There is no guarantee that visitors will receive Congressional Guided Tour tickets when they request them. Congressional offices typically receive very small monthly allotments of these tickets, and they are used up quickly. In all cases, visitors are advised to contact their representative's office several months in advance of their trip to Washington. The Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, and FBI may be toured without any type of advance or same-day tickets. In order to avoid disappointment, it is suggested visitors confirm all tour schedules in advance.
Tickets assign visitors a time to stand in line for general entrance.
It's advisable to arrive in the early morning hours to obtain these tickets. During the fall and winter months, the ticket system is not used. Visitors simply stand in line for general entrance. All tickets must be ordered in advance. Contact your congressional or senate representative's office at least three months in advance of desired date.