How to Get White House Tour Tickets

You may never get to stay as a guest in the White House, but you may be able to check out the West Wing if you know who to call.

Step 1: Determine trip dates Decide on a few dates when you will be available for White House tours during your trip to Washington, D.C. This should be done months in advance to allow enough time to schedule a tour.
Step 2: Contact Congress member Contact your local Congress member to request a White House tour. Supply him or her with dates that you would like to visit the White House.
TIP: Visit congress.org to find your local Congress member's contact information.
Step 3: Follow up Follow up with your local Congress member or a staffer a few weeks before your scheduled trip to determine your scheduled tour date if you have not already received a response.
Step 4: Call the tour office Call the White House tour information line at 202-456-7041 before heading out for your tour in case of any changes or delays. Now marvel as you tour the historic White House.
FACT: Construction of the White House started in 1792 but wasn't completed until 1800, when President John Adams and his wife Abigail became the first residents.