Who Can Visit an Inmate at Big Spring? Relatives, Friends, and the 10‑Person Limit
Visiting at Big Spring comes down to one basic rule: you can only visit if the inmate has added you to their visiting list and you've been cleared by the BOP. The big limiter for many families? Friends and associates are capped at 10 approved non-relative visitors.
The BOP defines "relatives" broadly. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, cousins - they all count. If you fall into one of those categories, you're recognized as a relative visitor.
The BOP may allow other types of visitors in certain situations. But regardless of your relationship, every visitor must be added to the inmate's list and cleared before a visit can happen.
This is where many people get stuck: the BOP allows no more than 10 friends or associates to be approved as non-relative visitors. That cap applies specifically to the "friends/associates" category. Relatives - grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins - don't count against those 10 slots. But if you're visiting as a friend, the inmate may have to make choices about who gets added and who waits.
At Big Spring, everything starts with the inmate's visiting list. When someone arrives at a new prison, they create this list - and it determines who can even request a visit. You can't just show up and expect to get in. You can only visit if the inmate has placed you on their list and the BOP has cleared you. Not sure where you stand? Confirm you've been added and approved before making the trip.
- Get the visitor questionnaire/release (BP‑A0629) completed if required - A prospective visitor may need to fill this out so the institution can check records before approving visiting privileges.
- Complete the Application to Enter Institution (BP‑A0243) if the institution requires it - Some institutions use this form to collect background information plus address and employment history as part of visitor screening.
- Wait for the institution’s screening to finish before planning travel - After forms are submitted, the institution uses the information to run its checks and decide whether you can be cleared to visit.
Note: BP-A0629 (the visitor questionnaire/release) is typically required as part of the approval process. It allows the institution to run background checks before adding you to the visiting list.
Tips When Space Limited
- ✓ If you’re using friend/associate slots, remember there can be no more than 10 approved non‑relative visitors - so pick the most consistent visitors first.
- ✓ Prioritize close family early (grandparents, uncles, aunts, in‑laws, cousins) so they aren’t competing with friends for space.
- ✓ If multiple friends want to visit, coordinate up front so the inmate isn’t asked to reshuffle the list repeatedly.
- ✓ When someone needs to be added, have the paperwork ready quickly so screening doesn’t drag out.
Before you travel, confirm you're actually approved - you can only visit if you're on the inmate's list and the BOP has cleared you. Don't assume "weekend visiting" means you're good to go. BOP institutions generally offer visiting on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, but check Big Spring's specific hours on the facility's official BOP webpage before you head out.
Find an Inmate at Big Spring-Flightline, TX
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
