Visiting Checklist for FCI Milan: What to Wear and What to Expect at Check‑In
Before heading to FCI Milan, know two things: bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for check-in, and stepping onto Bureau grounds - even just attempting to enter - counts as consent to a search of you and your belongings.
- ✓ Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for check-in.
- ✓ Dress like you’re going to a large family event - provocative or revealing clothing can get you denied.
- ✓ Skip revealing shorts and halter tops.
- ✓ Don’t wear bathing suits or anything see-through.
- ✓ Avoid clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing).
- ✓ Leave prohibited items out of your bag and out of your vehicle: weapons, explosives, drugs, cameras, telephones, radios, pagers, and electronic devices.
- ✓ Expect to answer questions and sign paperwork truthfully; false statements can carry federal penalties (a fine up to $250,000 or up to five years in prison).
The Bureau of Prisons dress standard boils down to this: wear something appropriate for a large gathering of men, women, and children. Anything provocative or revealing can get your visit denied - and once you're at the front desk, there's no talking your way past it.
- ✓ Revealing shorts
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ Bathing suits
- ✓ See-through garments of any type
- ✓ Clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)
Tip: If you’re on the fence about an outfit, go more conservative. Also steer clear of khaki or green military-type clothing so you don’t accidentally wear something that resembles inmate clothing.
Expect security screening at check-in. Under Bureau policy and federal regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 511), entering or attempting to enter Bureau grounds counts as consent to a search - that includes your belongings, jacket, bags, even your vehicle. Refuse, and you won't get in.
You'll sign a visitor notification form that's more than routine paperwork. It warns that false statements can be prosecuted under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1001) - penalties include fines up to $250,000, up to five years in prison, or both.
- Show your photo ID - staff use it to verify who you are before you can proceed.
- Complete the screening/search process - entering or attempting to enter Bureau grounds is treated as consent to search under 28 C.F.R. Part 511; refusing can mean you’re not allowed in.
- Answer the form questions truthfully - the visitor notification form warns that false statements can carry federal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (up to a $250,000 fine or up to five years in prison).
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Weapons
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Cameras (any type)
- ✓ Telephones
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Electronic devices
Leave prohibited items at home so you're not scrambling at the gate. If you bring personal property, keep it minimal and follow staff instructions on what stays with you and what gets secured before entry.
Give yourself extra time. Searches are part of the entry process, and refusing one stops your visit before it starts.
- ✓ Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID and have it ready when you walk in.
- ✓ Dress conservatively so you don’t get turned away for being provocative or revealing.
- ✓ Avoid the most common clothing problems: revealing shorts, halter tops, bathing suits, and see-through garments.
- ✓ Don’t wear clothing that resembles inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing).
- ✓ Read every question on the visitor form carefully and answer truthfully; false statements can carry penalties up to a $250,000 fine or up to five years in prison.
- ✓ If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, ask the officer before you commit to it.
Reminder: Policies are enforced at the door. If you have a question before you go, contacting the facility ahead of time can save you a wasted trip.
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