Penmate Inmate Support Guides
what-to-bring-baten-unit

What You Can (and Can't) Bring Inside Baten Unit — Visitor Checklist

A little prep saves you a wasted trip. Use this checklist to pack only what's allowed inside the secured perimeter at Baten Unit.

• 2 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
What You Can (and Can't) Bring Inside Baten Unit — Visitor Checklist

Before you leave home, confirm your loved one is assigned to Baten Unit and currently has visitation privileges. Call the unit for final confirmation - you don't want to drive out only to find the schedule changed or visitation got canceled.

Put your photo ID in your pocket or wallet before you head out. Show up without it, and you won't get through the door.

Allowed Items Perimeter

  • ✓ A small wallet
  • ✓ A clear plastic bag (Ziploc®-type) or a change purse
  • ✓ Up to $35 in coins (no paper money)

The coin limit exists because vending machines are available in the visitation area. Want snacks or drinks during your visit? Bring coins - and only coins - up to the allowed amount.

What You Can (and Can't) Bring Inside Baten Unit — Visitor Checklist

Prohibited Items

  • ✓ Any food items
  • ✓ Purses, diaper bags, and briefcases
  • ✓ Electronic/wireless devices (including cell phones, pagers, laptop computers, cameras, and digital recorders)
  • ✓ Tobacco products, lighters, and matches

Keep it simple: bags you'd normally carry (purses, diaper bags, briefcases) and electronics (especially phones or cameras) stay out of the secured perimeter. Leave them at home or locked in your car so you're not stuck turning around at the entrance.

Visitors with Infants

  • ✓ No more than three diapers
  • ✓ A supply of baby wipes
  • ✓ Up to two baby bottles (or a sippy cup for toddlers)
  • ✓ Store these items in a clear plastic bag

Bringing a baby or toddler? Pack those allowed items in a clear plastic bag before you arrive - it speeds things up at the checkpoint. The same clear-bag approach works for coins or small essentials in a change purse.

Coins only. You can bring up to $35 in coins inside the secured perimeter - paper money isn't allowed. If you want to use the vending machines, bring change.

Unsure about an item? Call the unit before you travel. While you're on the line, confirm your loved one's assignment and visitation status.

That same call is a good time to double-check ID requirements. Whatever you do, show up with photo ID in hand.

Find an Inmate at BATEN UNIT, TX

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from BATEN UNIT, TX

baten-unit-visiting-hours-and-weekly-cycle

Baten Unit Visiting Hours, Visit Lengths, and How the Weekly Cycle Works

Planning a visit to the Baten Unit? The schedule makes sense once you understand three things: weekend visiting hours, two-hour visit lengths, and how TDCJ's Monday–Sunday visiting cycle limits how often regular visits can happen.

baten-pre-visit-checklist

Before You Drive to Baten Unit: Pre-Visit Checklist

A little prep can save you a wasted trip. Use this checklist to confirm the basics, bring the right ID, and avoid common turn-away issues before heading to Baten Unit.

baten-unit-visit-checklist

Before Your First Visit to Baten Unit: what to bring (and what to leave in the car)

Your first visit to Baten Unit goes smoother when you show up with the right ID and only the small items allowed past the secured perimeter. Use the checklists below to pack once, park once, and avoid getting turned away at the door.