Your First Visit to FCI La Tuna: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Your first prison visit can feel overwhelming—especially when you want to get every detail right. Here's how to prepare for a smooth visit to FCI La Tuna, from confirming where your loved one is housed to avoiding dress-code problems at the door.
Before you plan the drive, confirm your loved one's current location. Inmates can be transferred to different facilities - sometimes to access specific programs - and you don't want to discover that after you've already made the trip. Use the BOP inmate locator or call FCI La Tuna directly to verify you're heading to the right place.
Make sure you're cleared to visit. You can only see someone if they've added you to their approved visiting list and the Bureau of Prisons has completed your background check. Show up before that's done, and you'll be turned away - no matter how far you traveled.
- ✓ Verify FCI La Tuna’s current visiting days and hours before you leave.
- ✓ Expect that visits are generally offered on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and sometimes on weekdays.
- ✓ If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, double-check the schedule - those are popular visiting times and hours can be adjusted.
If your loved one just arrived at FCI La Tuna (or was recently transferred) and a visiting list hasn't been set up yet, there may be a narrow exception for immediate family. In some cases, family members who can be verified through information in the inmate's Pre‑Sentence Report may visit before the list is finalized. Don't assume this applies to you - call the institution ahead of time so you know what to expect before traveling.
Dress Code
- ✓ 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 resembles inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)
Note: Dress code enforcement can be strict, and rules vary. If you're unsure about something, call FCI La Tuna to confirm what's allowed before you go.
Physical contact is limited, so set your expectations before walking in. Brief handshakes, hugs, and kisses (in good taste) are typically allowed at the start and end of your visit. Staff may limit contact further for security reasons or to keep the visiting area orderly.
Visit length depends on how busy the visiting room is. By law, inmates are entitled to at least four hours of visiting time per month - many facilities offer more. That said, the warden can shorten visits or limit how many visitors come at once if the room gets crowded.
Plan your budget knowing that travel costs are on you. There's no government reimbursement for transportation to FCI La Tuna - you'll need to arrange and pay for your own way there and back.
- Confirm the inmate’s current location - Check the BOP inmate locator or contact FCI La Tuna so you don’t travel to the wrong place.
- Call for directions if you need them - If you have questions about getting there, contact the facility for guidance.
- Re-check visiting days and hours before you leave - Schedules can vary, so verify the current visiting window close to your travel day.
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