White House announces that full public tours will resume for the first time since the pandemic
- The Bidens will soon reopen the White House to full public tours.
- The announcement comes as the nation's capital continues to try to resume pre-pandemic norms.
The White House announced on Monday that public tours will begin operating normally next month, another sign that business in the nation's capital is returning to pre-pandemic norms.
In a statement announcing the move, the White House said it will "closely monitor the COVID-19 situation" and that it "reserves the right to adjust availability" based on future conditions. If everything goes as planned, normal tours will resume Tuesday through Saturday starting on July 19.
Like before the pandemic, interested Americans are encouraged to reach out to their local members of Congress or their state's senators for help with scheduling tours. Requests must be made at least 21 days in advance but no more than 90 days in advance. Congressional tour coordinators could begin submitting requests starting today. Foreigners should reach out to their embassies in Washington. More information can be found here.
The tours have seen some notable changes through the years. The Obamas ended a 40-year ban on taking photos during tours in 2015.
Elsewhere in Washington, the Capitol Visitor Center reopened in May following the resumption of limited tours of the Capitol in late March.