All types of video recording equipment, including digital cameras, film cameras, camcorders, commercial video recording equipment and any other equipment with video image recording capability, are considered controlled items.

Privately owned video recording equipment may be brought into (non-classified) Property Protection Areas but must be turned off and secured (e.g., in a locked vehicle or a cell phone garage). They may not be taken into any building, trailer or (classified) Limited Area without a Controlled Items Permit. Any use of such equipment at LLNL requires a Controlled Items Permit.

Photography/Videotaping by News Media

All news media requests to bring still cameras or video recording equipment onto the Laboratory site are handled through the Office of Strategic Communications (OSC). OSC will determine what kind of equipment will be used, where it will be used, what will be photographed, the name and citizenship of the photographer, who the escort will be and the dates and times for the photography/videotaping. OSC will then coordinate with the Security Organization and Badge Office to issue a press badge to the approved media personnel. All media will be escorted by OSC staff.

As a general rule, media are not permitted to bring camera equipment on-site to obtain file footage. Taking shots for file footage (e.g., video or still photos with the Laboratory as background) is permissible from off-site. Existing video file footage of the Laboratory can be requested from OSC.

  What Can Be Photographed

Photographing and videotaping within (non-classified) Property Protection Areas of the Laboratory is permitted upon prior arrangement with the LLNL Office of Strategic Communications.

  What Cannot Be Photographed

Photographing and videotaping in (classified) Limited Areas is prohibited without prior approval by the LLNL Security Organization and Laboratory management. In situations where such approval has been granted, the area will first be surveyed by Security personnel before any media cameras are allowed in the area.

  Need Assistance?

Visitors may contact their host for assistance.

Electronic Devices

(e.g., laptops, cell phones, tablets, headsets, earbuds, smart watches, fitness trackers and e-readers)

• May be used and stored on-site except where otherwise posted
• Are prohibited from connecting to LLNL equipment or networks except guest wi-fi
• Are subject to DOE requirements controlling the presence and use of mobile devices within Property Protected Areas and Limited Area (LA) buildings. Please observe posted signs for regulations within the subsections of LA buildings where the use or storage of these devices is not permitted (e.g., buffer space, secure space, enhanced security areas)

Personal Cameras and Recording Devices

• May not be used on-site without a Controlled Items Permit

Medical Devices

(e.g., hearing aids, heart or glucose monitors)

• Devices approved by LLNL and/or the DOE Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence prior to the visit may be used on-site as specified by Security
• Approvals require a minimum of 5 working days
• Contact your meeting organizer regarding medical device accommodations

Need Assistance?

• Visitors may contact their host for assistance.

The following articles are prohibited from any area on LLNL property without prior appropriate authorization by the Security Organization:

• Explosives
• Dangerous weapons (exception: local, state and federal law enforcement)
• Instruments or material likely to produce substantial injury to persons or damage to persons or property
• Mace/pepper spray
• Controlled substances (e.g., illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia, but not prescription medicine)
• Other items prohibited by law

The following articles may be stored in personal vehicles on-site but are prohibited from use:

• Unopened alcoholic beverages with intact manufacturer’s seals or caps
• Binoculars and telescopes

Need Assistance?

• Visitors may contact their host for assistance.

There are currently no COVID-19 requirements for visitors. For more information, contact your host.