When visiting Washington D.C., the White House is a must-see attraction for many, but after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, access to the inside of the White House became restricted to only those who obtained permission from members of the United States Congress.
Foreign residents need to apply for tours through the embassies located in Washington D.C., but most embassies do not accept tour requests from regular tourists.
Other possibilities for entering the White House include having connections with local media or influential people, but this is quite challenging for the average person.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to tour the White House as a regular tourist, and I wanted to share this experience with others through this website. However, I hadn’t provided detailed information on how I managed to enter, so I’d like to share it here.
The most popular article on this site is “White House Inside Tour.”
The second article I posted on this site, “White House Inside Tour,” has become the most read article here. This indicates that many people are interested in touring the inside of the White House.
The White House, the official residence of the President of the Unit...
However, the reality is not as easy as it seems. Since September 11, 2001, it is no longer possible for anyone to enter the White House easily without prior reservation. The standard procedure is to request a tour through your respective United States Congress member, indicating your preferred tour date three weeks in advance. You must respond to the application form sent by the congress member’s office within the specified timeframe.
After that, you don’t have to do much, but the office will conduct a background check on the applicants. If they determine that the applicant poses no security risk, they will send an email with the tour ticket attachment approximately two weeks before the scheduled tour date.
On the tour day, you need to print the ticket and go to the designated location on 15th Street within the specified time for the admission process.
This method is mainly for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those residing in the U.S., as it requires an address within the country. Foreign residents are officially required to apply through their respective embassies in Washington D.C.
So, is there any other way for foreign residents to enter the White House without going through the embassies?
If you’re not fixated on entering the building, there are opportunities a few times a year
The White House offers garden tours twice a year in spring and autumn. You can enjoy the various flowers and the stunning fall foliage in the White House gardens. However, you need to obtain tickets for these tours, and they are limited, so prepare in advance.
If you still wish to enter the White House building, utilize your connections
If you’re determined to enter the inside of the White House rather than its gardens, make full use of your connections (influential contacts). Here, I will introduce methods to leverage your connections to get inside the White House.
Ask an acquaintance in the United States
If you have friends or acquaintances in the United States, particularly those you met during past trips or connected with through social media, reach out to them and express your interest in visiting the White House. They might be able to help you obtain the necessary application form from the congress member’s office.
Ask an acquaintance residing in the U.S.
Similar to the previous method, if you have acquaintances who currently reside in the United States, especially permanent residents, ask for their assistance. If they can get the application form, you can proceed with the tour application like a U.S. citizen.
Build connections with Americans
If you don’t have any American connections, consider making some. One easy way is to participate in a homestay in an American household. Homestays are typically associated with short-term student exchanges, but nowadays, you can arrange a homestay experience for even just one week. Actively engaging in such opportunities can help you build connections with Americans and increase your chances of getting assistance for the White House tour application.
I also made connections with Americans through a homestay.
As for myself, I was able to get the application form through my homestay family, who I had connected with through social media. Since they had ties to the military, I received a response from the congress member’s office on the same day I contacted them, and the application process went smoothly. The approval process duration is uncertain, but about two weeks before my planned visit, I received an email with the tour ticket attached, along with relevant instructions.
You can catch a glimpse of the history of the United States through the inside tour, where you can witness the path America has taken.
The White House inside tour offers a glimpse into the history of America, with various rooms filled with furniture and artifacts from different periods. Despite its simple white exterior, the interior features colorful rooms, each with its distinct charm.
If you’re planning to visit Washington D.C., I encourage you to try your luck with a White House interior tour.
