White House Tour Tickets: How to Get Them & Current Wait Times (2024)

Public tours remain suspended (post-COVID, security reviews). Only congressional-request tours operate — with long lead times.

Current Process (2024)

1. Through Your Member of Congress (Only Reliable Route)

• Contact: House Rep or Senator's DC office (find at house.gov / senate.gov).
• Request window: 21 days to 3 months before desired date.
• Allocation: Each office gets limited slots — first-come, first-served.
• Tour days: Tuesday–Saturday (excl. federal holidays), 7:30–11:30 AM slots.
• Group size: Up to 50 (varies by office).

2. State White House Liaison Offices

• Most states have DC liaisons — assist constituents with tour requests.
• Process/timeline varies — contact your state's office.

3. Public Self-Request Portal

• Not currently active. White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Ave) handles inquiries only.

Realistic Wait Times (2024 Reports)

Requirements

• Background check: All guests ≥18 submit SSN, DOB, citizenship 3+ weeks prior.
• ID: Government-issued photo (passport, driver's license, military).
• Prohibited: Bags, food, liquids, weapons, phones (lockers available).

Pro Tips

• Request the day window opens (3 months out) — slots vanish in hours.
• Be flexible: Offer 3–5 date options.
• Foreign nationals: Contact your embassy in DC — they request via State Dept.
• Virtual tour: White House Historical Association — 360° rooms, no wait.

Status check: whitehouse.gov/visit for official updates.