How to Get Approved to Visit Someone at FCI Mendota

Before you can visit anyone at FCI Mendota, you need to be on their approved visiting list - and cleared by the BOP. Why all the paperwork? It's about screening. Under 18 U.S.C. § 4042, the BOP can request background information on proposed visitors. The facility uses that information to decide whether adding you to the list would create security or management concerns.

Everything starts with one form: the Visitor Information / Visitor Questionnaire, BP‑A0629. FCI Mendota uses this to collect your basic details and kick off the background screening. Your loved one (or the institution) will typically provide the form along with instructions on where to send it once you've filled it out.

• ✓ Use your legal name (the one on your ID) and include your date of birth exactly as it appears on official documents.
• ✓ Write your full address, including ZIP code - don’t leave off apartment/unit numbers.
• ✓ Provide a telephone number with area code so staff can reach you or verify information if needed.
• ✓ Complete the demographics the form asks for, including race and sex, and answer whether you are a U.S. citizen (Yes/No).
• ✓ If you’re a U.S. citizen, fill in your Social Security Number where requested; if you’re not, provide your Alien Registration Number (and any passport information requested on the form).

When you sign BP‑A0629, you're doing more than completing a questionnaire. Your signature authorizes the release of criminal record information to the Warden. That means the institution can access records of arrests, convictions, and related information to determine whether you're suitable to visit.

As part of this check, staff may contact law enforcement or crime information agencies to verify details and assess whether your visit could create problems for the facility. This authority comes from the BOP's responsibilities under 18 U.S.C. § 4042.

Helping a Spanish-speaking family member with the paperwork? Be careful with the language versions. The Spanish BP‑A0629 is provided as a reference only - it shouldn't be filled out or submitted as the completed form.

Once you submit the completed BP‑A0629, the institution can use your authorization to gather what it needs for a decision. That may include contacting outside agencies to verify your background. The form makes clear that while providing information isn't mandatory, leaving things out can result in your application being set aside. Completeness matters.

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• ✓ Ask your loved one to add you to their approved visiting list - you can’t be approved if you aren’t listed.
• ✓ Complete BP‑A0629 neatly and fully, especially your legal name, date of birth, and full address (with ZIP).
• ✓ Make sure your phone number includes the area code, since it’s part of the form’s standard identification details.
• ✓ Return the form promptly using the instructions provided with it.
• ✓ Keep a copy of what you submitted for your own records.
• ✓ Call FCI Mendota ahead of time before you travel to confirm the visit will be permitted, especially if your loved one has recently transferred and a visiting list may not be fully set up yet.

1. Confirm you’re being added to the list - ask the inmate to place your name on their approved visiting list.
2. Get BP‑A0629 and fill it out completely - use your legal name, accurate contact details, and the citizenship/ID information requested.
3. Submit the completed questionnaire as directed - return it following the instructions that come with the form.
4. Call FCI Mendota before you make the trip - this is especially helpful after a transfer, when visiting status and lists can take time to stabilize.