Tour Requests
Visit Washington, D.C.
Washington is an exciting and beautiful city with museums, monuments, buildings, and culture that capture the history and spirit of the American experience. With so many attractions, planning a visit can be confusing, so Senator Schiff’s office is glad to help visitors from California organize tours.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact my Tour Coordinators at TourRequest@schiff.senate.gov. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Washington, D.C.
Planning a trip in advance
With early notice – at least 90 days if possible and no less than 21 – visitors can request White House, Capitol, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing tours through our office. For the best chance of having requests confirmed, please submit the tour request form as soon as you know your travel plans, since many tours fill up as early as three months in advance.
In addition, many attractions allow visitors to make their own reservations directly, including the State Department, Pentagon, and National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Planning a trip at the last minute
Most attractions in DC are free and do not require reservations. Additionally, the Capitol, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Museum of African American History and Culture all offer same-day or standby tickets. Unfortunately, visits to the White House, Pentagon, State Department, and FBI are not possible without reservations due to security measures.
Available tours
The White House
15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW
The White House has suspended all tours to accommodate the transition to the incoming administration. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time. As soon as the White House resumes tours, we will be happy to assist you in requesting a tour of the White House.
Self-guided tours of the White House can only be arranged through a Congressional office and must be requested at least 21 days in advance. Tour availability depends on the President’s schedule, and tours are occasionally cancelled at the last minute due to official business.
The White House Visitors Office will send an email requesting personal information from each member of the group for security screening once your request has been received. Be sure to submit this information by the deadline listed in the email or your request will be automatically removed.
Tour logistics: The White House Visitors Office confirms tours approximately 14 days before the requested date. If your tour is confirmed, you will receive an email from the White House with your tour pass and entry instructions. The White House suggests arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Related attractions that do not require reservations:
- White House Visitor Center
Located across the street from the White House, this free visitor center offers virtual tours of the White House as well as exhibits, a film, and a gift shop.
U.S. Capitol
First Street NE and East Capitol Street NE
Senator Schiff’s office is happy to arrange tours of the Capitol, although groups with fewer than 10 guests can also book tours directly through the Capitol Visitor Center.
Tour logistics: If your tour is confirmed, you will receive an email from the Capitol Visitor Center with a confirmation number to pick up passes at the Visitor Center. Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early to allow for airport-like security. A full list of prohibited items—including food, beverages, and large bags—is available on the Visitor Center’s website.
Without a reservation:
- Same-Day Capitol Tour Passes
Same-day passes are available at the Information Desks located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. Availability may be limited, especially during spring, summer, and holiday periods. There may be a wait to acquire passes, so please plan accordingly and arrive early, if possible. - House and Senate Galleries in the Capitol
Senator Schiff’s office can provide you with free passes to visit the Senate Gallery, which is open on weekdays, and the House Gallery, which is open whenever the Senate is in session. Passes can be picked up from our office during business hours. - US Capitol Visitor Center
The Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol, is open to the public and has a variety of exhibits about the building’s history. - Library of Congress
Public tours of the Thomas Jefferson building are offered Tuesday’s, Wednesdays, and Friday’s from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 10:00am to 8:00pm on Thursday’s.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Raoul Wallenberg Place SW and D Street SW
Congressional tours are offered every morning before 9 AM, as well as after 4 PM during the summer.
Tour logistics: If your tour is confirmed, you will receive an email from our office with a tour pass. Plan to arrive ten minutes before your scheduled tour at the entrance at the intersection of 14th St. SW and C St. SW.
Without a reservation: Free public tours are Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., last tour at 2 p.m.
Additional Attractions That Require Tickets
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
Advance passes are released at 8:00 a.m. ET, for time slots 30 days out. If your desired date is not available, same-day passes are released daily beginning at 8:15 a.m. ET on this webpage. - State Department
Tickets should be booked 90 days in advance if possible. - Pentagon
Tickets may be booked from 14 to 90 days in advance. - U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Advance tickets online: Tickets through May 2025 are available now.- Tickets for June – August 2025 will be available starting April 7, 2025 (at 8:00 a.m. ET)
- Tickets for September – November 2025 will be available starting July 7, 2025 (at 8:00 a.m. ET)
- Tickets for December 2025 – February 2026 will be available starting October 6, 2025 (at 8:00 a.m. ET)
Same-day tickets online: A limited number of same-day tickets will be available online each day at 7 a.m. ET.
Additional Attractions That Do Not Require Tickets
- Supreme Court
The Supreme Court building is open to the public, and all oral arguments are open to the public (although seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-seated basis). Free 30-minute Courtroom Lectures are available on weekdays when the Court is out of session or has adjourned. - National Archives
Reservations are recommended, especially from March to August, but not required. - National Mall and Memorial Parks
DC’s premier civic space includes the Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr., World War II, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials, as well as many Smithsonian museums and galleries. The National Park Service operates these sites, as well as more than 150 statues, circles, fountains, and parks located throughout the Capital. - Smithsonian Museums, Galleries, and Zoo
The Smithsonian operates 11 museums and galleries on the National Mall, as well as six other museums and the National Zoo in the DC area. - National Gallery of Art
Located on the Mall, the National Gallery of Art and adjacent Sculpture Garden are open daily and offer free guided or self-guided tours.