News

# Mandatory bag checks introduced for all visitors

Starting 29 April 2025, we are introducing new security measures to safeguard
our visitors, staff and to protect our collections. Upon entering The National
Archives’ building, all visitors’ bags, containers and other belongings will be
searched by security staff.

Published 23 April 2025

Prohibited items to our building remain the same and include weapons of any
kind, unidentified substances, bladed items, and protest materials. [Read our
full list of prohibited
items](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/visitor-regulations/#prohibited-items).

We would strongly recommend that you only bring what you need with you – the
fewer items you have in your bag, the quicker it will be for us to check it when
you arrive.

## Entry into the reading rooms

If you are visiting us to research, read [what you can and cannot take into the
reading
rooms](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/researching-here/can-take-reading-rooms/).
Our lockers are free to use and located in our ground floor cloakroom.

Suitcases and other items that are too large to fit inside our lockers are not
allowed inside the building: please make arrangements to leave luggage
elsewhere. Our lockers can accommodate items with a maximum size of 43 cm x 42
cm x 42 cm. Nearby luggage storage providers can be found by searching
on [www.stasher.com.](https://www.stasher.com/)

## More information

[Full list of Visitor
regulations](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/visitor-regulations/)

[What can I take into the reading
rooms?](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/researching-here/can-take-reading-rooms/)

We understand that most visitors will behave responsibly, and we appreciate your
understanding in helping us to provide a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.

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