What You Can't Bring to Angola: Contraband Rules, Electronics Ban, and Exceptions for Infant Items & Life‑Saving Medication
Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary) enforces strict contraband rules, and electronics—especially phones—are a major focus. This guide will help you avoid getting turned away at the entrance or facing criminal charges.
When visiting Angola, assume most personal items won't be allowed inside. The rules specifically prohibit telecommunications equipment and related components: cell phones, pagers/beepers, GPS devices, SIM cards, portable memory chips, batteries, and chargers. Cameras and recording devices are banned too. You also can't bring controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, marijuana, tobacco, or tobacco-related items into the visiting area.
Note: Visitation is allowed under departmental policy, but it’s run with the institution’s security needs and physical limits in mind - so contraband rules are enforced tightly.
Electronics and Phones
- ✓ Cellular phones
- ✓ Pagers
- ✓ Beepers
- ✓ Global satellite system equipment
- ✓ SIM cards
- ✓ Portable memory chips
- ✓ Batteries
- ✓ Chargers
- ✓ Cameras or recording devices
Electronics are treated as a serious security threat. That's why the rules don't just ban phones - they also ban the parts that make phones work: SIM cards, memory chips, batteries, and chargers. Louisiana's guidance is clear: a person in custody cannot possess or use a cellular phone while incarcerated. Visitors are expected to leave all these devices and accessories out of the visiting area entirely.
Bringing a cell phone to someone in prison isn't just breaking a rule - it can lead to prosecution for introducing contraband into a correctional facility. Penalties include a fine up to $2,000 and up to five years in prison. Treat this as a hard line: don't carry a phone in, don't stash it with other items, and don't bring phone-related components.
Warning: Phones and telecommunications equipment (including SIM cards, memory chips, batteries, and chargers) are contraband. Bringing them can trigger criminal prosecution - not just a denied visit.
Exceptions Infant Items
- ✓ 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)
- ✓ One clear plastic bag of baby wipes
- ✓ Store all infant items except the baby blanket in a single clear plastic container (for example, a gallon-size zip-lock bag)
There's a narrow medication exception: only prescribed medication that is life-saving or life-sustaining may be permitted. Even then, you can only bring what you need for the duration of the visit. Don't pack extra doses "just in case."
- Bring only prescribed, life-saving or life-sustaining medication - this is the only type of visitor medication that may be permitted.
- Keep the amount to the visit duration - bring no more than what you need for the time you’ll be in the visiting area.
- Tell staff at the visiting desk right away - you must advise institutional staff at the visiting desk that you’re in possession of medication.
Reminder: Declare your medication at the visiting desk. Keep it clearly identified as a prescription and limit it to what you need for the visit - this helps avoid delays at entry.
Visitation is available, but security needs come first. If you have an unusual situation that doesn't fit the standard rules, plan ahead. Confirm what will be allowed before you arrive - don't count on getting an exception at the gate.
Tip: If you think you’ll need an exception, contact the facility’s visiting office ahead of time so you’re not turned away at the gate.
Find an Inmate at Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
