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If you want to get up close and personal with the White House in Washington, D.C., you may be able to take advantage of available tours. However, there is a lot to take into consideration when planning the tour in order to get everything just right for your next vacation.
White House Tours
In order to be eligible for a White House tour, requests must be submitted through your Member of Congress. The tours are available from Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday at 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and Saturday at 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. However, the schedule can be affected by federal holidays or other events.
White House Tours
It is important to know the tours are self-guided and given on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to reserve your spot, is is recommended to submit your request starting 6 months in advance, but no later than 21 days. Fortunately, the early booking will allow you to easily find the best Washington, D.C., hotels to book as well.
Forms of Identification
If you want to tour the White House, you need to have government-issued forms of photo identification available. For example, a valid U.S. drivers license, military I.D., or passport can be used. However, the forms used must be original and not photocopies in order to be accepted. Expired forms will also not be accepted.
Prohibited Items
To tour the White House, you will not be permitted to carry the following:
- • Video recorders or cameras
- • Backpacks, purses, or handbags
- • Food or beverages, personal grooming items, or tobacco products
- • Pointed objects
- • Strollers
- • Aerosol containers
- • Weapons, ammunition, or knives
- • Fireworks
Restrooms
It is important to know that restrooms are not available at the White House. If you do need to use the restroom, the nearest one is located within the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion park just south of the White House. Public telephones are also not available at the White House.
It should also be noted that parking is not available near the White House. Although there is designated parking elsewhere for the tour, it is strongly recommended to take advantage of public transportation.
Accessibility for the Impaired
If you need a guide animal due to visual or hearing impairment, they are permitted for use at the White House. However, you will need to contact your Member of Congress in advance. Additionally, if you need a wheelchair, you will have to contact the officer at the Visitors Entrance upon arrival, although you will not be able to reserve one beforehand.
Important Update About the Tours
Unfortunately, as of March 9th, 2013, White House tours are no longer available. However, you can refer to the official page or contact the White House visitors Office 24-hour hotline for updates. In the meantime, you can take advantage of the free virtual tour put together by the White House and Google Art Project.
If you want to tour the White House, it is important to get updated information in order to best prepare for any available spaces. For people that do get the chance to visit the site, the experience will never be forgotten.
Author: Chris McMahon has spend most his adult life working as a tour guide in his beloved Washington DC. His articles appear on travel sites online.