Advertisement

White House lifts 40-year ban on photos during public tours

By Amy R. Connolly
North side of the White House. First lady Michelle Obama announced Wednesday that cameras and social media would now be allowed on White House tours after a 40-year ban. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool
North side of the White House. First lady Michelle Obama announced Wednesday that cameras and social media would now be allowed on White House tours after a 40-year ban. UPI/Ron Sachs/Pool | License Photo

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- Next time you tour the White House, don't forget your camera.

The White House lifted a 40-year ban on taking photos during public tours, going as far as encouraging visitors to share their shots on Twitter using #WhiteHouseTour. The move, effective immediately, allows visitors to snap photos throughout the limited tour of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Advertisement

First lady Michelle Obama announced the policy change in an Instagram post, ripping up a sign that reads, "No photos or social media allowed."

"If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign," she said, holding up the piece of paper. "Well, not anymore," she said, tearing the sign in half.

The new policy allows phones and compact still cameras with three-inch or smaller lenses. Selfie sticks, video cameras, tablets, tripods, monopods and cameras with detachable lenses are still off limits.

There is no given reason for the policy change.

Latest Headlines