How to Sign Up for White House Tour (Yep, It’s Totally Doable!)
Heard you can sign up for a White House tour? You can — and I’m here to break it down for you. No confusing forms, no guessing who to contact.
I did it with my family (kids and all), and I’m walking you through exactly how you can do it too — without the stress or confusion.
Is it worth it?
100% YES!
You’re not just looking at pretty rooms. You’re walking through history! It’s impressive and surreal! And your kids will remember it forever.
The self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes and includes some iconic rooms — like where they host foreign leaders or holiday parties you see on TV.
5 Simple Steps to Book Your White House Tour
Step 1: Find your Member of Congress
Go to House.gov to look up your Representative by zip code.
Or find one of your Senators at Senate.gov.
Just pick one!
Step 2. Locate the Tour Request Page
On your Congress member’s website, look for “Tour Request” under menus like “Services” or “How can I help?”.
Every site looks a little different!
Step 3. Submit the Tour Request Form
Fill out your family’s info (names, birthdays, SSNs). Choose 3+ possible tour dates.
Tours run Tues–Sat typically from 8:00AM – 12:30PM.
Tours are a lottery system You can technically ask 21 days in advance.
Your best odds? Request the tour 90 days in advance of the requested tour date.
Step 4. Watch Your Email
You’ll get a confirmation or denial approximately 2 weeks before your trip.
(Sorry for all you ultra-planners out there, but the White House decides the date/time!)
RSVP and then you’ll receive a ticket in your email inbox.
5. Print Tickets and Show Up Early with ID
Print the ticket. On the day of your tour, bring your ticket and the same ID you used on the form.
No bags allowed, so travel light! (Even small zip-up wallets = bags, so not allowed!)
Frequently Asked Questions about White House Tours:
Can foreign nationals tour the White House?
Yes. But if you’re a foreign national, the process is different. Contact your country’s embassy in DC for help requesting a tour.
Can I bring kids on the White House hour?
Absolutely! Children are welcome. Anyone over 18 needs valid government ID, but kids under that just need to be listed on the tour request.
What’s the atmosphere like?
The vibe inside is pretty formal and quiet. Think of an old-fashioned library. I prepped my kids ahead of time and they did great.
What rooms do you see on the White House tour?
You’ll tour the East Wing of the White House, with its public rooms. Kids love noticing all the unique details in each space!
- Entrance Hall with official portraits (even recent ones!)
- The China Room – displays presidential china and formal dinnerware
- The Vermeil Room – shows gilded silver pieces (Vermeil is French for silver dipped in gold)
- The Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room — each one decorated in its own historic style
- East Room – the largest room, often used for big press events
- State Dining Room – the site of formal dinners (and yes, the gingerbread house at Christmas!)
Can I bring food or drinks?
Nope. Leave food or drinks outside.
Are there bathrooms on the White House tour?
Unfortunately no. Plan ahead!
Can I take photos?
You can bring your phone, but no professional cameras, video cameras, tripods, or selfie sticks. There’s also no flash photography and no video recording.
Are bags allowed on the White House tour?
No bags allowed — and yes, that includes purses, fanny packs, and wristlets. (Trust me, we felt so bad for the few people we saw that had to turn back!)
What should we wear?
Wear “business casual” or dress up. Also, any outerwear you bring, you’ll either wear or carry. There’s no coat check.
How long is the White HouseTour?
The visits are all self-guided tours and take about 35-45 minutes to walk through.
Help! Where can I store my bag before a White House tour?
Try these hotels nearby (they’ll let you store your items for a small fee):
- JW Marriott Washington, DC – 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW
- Hay-Adams Hotel – 800 16th St NW
Is there a White House gift shop?
Not inside the White House itself. But there is a White House Visitor Center, run by the National Park Service, just a short walk away.
📍 White House Visitors Center – 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
That’s where you’ll find the official White House gift shop, with everything from presidential socks to ornaments and books for kids.
Final Thoughts (from one planner mom to another)
If the idea of organizing a White House tour feels intimidating or out of reach, I promise, it’s not. This is something your family can do. And it’s a moment they’ll never forget.
Planning a Full D.C. Getaway?
Hop back over to my 2-Day Washington D.C. Itinerary for Families — it’s packed with doable, fun, no-fuss ideas to help you make the most of your trip.
📍Click here to get the itinerary ➝
Looking for even more memory-making magic? Check out my Northeast Family Travel Bucket List for epic weekend trips across NY, PA, DC, and beyond. Or find your next fun and stress-free family getaway here!
