What to expect at the door
Every visitor goes through a person and bag check, and a manual search is possible. Tours, debates and committees use different entrances. Debate galleries and committees held in the palace are entered via Cromwell Green, while committees held in Portcullis House use the entrance on Victoria Embankment. The ticket office is also in Portcullis House, at SW1A 2LW.
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with Parliament. The rules below apply to visits to the palace. The Elizabeth Tower tour has some conditions of its own, listed on the tower page.
How early to arrive
Queues depend on the day.
For a tour, arrive at least 20 minutes before your ticket time. Queues can be longer than that. Security guidance allows up to about 30 minutes and about 45 minutes on busy Monday to Wednesday afternoons. These are planning figures, not maximum waiting times, and protests outside can lengthen the queue.
| Situation | Allow for |
|---|---|
| Tour on a Saturday or in recess | At least 20 minutes before the slot |
| Normal sitting day | Up to about 30 minutes |
| Monday to Wednesday afternoon | Up to about 45 minutes |
| Westminster Hall debate | At least 20 minutes, arriving up to an hour early for a seat |
Tours of the Palace of Westminster
Guided and audio tours with live prices and availability. Book a slot so you know your arrival time.
Bags and prohibited items
Pack light and leave sharp objects at home.
Bag size
Bags larger than 60 x 40 cm are not allowed, and there is no cloakroom. Before a gallery visit you must hand in bags and mobile phones. They are stored safely for you.
Not allowed
Weapons, banned knives and self-defence sprays. You are also asked to hand in penknives, scissors, cutlery, tools, locks, chains, climbing equipment, whistles, banners and flags, and political or offensive slogans, including on clothing.
Liquids and food
Open liquids and semi-liquid food are restricted. Water and baby milk or baby food are exempt. Declare medical sharps at the check.
Bicycles
Bicycles, e-bikes and their batteries are not allowed. Folding bikes you carry yourself at all times are an exception, but leave even those at home if you can.
Photos
Private photos are allowed in a few places only.
You can take photos for private use in Westminster Hall, in St Stephen's Hall and in the visitor area of New Palace Yard. Photography is not allowed elsewhere on the tour route or in the galleries, and tripods are banned. If you want to publish photos or use them commercially, get approval beforehand. Permission for private photos is not an image licence. See Westminster Hall for the hall itself.
Access and assistance
Most of the palace tour is step-free.
From Westminster Hall to the Central Lobby the regular route has 37 steps. A lift route is available with assistance. The Commons gallery is step-free. The Lords gallery is reached by stairs, with an alternative viewing place for visitors who need a step-free route. Assistance dogs are allowed in the palace but not on the Elizabeth Tower tour.
Wear your visitor pass in a visible place. Areas that are not public are only open with an escort. For ticket details, see the tickets page, and to plan a free visit see watch a debate.
Houses of Parliament security: frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive?
At least 20 minutes before your tour ticket time. On busy Monday to Wednesday afternoons the queue can take about 45 minutes.
What is the maximum bag size?
60 x 40 cm. There is no cloakroom, so carry only what you need.
Can I bring a water bottle?
Water is exempt from the limit on open liquids, as are baby milk and baby food. Other open liquids are restricted.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, for private use in Westminster Hall, St Stephen's Hall and the visitor area of New Palace Yard. Not in the galleries or elsewhere on the route, and no tripods.
Are assistance dogs allowed?
Yes in the palace. They are not allowed on the Elizabeth Tower tour.