White House Tours?
 

Hello,
Is it true that a party of three cannot take a tour of the white house? We are going in March and would love to see it, but since we are not part of a tour group, it seems like we can't do it. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks!

The rule as of a year ago what that you needed a minimum of 6 people, don't think it has changed. Your congressional Representative arranges the tours and can combine people who want to go on the same day you do; write to your Representative.

For goodness' sake, why not just check their official web site instead of speculating? The minimum group size is currently 10.

Yes - the group must be 10 but your congressman will work with other congressmen to make the group. Our family of four toured the White House last summer and we were "combined" with some other people to make a total of 10. I had never met the other 6 prior to the tour and wasn't even sure who they were during the tour. It only mattered to the Secret Service when we were checking in.

The tour itself is self guided though there are Secret Service agents in each room who are knowledgible and helpful. They don't volunteer information but will answer any questions you have and even encourage you to ask questions. All in all it was one of the highlights of our trip.

It should be noted that I started requesting the tour in February for July and didn't find out for sure that we had a "reservation" until a few weeks ahead of time. Then we had to provide Social Security numbers/DOB info for a background check.

Thank you! I had checked the website and gotten the information about needing 10 people, but it doesn't say anything about your congressman being able to fill out a group for you. I really appreciate the information. I've already written to my congressman and will hope I've given them enough notice.

My Congressman's office said the same thing about combining the tours and said that it very difficult sometimes for them to get people on the tour. I didn't request it with enough time to even do the security check

I did get to go on the Capitol tour with my congressman's office which was very nice and they also got me VIP tickets to the Holocaust Museum so look into what else they have if you can't get on the White House tour.

a good alternative is the state department's diplomatic reception rooms, filled with items of great historical interest, such as jefferson's desk. the rooms have beautiful furniture and carpets (most donated on on loan from their owners) and are fascinating to visit. you have to make reservations in advance by calling.

here's the web site for the tours:

http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/dch...&area=2525

Thank you for the posts!

Just a reminder -- when they say no purses or bags, they mean NO PURSES OR BAGS. They do not have lockers or any place to put your belongings while you go on the tour. Be sure to go with NOTHING but yourself or you will not be able to get in (or someone in your party will have to stay behind to hold everything while the others go in).

Would a money belt be considered a purse or bag?

A money belt, since it is worn under the clothing, would not be seen, so I doubt it would be a problem. But you might not get in with a bag/pouch that differs from a purse only in that its strap goes around your waist instead of your shoulder. Ask the Rep.'s office when you make the arrangements.

You have to go through metal detectors so the money belt might set it off. You are also not allowed umbrellas ( a problem on a rainy day), cellphones, cameras, and a laundry list of other stuff. They will provide you with very specific instructions if you do get to go.