In previous years, the public was banned from taking photographs with a camera phone or small camera inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But visitors will now be in with the chance of taking the perfect selfie (as long as it's not with a selfie stick) at the White House now that the ban has been lifted.

 

First Lady Michelle Obama made the announcement about the change of policy in a video posted to her Instagram account. 'If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign,' she says holding up a piece of paper. 'Well, not anymore,' she says smiling as she tears it apart. The sign had been displayed during tour hours and read 'no photos or social media allowed.'

 

The White House said in a statement: 'Guests are now welcome to take photos throughout the White House tour route and keep those memories for a lifetime.' The long-standing ban ends on July 1, and from that point on guests will be able to start using phone cameras and compact¹ still cameras.

 

Embracing the increasing importance of social media, The White House is even encouraging people who visit the house to share their experience on Twitter using the hashtag #WhiteHouseTour.' Official guidelines² state that guests will be able to use phones and compact still cameras with a lens with three inches or less.

 

But The White House warns that visitors must ensure that their photography does not interfere³ with the enjoyment⁴ of other guests on the tour. And while it gave no specific reason for the sudden change there are still a few things that guests are not permitted to do. Video cameras, including action camcorders, cameras with detachable⁵ lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods and camera sticks are not allowed. Flash photography and live-streaming are also still prohibited.

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