What to Know Before Your First Visit to Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola): Arrival Times, Bus Cutoff, and What Happens on Site
Your first visit to Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) goes smoother when you plan around two things: weekend-only hours and the on-site bus schedule. Here's what to know before you leave home—especially that 2 p.m. cutoff.
Visiting at Angola happens weekends only - Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. But don't treat 4 p.m. as your target. Aim to arrive much earlier so you have time to check in, clear screening, and actually make it to the visiting area.
Critical timing: Arrive before 2 p.m. The bus to the visiting areas leaves at 2 p.m. - miss it, and you won't visit that day.
Visits typically last two hours. The warden can adjust this based on space and staffing, so treat two hours as the plan - not a guarantee.
Expect screening when you arrive. Staff may search your vehicle, belongings, and person, so pack light and assume everything you bring will be inspected. Need medication while on site? Only life-saving or life-sustaining prescriptions are allowed. Bring it in the original container, and only enough for the visit. Let staff know at check-in - don't wait for it to come up later.
Note: Build extra time into your arrival for check-in and searches of your vehicle, belongings, and person.
4
- ✓ If you’re 15 or older, bring a picture ID - it's required to visit.
- ✓ A valid state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID works.
- ✓ Other accepted photo IDs include a passport, military ID, law enforcement ID, college/university ID, or school identification.
5
- ✓ Up to four diapers
- ✓ Two jars of vacuum-sealed baby food
- ✓ Two plastic bottles of milk or juice
- ✓ One change of clothing
- ✓ One baby blanket (maximum 48 inches by 48 inches)
- ✓ One clear plastic bag of baby wipes
- ✓ Pack everything except the blanket in a single clear plastic container (for example, a gallon-size zip-lock bag).
During a contact visit, physical touch is limited. You can embrace and share a brief kiss at the start and end, and hold hands during the visit. Anything beyond that - especially excessive affection or sexual behavior - can get your visit terminated.
If your loved one is still in intake (the first 30 days after placement into custody), visits aren't allowed. If intake extends past 30 days, they can request a special visit with immediate family through the Reception Center's visiting procedures.
- Pick a weekend day and aim early - Visiting is Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you’ll want a buffer for check-in and screening.
- Plan around the 2 p.m. cutoff - You must arrive before 2 p.m. because the bus makes its final departure to the visiting areas at 2 p.m.
- Put your ID where you can grab it - If you’re 15 or older, you’ll need a picture ID (state ID/driver’s license, or an accepted alternative like a passport or school ID).
- Pack with searches in mind - Your vehicle, possessions, and person can be searched, so keep what you bring simple and easy to inspect.
- Handle medication the right way - If you have prescribed life-saving or life-sustaining medication, keep it in the original container, bring only what you need for the visit, and tell staff at the visiting desk that you have it.
Good idea: If you’re unsure about on-site logistics (like where you check in or where you park), confirm the details with the facility before you travel - published rules don’t always spell out every step.
9
- ✓ Visit only Saturday or Sunday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- ✓ Arrive before 2 p.m. so you don’t miss the final bus to the visiting areas.
- ✓ If you’re 15+, bring an accepted photo ID (state ID/driver’s license, passport, military, law enforcement, college/university, or school ID).
- ✓ Expect searches of your vehicle, belongings, and person.
- ✓ If you must bring medication, it must be prescribed, life-saving/life-sustaining, in the original container, and limited to what you need for the visit - tell staff at the visiting desk.
- ✓ Visiting with an infant: bring only the allowed items, and pack them (except the blanket) in one clear plastic container.
- ✓ Contact visits: brief hug/kiss at start and end; hand-holding only during the visit - excessive affection can end the visit.
- ✓ No visitation during intake status (first 30 days); if intake exceeds 30 days, the offender can request a special visit with immediate family.
Find an Inmate at Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
