COVID-19 Information
UPDATE: January 3, 2022
Due to rising COVID omicron cases in the DC metro area, Arlington National Cemetery is elevating to a higher level of Health Protection Conditions for the protection of staff and visitors.
The following measures are now in place:
• The Display Room at Memorial Amphitheater is closed to the public.
• Social distancing will be emphasized on the tram shuttle service.
• Funeral attendance at Old Post Chapel services is limited to no more than 50 people inside the chapel.
• Social distancing will be emphasized at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the President John F. Kennedy gravesite.
• Face coverings are mandatory inside any federal building, to include the ANC Welcome Center and Administration Building.
UPDATE: July 29, 2021
Effective July 29, 2021 the DoD has directed that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor settings at Department of Defense installations and facilities in areas of substantial or high transmission, as defined by the CDC, to protect against rising COVID-19 cases. This applies to all service members, federal personnel, contractors, and visitors when indoors at all properties owned by the Department in those areas, in accordance with updated CDC guidelines. All defense personnel should continue to comply with CDC guidance regarding areas where masks should be worn. The Department will review and revise all applicable Force Health Protection guidance to address the new CDC guidelines.
Specifically, all ANC family pass holders, funeral attendees and visitors must wear a mask when inside the Welcome Center; Administration Building; all restrooms; the Women’s Memorial, Arlington House mansion and out buildings; the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room and in all funeral services at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall chapels.
UPDATE: June 15, 2021
Tram tours depart every 30 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The tour is a live-narrated, hop on/hop off tour making four stops: the President John F. Kennedy gravesite, John J. Pershing gravesite, Memorial Amphitheater (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and Arlington House. Tickets may be purchased inside the Welcome Center at the box office and outside in the tram circle at the marked podium. They may also be purchased online at www.arlingtontours.com. Ticket prices remain the same, and touchless, cashless transactions are preferred. While on the tram, guests will be directed to their seats by a host, and modified social distancing is still in effect. Trams are sanitized daily, and high touch points are cleaned after each tour. Face coverings are optional for guests, and required for tram employees.
UPDATE: May 24, 2021
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) is announcing several further developments in its ongoing efforts to fully reopen its services and sites. Please click here for detailed information.
UPDATE: April 16, 2021
Arlington National Cemetery is reopening to tour buses and tour groups beginning April 19, 2021. 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. Click here for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do the visitor screening lanes operate?
A. The following screening lanes are available:
• Outside the Welcome Center, for direct access to cemetery grounds.
• ADA accessibility and stroller visitor screening lane: Welcome Center east entrance (nearest to the parking garage).
• One visitor screening lane is provided inside the Welcome Center for restroom access upon arrival only.
• The Welcome Center has one-directional traffic flow for visitors to enter the cemetery and restrooms.
ANC would like to kindly remind visitors that entering the cemetery through unofficial access points is considered trespassing, which is a federal offense. Access to the cemetery may vary at times; ANC asks everyone to please be patient and to follow the directions of the visitor assistants at all times.
Q: Why are military funeral honors still modified?
A: Honors are still being modified at this time for the protection of our service members, family members and personnel.
Q: Will those not following protocol be asked to leave?
A: Visitors not following Arlington National Cemetery's COVID-19 protocol for social distancing and face coverings will first be asked to comply with the policy. If a visitor refuses to comply with the policy, the visitor will be asked to leave and will be escorted off cemetery grounds by our law enforcement personnel.
Q. Have there been any changes to the process of scheduling a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery?
A. No. Families who have lost a loved one must contact the Arlington National Cemetery Call Center at 877-907-8585 to begin the scheduling process. The call center will provide instructions for scheduling a funeral.
Q. If a group wants to cancel their scheduled wreath ceremony or special event, what should they do?
A. Contact our Operations Branch at 703-614-1111 and ask to speak to a representative.
Q. Are physical security procedures still in place?
A. Yes. All visitors—including family pass holders and funeral attendees—must show their government-issued ID card or a passport. Physical screenings remain in place as well.
Official U.S. Government Information on COVID-19:
