By DullesMoms, October 2026
Whether you’re a tourist or a DMV local, a trip to the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! But you can’t just show up — you must request a tour.
Did you know? During the War of 1812, British forces set fire to the White House.
Tour requests are made through your Member of Congress (your US Representative or one of your US Senators). To find your representative (there are 435!), click here and enter your ZIP code. You’ll then be directed to information about your representative, with links to their website. While each website is different, each has a keyword search function. You can also reach your Member of Congress online at congress.gov or through the US Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 (TTY: 202-225-1904).
Here in Northern Virginia, families can skip the hunt and head straight to their representative’s online tour request form:
- Rep. Ben Cline
6th District ∙ Clarke, Frederick, and Warren Counties, Winchester, and much of the Shenandoah Valley - Rep. Eugene Vindman
7th District ∙ Portions of Prince William and Stafford Counties and Fredericksburg - Rep. Don Beyer
8th District ∙ Arlington County, portions of Fairfax County, Alexandria, and Falls Church - Rep. Suhas Subramanyam
10th District ∙ Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock Counties, portions of Fairfax and Prince William Counties, Manassas, and Manassas Park - Rep. James Walkinshaw
11th District ∙ Portions of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax
Not sure which district you call home? The ZIP code lookup above will point you to the right office.
White House tours must be requested at least 7 days in advance (and a maximum of 90 days). In addition to requesting through your representative, you must also submit security information directly to the White House Visitor’s Office. These steps are required to complete your request, but they do not guarantee you a tour.
Did you know? Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill also claimed to have had paranormal experiences in the White House.
Tours are free and are generally available 7:30-11:30 am Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 am-1:30 pm Friday and Saturday, excluding federal holidays. Tours are self-guided, last about 45 minutes, and include the public rooms on the State Floor: the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall.
Did you know? President Lincoln’s wife held seances in the Red Room of the White House in an attempt to communicate with their deceased son.
Before you go, note that all guests must be REAL ID compliant (a passport also works). US citizens 17 and younger don’t need ID, but minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Bags of any kind and strollers are not allowed, and no storage is available, but baby carriers worn on the body, diaper bags, diapers, wipes, and formula and bottles are permitted. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour, and call the 24-hour Visitors Office line at 202-456-7041 to check for last-minute schedule changes.
Did you know? The White House is believed to be haunted by several spirits, including Abraham Lincoln’s ghost.
Wondering what to expect of a tour? Learn more about tips, rules, and more from the National Park Service online.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
