Is the White House Open for Tours 2025 and What Are the Visiting Hours?

Introduction

Did you know that over 500,000 people visit the White House each year, making it one of the most visited presidential landmarks in the world? Yet in 2025, many families planning their Washington DC vacation are asking the same critical question: is the White House open for tours 2025?

The answer is complicated. The White House officially reopened for public tours on February 25, 2025, after First Lady Melania Trump announced the resumption of visits to this iconic landmark. However, public White House tours have been suspended indefinitely starting in September 2025 due to construction on a new ballroom.

Travel The World Today guides you through every stage of planning your White House visit. This complete guide answers your questions about White House tour availability, booking procedures, visiting hours, and what you need to know before planning your trip to Washington DC.

Current Status: Is the White House Open for Tours in 2025?

The White House tour situation in 2025 has changed dramatically throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know right now.

Early 2025: Tours Resume

First Lady Melania Trump announced the White House would officially open for public tours on February 25, 2025. Visitors could once again explore the historic East Wing and Residence. Tours operated from late February through August 2025.

September 2025: Tours Suspended

The Trump administration suspended public White House tours due to construction scheduled to start on a new ballroom, with tours postponed indefinitely starting in September. The White House is suspending public tours because of the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, with an official saying the suspension is temporary but not providing a timeline for when tours would resume.

What This Means for Visitors

If you’re planning to visit Washington DC in fall 2025 or later, White House public tours are currently unavailable. Congressional offices are currently unable to submit new White House tour requests, and the White House has not provided official guidance on when tours may resume.

The construction project is expected to last several months, potentially longer. President Trump’s renovation project is expected to be completed long before the end of his term, but exact reopening dates remain uncertain.

White House Tour Schedule and Visiting Hours (When Available)

Understanding the White House tour schedule helps you plan your visit effectively when tours resume.

Standard Tour Times

Tours are generally available 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday as well as 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday, excluding Federal holidays. These self-guided tours typically last 45 minutes.

Weekly Schedule Breakdown

Tuesday through Thursday:

• Start time: 7:30 AM
• End time: 11:30 AM
• Duration: 4-hour window

Friday and Saturday:

• Start time: 7:30 AM
• End time: 1:30 PM
• Duration: 6-hour window

Closed Days:

• Sunday
• Monday
• Federal holidays

Important Scheduling Notes

Tour schedules can change without much notice. Tour schedules may change at any time, with little notice, due to inclement weather or scheduling conflicts, even after your tour is confirmed. Always call the 24-hour information line at 202-456-7041 before your scheduled visit.

How to Book a White House Tour: Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a White House tour requires planning ahead. Follow these steps to secure your spot.

Step 1: Contact Your Member of Congress

Requests for the White House tour must be submitted through your Member of Congress in either the House or Senate. You cannot book directly through the White House website.

How to find your representative:

• Call the House switchboard: 202-225-3121
• Call the Senate switchboard: 202-224-3121
• Visit congress.gov/members

Step 2: Submit Your Request Within the Proper Timeframe

White House tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis and can be submitted up to 90 days in advance, with the minimum time being 21 days in advance of your visit. Book as early as possible for better availability.

Booking window:

• Earliest: 90 days before your visit
• Latest: 21 days before your visit
• Best practice: Submit 60-90 days ahead

Step 3: Provide Security Information

After submitting a tour request through your congressional office, you will receive an email from the White House with a link to submit your security information, which you must complete by the deadline.

Required information for guests 14 and older:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Country of citizenship

Photo ID requirement: All guests 18 and older will be required to present photo identification with information exactly matching the name previously submitted for clearance.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

You will be notified of the status 2-3 weeks prior to your requested tour date. Check your email regularly and respond promptly to any requests.

What to Expect During Your White House Tour

Tour Route and Rooms

Tours of The White House include the public rooms in the East Wing and the Residence, including the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room, the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, the State Dining Room, and a view of the White House Kennedy Garden.

Self-Guided Experience

White House tours are self-guided. Secret Service Officers are stationed along the tour route and are available to answer questions about each room’s history, art, furnishings, current uses, and beyond. Take your time exploring each space.

Photography Policy

Good news for photography enthusiasts! The White House lifted its longstanding camera and photo ban on public tours, and guests are now welcome to take photos throughout the White House tour route.

Allowed cameras:

• Phones
• Compact still cameras with lenses no longer than 3 inches

Share your photos using #WhiteHouseTour on social media.

Tour Duration

Tours are self-guided and typically last 45 minutes. Allow extra time for security screening before entering.

White House Entry Requirements and Security Guidelines

Security at the White House is extremely strict. Follow these guidelines to ensure smooth entry.

Items NOT Allowed

The following items are prohibited:

• Large bags or backpacks
• Food and beverages
• Tobacco products
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Video cameras
• Tripods or monopods
• Handbags exceeding 8″ x 6″ x 4″
• Strollers (wheelchairs are permitted)

Items Permitted

• Wheelchairs
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Compact cameras
• Mobile phones
• Medical items (glucose tablets, EpiPens, etc.)

Dress Code

While there’s no formal White House tour dress code, dress respectfully. Business casual or smart casual attire is appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Special White House Tour Opportunities

White House Garden Tours

Guests are invited to stroll through the White House gardens during certain weekends in the Spring and Fall. These special tours offer access to:

• South Lawn
• Jacqueline Kennedy Garden
• Rose Garden
• White House Kitchen Garden

Garden tour schedules are announced separately from standard tours.

West Wing Tours

West Wing Tours are led by knowledgeable members of the White House staff and Secret Service and take you into the working areas of the White House. However, the only way to experience a West Wing Tour is by invitation from the White House or through a personal connection to a White House staffer.

Easter Egg Roll

You can enter the Easter Egg Roll lottery for a chance to attend the Easter Egg Roll held every Spring on the South Lawn of the White House. This family-friendly event requires separate registration.

International Visitors: Can Foreigners Visit the White House?

Yes, international visitors can tour the White House, but the process differs slightly.

If you are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, D.C. to arrange your tour request. Foreign nationals should:

1. Contact their embassy in Washington DC early
2. Provide all required security information
3. Present valid passport for identification
4. Follow the same 21-90 day booking window

Embassies can assist with the request process and ensure proper documentation.

White House Tour Cost and Ticket Information

Here’s excellent news for budget travelers: All White House tours are free of charge.

Free White House tours 2025 include:

• Standard self-guided tours
• Garden tours (when available)
• Holiday decoration tours

There are no hidden fees or ticket costs. The tour is a free public service provided to American citizens and international visitors.

Alternative Ways to Experience the White House

Virtual White House Tours

When in-person tours aren’t available, explore the White House virtually. You can take the Google narrated virtual tour from anywhere in the world. Virtual tours include:

• 360-degree room views
• Historical information
• Artwork and furniture details

White House Visitor Center

The White House Visitor Center provides educational exhibits about:

• Presidential history
• First Families
• White House architecture
• Historic events

The center remains open even when tours are suspended.

View from Outside

While waiting for tours to resume, you can still:

• Photograph the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue
• Visit Lafayette Square
• Explore the Ellipse
• See the White House from multiple public vantage points

Nearby Washington DC Attractions

Make the most of your Washington DC visit by exploring these nearby presidential landmarks:

U.S. Capitol Tours

Public tours are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Free tours showcase the heart of American democracy.

Other Must-Visit Attractions

Presidential Memorials:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• Washington Monument
• FDR Memorial

Museums (Free Entry):

• National Museum of American History
• National Portrait Gallery
• Smithsonian Institution museums
• National Archives

Government Buildings:

• U.S. Supreme Court
• Library of Congress
• Pentagon (limited tours

Travel Tips for Visiting the White House

Best Time to Visit

When tours resume:

• Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, cherry blossoms, garden tours
• Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, fall garden tours
• Winter: Holiday decorations (submit requests in fall)

What to Bring

Essential items:

• Government-issued photo ID (18+)
• Confirmation email
• Small purse or wallet
• Comfortable shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Leave at hotel:

• Large bags
• Prohibited items
• Valuables

Arrival Tips

• Arrive 15 minutes before your assigned time
• Allow extra time for security screening
• Use public transportation (Metro: Federal Triangle or Metro Center)
• Limited street parking available

Public Tour Safety Guidelines 2025

The White House maintains strict safety protocols:

1. Security screening: All visitors pass through magnetometers
2. ID verification: Photo IDs checked against cleared list
3. Prohibited items: Thorough bag checks conducted
4. Secret Service presence: Officers stationed throughout tour route
5. Emergency procedures: Follow all staff instructions

Your cooperation ensures everyone’s safety during tours.

Understanding the 2025 Construction Impact

Why Tours Are Suspended

The White House is suspending public tours because of the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom initiated by President Donald Trump. The project represents the largest White House expansion in decades.

Construction Timeline

Construction is scheduled to start in September 2025. The project will affect:

• Tour entry points
• Security screening areas
• East Wing access
• Overall visitor flow

Impact on Travelers

Around 10,000 people visit the White House each week, averaging about 500,000 people per year. The suspension affects thousands of planned visits, including school groups and military families.

How to Stay Updated on Tour Availability

Official Information Sources

White House 24-hour information line:

• Phone: 202-456-7041
• Updates on schedule changes
• Tour cancellations
• Weather-related closures

Your congressional representative:

• Check their website regularly
• Sign up for constituent emails
• Follow social media accounts

Official White House website:

• Visit whitehouse.gov/visit
• Check for announcements
• Review updated guidelines

What to Monitor

• Construction completion updates
• Tour resumption announcements
• New booking windows
• Schedule modifications

Key Takeaways

Before planning your White House visit, remember:

1. Current status: Tours are suspended indefinitely starting September 2025
2. Booking process: Request through congressional representatives 21-90 days ahead
3. Tour cost: Completely free of charge
4. Visiting hours: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM Tuesday-Thursday; 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM Friday-Saturday (when available)
5. Duration: Self-guided tours last approximately 45 minutes
6. Photography: Now permitted with phones and compact cameras
7. Security: Strict ID and screening requirements
8. International visitors: Contact your embassy for assistance

Conclusion

Is the White House open for tours 2025? The answer has evolved throughout the year. While tours resumed in February 2025, they are currently suspended indefinitely due to major construction projects beginning in September.

Planning a White House visit requires patience, flexibility, and advance preparation. When tours resume, the experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into American history and democracy. The People’s House remains one of Washington DC’s most significant attractions, representing the accessibility of American government to its citizens.

Travel The World Today recommends monitoring official sources closely for tour resumption announcements. When booking becomes available again, submit your request early through your congressional representative. Prepare all required documentation ahead of time and remain flexible with your travel dates.

Plan Your Washington DC Trip

Ready to plan your Washington DC trip?

1. Contact your representative: Find your congressional office at congress.gov/members
2. Stay informed: Call 202-456-7041 for current tour information
3. Plan alternatives: Explore other Washington DC presidential landmarks
4. Be flexible: Have backup plans during the construction period
5. Share this guide: Help others plan their White House visits

While waiting for tours to resume, consider visiting the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and numerous free Smithsonian museums. Washington DC offers countless opportunities to explore American history and government.

Start planning your ultimate Washington DC experience today! When White House tours reopen, you’ll be ready with all the information you need for an unforgettable visit to this iconic American landmark.

Note: White House tour information changes frequently. Always verify current status with official sources before finalizing travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the White House open for tours in 2025?

Public White House tours are postponed indefinitely starting September 2025 due to construction on a new ballroom. Check with your congressional representative for the latest updates.

How far in advance should I book my White House tour?

Submit tour requests between 21 and 90 days in advance, with earlier submissions having better chances of approval.

Do White House tours cost money?

All White House tours are free of charge.

Can I take photos inside the White House?

Yes, guests are now welcome to take photos throughout the White House tour route with phones and compact cameras.

What time do White House tours start?

Tours generally start at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday when available.

Can children visit the White House?

Yes, children of all ages can visit. Guests 14 years of age or older are required to submit their name, date of birth, social security number, and country of citizenship for security clearance.

When will White House tours resume?

The White House has not provided official guidance on when tours may resume. Monitor your congressional representative’s website for updates.

Are weekend White House tours available?

Yes, when tours are operating. Friday and Saturday tours run from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, offering longer visiting windows than weekdays.