Now You Can Take Photos at the White House

1 minute read
By Justin Worland

Visitors on public tours to the White House can now take photos and post to social media, First Lady Michelle Obama said Wednesday.

In a video posted to her Instagram account, she is shown tearing apart a White House sign saying “no photos or social media allowed.”

“Visitors are now able to take photos and keep those memories for a lifetime!” Obama wrote in her post. The White House is also encouraging visitors to share photos on social media with the hashtag #WhiteHouseTour.

The announcement overturns a four-decade ban on visitors taking photos on public tours. Video cameras, flash photography and live-streaming remain banned. The new policy doesn’t change restrictions on access for press photographers, which have long caused tensions between the Obama Administration and photographers at news organizations.

See the First Tourist Instagrams Taken at the White House

Some special guests joined us for today's first #whitehousetour with photos allowed!Office of Protocol (@us_protocol) via Instagram
Great news! For the first time in 50 years, photography is now allowed in the @whitehouse! I feel truly honored to have received an invite to the @whitehouse to on behalf of #DameTraveler. This is truly our most exciting and beautiful venture yet. A huge thank you to @jennabrayton for making this possible. Happy Snapping! 📷 #WhiteHouseTour#dametraveler (@dametraveler) via Instagram
📷 #whitehousetourleonor mamanna (@leonorjr) via Instagram
This morning's #whitehousetour was full of cameras after the 40-year photo ban was lifted this morning! Learn more about signing up for a tour at whitehouse.gov.Office of Protocol (@us_protocol) via Instagram
Guess the name of this room #whitehousetourBrian Kelly (@thepointsguy) via Instagram
🔥🔥🔥steamy #DC day from the @whitehouse #whitehousetour. Love that pics are now allowedBrian Kelly (@thepointsguy) via Instagram
Jessica | @bontraveler | #whitehousetourJarrett Hendrix (@brilliantartistry) via Instagram
Here's a peak into the East Room, where Protocol works with the @whitehouse on many events, including recently the Japan State Dinner. #whitehousetourOffice of Protocol (@us_protocol) via Instagram
The State Dining Room where the parties happen! Directly below where the #POTUS sleeps #whitehousetour #chic #firstfamilyBrian Kelly (@thepointsguy) via Instagram
#WhiteHouseTour @whitehouseKelly Sharon (@kellylovestype) via Instagram

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Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com