Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

What You Need to Know Before Your First Visit to FMC Lexington

Your first visit will go much smoother if you handle the approval steps before you get in the car. Use this checklist to confirm you're eligible, bring what the institution needs, and avoid the most common reasons people get turned away at the door.

• 3 min read • bop.gov
What You Need to Know Before Your First Visit to FMC Lexington

You must be on the inmate's approved visiting list and cleared by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) before you can visit FMC Lexington. If you're not cleared, you won't get in - so treat this as step one, not something to sort out at the front desk.

To get on an inmate's visiting list, you'll need to complete and return form BP-A0629 (the visitor questionnaire and release) to the institution. Fill it out carefully. Missing information will stall your request - and you won't receive any further consideration until it's complete.

Even if you think everything is set, call FMC Lexington before you travel. Inmate locations and visiting lists can change without notice. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip.

ID and Forms to Bring

  • ✓ Bring a current, government-issued photo ID.
  • ✓ Bring any paperwork the institution asked for as part of getting you cleared and placed on the approved visiting list.

Still in the approval process - or asked to resubmit? Keep a copy of your completed BP-A0629 and any other documents the institution requested. This is the form you need to be considered for visiting privileges.

What you wear matters. Provocative or revealing clothing can get you denied at FMC Lexington. Stick with conservative, straightforward clothing that won't draw attention.

Keep things calm and follow the rules in the visiting room. Visiting areas at FMC Lexington - including restrooms - may be monitored for security purposes. Assume your behavior and conversations are being observed.

What You Need to Know Before Your First Visit to FMC Lexington

Medications and Personal Items

  • ✓ List every medication you have with you.
  • ✓ Leave all medications at the entry area (this applies to all types of medication you carry in).

Leave prohibited items at home - or in your car. Weapons, explosives, drugs, intoxicants, currency, cameras, recording equipment, telephones, radios, pagers, and other electronic devices are all banned. Show up with something on this list and you risk being turned away.

Note: By entering or attempting to enter FMC Lexington grounds, you consent to being searched under Bureau policy and federal regulations. If you refuse to be searched, you may be prohibited from entering.

Call ahead the same day you plan to visit. Inmate locations and visiting lists can change, and you need to be on the approved list and cleared by the BOP before you can visit. A quick confirmation call can save you a long, frustrating trip.

Expect a security-focused check-in when you arrive. By entering the grounds, you're consenting to a search - refuse, and you can be barred from entry. Inside, visiting areas and restrooms may be monitored to maintain security and good order.

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