Contact Visits vs Regular Visits at Kyle Unit: What Physical Contact and Time Limits Are Allowed

The TDCJ scheduling system lists four visit types: Regular, Contact, Video/Tablet, and Securus Video. One common point of confusion: "Video/Tablet" in the scheduler isn't the same as the Securus Video program offered at some units. Not every option shows up for everyone - what you can request depends on your relationship to the inmate, the unit's visitation setup, and the inmate's current privileges.

A "Contact Visit" is what most people mean when they ask about hugging. Physical contact is allowed but controlled: you can embrace and kiss once at the beginning and once at the end of the visit. That's it. Don't expect ongoing hugs during the visit itself.

A regular visit lasts two hours. The clock starts when both you and the inmate are present - not when you arrive at the unit. If check-in or inmate movement takes a while, that time doesn't count against your visit.

Eligible inmates get one visit per visiting cycle. Traveling a long distance? There's an extended visit option for visitors coming more than 250 miles one way. It requires warden approval and depends on available time and space, but when granted, it can last up to four hours.

Remote video visits (the kiosk kind) have a separate scheduling process through the vendor website - you don't book them the same way as in-person visits. Good news: remote video visits are in addition to your contact or in-person allowance, not a replacement.

• ✓ Remote video kiosk visits may occur once per month.
• ✓ Remote video kiosk visits can be up to 60 minutes.

Securus Video Visitation sessions run 60 minutes and cost $10.00. Since the scheduler's "Video/Tablet" option isn't the same as Securus Video, double-check you're selecting the right one - and budget your time and money accordingly.

1. Pick “Contact” if you’re trying to maximize in-person connection - it’s the visit type that allows limited physical contact, but availability depends on the relationship, the unit’s setup, and the inmate’s visitation privileges.
2. Choose “Regular” when you want the standard in-person visit length - regular visits are two hours, and the visit time begins once both the inmate and visitor(s) are present.
3. Use a remote kiosk visit when distance or timing makes travel hard - remote video visits are scheduled through the vendor website and are in addition to contact or general visits for eligible inmates.