White House tour and no bag policy?

[nickyjw]

Hi, we have applied for a tour of the White House this summer and obviously won't find out if we have got one until two weeks before we leave but I read that bags are not allowed at all and there are no locker facilities? Just wondering how you manage with no bag for phones, wallets etc? Interested to hear any hints and tips also if anyone has managed to get a tour?

[floridasgirl]

I assume you can put things in your pockets?!

[mouli1]

Does it mean all bags or just large/backpacks ?

[georgemac]

It means no bags whatsoever. I was there last Sept. I had a man bag with my phone/camera etc - I never read the paperwork properly - I had read the US Capitol Building security policy which does allow a small bag - and stupidly assume White House would be the same.

I was there early - and never got in with the bag - security guy must have seen my bag for over 30 mins when I was in line - and never mentioned it until we started to go in. We were staying at Tysons Corner - so would have taken an hr at least to go back to hotel, so I went round a couple of hotels and cafes to ask if they would keep my bag for me - all negative - until I went to the Hyatt and showed them my room key for the Hyatt at Tysons, then they let me use bag drop - so I tipped them well.

Camera's etc were Ok in your pocket or round your neck - airport type scanning security - obviously very tight.

I enjoyed the Capitol Building much more than the White House.

[georgemac]

I thought I would miss my allocated tour time (07.00) and not get in - but was told I could come back at any time up to 13.00 hrs - the first couple of tours are very busy - a lady told me after 09.00 the tours were much less busy and more enjoyable. In the end, I got in at 8.30 and was out and just made it to the Capitol building for my tour at 10.00

[randc]

I read on the British embassy site that we can't do white house tours as a uk citizen. I was hoping to do in August so if you are successful in getting tickets would love to hear. Thanks

[georgemac]

I am a British citizen and did the tour - like many others - you have to apply via a congresswoman or man. i did it via this link norton.house.gov/services/tours-and-tickets

[nickyjw]

We have applied for a tour through her too...
Do you not hear anything until closer to the tour date?

[georgemac]

I got the confirmation about 2 weeks before the tour date - when I was already in the USA. The US Capitol building tour confirmation came in much earlier.

[nickyjw]

Thankyou