Who Can Visit an Inmate at FMC Butner: Relatives, Friends, and Approved Visitors

The Bureau of Prisons recognizes several relationship categories that may qualify for visiting at FMC Butner. On the family side, that includes grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and cousins. Beyond relatives, the BOP also allows friends or associates, foreign officials, members of religious groups (including clergy), members of civic groups, employers (former or prospective), sponsors, parole advisors, and attorneys.

There's a hard cap for non-relatives: an inmate can have no more than 10 friends or associates on their approved visiting list at FMC Butner. If that limit is already reached, someone would need to be removed before a new friend or associate could be added.

Sometimes a visiting list doesn't exist yet, like when someone first enters prison or after a transfer. In those cases, immediate family members may still be allowed to visit at FMC Butner if staff can verify the relationship through information in the inmate's Pre-Sentence Report.

Even when this exception applies, expect paperwork and screening. You'll need to complete and return the BOP visitor questionnaire and release form (BP-A0629). Institution officials may also run a background inquiry to decide whether you're suitable as a visitor.

1. Ask the inmate if you are on their approved visiting list - You must be placed on the inmate’s approved list before you can visit at FMC Butner.
2. Wait for BOP clearance before you plan the trip - You can only visit if you have been cleared by the Bureau of Prisons.

If you're getting mixed messages about whether you're approved, focus on the two things that matter: being placed on the inmate's approved visiting list, and being found suitable through the institution's clearance process (which may include a background inquiry). Until both pieces are in place, assume you can't visit yet.