How to Qualify for a 4‑Hour Extended Visit at Kyle Unit

An extended visit gives you more face-to-face time when you're traveling from far away. At Kyle Unit, these visits can last up to four hours - but they're not automatic. The warden (or a designee) has to approve it, and the unit needs both the time and space to make it work that day.

Distance is the main qualifier: you need to be traveling more than 250 miles one way. But meeting that threshold doesn't guarantee anything. Final approval rests with the warden (or a designee), and the unit has to have the time and space available. If you're planning a long trip, treat the extended visit as something you request and hope gets approved - not something you can count on.

Start with the online visitation scheduler. When you submit a relationship request there, it goes to the inmate's unit for TDCJ staff to verify. The scheduler shows the visit types it supports: Regular, Contact, and Video/Tablet (note that Video/Tablet is separate from the Securus Video program). You may not see every option every time - it depends on your relationship status, the unit's setup, and the inmate's visitation privileges. That's why it's smart to follow up directly with the unit if you're trying to arrange an extended visit.

1. Check the scheduler first - Submit any needed relationship request there so the unit can verify your relationship.
2. Look for extended/special options - If the system doesn’t offer an extended visit option (or you’re not sure what you’re seeing), don’t assume it can’t happen.
3. Call the unit to ask about an extended visit - Explain that you’re traveling more than 250 miles one way and ask what they need from you to request the longer visit.

Preparing Request

• ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to the unit you plan to visit
• ✓ Confirm the inmate has visitation privileges
• ✓ Call the unit for final confirmation before you travel
• ✓ Keep in mind visitation information is updated once daily on weekdays and multiple times per day on visitation days

Since extended visits are discretionary, preparation matters. Be ready to show that your one-way travel distance exceeds 250 miles. And ask early - especially if you're juggling work schedules, childcare, or travel plans that are hard to change. The sooner you make the request, the more time the unit has to review it and figure out if they can fit you in.