Before You Visit FMC Fort Worth: Getting Approved, What to Wear, and Visit Time Expectations
Visiting FMC Fort Worth goes much smoother when you handle two things early: getting on the approved visiting list and dressing appropriately. Here's what to expect—including how visit time works.
Being a spouse, parent, or close friend doesn't guarantee entry. At FMC Fort Worth, you must be on the inmate's approved visiting list and cleared by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) before you can visit. The inmate adds you, then the facility runs a background check. Until both steps are complete, you'll be turned away - even if you traveled across the country.
Tip: Confirm you're on the approved list and cleared by the BOP before making travel plans. "Almost approved" still means no entry at the door.
The process starts with the inmate. They create a list of people they want to see, and only those people - once cleared - can visit. Planning your first trip? Coordinate with your loved one so they know exactly who to add. Nobody gets in until that clearance comes through.
- ✓ Immediate family and other relatives the inmate wants to see (once added and cleared)
- ✓ Other visitors the inmate requests (once added and cleared)
- ✓ Before anyone travels, confirm the person is on the visiting list and cleared by the BOP
- ✓ Review the facility’s visiting rules ahead of time so you know if any extra requirements apply
Dress code trips up more visitors than you'd expect. The BOP requires clothing appropriate for a large gathering of men, women, and children. Provocative or revealing clothes can get you denied at the door. If you're unsure whether something will pass, go more conservative - staff won't give you the benefit of the doubt.
Dress safely: Skip revealing or see-through clothing, very short skirts/shorts, low-cut or backless tops, and anything that looks like inmate clothing (such as khaki or green military-style outfits). When in doubt, dress conservative.
Visits aren't unlimited, but there's a baseline. By law, inmates are entitled to at least four hours of visiting time per month. Many facilities offer more, but that four-hour monthly minimum is the floor.
What you actually get on a given day can vary. The warden can limit visit length or cap how many people visit at once - usually to manage overcrowding in the visiting room. Even if you're approved and made the trip, be prepared for restrictions based on space and security needs that day.
Plan ahead: Before you travel, confirm the current local schedule and ask whether any restrictions on visit length or number of visitors are in effect.
One rule that’s often asked about: the Federal Bureau of Prisons does not permit conjugal visits. That applies across the BOP, including FMC Fort Worth.
- ✓ Review all visiting rules, regulations, and procedures before you go
- ✓ Expect rules to be enforced to keep the visiting area orderly and to prevent contraband
- ✓ Plan your visit around the institution’s schedule and any limits the facility sets for the day
- Check the current visiting schedule - Confirm the days/times the institution is running visits before you travel.
- Confirm what identification and documents you need - Bring exactly what the facility requires so you’re not turned away at check-in.
- Verify you’re approved and cleared - Make sure you’re on the inmate’s approved visiting list and cleared by the BOP.
- Ask about any local limits for that day - Find out whether visit length or the number of visitors is being restricted due to space or management needs.
Reminder: BOP rules are national, but day-to-day practice can still vary by institution - verify FMC Fort Worth’s local procedures before you travel.
Find an Inmate at FMC Fort Worth
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
