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In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 2001, public tours of the White House were suspended temporarily as a security precaution. The longstanding tour program has since resumed operation, though individual travelers are no longer able to queue up for entry to the presidential mansion. Public tours are now open only to groups of 10 or more who request entry at least a month (but no more than six months) in advance of the tour date.

Self-guided tours are scheduled from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and there is no charge for admission. If you are a US citizen and can organize a big enough group in advance of your visit, contact the office of a member of Congress (Senator or Representative) from your home district and ask the staff to submit a White House tour request on your behalf. Congressional offices may also be able to hook you up with other visitors to form a large enough group. Tour bookings are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so it's best to get your request in six months ahead if possible. Foreign visitors can try contacting their nation's embassy in Washington to inquire about White House tour opportunities.

The White House also opens its gates to an extremely limited number of public garden tours that won't get you inside the building, but participants do have a rare opportunity to stroll the White House grounds. Beginning at 8 am on the specified dates, the National Park Service distributes free timed-entry tickets (one per person) at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15^th and E Streets. See the White House website (www.whitehouse.gov) or call the visitor center at 202-208-1631 for upcoming dates.

If you don't manage to get on a tour, it's still worth stopping by the visitor center, which houses exhibits about White House architecture, furnishings and history. The center is open seven days a week from 7:30 am to 4 pm.