1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is the most famous address in the world. No trip to Washington DC is complete without taking a walk through LaFayette Park and gazing at the north portico of the White House. But what if you want to see more? What if you want to walk inside through the public area of the “People’s House”? Good news, self-guided White House tours are available. They just require a little luck and planning.
Requesting a White House Tour
Requests to tour the White House must be submitted through one’s Representative or Senator. Requests may be submitted up to 6 months in advance but no less than 21 days in advance. Tours are scheduled on a first come first serve basis. Â If you are a citizen of a foreign country and want to tour the White House, a request must be submitted through you embassy in Washington DC.
Public Tour Cost
All White House tours are free of charge.
Public Tour Hours
- 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fridays
- 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted)
More Information
For more information regarding forms of identification, prohibited items, restrooms, etc. please visit the official White House Tours and Events page.
Virtual Tour
Want to tour the White House before you set foot in the building? An interactive virtual tour of the White House is now available. Explore the West Wing, Residence, East Wing and South Lawn and watch “Inside the White House” videos.
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Have you scheduled a White House tour before? What did you find most interesting about the tour?
