Security Information
Entering the NIH Campus and Campus Security
NOTE: For all non-U.S. visitors, please be sure to bring your ID's and/or your passport.
Please reference the NIH visitor's map to locate visitor entrances, visitor parking, and the Clinical Center as well as other pertinent details.
Visitors may access the NIH campus through one of two visitor centers—the NIH Gateway Center at the Metro entrance (Rockville Pike and South Drive) or the West Visitor Center at Old Georgetown Road and South Drive. The Gateway Center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The West Visitor Center will be open M-F, 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. except for federal holidays and is available for pedestrians only.
Visitors will be asked to show one form of valid government-issued photo identification and to state the purpose of their visit in order to receive a visitor’s pass. Examples of acceptable identification include: driver’s license, passport, military ID, other government agency IDs, green cards.
Additional NIH visitor information:
Please note: visitor parking is limited at NIH. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation such as the Metrorail subway system which has a convenient stop (Medical Center) on the NIH campus. Visit the "Metro" site for information on fares and schedules http://www.wmata.com/.
Visitor vehicles will undergo security screening at the Metro entrance. Be sure to allow extra time for the vehicle inspection procedure. Visitors must park in designated visitor parking lots (see visitor access map). Vehicles will be inspected prior to parking in underground or multi-level garages.
Visit http://www.nih.gov/about/visitor/index.htm. This site includes information about transportation, directions, parking, security, maps of the NIH campus and Bethesda area, shuttle schedules, and more.
Non-U.S. Person Visitor Access
Effective January 30, 2025, all non-U.S. person visitors must pre-register before visiting the NIH Bethesda campus. Visitors are required to complete the pre-registration process at least 30 days in advance to allow sufficient time for review and approval.
Visitors who do not complete the pre-registration process, or who complete it but do not receive approval, will not be permitted entry.
If you are a non-U.S. person (i.e., not a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Green Card holder), please inform your NIH host well ahead of time about your visit. Your NIH host will initiate the visit request on your behalf.
Pre-registration Process:
As a visitor, you will receive an email with a secure link to submit your information and any required documents. Note: The form must be completed in one sitting, as progress cannot be saved.
Once submitted, your information will be reviewed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If no significant issues are identified, both you and your NIH host will receive an approval email notification. Upon arrival at the NIH Gateway Center, the security staff will verify your approved status and allow entry. Be sure to present the ID used during pre-registration.
Required Documents for Entry:
Non-U.S. person visitors must bring their unexpired foreign passport and, if applicable, be ready to provide any U.S.-issued visa information during the check-in process. Ensure that the passport you bring is the one used for your pre-registration.
Unannounced Non-U.S. Person Visitors:
If a non-U.S. person visitor does not have enough time to pre-register, they will be considered an unannounced visitor. Unannounced visitors who fail to complete the pre-registration process, or who complete it without receiving approval, will not be allowed entry.
Summary:
- Complete pre-registration at least 30 days in advance.
- Present the same passport used for pre-registration at check-in.
- Ensure all required documents are available for review upon arrival.