Security screening

On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. Try to bring as little as possible with you as it will help you to get through security screening more quickly.

Just as at the airport, please remove all metal objects from your pockets before going through the security arch. For efficiency, we advise packing cameras, phones, keys and wallets in your bag.

We do not have airport-style restrictions on liquids, so please feel free to bring bottled water in to the Palace.

You may use pacemakers, hearing aids and other electrical or electronic equipment needed for health reasons. Please approach a member of staff if you have any concerns or require assistance.

Luggage

Backpacks may not be worn and large items may not be carried inside the Palace. 

Bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm cannot be taken into the Palace at all. Luggage storage can be found nearby, including at Victoria Station. 

Handbags and small backpacks are permitted inside but must be carried by your side and not worn on your back during your visit.

There will be a cloakroom, supervised by a Warden, where you can leave coats and small bags. However some parts of the tour are outside so you may want to keep your coat with you.

Animals

Animals, other than guide, hearing or assistance animals, will not be admitted.

Restricted and prohibited items

Neither smoking nor vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes) are permitted anywhere in St James’s Palace.

Some items must be checked in and reclaimed at the end of the visit. Other items may not be brought into the Palace at all. 

The following items must be checked in on arrival and reclaimed at the end of your visit:

• Pen knives and knives with blades under 7.7cm (3”)
• Scissors
• Kirpans (the Sikh article of faith) where the blade exceeds 7.7cm (3”)
• Long umbrellas
• Pushchairs and buggies (baby-carriers and hip-carriers are available to borrow, subject to availability)
• Alcoholic drinks in sealed containers
• Paints/aerosols

The following items may not be brought into St James’s Palace:

• Bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates or skateboards
• Suitcases and bags larger than 45cm × 20cm × 30cm
• Drones

The following items are unlawful to carry in a public space in the United Kingdom and may be confiscated from you if you attempt to bring them into the Palace:

• Knife with a blade over 7.7cm (3”)
• Knife with a lockable blade (unless you have a reasonable excuse for having it with you)
• Butterfly knife
• Flick knife
• CS or pepper sprays

As St James’s Palace is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice. Check closure details.

Strictly no photography or filming at all is permitted anywhere in St James’s Palace.

Applications for commercial filming should be submitted through this application form.

Out of consideration to other visitors, we ask that you refrain from making or answering phone calls inside St James’s Palace.

Eating and drinking are not permitted inside St James’s Palace, except for bottled water. You will be asked to place drinks and food in your bags before being admitted to the Palace.

Food and drink are not available for purchase at St James's Palace but there are many cafés, pubs and restaurants in the local area.

There are no toilets or baby-care facilities available at St James's Palace. The nearest facilities can be found in St James's Park.

For safety reasons, pushchairs cannot be taken into St James’s Palace. They must be checked in and collected after your visit.

Children’s scooters and bikes cannot be taken into the Palace.

Baby carriers and hip seats can be borrowed free of charge, subject to availability.

Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere within the Palace.

There are no toilets or baby-care facilities available at St James's Palace. The nearest facilities can be found in St James's Park.

St James's Palace is accessible and we welcome visitors with different access requirements. If you require step-free access please contact the Specialist Sales team on +44 (0)303 123 7324 or [email protected]

If you are a disabled visitor we offer a free access companion ticket. 

There is no shop at St James's Palace, but a short walk away you will find our London stores on Buckingham Palace Road or you can shop online.