpacks, bags, strollers, any food or drink, and any liquid or aerosol containers. You can bring in compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches long, but no video cameras or anything with a flash.

If that’s not possible, you can check out some of the luggage storage services by reservation in the area. Vertoe charges $6.95 per item stored for a day and has a storage location of around half a mile from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, with the exact address available upon confirmation. StoreMe and Luggage Hero are two other sites that partner with nearby hotels to offer bag storage.

Make sure you take some time searching through the storage options available, as some prices can run extremely high, especially during tourist season.

You will be asked to present a non-expired, government-issued I.D. as you enter. That includes passports, drivers’ licenses, and military I.D.’s. 

I recommend coming in with just a phone and wallet if you can manage it!

How to get to the White House

You’ll want to arrive at the White House around 15-30 minutes before your tour is set to start. That will most likely be between the self-guided tour hours of 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday or Saturday.

Luckily, the White House is near the centerpoint of DC public transportation, so getting there is a piece of cake. If you plan to travel by Metrorail, you can take the Red line to Farragut North and walk south across Farragut Square. Alternatively, take the Blue, Silver or Orange lines, get off at McPherson Square, and head Southwest.

Theoretically, it is possible to find street parking around downtown D.C., but it won’t be easy. There are a few private parking structures scattered around, like those of Colonial Parking, but costs run ridiculously high ($12 an hour!). I highly recommend relying on D.C.’s clean and efficient Metro system and leaving the car at home. Read more about finding cheap or free parking in D.C. here .

The White House Visitor Center

If you’re not pressed for time, the White House Visitor Center , located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. at the Southeastern corner of the White House lawn, is worth a stop.

The Center offers engaging exhibits featuring more than 100 historical artifacts, archival footage and photos, and all the materials you need to brush up on your White House trivia, not to mention all the DC souvenirs you could possibly want. Notably, the Center has a cap of 100 visitor capacity at a time, and requires visitors to pass through a security checkpoint.

Before making your way to the entrance, don’t forget to make a bathroom stop! The White House Visitor Center has a bathroom, as well as the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion, across 15th and down E Street.

Also keep in mind that texting and talking on the phone are not permitted on White House tours, so get your communications out of the way before entering.

White House Tour Route

Tours begin at the East wing. That means most visitors will enter the grounds at New York Avenue and 15th Street, right in front of the Treasury Department. Make sure you check the instructions of your invitation email carefully for your exact entrance instructions.

White House tours follow a set mapped route. You will start in the Visitors Foyer of the East Wing and then pass through the East Colonnade, with the opportunity to see the Family Movie Theater. From there, head through the East Garden Room into the Library, China, and Vermeil Rooms before climbing the stairs.

On the State Floor, you’ll tour the East, Green, Blue, and Red Rooms, then the State and Old Family Dining Rooms, before passing through the Cross Hall to exit. The route is fully equipped with ramps and elevators to accommodate visitors using wheelchairs.

Most importantly, before a visit, I highly recommend setting aside some time for casual research of the White House’s artwork, history, and what’s on display. There is a lot of material available, and knowing what you most want to see and what most interests you greatly enhances the tour!

I would consult the White House Info page for up-to-date information on tour routes and offerings. The official site of the White House Historical Association is another excellent resource for more in-depth information on White House history and decorations, from the story behind Lincoln’s portrait in the State Dining Room to President Truman’s extensive renovations.

You can also download the White House Experience app , which has up-to-date maps and information on the building, as well as 360-degree virtual tours of every room and gives you excellent tips on how to tour the White House.

Now you’re ready for an exciting tour of DC’s most famous spot. Enjoy your peek behind the presidential curtain!

Hungry after your tour? Check out our favorite restaurants near the White House in D.C.

Looking for other incredible things to do in D.C.? Check these posts:

• Epic and Amazing Hidden Gems in Washington D.C.
• Best Things to do in D.C. with Teens
• 101 Things to do in Washington DC
• How to Tour the U.S. Capitol
• How To Ride The Washington DC Metro Like A Local
• How to get from Reagan International Airport to D.C.
• How to get from Dulles to D.C.
• Remarkably Awesome Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Me In DC

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Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Visiting the White House with Children and Teens

A surefire way to get your kids and teens excited about American history is to plan a family or class visit to the White House. Here are some suggestions to make the visit pleasurable and interesting.

• Plan Ahead • Set a Date for Your Visit • Information You Need for Your Visitor Request • The Day of Your White House Visit • Preparing the Young People in Your Life for a Visit to the White House • Resources

In our post-9/11 increased-security world, visiting the White House cannot be a spontaneous decision. Any member of the general public can tour the White House, but you must prepare in advance and make a formal request to visit the house. Public tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled for groups of ten or more people. Here are the steps you need to take to ensure a successful White House visit.

Set a Date for Your Visit

If you want to make a tour of the White House a part of your vacation or visit to Washington, D.C., you must choose the date of your visit and get your request in at least a month before that date. Requests are accepted up to six months in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible because a limited number of tours is available.

Requests must be submitted through your Congressional representative—your local Congress person or one of the senators from your home state. Some representatives have online request forms; others do not. You must contact your Congressional representatives to find out what their particular office requires before you send in your request.

To locate your senators and their contact information, visit the Senate.gov website .

To find your Congressional representative and his or her contact information, you must first look up your four-digit zip code extension, which you can do using the zip4.usps.com website . Then, using that zip code information, go to the House of Representatives website .

Or, once you know who your representative and senators are, visit their individual websites to obtain their contact information.

There are no fees or admission charges to visit the White House or the White House Visitor Center. Visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. All visitors should call the 24-hour Visitor Center information line at 202-456-7041 to determine if any last-minute changes have been made in the tour schedule as events can alter White House accessibility.

Information You Need for Your Visitor Request

Everyone who visits the White House must have clearance from the United States Secret Service.

If your party alone does not make a group of ten, request to be matched up with another small party of visitors. The person requesting the visit should specify in the request all personal contact information including address, phone number, and fax and email address if pertinent. You should be notified approximately one month before the requested date.

In your visitor request you must list the name and date of birth for any person who is under the age of eighteen by the date of your visit. For those in your party who are over eighteen years of age, you must list their names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and countries of citizenship. The National Park Service states that this security information must be received by the office through which tickets are obtained no later than five business days prior to the tour date. Groups without security information will be cancelled.

Note in your request if any of your party is hearing, visually, or mobility impaired. Tours for hearing-impaired groups of ten or more may be requested through one’s member of Congress. The Visitor Center TDD (telephone device for the deaf) is 202-456-2121. Tours for visually-impaired groups of ten or more may be requested through one’s member of Congress. Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

Know that for a wide variety of reasons, White House tours can be cancelled at any time. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at 202-456-7041.

The Day of Your White House Visit

Plan to get to the Presidential Park at least fifteen minutes beforehand if you are touring the building. You and your family will enter the White House by the south side of East Executive Avenue near the Southeast Gate. National Park Service rangers and volunteers are posted at the corner of 15th and E Streets to assist you. For directions to the White House, parking information, travel information—and everything else related to a White House visit—go to the National Park Service website .

We suggest that you arrive about an hour before you visit so that you and your family or students can stop at the White House Visitor Center to see the exhibits and watch a video of the White House. You can also go there after your visit. The White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily (except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25). Admission is free.

“At the White House Visitor Center, you can explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House, view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection, shop at the White House Historical Association retail store, and view the 14-minute film, ‘White House: Reflections From Within.’ Visit the information desk to inquire about special ranger programs and events at President’s Park.” There are also public restrooms at the center. For information about the White House Visitor Center, go to WhiteHouseHistory.org .

All guests 18 years of age or older will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification (detailed below). All foreign nationals must present their passport. All other forms of foreign identification will not be accepted. All information submitted (e.g. name, date of birth, city, etc.) must exactly match the government-issued photo ID you will present when arriving at the White House.

The following forms of photo ID are acceptable for presentation to U.S. Secret Service upon entry to the White House complex:

• Valid government-issued United States identification card (e.g. drivers license, military ID, etc.)

• Valid United States or other official government-issued passports

No other forms of identification will be accepted; photocopies, expired IDs, or other transmissions of these documents are NOT valid. Individuals whose identification does not exactly match the name or date cleared will be denied entry to the White House.

You cannot take the following items on the White House tour: video recorders; handbags, book bags, backpacks, or purses; food or beverages; tobacco products; personal grooming items (i.e. makeup, lotion, etc.); strollers; any pointed objects; 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, car keys, and cell phones (including those with cameras) are permitted. However, guests will not be allowed to use cell phones inside the White House. Phones used inside the White House may be confiscated by U.S. Secret Service.

Please note that video cameras, including any action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods, and camera sticks are not permitted. Flash photography, live streaming, and talking or texting on cellular phones are not permitted while on the tour.

As of July 1, 2015, smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches (stills only) are permitted on the public tour route as long as their use does not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment of the tour.

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.

Scheduled visitors who require the loan of a wheelchair should notify the officer at the Visitors Entrance upon arrival. Unfortunately, wheelchair reservations are not possible. Visitors in wheelchairs, or with other mobility disabilities, use the same Visitors Entrance and are escorted by ramp from the entrance level to the Ground floor, and by the elevator from the Ground floor to the State floor.

Parking: The closest Metrorail stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (blue and orange lines), Metro Center (blue, orange, and red lines) and McPherson Square (blue and orange lines). On-street parking is not available near the White House, and use of public transportation is strongly encouraged.

Restrooms: The nearest restrooms to the White House are in the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (the park area south of the White House). Restrooms and public telephones are not available at the White House.

Preparing the Young People in Your Life for a Visit to the White House

Read and share the Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out book and website with your kids and teens before you visit our White House. And be sure to look through and share other books and websites about the White House, the presidents, the first ladies, their families, pets, and staff before you visit Washington. You will find many great book and website suggestions in our bibliography “ Presidents, the President’s House, and More: A Select List of Books for Young People .”

After sharing a book or two with young people, ask them what they think the White House is—is it a home; a museum; a place of work? You might also look at pictures in books that show the exterior of the house and the public rooms—and pick out details of interest that your children and students can find on their tour. For fun, make up a White House scavenger hunt checklist of items that interest you and the young person, including furniture details, presidential portraits, paintings, architectural details, etc., and after your visit see how many of those details you saw on your tour.

Before you go you and your kids can take a virtual tour of the White House on the White House website WhiteHouse.gov .

Whatever the age of your children or students, take a moment and talk to them about your expectations for the visit. Talk to them about appropriate behavior and conversation at the White House. Sometimes it helps to compare and contrast behaviors for various kinds of situations. For example, you might say that it is appropriate to yell and shout at a baseball or basketball game, but in someone’s home, like the president’s home, that is not acceptable behavior. Let them know it is all right to ask questions during the tour. And let them know that they need to follow rules and directions.

If you plan your trip in advance and prepare your family or students for the visit, you will all have a great time at our White House!

Websites that will help you plan your trip:

• Tours and event information on the White House website: WhiteHouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events
• White House tour information on the National Park Service website:  nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/the-white-house-tour.htm

Additional White House educational information and materials are available on the White House History website: WhiteHouseHistory.org/teacher-resources

©2016 Mary Brigid Barrett; The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance

Anna Wintour Just Broke Her Own Fashion Rule at the White House State Dinner

Political events in D.C. don't usually draw a crowd of well-dressed celebrities, but tonight certainly seemed to be the exception. The White House hosted a state dinner in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit, and it proved to be the ultimate convergence of Hollywood and the Hill. 

Anna Wintour wore a vintage Chanel look from 1983, which came complete with built-in necklaces, belts, and bracelets. Interestingly, Wintour seems to have broken her own fashion rule.  Amy Odell was quick to reference Wintour's interview from 2019  in which she had some choice words about everyone's favorite color: "Don't wear all black," Wintour said. "It seems too gloomy—as if one's going to a funeral." While the embellishments on the black gown certainly livened things up, it's highly unusual to see Wintour in anything but colorful prints, so this was a rare sighting indeed. Scroll down to see her outfit and what other celebrities wore to the event. 

On Anna Wintour:  vintage Chanel S/S 83 dress

See What Everyone Wore to the White House State Dinner

On First Lady Jill Biden: Oscar de la Renta custom dress; On First Lady Brigitte Macron: Louis Vuitton dress

On Violet Affleck: Carolina Herrera dress; On Jennifer Garner: Ralph Lauren dress

On Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Monique Lhuillier dress; Tyler Ellis clutch

On Ariana DeBose: Tony Ward dress

On Gabriela Hearst: Gabriela Hearst S/S 23 dress

Next,  Margot Robbie Wore a Hair Bow on the Red Carpet, so I Found an $8 Amazon Dupe

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29 , where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.

She might change yours, too.

By Natalie Munro

I can't keep this to myself.

So in vogue, obviously.

By Drew Elovitz

They're super chic but not the most practical for the airport.

By Erin Fitzpatrick

Shop the best pairs from H&M to Chloé.

Here's how to copy it.

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White House Public Tour Tickets

This post is an article on how to get White House tour tickets and includes tips for planning your visit, such as dealing with security.

How to apply for tickets is a common question from visitors on our walking tours. However, if you ask one of our tour guides after arriving in Washington, DC, you are too late.

Reservations must be arranged in advance.

So, we've created this post to help you secure tickets and plan your visit before and after your tour.

The White House is open to public tours from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except on Federal Holidays.

It is hard to get a White House tour, but the further in advance you request and the more flexibility you offer in dates, the better your chances.

These are to tour the main building, West Wing tours are a different experience and even harder to get tickets. I was lucky enough to get a West Wing tour if you want to see photos!

The White House is free to tour, but you must apply for tickets. Both U.S. nationals and foreign visitors can tour the White House.

To visit the White House, it's important to know that you must  reserve your tickets in advance ,   MONTHS in advance. 

You can submit a request for White House tours up to 3 months in advance and must do so no later than 3 weeks.

Don’t apply early or late, or you risk having your request automatically denied.

Requesting a reservation as soon as possible can increase your odds of getting a White House tour.

For U.S. citizens and residents, requests must go through the office of the Member of Congress for your district ( find your Member here ).

If you are coming during the peak tourism seasons of March-April or June-August, we recommend closer to the 3-month mark.

The White House only accepts requests between 21-90 days before your requested dates.

If you are from a foreign country, you should go through your embassy in Washington, D.C. Not all embassies will be interested in or helpful in the request.

However, nothing stops you from requesting a tour through any Member of Congress.

There is no actual requirement for you to be a resident of their district or state. Therefore, it's worth a try.  

Most will ask you for contact information at home and during your stay in DC, dates available for tours, and the total number of persons in your group.

You'll also be required to provide information for security clearance, including:

• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number (only U.S. residents 18 and older)
• Citizenship
• City, State of Residence

How long before I hear back about my White House request?

Typically, once you have submitted your visitor info, you will receive an email two weeks before your requested dates informing you if you were selected for a tour.

If you do not get approved, the communication will vary. Some people have received rejection letters, and some have never heard back.

Assume if you haven't heard back a few days before your trip that you were not approved.

You can also visit the White House Visitor Center . It's a few blocks from the White House, but it's a great alternative to interior tours.

You can always see the White House from the street, as well.

There are a number of great views of the White House that we talk about - but the closest is from Pennsylvania Avenue NW by Lafayette Square.

But, if you are accepted, then read on for tips on planning your trip.

• Plan Your Visit
• Virtual Tour
• Visitor Center
• Things to Do in DC
• Free Tours by Foot

PLAN YOUR VISIT

In this section, we discuss where to enter the White House grounds, how to get there, security, and prohibited items . 

WHITE HOUSE TOUR ENTRANCE

We strongly recommend using our Google Maps for directions to the tour entry point . 

There is no White House Metro Station.

The closest metro stop to the tour entrance is Metro Center ( red , orange , blue, and silver lines ) (take the 13 th Street exit), which is just a 7-minute walk.

When you come up the escalators, you will be facing 13th Street.

Take 13th Street southbound (downhill) and make a right turn on E Street and proceed straight until you reach 15th Street.  

McPherson Square Metro station ( orange , blue, and silver lines)  is also close to the White House.

Public transportation is recommended for reaching the White House.

If you must drive, you can find a parking spot at a nearby garage through a service called SpotHero .

This website allows you to reserve guaranteed parking spots ahead of time, often cheaper than the garage itself would charge.

If you've been granted a tour, you must arrive at the visitors' entrance before your meeting.

Note: The meeting spot for the White House tour is NOT at the White House Visitor Center.

Click here for a 360-degree view .

The tour lines up along 15th Street NW on the west side of the street by the William Tecumseh Sherman Statue.

It's across the street from where Pennsylvania Avenue NW dead-ends at 15th St NW.

You'll check in with the National Park Service Park Ranger standing guard outside the temporary fence.

There is no specific street address or sign—you just have to know you're in the right place. Since there is often a line, it should be easy to spot.

You can click on the 360-degree view to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. 

SECURITY AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

Security is a concern everywhere in Washington, but nowhere more than in the White House.

To gain entry into the White House, each member of your group must have a valid government-issued photo ID or passport. Foreign nationals must use their passports.

You will have to stand in line for security, so arrive at least half an hour before your tour. (longer in peak seasons or with a group).  

WHITE HOUSE DRESS CODE

There is no dress code for touring the White House, but due to its importance, you should want to dress neatly.

The list of what you can’t bring into the White House is extensive:

• no video devices; video cameras including any action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods, and camera sticks are not permitted. Video recording is not permitted but cell phones with video capability is fine, just don't use it!
• no strollers.
• no food, beverages, tobacco products, liquids, gels, or lotions.
• no guns, firearms, knives, other sharp objects, martial arts equipment, etc.
• no purses, backpacks, handbags, etc.  

If you need a place to store these items, read our White House luggage storage post.

The list of things you can bring to the White House is not extensive:

• umbrellas 

Cameras are now permitted on tour!

Smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches (stills only) are permitted on the public tour route as long as their use does not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment of the tour. 

Flash photography or live streaming, as well as talking or texting on cellular phones, is not permitted while on the tour.

Where can I leave the rest of my belongings while I tour the White House?

If you can't leave your belongings at your hotel, then consider storage facilities.

For $6/bag for up to 24 hours, you can store your bags in nearby stores, souvenir shops, and even other hotels.

Once inside, the tour is self-guided and will take about half an hour.

NOTE: There are no restrooms on the White House tour.

Though the White House has 132 rooms, you are only shown through several rooms they use for entertaining. 

You will NOT see the family living quarters, the Oval Office, or the West Wing ( read about my experience of the West Wing tour! ) So, don't expect to meet the President on your White House Tour.

Small tip: there are secret service agents in every room. You can interact with them and ask them questions. They are usually really nice and very informative.

After you line up along 15th Street, you'll have your reservation checked and then line up again for an ID check.

You'll cross a street and then have your ID checked again.

All of these checks are outdoors, so remember when preparing for your visit - you're outside for around 30 minutes before your tour.

You then go through security to enter the East Wing of the White House.

What Will I See on a Public Tour of the White House?

The tour is self-guided, though there are occasionally guards who can answer some questions.

Each room has a placard or two explaining what you're seeing with some information.

The tour is self-paced, and you can return to previous rooms if needed, but you will not be able to exit the building and reenter.

The East Garden is visible from the hallway, the movie theatre, the China Room, the Vermeil Room, the East Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, and the State Dining Room.

Throughout, you'll also see several presidential portraits.

A gift shop inside the White House sells the famous White House Christmas ornament and many other items from the White House Historical Association.

You'll exit the White House from what used to be the primary entrance facing the North Lawn and exit out the gates by the Lafayette Statue.

Will I See the President on a White House Tour?

You are unlikely to meet the President or First Lady on the White House tour, but you never know who you might see at the White House complex, including cabinet members or prominent visitors.

VIRTUAL TOURS OF THE WHITE HOUSE

These videos offer virtual tours inside various parts of the White House that are not available on public tours.

Inside the Residence

Tour of the West Wing

Video Tour of the Situation Room

Learn About the West Wing Marines

Watch Marine One Land on South Lawn

During your visit to Washington, D.C., you will see many helicopters, but they usually won't be transporting the President.

Most helicopters fly along the National Mall - over the Tidal Basin and Potomac River.

When you see three helicopters fly across the National Mall, right past the Washington Monument (that is why there are the red flashing lights on the top), one is Marine One.

So, how do you watch Marine One take off/land?

For advance planning, you can check the President's Schedule. It will give an approximate time when the president will depart from the South Lawn.

Keep in mind it sometimes is early or late, and they don't give any warning!

Marine One often transports the President to Joint Base Andrews to board Air Force One.

If you're already in the area, you might notice some of the ways they prepare for Marine One:

• Sharpshooters are always on the White House roof, but when the President leaves, they can also be seen on the corners of nearby buildings.
• Two decoy/escort helicopters will accompany Marine One but not land. You will always see a group of three helicopters.
• The walkway to the South Lawn fence is closed. While you can typically walk right up to it, you won't be able to get that close when Marine One is landing.

Where can you stand to watch Marine One land?

The best place to watch Marine One land if you want to be as close as possible is on the south side of the White House, an area called The Ellipse.

Usually, the circular sidewalk that forms the ellipse is open to the public, but when the President is leaving - the side closest to the White House is closed.

You can, however, walk directly on the grass to the center of the Ellipse.

If you line yourself up with the Washington Monument behind you and the White House South Lawn Fountain in front of you, the helicopter will fly right over your head!

If you want to watch Marine One with some DC landmarks in the frame, stand at the WWII Memorial, facing the Washington Monument.

The three helicopters will fly in front of the Washington Monument, lining up for a great photo op.

What kind of helicopter is Marine One?

Officially, any helicopter that the President is on is Marine One.

That is the call sign for any USMC aircraft with the President on board, just like Air Force One denotes whatever plane is carrying the President.

It is usually operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1 "Nighthawks"), only four pilots have this honor every year.

The type of helicopter is often a VH-3D Sea King:

or the VH-60N "WhiteHawk"

Marine One helicopters have standard military anti-missile countermeasures, and ballistic armor and can continue to fly even if it loses one of the three engines.

It can fit 14 passengers but is quiet enough that the President can use a normal tone of voice on his secure line to the White House.

NOTE: A few times a year, when the President is out of the country, you will see a helicopter take off and land on the South Lawn on repeat for about half an hour - this is training!

The President isn't on the helicopter - but your Instagram followers won't know that!

THE WHITE HOUSE VISITOR CENTER:

After an extensive revamping, the White House Visitor Center is now open again to the public.  

Read our overview of the museum and visitor center for more information.

The restoration took over 2 years and cost $12.5 million, much of which came from private donations through the White House Historical Association.

Over 90 new artifacts are on display, many of which have never been on display.

Some of our favorites are the desk that Franklin Delano Roosevelt sat at when he delivered his famous fireside chats and a scaled model of the White House.

Within the White House Visitor Center, you can watch a 14-minute film that takes you inside the White House and the lives of the First Families. 

Allow your visit here to last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

VISITOR TIP : The White House Visitor Center has a great gift shop. There is also a gift shop at 701 15th St NW called White House Gifts. Here can take a photo of yourself sitting behind a replica of the Presidential desk in the Oval Office!

Related Content:

• How to Get Tickets to the Washington Monument
• How to Tour the U.S. Capitol Building
• Can I tour the FBI Building?
• Watch Marine One Land on the White House Lawn
• White House Garden Tours
• White House Christmas Tours
• Easter Egg Roll

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

The White   House Announces Public Tours Will Resume A Full Operating   Schedule

The Biden-Harris Administration is pleased to announce public tours of the White House will resume a full operating schedule from Tuesdays through Saturdays beginning on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Public tours will be available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. All White House tours are free of charge. The White House tour schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather or official use Public White House Tour Requests

Public tour requests are scheduled on a first come, first served basis and must be submitted through a Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. Constituents may reach your Member of Congress and Congressional Tour Coordinator through the U.S. House of Representative’s Switchboard at 202-225-3121, the U.S. Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or online at  www.congress.gov/members .

Consistent with prior practices, public White House tour requests must be submitted a minimum of 21 days in advance and no more than 90 days in advance of the requested tour date(s). Reservations cannot be accepted for tour dates outside this 21 – 90-day window. Congressional Tour Coordinators will be able to submit tour requests for the full operating schedule on Monday, June 27, 2022. 

The White House will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation with guidance based on recommendations from the CDC, and other public health officials and medical experts, and reserves the right to adjust availability of the public tours as necessary to adhere to the latest health guidance. Within the 10 days prior to the public tour, anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, has had any COVID-19 symptoms, or been in close contact with someone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, should stay home. Face masks will be available when entering the White House complex for those who choose to wear them.

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