Understanding Visit Limits: Why You Can Only Visit Once a Week for Two Hours

Under normal circumstances, each person in custody gets one in-person visit per week. That visit maxes out at two hours - no extensions, even if you drove hours to get there. Plan accordingly.

You can't just show up. Every visit requires an appointment. Call or email the specific prison to schedule ahead of time - walk-ins aren't how this works.

Only three approved visitors can attend a single session. If more people want to visit, you'll need to take turns week by week.

Custody status changes things. If someone is on administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, or control status (except protective control), visits become non-contact only - and still require an appointment. This catches a lot of families off guard when they're expecting a contact visit.

• ✓ STG Level 2 - contact visits are allowed with approved immediate family members.
• ✓ STG Level 3 - only non-contact visits are allowed with approved immediate family members.

1. Pick who’s going this week - the normal maximum is three approved visitors per session, so decide ahead of time who will attend and who will rotate in next week.
2. Schedule the appointment - in-person visits are appointment-only, so call or email the prison where your loved one is housed to lock in the time.
3. Build your day around the time cap - visits are limited to one session per week and the session can’t exceed two hours, so plan travel, childcare, and work schedules with that window in mind.
4. Use the two hours intentionally - because the visit is short and infrequent, bring any updates, questions, or family news you want to cover so you don’t feel rushed once you’re seated.