What You Can and Can't Bring to Lopez Unit: Visitor Checklist
A few everyday items can get you turned away at the Lopez Unit gate. This quick checklist covers what TDCJ allows inside the secured perimeter.
Quick Takeaway
- ✓ A small wallet, a clear plastic bag (Ziploc-type), or a change purse
- ✓ Up to $35 in coins for vending machines (no paper money)
- ✓ If you’re bringing an infant or small child: no more than three diapers, a supply of baby wipes, and two baby bottles (or a sippy cup for toddlers), stored in a clear plastic bag
Travel light. Paper money is contraband on TDCJ property. So are cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronics. You also cannot bring purses, diaper bags, briefcases, or baby strollers past the gate. Tobacco products, lighters, and matches? Leave those behind too.
Banned Items
- ✓ Paper money
- ✓ Cell phones, pagers, smartwatches, laptops, cameras, digital recorders, and other electronic or wireless devices
- ✓ Purses, diaper bags, briefcases, and baby strollers
- ✓ Tobacco products, lighters, and matches
Note: At Lopez Unit, these items are treated as contraband or otherwise not allowed inside the secured perimeter. Leave them in your vehicle or at home so you do not risk being denied entry.
TDCJ treats paper money and electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, cameras, laptops) as contraband on prison property. The bottom line: leave cash and electronics at home or in your car. Want money for vending? Bring coins. Visitors can carry up to $35 in coins, and vending machines are available in the visitation area.
Tip: Bring coins, not bills. Up to $35 in coins is allowed for vending machines.
- Pack in a clear plastic bag - Use a Ziploc-type bag (or a small wallet or change purse) for the few items you’re allowed to take inside.
- Keep baby items within the limit - Bring no more than three diapers, baby wipes, and two baby bottles (or a sippy cup), and store them in a clear plastic bag.
- Leave bulky bags and gear behind - Purses, diaper bags, briefcases, and baby strollers are not allowed inside the secured perimeter, so lock them in your vehicle or leave them at home.
Before you walk up, do a quick pocket and bag check. Paper money, electronics (phones, smartwatches, cameras, laptops), and anything tobacco-related (products, lighters, matches) are all prohibited. Catching these items early saves you a long delay at the gate.
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