What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home) When Visiting Someone at FDC Houston
A little prep goes a long way. The checklist below covers the most common reasons people get turned away at the door.
Before you make the trip to FDC Houston, make sure you are on the inmate’s approved visiting list. If you are not cleared and on that list, you will not be able to visit, even if you traveled a long distance.
This can help explain delays when you're trying to get added. An inmate can list relatives and certain other visitor categories, plus up to 10 friends or associates. Some people have to wait until paperwork is processed and the list is finalized.
To be considered for visiting privileges, complete the BP-A0629 visitor questionnaire and release form and return it to the institution address listed on the form. Until that form is submitted and reviewed, assume you're not approved yet.
Prohibited Items
- ✓ Weapons
- ✓ Explosives
- ✓ Drugs
- ✓ Currency
- ✓ Cameras (of any type)
- ✓ Recording equipment
- ✓ Telephones (any type)
- ✓ Radios
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Electronic devices
Tip: Keep it simple. Leave valuables at home and bring only what you truly need. Many everyday items are prohibited on Bureau grounds.
If you need to carry medication, plan for extra time at check-in. At FDC Houston, any medication you bring must be listed and left at the entry area before you enter the visiting room.
Practical idea: Bring documentation showing the medication is prescribed to you. If staff have questions, being able to verify what it is can prevent delays.
Clothing is one of the most common reasons visits get cut short before they start. FDC Houston requires appropriate attire, and provocative or revealing garments can get you denied entry. When in doubt, dress more conservatively than you think you need to.
- ✓ 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 or dresses two inches or more above the knee
- ✓ Clothing that resembles inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)
Expect to be searched. By entering or attempting to enter FDC Houston, you consent to a search under Bureau of Prisons policy and 28 C.F.R. Part 511. Refuse the search and you won't be allowed in.
Warning: Don't guess or round up answers on visiting or entry forms. A false statement can trigger penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (a fine up to $250,000 or up to five years in prison).
Once you're in the visiting room, keep physical contact brief. Handshakes, hugs, and kisses (in good taste) are generally allowed at the beginning and end of a visit. Staff can limit contact for security reasons, including concerns about contraband or keeping the area orderly.
- Confirm you are approved to visit. If you are not on the inmate’s approved visiting list, you will be turned away.
- Plan your transportation ahead of time. There is no government payment or reimbursement for travel to and from FDC Houston.
- Bring as little as possible. Prohibited items can stop your visit before it starts, and medication must be listed and left at the entry area.
- Expect a search at entry. Entering or attempting to enter means you consent to be searched, and refusing a search can bar you from entry.
- Call the facility if you need directions or have questions. Staff can help with directions, including public transportation options when available.
If you get turned away: Ask what you can fix for next time (for example, approval status, search refusal, or items you brought). Plan for your own travel costs, since there is no government reimbursement for transportation.
Quick Checks Summary
- ✓ Wear appropriate clothing. Avoid provocative or revealing outfits, and avoid clothing that resembles inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing).
- ✓ If you carry medication, list it and be ready to leave it at the entry area.
- ✓ Leave at home: weapons, explosives, drugs, currency, cameras, recording equipment, phones, radios, pagers, and electronic devices.
- ✓ Be ready to consent to a search when entering or attempting to enter the facility.
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