Before You Drive to FCI McDowell — Call First, and What to Expect at Check‑In
A little prep before you leave can save you a wasted trip. Here's why calling ahead matters at FCI McDowell, and what to expect at check-in and screening.
Before you start the drive, call FCI McDowell to confirm the visiting schedule: 603-342-4000. Schedules and procedures can shift, and a quick call helps you make sure you’re showing up on the right day, at the right time, with everything you need for check‑in.
Review the facility's visiting regulations before you go, and check for any state or local travel advisories. Severe weather, security concerns, or operational changes can cancel visits without much notice. A few minutes of research keeps your plan from falling apart at the last minute.
Note: By law, inmates are entitled to at least four hours of visiting time per month, but the Warden can still restrict visit length or how many visitors can be in at once.
Screening is part of entry. Bureau of Prisons staff may search you and your belongings before you enter or while you're on the grounds - even stepping onto the property counts as consent to be searched. Refuse, and you can be turned away from Bureau grounds entirely. Plan ahead and leave anything questionable at home.
You'll also need to be on the inmate's approved visiting list before you can visit. This may require completing the Visitor Questionnaire and Release (BP‑A0629). Not sure if your paperwork went through? Call ahead - it beats a long drive for a visit that can't happen.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Weapons - leave at home.
- ✓ Explosives - leave at home.
- ✓ Drugs or intoxicants - do not bring onto Bureau grounds.
- ✓ Cameras of any type - leave in your vehicle or at home.
- ✓ Recording equipment - leave in your vehicle or at home.
- ✓ Telephones - leave in your vehicle or at home.
- ✓ Radios - leave in your vehicle or at home.
- ✓ Pagers - leave in your vehicle or at home.
- ✓ Other electronic devices - leave in your vehicle or at home.
- ✓ Large amounts of currency - bring as little cash as possible.
In the visiting area, keep expectations realistic about physical contact. A handshake, brief hug, or quick kiss is usually allowed at the start and end of the visit, but staff can limit contact for security reasons or to keep the room orderly. Conjugal visits are not permitted in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
- Ask what needs to be fixed - Calmly ask staff why you’re being denied entry (for example, an issue with screening or an item you can’t bring in).
- Follow the instructions you’re given - If you’re told to remove an item from your possession or return to your vehicle, do that promptly; refusal to be searched can mean you’re prohibited from entering.
- Call to clarify before you attempt again - Contact FCI McDowell at 603-342-4000 to confirm what you need to do next and whether you should reschedule rather than waiting or re‑entering the line.
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