How to Visit the Department of State

The Department of State is where the foreign issues and policies in which our country is involved are handled. The Department of State's free tours consist of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms where all types of Americana are kept. Exquisite porcelain and paintings are on display and guided tours are conducted during the work week on reservation. Following are some things to consider for a visit to the Department of State.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get in touch with your congressional office in order to schedule a Department of State visit.
2. Bring some form of I.D. A Driver's License, Passport, government I.D. and military I.D. are all valid forms of I.D. to use.
3. Arrive on time. Do not be late for a tour after the scheduled start time as you will not be admitted. Try to get there at least 30 minutes before the start time.
4. Bring a camera. A camera is only allowed to be used in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Nowhere else in the Department of State may cameras be used.
5. Be cautious about bringing children on the tour. The pieces of art are extremely valuable therefore the Department advises against bringing along children who are under 12 years along on a tour.
6. Notify the Department ahead of time if someone in a touring party speaks another language or is hearing or physically impaired so that they may make preparations. A form that has to be filled out to schedule a tour has a section where special requirements can be requested.
7. Notify the Department of a cancellation within 48 hours before the tour is to begin. Do not send someone to attend in your place.