Site Access

Before Arriving at ORNL

Bethel Valley Road, which is the main access route to Oak Ridge National Laboratory from both directions, is closed to the public. If you are planning a visit to ORNL, your host will arrange for you to proceed past entrance stations on Bethel Valley Road leading to the main Visitor Center or the Chestnut Ridge Visitor Center. 

Please be aware that effective May 2025, ORNL is fully compliant with the REAL ID Act. This Act requires that anyone accessing a federal facility must present a compliant form of identification. You do not need Real ID identification to enter the site, but you do need a compliant form of Real ID identification to gain building access. Without a Real ID compliant form of identification, you will need to be escorted while on site. Here is a list of acceptable identification.  

Foreign national visitors must always present a visa and passport upon arrival at the ORNL Main Visitor Center or the Chestnut Ridge Visitor Center.

If you are not a DOE or DOE contractor employee, it is very important to arrange your visit to ORNL ahead of time.

User Entry Pass

The User Entry Pass is provided to approved visitors to help expedite your entry through security access points at ORNL. Present the entry pass, along with a government issued photo identification, and you will be directed to the ORNL Visitor Center for assistance with visitor processing.

• Approximately 7 days before your scheduled visit, you will receive an email from ORNL with an attached User Entry Pass.
• Bring the User Entry Pass with you when you visit ORNL. It can be virtual on your phone or hard copy.
• Show the User Entry Pass and a photo ID to the security guard and the staff at the Visitor Center to expedite your access.
• The pass also provides a map for locating the ORNL Visitor Center (or the Lab Shift Superintendent office if arriving after hours or on the weekend).
• Note: After hours or weekend arrival must be prearranged with local contact or host.

If you are unable to print your User Entry Pass or forget to bring it, you can still access the ORNL site after the security staff confirms your approval for access.

Entering ORNL

Upon your arrival at one of the Bethel Valley Road entrance stations, have a compliant form of identification ready, along with your Entry Pass, for the Protective Force officers so that they can quickly confirm you are approved for access. If you do not have a compliant form of identification, you will be allowed past the entrance station, but will be required to report to the ORNL Main Visitor Center or the Chestnut Ridge Visitor Center where your host will need to meet and escort you for the duration of your visit. 

Foreign national visitors must always present a visa and passport upon arrival at the ORNL Main Visitor Center or the Chestnut Ridge Visitor Center.

Follow the signs directly to the ORNL Main Visitor Center or the Chestnut Ridge Visitor Center to receive an ORNL visitor or photo badge, as appropriate. All photo badges are done at the Main Visitor Center. If you arrive and are not on the list of registered visitors, your ORNL host or sponsor will then have to verify your visit with ORNL Security and have you entered into the ORNL system. It’s very important that arrangements are made before your visit.

Photo identification

Effective May 2025, ORNL is fully compliant with the REAL ID Act. This Act requires that anyone accessing a federal facility, which ORNL is, must present a compliant form of identification. You do not need Real ID identification to enter the site, but you do need a compliant form of Real ID identification to gain building access. Without a Real ID compliant form of identification, you will need to be escorted while on site. Here is a list of acceptable identification. 

Non-US citizens must also bring their valid original passport and visa, including I-20 document, if applicable.

Prohibited Articles

The following items are prohibited on the ORNL site unless approved for official purposes: explosives, including Tannerite and other binary explosives; firearms or devices expelling projectiles via explosives (such as 3D or ghost guns, BB guns, pellet guns, or stun guns); realistic replicas of firearms; spear guns and starter pistols; ammunition of any kind; and dangerous weapons, including martial arts weapons, knives with blades over 2.5 inches, and other harmful instruments or materials that could cause substantial injury or damage. Alcoholic beverages, controlled substances (excluding prescription medications), and any items prohibited by law are also restricted. Individuals may store small, personal self-defense chemical irritants (like pepper spray under 2.5 ounces) in locked vehicles on the property. Certain tools or items, if necessary for legitimate on-site work or personal use, such as kitchen knives, sporting equipment locked in vehicles, or trade tools (e.g., shovels, picks, and power tools), are exempt from these restrictions.

Special exemptions exist for government-authorized personnel and specific work-related activities. For details on handling explosives or controlled articles, please contact the physical security team at [email protected].

Deliveries to ORNL

Non-DOE badged vendors and delivery personnel delivering goods to ORNL must have in their possession either a bill of lading, purchase order, or shipping order showing the need for access to ORNL and the name and phone number of a point of contact at ORNL who knows about the delivery. Persons in this category who do not have one of the above items in their possession will not be allowed site access. If a bonafide delivery is involved, the delivery vehicle driver will be afforded an opportunity to contact Visitor Services by telephone for needed assistance.

Visa Information