Tour Requests
As our Nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. offers many historical and cultural attractions. If you are planning a trip to Washington and are looking for guidance on what stops to make or how to book tours, Senator Leahy’s staff is happy to help. Senator Leahy’s office has access to a limited number of advance tickets for tours of the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and National Archives. More information is available on these tours below.
To Book a Tour: Please place your request by submitting a Tour Request Form or by phone and provide a contact name, daytime phone number, home address, email, the dates you are available, the number of people in your party, and any additional information regarding special needs. Congressional tickets are limited in number and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If the tickets you want are unavailable, most attractions offer public tours on weekdays, also on a first-come, first-served basis.
If this is your first visit to Washington, D.C., ask for a copy of our free "Welcome to Washington" packet, which provides information about public tours and attractions in the Washington area.
The White House »
Public tours of The White House are self-guided and can only be reserved through congressional offices. These tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and tour availability is very limited. We highly recommend 6 months advanced notice for White House tours. Tours of the White House are available Tuesday through Saturday, and are almost exclusively in the morning hours. The White House will notify Senator Leahy's office if your tour has been accepted or denied about 2 weeks before the tour date.
The Capitol »
Capitol Tours are now led by professional guides at the new Capitol Visitor's Center and include timed tickets and an orientation film. Click here to book your own Capitol Tour. School groups or anyone with special needs should book a Capitol Tour through Senator Leahy's office. When at the Capitol, feel free to stop by Room 437 of the Russell Senate Office Building to see Senator Leahy's office and to ask for passes to the Senate and House galleries to watch these bodies at work.
The Supreme Court »
Public tours are available in the Courtroom every hour on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on days that the Court is not sitting. Seating for public lectures is available on a first-come, first-served basis and tickets are not required. Senator Leahy's Office has access to a limited number of spots at Congressional Lectures, offered at 2:00 p.m. on weekdays when the Court is not sitting. For information about sitting in on the Court while in session, please see the Visitor’s Guide to Oral Argument, available here.
The Library of Congress »
Public tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., and on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Congressional tours are offered Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. and can be reserved by contacting Senator Leahy's office.
The National Archives »
Both guided and self-guided tours of the National Archives - home to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence - can be reserved for a nominal fee through National Recreation Reservation Service here, or through the Call Center at (877) 444-6777 or (877) 559-6777 for group sales. A limited number of spots can also be reserved through Senator Leahy’s office with adequate advanced notice.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing »
Same-day tickets for tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be picked up at the ticket booth located on Raoul Wallenberg Place (formerly 15th Street) beginning at 8:00 a.m. Advance tickets can be reserved through Senator Leahy's office. Tickets are only required during peak season (April – August). The Bureau is closed on weekends, federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Years.
Tour Request Form
When sending a written request, please make sure to include your name, address, e-mail and phone number, the places you would like to visit, the number of tickets you want and your dates of travel. If you have any questions you may also contact the office by phone at (202) 224-4242.