A self-guided public tour of the White House typically lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour. These tours are "walking" only and cover the public rooms in the East Wing and the Residence, including the Blue, Green, and Red Rooms, the State Dining Room, and the China Room. Because the tours are high-security and follow a specific one-way path, you cannot linger indefinitely in any one room. It is important to remember that the process of getting into the tour takes much longer than the tour itself; you should arrive at your designated security checkpoint at least 15–30 minutes early to clear multiple rounds of screening. In 2026, tours are available Tuesday through Saturday (excluding holidays) and must be requested through your Member of Congress (for U.S. citizens) or through your embassy in Washington (for international visitors) between 21 and 90 days in advance. The tours are free, but because they are subject to last-minute cancellations due to official government business, it is a "high-demand" experience that requires careful scheduling.