And they're off: Tourists flock to the White House with cameras at the ready after 40-year ban on taking photographs is lifted (but leave the selfie stick at home)

Phone cameras and compact versions allowed in President's house
Ending of ban was publicised by First Lady Michelle Obama on Instagram
Visitors are also allowed to share photos there and then on social media

Published: 12:25 GMT, 2 July 2015 | Updated: 14:11 GMT, 2 July 2015

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The first White House selfies are hitting the internet following the lifting of a 40-year ban on taking photographs inside the President's residence.

First Lady Michelle Obama made the announcement about the change of policy in a video posted to her Instagram account.

'If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign,' she says holding up a piece of paper. 'Well, not anymore,' she says smiling as she tears it apart.

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The first White House selfies are hitting the internet following the lifting of a 40-year ban on taking photographs inside the President's residence

Caitlyn Richardson, left, of San Jose, California, takes a group photo with her mother Nieves Richardson, center, and sister Chloe Richardson, right, outside the Blue Room while touring the White House

This tourist tries to get a shot of former President Bill Clinton into his White House selfie

The sign had been displayed during tour hours and read 'no photos or social media allowed.'

But now tourists are permitted to share their experiences, which has led to a flurry of photographs being shared on social networks.

The White House said in a statement: 'Guests are now welcome to take photos throughout the White House tour route and keep those memories for a lifetime.'

The long-standing ban ended yesterday (July 1), and guests are allowed to use phone cameras and compact still cameras.

Children can now get their perfect memento from a visit to the White House

Guests are also permitted to upload their photos onto social media there and then

A man takes pictures of the Red Room during a tour of the White House

First dog Bo will prove a popular addition to visitors' White House photo albums

Embracing the increasing importance of social media, The White House is even encouraging people who visit the house to share their experience on Twitter using the hashtag #WhiteHouseTour.'

Official guidelines state that guests will be able to use phones and compact still cameras with a lens with three inches or less.

But The White House warns that visitors must ensure that their photography does not interfere with the enjoyment of other guests on the tour.

The improvements on the White House tour seem to have gone down well on Twitter

Mobile phones and small cameras are allowed under the new ruling, but video recording is not

Selfie sticks are banned, so guests will have to learn the art of taking the perfect selfie

A visitor uses his smart phone make pictures of former President Ronald Reagan's portrait during the first day that photography is allowed

The White House is seen to be moving with the times and becoming more accessible in a digital age

And while it gave no specific reason for the sudden change there are still a few things that guests are not permitted to do.

Video cameras, including action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not allowed.

Flash photography and live-streaming are also still prohibited.

Children take pictures of the Red Room with a portrait of Ronald Reagan seen behind

White House tours allows small cameras to be used and comes with its own social media hashtag, #WhiteHouseTour

First Lady Michelle Obama made the announcement about the change of policy in a video posted to her Instagram account

'If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign,' she says holding up a piece of paper. 'Well, not anymore,' she says smiling as she tears it apart