Mid-Atlantic - What are the rules for a foreigner visiting the Capitol and the White House again?

I've never been to the White House before, but I've been inside the Capitol in 2006. I will most likely be taking the bus from NYC to DC next month. Does anyone here know if the rules have changed in regards to visiting the Capitol? I just remember lining up with my family and we went through a security check before being admitted into the building.

At the time, I didn't made any arrangements with the Canadian embassy to visit the White House. I think that's what I need to do in order to get in because the White House website said foreigners must contact their respective embassies. Is it as simple as that?

I think cameras are not allowed inside the White House, but can I just leave it in my bag? What about the Capitol? Any idea what the policy is for tripods?

Thank you!

Wow, is it just me or that the Pentagon tours are full through July 5, 2012?

you mean july, 2012? that's just a couple weeks away. i think a white house tour is by special appointment only. i would hope the capitol and the whitehouse bar tripods. although i know you are not within this group,but i find the tripod crowd to be a most unpolite group. setting up their equipment in the middle of pedestrian traffic to get the photo of a lifetime. by the by, we own 3 tripods. i never take them out in traffic.

White House tours are by special arrangement- you will not be able to contact your embassy a few days before and get a tour. Last year I met a group of Israelis who had been trying for a year and unable to get a tour. Currently, for White House tours you can bring no bag of any kind- no ladies purse, for example and there is no place for storage.
Capitol Tours are done through timed tickets at the Capitol Visitors Center. There is usually good availability.

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington/WHTours-VisiteMB.aspx?view=d
The White House is not accepting any tour requests from embassies at this time. We update this site daily and will post new information about tour availability. Thank you for your understanding.

Capitol Tour tickets can be pre-reserved online here: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book_a_tour/

Being a foreigner is not a problem, just bring your passport. Also, tripods are strictly forbidden from ANYWHERE on US Capitol grounds, this includes outside.

Capitol Tour tickets can be pre-reserved online here: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book_a_tour/

Being a foreigner is not a problem, just bring your passport. Also, tripods are strictly forbidden from ANYWHERE on US Capitol grounds, this includes outside.

Where does it say that?

Where does it say that?

Unfortunately nowhere outright visable. I'm in the media and got yelled at for using the tripod by Capitol Police, he said they are banned on the grounds. Showed him by press pass and was ok.