White House Tours

Activity Overview

Take a tour of the U.S President's home, one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the world. Tours are free and open to all the public as long as you book in advance. Walk around the hallways and rooms where the most powerful men in the world have made decisions and enjoy the beautiful art and architecture of this amazing building.

Things to Do

• The most typical tour and the easiest to book is the Standard Public Tour. This tour will take you around the East Wing of the building and through the main White House Residence.
• The West Wing Tour is led by members of the White House Staff or Secret Service. It leads groups around the section of the White House where the President has worked day to day since 1902. This tour is more difficult to book so get in touch well in advance to make sure you qualify.
• The most thorough tour is The Expanded Tour. This follows the same route as the Standard Public Tour through the East Wing but also takes groups down into a section of the Tunnel System which connects various rooms and locations in the White House and the D.C area. If you are lucky you may even get a chance to go inside the Oval Office!

White House Tours Insider Tips

• Requests to take part in a tour must be submitted through one's Member of Congress. These requests can be made up to 6 months before your visit and no less than 21 days in advance. Try to submit your request as early as possible as places are limited. Foreign visitors should contact their Embassy in the D.C area to help them make a request.
• Remember that security is tight and there are security stationed through out the tour who will stop you from touching anything. Prohibited items include cameras and video recorders, strollers, aerosol containers and personal grooming items. It is also prohibited to use your mobile phone whilst inside the White House. You can check out a full list of prohibited items and more general information on the tours here.