How to get on an inmate's visiting list at FCI Estill

At FCI Estill, the process starts with the inmate. You can only visit if they've placed you on their approved visiting list and the BOP has cleared you. Two gates to get through: being added by the inmate, then passing the BOP's review. The BOP also limits who can be on that list. For friends and associates, inmates can approve no more than 10 people. Other approved visitor categories include foreign officials, members of religious groups (including clergy), civic group members, employers (current, former, or prospective), sponsors, parole advisors, and attorneys.

Your first move is simple: ask the inmate to add you to their approved visiting list. This step has to come from them. Until your name is on their list, you won't be able to visit - even if you're ready to travel. Once they've added you, be patient. Getting on the list is necessary, but you still can't visit until the BOP clears you.

• ✓ Friends/associates (no more than 10)
• ✓ Foreign officials
• ✓ Members of religious groups (including clergy)
• ✓ Members of civic groups
• ✓ Employers (former or prospective)
• ✓ Sponsors
• ✓ Parole advisors
• ✓ Attorneys

Sometimes the holdup isn't your approval - it's that the inmate doesn't have a visiting list set up yet. This happens when someone first enters federal prison or transfers to a new facility. The BOP allows a limited exception here: immediate family members who can be verified through information in the inmate's Pre‑Sentence Report may be allowed to visit even without an established list. If you're not immediate family (or can't be verified that way), you'll typically need to wait until the inmate creates their visiting list and you're cleared.

Being added to the list is only part of the process. You can only visit after the BOP clears you. Expect some processing time between "they added my name" and "I can actually get in." If you're making travel plans, don't assume you're approved just because the inmate says they put you on the list. Clearance is a separate step - and it's what determines whether you'll be admitted.

Need to visit urgently? Attorneys and members of religious groups (including clergy) are recognized visitor categories that may have different options. For time-sensitive situations, call the facility directly and explain your circumstances. Staff can tell you what's possible and what documentation they need.

1. Call FCI Estill and confirm you’re approved - Ask whether your name shows on the inmate’s visiting list and whether you’ve been cleared by the BOP.
2. Ask for directions before you leave - Staff can help with directions to the facility.
3. Check public transportation options (if you need them) - The facility can tell you how to get there by public transportation when available.