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 can help you submit requests for the following tours: 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. 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 advance notice for White House tours, especially if you are traveling during the months of March, April or May. White House tour requests cannot be submitted without at least 21 days advance notice. 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. 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. Tickets for these tours are limited to groups with a maximum of six vistors. For information about sitting in on the Court while in session, please see the Visitor’s Guide to Oral Argument.
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 8:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. and can be reserved by contacting Senator Leahy's office. If you are traveling with a group of ten or more, advance reservations are required. For more information on group and student tours please click here.
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, 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 and are limited to groups with a maximum of 15 members.
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. Tickets for tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are limited to groups of ten. If you are traveling with a group of ten or more, advance reservations are required. For more information on group and student tours please click here.