US First Lady Melania Trump says the White House will resume public tours from March.

Public tour requests must be submitted through a Member of US Congress.

The self-guided tours are available from 7.30am to 11.30am Tuesday through Thursday, and until 1.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance - and must be made no less than 21 days before.

All tours are free of charge.

Mrs Trump says in a statement: "I am excited to reopen the White House to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year.

"The White House is a remarkable and historic site and we are excited to share its beauty and history.

"I am committed to the restoration and preservation of our nation's most recognisable landmark."

Under White House rules, all US guests 18 years of age or older will be required to present photo identification, while all foreign nationals must present their passport.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Video Recorders
• Handbags, book bags, backpacks or purses
• Food or beverages, tobacco products, personal grooming items (i.e. makeup, lotion, etc.)
• Strollers
• Any pointed objects
• Aerosol containers
• Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size

The White House also says smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than three inches (stills only) are permitted on the public tour route - as long as their use does not interfere with other guests' enjoyment of the tour.

Video cameras including any action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods and camera sticks are not permitted - nor is flash photography or live streaming.