What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) When Visiting FCI Berlin
A smooth visit starts before you leave home. Make sure you're approved, expect a search at entry, and pack like you're going through airport security—only stricter.
Before you pack or make the drive, confirm you're actually cleared to visit. The inmate must have added you to their approved visiting list, and the Bureau of Prisons needs to have processed your clearance. If you're not on the list - or the person you're visiting recently transferred and their list isn't set up yet - you'll be turned away, no matter how prepared you are.
Expect security screening when you arrive. By entering Bureau grounds or facilities, you're consenting to searches of yourself and your belongings under federal regulations. Refuse the search, and you won't get in. Decide ahead of time what you're comfortable with - leave anything questionable at home or locked in your car.
Tip: Build extra time into your arrival. Screening can slow things down, especially if you're carrying more than you need.
Section What Declare
- ✓ Tobacco products
- ✓ Narcotics (including marijuana)
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Weapons (including firearms), ammunition, or metal cutting tools
- ✓ Alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants
- ✓ Cameras of any type
- ✓ Telephones (any type)
- ✓ Recording equipment
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Other electronic devices
- ✓ Currency
At entry, you'll answer yes/no questions on BP‑A0224 about whether you (or children under 16 in your party) have prohibited items. Take the questions literally. Answer honestly. If something's on the list - phones, cameras, any electronic device - leave it behind. Don't assume it "won't matter."
What you wear can determine whether you get in. FCI Berlin follows the BOP visiting dress code - clothing that's provocative, revealing, or looks too much like inmate uniforms can get your visit denied. When in doubt, go conservative. Think: something you'd wear to a family event with kids around.
- ✓ Revealing shorts
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ Bathing suits
- ✓ See-through garments of any type
- ✓ Crop tops
- ✓ Low-cut blouses or dresses
- ✓ Leotards
- ✓ Spandex
- ✓ Miniskirts
- ✓ Backless tops
- ✓ Hats or caps
- ✓ Sleeveless garments
- ✓ Skirts two inches or more above the knee
- ✓ Clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)
Outfit shortcut: Skip khaki/green “uniform-looking” clothes, avoid anything sheer or tight, and leave hats at home so you’re not stuck changing or getting turned away.
BP‑A0224 isn't just a routine checkbox form - it's a federal document. Making a false statement can result in a fine up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. If you're unsure whether something counts as prohibited, leave it outside and answer truthfully.
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