Wreaths Across America: Saturday, Dec. 14

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Published on: Monday, December 9, 2024 read more ...

Arlington National Cemetery Reopens for Tour Buses and Tour Groups

4/16/2021

Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is reopening to tour buses and tour groups starting April 19, 2021. ANC is taking this action as part of a gradual reopening under improved COVID-19 conditions. This is an important step in expanding services to our visitors as we host the yearlong centennial commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which culminates on Veterans Day 2021.

ANC staff continues to monitor and enhance all aspects of the cemetery in order to prepare for a full reopening in the future. This step expands access to ANC, building upon previous efforts such as the resumption of tram tours and gravesite shuttle service, as well as visitation to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Tour buses will be allowed to park on the top level of the ANC parking garage.

In accordance with cemetery policy, all visitors must wear face coverings and practice social distancing. The care and protection of our visitors and staff remains paramount. ANC will continue to make risk- and conditions-based decisions in order to protect our workforce and the visiting public while safeguarding the world-class visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery.

Under ANC’s restricted operations, the exhibits in the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room and Welcome Center remain closed to the public. Additionally, the Amphitheater remains closed due to ongoing restoration work.

Public wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continue to be suspended until health protection conditions improve.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure smooth access through the Welcome Center, we highly recommend that visitors do not bring bags of any size. Restroom facilities are extremely limited.

The public may visit the cemetery virtually through the new ANC Education Program at https://education.arlingtoncemetery.mil. Audiences of all ages may now discover learning modules and on topics that include The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was ANC closed to tour buses and tour groups?
A: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ANC closed to tour buses and tour groups. The care and protection of visitors to ANC and ANC staff is paramount.

Q: Where will the buses park?
A: Bus parking is available on the top level of the ANC parking garage.

Q: What can our tour group expect when visiting ANC?
A: There are some restrictions in the cemetery. The President John F. Kennedy gravesite has one-way traffic and visitors are expected to remain socially distanced. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, only 175 visitors are allowed to stand on the plaza stairs when viewing the changing of the guard. Face coverings or face masks must be worn at all times in the cemetery.

Q: What is Arlington National Cemetery’s face covering policy?
A: During entry screening, everyone entering the cemetery is required to provide proof of having a face covering in his or her possession. Visitors who do not have face coverings will not be allowed to enter the cemetery. Visitors must wear their face coverings at all times in the cemetery.

Q: What are the operating hours of Arlington National Cemetery?
A: ANC is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.