The travel study will take place over five days. Click each day’s heading to see the itinerary for each day.

NOTES to TRAVELERS

Below is the list of tips, security requirements, and baggage restrictions for several federal buildings on your tour. Please review and plan accordingly.

COMFORT IS THE KEY TO THIS CITY!

There will be lots of walking involved, so please wear comfortable shoes.

US Capitol

Before entering the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer, and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. Visitors should keep their belongings with them at all times as unattended items may result in a disruption of service at the Capitol.

While certain exceptions for medical needs can be made, the following items are strictly prohibited:

• Liquid, including water
• Food or beverage of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food
• Non-aerosol sprays (Prescriptions for medical needs are permitted.)
• Any bag larger than 18” wide x 14” high x 8.5” deep
• Knives of any size
• Aerosol containers
• Any pointed object, e.g., knitting needles and letter openers. (Pens and pencils are permitted.)
• Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices
• Guns, replica guns, ammunition and fireworks
• Mace and pepper spray
• Razors and box cutters

For Security Screening for Visitors with Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Medical Devices, or Medications please visit the Capitol Building website for more information.

Library of Congress

SECURITY: All visitors must navigate “airport-like” security to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints, helping us all maintain a safe social distance.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: There is a coat check station available on the Ground Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Backpacks, bags, coats, strollers, and other personal items may be checked at no cost to the visitor.

Monticello

• Bags and Backpacks. None exceeding 12 x 6 x 12 inches are allowed beyond the Shuttle Station. New security bag check stations are a good reason to ensure all prohibited items are left at home or on the bus. View a full list of our Do’s and Don’ts before your visit to avoid delays at bag check stations.
• In the House. Eating, drinking, chewing gum and using tobacco products are prohibited. Still photography, filming, and video recording for anything other than personal use are prohibited. Guests are urged not to touch or lean on walls or furnishings.
• On the Grounds. The West Lawn is open to guests; otherwise guests are asked to remain on designated paths and trails. Smoking is not permitted near the house or its dependencies and terraces.
• Photography: Still photography, filming and video recording for personal use are permitted.
• Monticello is a tobacco-free and eCigarette-free site.

White House

New Real ID Requirement

In line with DHS guidance, visitors will be unable to access the White House Complex beginning May 7, 2025, without a valid form of government-issued ID: a REAL ID or a passport. Non-REAL IDs will no longer be accepted for any guests, including for official meetings, tours, and other events on the White House Complex.

Any guest who is unable to present a REAL ID or a valid passport will not be admitted to the White House Complex.

Additional Restrictions

• Please consider comfortable attire and no political propaganda, hats, etc. will be allowed.
• No bags or purses of any size are allowed on the tour unless required for medical purposes. There is no place at the White House to check a bag.
• Please review FAQS for more information.