Visitor Policies (2024)

We are delighted to welcome all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity. For the protection of visitors and staff, as well as to preserve the National Gallery's collections and facilities,the following policies apply when visiting:

COVID-19 SafetyMeasures

Beginning March 11, face masks are optional indoors. No proof of vaccination is required for entry or dining.

Learn more about our COVID-19 safety measures.

Accessibility

All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible. The 6th Street entrance to the West Building and the 4th Street entrance to the East Building have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs are availableat all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit ourAccessibility and Inclusionpage for more information.

Cellular Phones

Talking on cellular phones is not permitted in the galleries or auditoriums. However, we do offer free, public Wi-Fi for your convenience across our campus, accessible by selecting the “NGA_Public_WiFi” network.

Checkroom

All bags will be inspected before they can be placed in the checkrooms or carried into the National Gallery. Items larger than 17 × 26 inches (43 × 66 centimeters) are not permitted in the checkrooms or galleries.

Free checkrooms are located at each entrance. Visitors must check luggage, oversized bags, and any other items that cannot be carried reasonably and safely in the galleries. The National Gallery reserves the right to refuse items and is not responsible for items held in the checkrooms.

Visitors must either keep water bottles concealed or contained at all times or place them in bags and check them. Visitors must either keep umbrellas in their purses or backpacks or check them.

Laptops, cameras, fur coats, and other items of value cannot be checked, but may be carried into the galleries. The National Gallery is not responsible for loss of or damage to items of value.

Food and Drink

Food and drink is permitted in the National Gallery cafés only and may not be carried into the galleries or auditoriums. Outside food and drink may not be brought into the National Gallery with the exception of water bottles. Glass containers are not permitted.In the outdoor Sculpture Garden, visitors are permitted to bring outside food but not outside alcohol. The Sculpture Garden's Pavilion Café, an independently operated restaurant, does not permit outside food.

Guided Tours

Join us for free, daily guided tours. These one-hour tours meet in the Rotunda of the National Gallery’s West Building. For groups of 15 or more people, please schedule a group tour.

Independent Groups

While independently led groups are always welcome, we ask that they please yield to National Gallery of Art tour groups as a courtesy to all visitors and follow all visitor policies.

Parking

We have limited parking set aside for vehicles bearing appropriate tags or placards for visitors with disabilities on the 4thStreet Plaza outside of the East Building.

While the East Building is temporarily closed through June 2022, we encourage anyone who plans to use these parking spots to first drop off visitors with limited mobility at the 6thStreet entrance to the West Building prior to parking.See more info about getting here.

Photography and Video

Photography for personal use is permitted except where specifically prohibited. Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted inside the National Gallery buildings. Small tripods may be used by visitors on the National Gallery's outdoor grounds, including in the Sculpture Garden, except during heavily attended events.

The use of drones and other unmanned aerial devices or systems is prohibited on the property and grounds of the National Gallery.

School Tours

For information about bringing your school group to the National Gallery of Art, seeSchool Tours.

Sculpture Garden Policies

Unless otherwise indicated, please do not touch the art.

While visitors are permitted to bring picnics and outside food into the outdoor Sculpture Garden, the Pavilion Café is an independently operated restaurant, and as such, outside food is not permitted.

Alcoholic beverages brought from outside are prohibited and are subject to confiscation.

Do not use skates and skateboards or ride bicycles in the Sculpture Garden. (Walk beside your bicycle or secure it at one of the hitching posts located near the Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive entrances.)Skates, skateboards, bicycles, and scooters are not permitted inside the Sculpture Garden during special events.

Only service animals are allowed.

Sketching

Sketchingis permitted in the galleries (pencils and dry media only, no ink or paint).

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all National Gallery facilities.

Strollers

Strollers are available at all National Gallery entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are always welcome to bring their own.

West and East Building Visitor Policies

Please do not touch objects in the galleries.Dirt, moisture, and other contaminants present on hands can stain or corrode the surfaces of artworks. Some works are more fragile than they appear, and even simple touching can cause permanent damage.

Children may not be carried on the shoulders of another person or in a backpack child carrier. Unattended children under 12 years of age are not permitted in the galleries. Please keep your children with you at all times.

You are welcome to check backpacks, free of charge. Otherwise, please wear them on one shoulder.

Visitors to Non-Public Spaces

National Gallery staff should submit a signed attestation form for any visitor to non-public spaces.

Prohibited Activities

While on any National Gallery premises, you may not:

  • Destroy, damage, or remove property
  • Climb on any part of the building or exhibits
  • Use loud or abusive language, or perform obscene or indecent acts
  • Loiter, sleep, or participate in unauthorized assemblies
  • Engage in disorderly conduct
  • Use, possess, or sell illegal drugs
  • Bring any of the following with you:
    • Aerosol containers or nonaerosol sprays (except prescriptions for medical needs)
    • Firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed. The prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors, including those with firearm permits; only active law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms while here on official duty are excepted.
    • Coolers of any size
    • Flags on poles or sticks that do not fit into a backpack
    • Wagons, Segways, bicycles, skateboards, or powered or manual scooters. However, they are permitted on sidewalks.
    • Dogs or other animals (except service animals). However, they are permitted on sidewalks.

While on any National Gallery premises except sidewalks and designated grassy areas, you may not:

  • Protest or conduct a demonstration. The term “demonstration” includes demonstrations, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services and all other like forms of conduct that involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which is reasonably likely to draw a crowd or onlookers.
  • Display or carry placards, signs, or banners
  • Solicit or advertise for commercial or charitable purposes or distribute advertisem*nts, pamphlets, handbills, and flyers

Do not project images of any kind on National Gallery buildings or works of art.

Related Resources

Visitor Policies (2024)

FAQs

How do you prove you'll leave the UK at the end of your visit? ›

If an applicant owns property outside of the UK, evidence of this can be used to demonstrate an intention to leave the UK at the end of a visit. Evidence of property ownership can include a Title Register or equivalent or a letter from a solicitor confirming the property ownership.

How hard is it to get B2 visa? ›

Qualifying for a B-2 tourist visa is not automatic, and for people from some countries, not easy. It depends on what you plan to do during your visit and whether you can convince the U.S. consular authorities that you will really return home afterward.

What documents do I need to sponsor a visitor? ›

Include: an estimate of how much the trip will cost - this needs to be as accurate as possible. proof of your income and where you work, for example payslips or an employment contract. proof that you have enough money to pay for the visitor's stay, for example recent bank statements.

How much bank balance is required for US visitor visa? ›

The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.

How do you prove you have strong ties to your home country? ›

How To Demonstrate “Ties To Home Country”
  1. Recent pay stubs from employment in your home country.
  2. Bank statements showing your financial stability.
  3. I-94 travel document with travel history to and from your home country.
28 Jun 2022

How can you prove that you will return to your home country? ›

Here are 6 ways to prove your rootedness or strong family and social ties to your home country:
  1. Submit proof of property ownership.
  2. Submit your marriage certificate.
  3. Submit your children's birth certificates.
  4. Write a detailed cover letter.
9 Aug 2022

Why do B2 visas get rejected? ›

B-2 Visa Denials Based on Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, or history of espionage or any links with terrorist groups, there is a strong chance your request for a U.S. visa (of any sort) will be denied.

Why U.S. tourist visa gets rejected? ›

An application may be denied because the consular officer does not have all of the information required to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because the applicant does not qualify for the visa category for which he or she applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls ...

Can B2 visa be rejected? ›

B-2 Tourist Visa Eligibility

There could be many reasons why your visa was denied. If you traveled to the U.S. in the past and overstayed the time permitted under your visa or extended that stay, this might indicate to the consular officer that you do not intend to comply with the visa requirements.

What are 3 things you Cannot do with a visitor visa? ›

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas
  • Study.
  • Employment.
  • Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience.
  • Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft.
  • Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.
  • Permanent residence in the United States.

What are three 3 activities you can do if you have a visitor visa? ›

The Tourist visa is exactly how it sounds and includes the following permitted activities:
  1. Tourism.
  2. Visiting friends and family.
  3. Attending a wedding.
  4. Receiving medical treatment.
  5. Participating in amateur musical, sports, musical contests.
  6. Short course of study.
14 Mar 2022

How much money does a sponsor need for immigration? ›

Income Requirement to Become a Sponsor

You must meet certain income requirements to become a sponsor. The most common minimum financial requirement is an annual income of $22,000. This figure is calculated to be at least 125% above the Federal poverty level based on the ASPE.

Is proof of funds required for visitor visa? ›

Proof of funds:

If you are paying for your own trip, you must submit proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel and expenses in Canada. Provide the following: Original bank statements from your personal account for the past six months; • The last 6 months of pay slips.

Do visa officers check bank statements? ›

Get your bank statements attested

Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.

Can US immigration check your bank account? ›

Bank verification letters are used for immigration purposes to demonstrate that you have available financial resources to support yourself or your immediate relatives on a visa in the United States.

How do you prove strong ties for visa? ›

Some of the evidences of home tie are marriage certificate, employment letter, certificate of investment, child/children birth certificate, bank statement of account, etc.

How do you prove strong family ties? ›

How can you prove family ties?
  1. Official documents.
  2. Other types of proof.
  3. Interview with the authorities.
  4. DNA tests.

What are examples of strong ties? ›

Examples of strong ties:
  • Job/Career. Letter from your employer stating duties, salary and tenure duration. ...
  • College Enrollment. Student ID Card.
  • Business You Own. Bank Statements Showing Revenue. ...
  • Spouse & Kids. Birth Certificates. ...
  • Other Dependents. Affidavits. ...
  • Volunteer Work & Organization Memberships. ...
  • Assets.

Can you be denied into your own country? ›

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) article 12(4): No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country.

How will you respond when your visa is approved? ›

I am thankful to you and your team and looking ahead for further processing of my petition. To be very true with you now i am not at all worried as I know I have you. Thank you once again , God bless you.

How can you prove you will return to your home country after completing your course of study in Australia? ›

Mind that your student visa would not allow you to stay in Australia after you have completed your studies in Australia. Tell the visa officer that you plan to return to your home country after completing your studies.

Which country rejected visa most? ›

Applicantion Refusals
No.Schengen consulateRefusal Rate
1RUSSIAN FEDERATION1.55%
2CHINA3.73%
3INDIA9.34%
4TURKEY8.45%
67 more rows
14 Feb 2020

Can I get U.S. visa after 3 rejection? ›

You can reapply any time after 3 business days following the previous rejection. You don't have to wait for 6 months or longer.

On what basis visa gets rejected? ›

Visa rejection may happen when you fail to prove your eligibility to visit a particular country. It mostly takes place as the applicants fails to provide important information, or sometimes because of certain document missing.

How can I fail my U.S. visa interview? ›

Common ineligibilities leading to Visa Refusal

You did not establish eligibility for the Visa category. You were convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude. You were convicted of drug violation. You have two or more criminal convictions for which you may have a total sentence of 5 years in prison.

How can I avoid rejection of visa? ›

For most short term visas, you will have to prove that you have ties in your home country that will ensure your need to return to your home country once you have completed your permitted stay in the country. Failure to provide this or providing insufficient proof of this will lead to visa rejection.

How can I increase my chances of getting a U.S. tourist visa? ›

U.S. Tourist Visa: How to Make your Chances of Approval Higher
  1. Employment. Having a job in your home country will not guarantee to have your visa issued. ...
  2. Family Obligation. ...
  3. Property and Personal Asset. ...
  4. Community Involvement. ...
  5. Travel History.

Why is U.S. visa so difficult? ›

Ineligible Applicant

Visa applicants can be complex, so it's important for applicants to have an experienced attorney on their side to help them with the application process. They may also deny an applicant if they don't qualify for the visa category they applied for, or if they have a criminal record.

How many U.S. visas are denied each year? ›

More than 4 million visa applications are denied each year by the U.S. government for a wide variety of reasons.

What do visa officers check? ›

Such information can include photographs, fingerprints, information about family members and employers, criminal history, information about where they live, and information contained in physical and mental examinations.

Does visitor visa get rejected? ›

There can be many reasons for a visitor visa refusal including but not limited to: The unclear reason for the visit. Insufficient personal assets in the home country. Vague or inadequate documentation supporting the case.

What is the hardest tourist visa to get? ›

North Korea is by far the most difficult country to get a visa to visit as a tourist. To get a visa to North Korea, you have to apply for the visa through a tourist agency that has state-approved tours. If you hold an American passport, or you are from South Korea you are not eligible for a North Korean visa.

Is visitor visa is hard to get? ›

Qualifying for a B-1 or B-2 Visa

Although the application process for a visitor visa is fairly simple, successfully obtaining it is harder than you might expect. The U.S. State Department, via its consulates around the world, denies a surprising number of visitor visa applications.

How can I pass my tourist visa interview? ›

It is very important to answer honestly. Tell about the reasons you have visited the US before, i.e. tourism, training, medical reasons, etc. Even if you have stayed beyond your visa validity, been deported or detained during your previous stay in the US, you must tell.

What is difference between tourist and visitor visa? ›

2. What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa? Generally, a tourist visa is given for sightseeing. A visit visa, however, refers to a visa that is given for many purposes, including short-term business meetings, medical treatments, and others.

What happens if you don't make enough money to sponsor an immigrant? ›

What happens if the petitioner doesn't have enough income? Petitioners who cannot meet this level have two choices: 1) find a “joint sponsor” who will agree to also financially support the visa applicant, or 2) use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines.

How much money should you ask a sponsor for? ›

Don't sell yourself short.

Ask for $10,000 to $100,000 from each sponsor. "I see people asking for $1,000," she said.

Can I sponsor myself for immigration? ›

Typically, the only area where you can sponsor yourself is through employment-based immigration. Even then, you will most likely need an employer to sponsor you. However, there are a few exceptions that make it possible to sponsor yourself for a green card.

How much bank balance is required for visitor visa? ›

The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.

Can I get visit visa without bank statement? ›

Make a Cover Letter

A Cover letter or a Letter of explanation may help you in your Visa Application. You can place in that letter your explanation as to why your requirements are lacking; especially bank accounts, why this certain person is sponsoring you, why you want to go to visit this country.

What is acceptable proof of funds? ›

Proof of funds usually comes in the form of a bank security or custody statement. These can be procured from your bank or the financial institution that holds your money. Bank statements are the most common document to use as POF and can typically be found online or at a bank branch.

How can I impress my visa officer? ›

When your turn for the interview comes, enter the room with a smile, greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you 'how are you doing'. Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave.

Do visa officers check Facebook? ›

Their searches may lead to social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or others, and these may be monitored and used to determine the credibility of information given in your visa application.

Do visa officers verify experience? ›

Immigration officers may also verify your employer's business registration documents when confirming your employment history. During this process, they may check details such as the business address and contact information to ensure there are no red flags (ex.

Can immigration look at your Facebook? ›

Essentially, the U.S. government assures that they request applicants' social network accounts to see if there is any evidence of the applicant being a threat to national security, any close ties to known criminal organizations, or if they committed fraud with any personal information given on immigration forms.

Can immigration Look through your phone? ›

Unlike other law enforcement, border authorities don't need a warrant to search your device. They may conduct a basic search — in which they scroll through your device inspecting texts, photos or anything else they can easily access — even if they don't suspect you of wrongdoing.

Can immigration check your email? ›

New immigration policy requires all U.S. Consulates to review applicants' public social media history, past e-mail addresses and recent phone numbers when adjudicating visa applications.

How does UK know you left the country? ›

The coalition government committed in 2010 to reintroducing exit checks. From 8 April 2015, we will collect information on passengers leaving the UK as we do for those entering. Exit checks will provide us with vital information that confirms a person's exit from the UK.

How you prove you are visiting UK for tourism? ›

You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You must be able to show that: you'll leave the UK at the end of your visit.

How do I show evidence of UK visa? ›

You can show you have enough money using:
  1. an official financial or government sponsorship or grant.
  2. a student loan from a government, government sponsored loan company, or a regulated student loans scheme.
  3. your own money.
  4. your parent's money (if they provide a letter confirming they agree to you using it this way)

Can I leave the UK on the last day of my visa? ›

Leaving the UK

If you don't leave voluntarily within 30 days of your visa or leave expiring, you could be deported. Check what to do if you're going to be deported. If you leave after 30 days, you could be banned from re-entering the UK for between 1 and 10 years.

Can UK immigration check your phone? ›

The Immigration Officer can search for any relevant documents which establish the person's immigration status and ID, meaning the person's belongings – including electronic devices - could be searched.

Can you lose UK nationality? ›

You can apply to give up (renounce) your British citizenship or status. If accepted, you'll get a 'declaration of renunciation' that you can use to show that you're no longer British. You might do this, for example, if you want to become a citizen of another country that does not allow dual citizenship.

What do immigration officers see when they scan your passport UK? ›

Details of your criminal record are not shown when your passport is scanned. The only time your passport is likely to be 'flagged' is when: there is a warrant out for your arrest either nationally or internationally through Interpol. you are currently undergoing investigation for a possible criminal offence.

Is there interview for UK visitors visa? ›

Once the UK visa applicants completed the online application form and submit the necessary documents, they are required to pay the applicable visa fee which allows them to schedule an interview with the UK Embassy/Consulate.

Is UK visitor visa difficult to get? ›

It's not easy to get the UK tourist visa, there is a long list of required documents. Check the following list : Valid passport. Old passport, if any.

What are the rules for visitors to the UK? ›

Travel to England rules

When you travel to England, you: do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel. do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive. do not need to quarantine when you arrive.

Does UK Embassy verify documents? ›

Verification & Interview

Home Office will verify the information & documents that you submit. Normally, the decision is taken on the basis of documents submitted, but they may be called for an interview.

Do UK visa officers check bank statements? ›

Overseas bank statements

This is the same tool that UKVI use when checking your visa application. If you use an overseas (non-UK) bank account to show your funds, UKVI will make additional checks.

What police check do I need for UK visa? ›

The ICPC is a criminal records check against police and intelligence databases in the UK that would reveal any convictions or reasons why someone should not work with children. It is similar to the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check that is available in England and Wales.

What is the 28 day rule UK visa? ›

The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa. Example If you submit your application on 1 January 2021, you'd have to show that the funds were in your bank account for at least the 28-day period ending on 1 December.

Can I enter UK day before my visa starts? ›

If you are a visa national, you can enter the UK no earlier than the valid from date on your entry clearance vignette (visa) in your passport. You cannot normally hold more than one form of permission at the same time.

How do immigration know if you overstay your visa? ›

If your departure date is missing or does not match up with your I-94 form, the US government will know that you have overstayed your visa. Another way that the United States can find out if you have overstayed your visa is through random checks.

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