Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery will soon be required to undergo additional screening and other security measures.
In addition to random ID checks and other security measures already in place, the cemetery will require visitors to go through additional screening.
“Arlington is taking advanced security precautions to protect visitors, family members and staff. These security measures will be similar to the ones at museums in the National Capitol Region,” said Patrick K. Hallinan, Arlington National Cemetery executive director.
The new security measures will enhance current security efforts and improve visitor safety while minimizing inconvenience. All vehicle access will require presenting a valid government issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport, etc) when entering the cemetery and will be subject to random inspections.
Family members with a permanent gravesite vehicle passes may continue to drive to their loved ones’ grave with a valid driver’s license.
Starting in November, Arlington National Cemetery will begin to implement visitor screening. All pedestrian traffic will be required to enter Arlington National Cemetery at set access points: the cemetery’s main entrance on Memorial Avenue, Ord & Weitzel Gate, and the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Old Post Chapel Gate.
Before entering the cemetery from the main entrance, all pedestrians will be screened be through the Welcome Center. There will be express screening lines for visitors who do not have bags. Those with disabilities will also have an express line for screening.
Arlington officials urge people to allow additional time to go through security screening when visiting the cemetery, especially large tour groups.
“These processes may result in a delay entering Arlington but it is vitally important that we protect the safety of all the visitors, family members and staff that enter these hallowed grounds,” said Hallinan. “This is our nation's premier national cemetery and we want to be sure that when people visit this site they can feel safe and secure.”
