What physical contact is allowed during Louisiana DOC visits (hugs, kisses, and non-contact rules)
Visiting rules around hugs, kisses, and touching are strict—but predictable once you know the basics. Here's what Louisiana DOC allows during contact visits, and what changes if your visit is non-contact.
During a contact visit, Louisiana DOC allows a brief embrace and a brief kiss at the beginning and end of the visit. Brief is the key word - staff expect a quick greeting, not a lingering moment. If it's your first visit, decide ahead of time what that quick hello and goodbye will look like so you don't accidentally cross a line.
Once you're seated and talking, the rules tighten. The only contact allowed during the visit itself is holding hands - nothing beyond that. If you're unsure where the line is, stick to "hands only" for the entire middle portion and save the hug and kiss for the start and end.
Note: Excessive displays of affection or any sexual misconduct during visits are prohibited and can lead to discipline or the visit being ended.
Some incarcerated people are restricted to non-contact visits. That means no physical contact at all - no hugs, no kisses, no hand-holding, even at the beginning or end.
Contact or non-contact, you still need to be approved to visit. Louisiana DOC requires visitors to be on the incarcerated person's approved visiting list, so confirm your status before making plans or traveling.
Contact restrictions usually come down to safety, security, and past behavior. Some people are placed on non-contact status, which removes all touching. And if staff see improper contact - especially excessive affection or sexual misconduct - the visit can be stopped immediately.
All visits are supervised, and staff can step in at any moment. Louisiana DOC guidance gives the warden (or designated staff) authority to end a visit whenever they believe it's necessary for the safety and security of the facility or anyone involved.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the imprisoned person’s approved visiting list before you go.
- ✓ Ask ahead whether the visit will be contact or non-contact so you know what touching is (or isn’t) allowed.
- ✓ Keep your behavior calm and within the rules - visits can be restricted or terminated for safety or security reasons.
Walking in hoping for a long hug only to find out the rules don't allow it can sting. For contact visits, expect a brief hug and kiss only at the start and end, with hand-holding during the visit. Setting that expectation beforehand helps the time you do get feel less tense - and more focused on actually talking.
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