The White House isn’t just one of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington, D.C. — it’s also a symbol of the American presidency. For visitors to the nation’s capital, a tour of the historic presidential residence is an unforgettable experience. White House tour tickets are free, but reserving your spot on a public tour takes advance planning.

Ticket Reservations

Tour tickets must be reserved through the office of your congressional representative not more than six months and not fewer than three weeks before your planned visit. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their embassies for tour reservations. Tours are arranged in groups of 10. If you’re going solo or are with fewer than 10 people, ask to join an existing group.

Tour Details

Self-guided tours take place Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending around noon, excluding federal holidays. All visitors must bring a government-issued form of ID and go through a security screening before entering the White House entrance at the corner of 15th Street and Alexander Hamilton Place NW. Before or after your tour, stop by the White House Visitor Center for interpretive exhibits about the president’s home and office.

Photo Credits

  • Orhan Çam/iStock/Getty Images
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