Prohibited Items

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) has updated its list of items that public visitors are prohibited from bringing into the Congressional Buildings to keep everyone safe.

The new list, approved by the Capitol Police Board, went into effect on July 14, 2025, and is sorted into three categories:

1. House & Senate Office Buildings & Library of Congress (LOC)
2. U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center (CVC)
3. House & Senate Galleries

New Prohibited Items 

There are more than a dozen additions to the new prohibition list for public visitors, including the prohibition of aerosols, laser pointers, and handcuffs from any of the Congressional Buildings. Updates include broader language to capture a wider range of potentially dangerous items. For example, the line “Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition” has been changed to “Firearms (any weapon that expels a projectile with an explosive).” 

Leaving prohibited items at home will help you get through security screening faster.

Weapons

Some items, such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, incendiary devices and drones are strictly prohibited anywhere on Capitol Grounds and within the Congressional Buildings (learn more about the prohibition of drones HERE). 

Even if you have a firearm that is legally registered in another state or the District of Columbia, it is still illegal to bring it onto Capitol Grounds. This prohibition applies to visitors (including current and retired law enforcement officers covered under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) and staff. 

Please double-check your belongings before entering Capitol Grounds. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in an arrest, a fine and/or imprisonment, as well as the confiscation and/or destruction of the item. 

Officers have discretion to prohibit any other items that may pose a threat to the Capitol Complex. 

Food & Beverages

Visitors are allowed to bring food and beverages into the House and Senate Office Buildings (subject to screening); however, visitors are not allowed to bring food and beverages into the U.S. Capitol or the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). For example, visitors must empty their water bottles before entering the Capitol Building and the CVC. Visitors  may re-fill their water bottles once they are inside.

The United States Capitol Police thanks you in advance and we hope you have a great time visiting the U.S. Capitol Complex. If you have any questions about the prohibited items list, you can e-mail PIO@uscp.gov.

NOTE: Staff with Building Access Cards are exempt from some prohibited items. Staff should consult with their respective Sergeant at Arms Office for more details.

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Outdoor Events/Concerts

There is also a prohibited items list for outdoor events/concerts that are hosted on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, such as the Memorial Day Concert, A Capitol Fourth, the Labor Day Concert, and the FOP’s Peace Officer’s Memorial Service. A news release with a list of prohibited items that is specific to those events will be published several days before each event.

Security Screening for Visitors with Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Medical Devices, or Medications

Click HERE for information about Security Screening for Visitors with Disabilities, Medical Conditions, Medical Devices, or Medications

Deliveries to Capitol Hill

Couriers are prohibited from making deliveries directly to the U.S. Capitol. Click HERE for more information about the Congressional Acceptance Site.