What to Know Before Scheduling Your First Visit at Rogelio Sanchez State Jail

Contact visits happen Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. TDCJ runs on a "visiting cycle" from Monday through the following Sunday - and each eligible inmate typically gets just one visit per cycle. So even with a full weekend window, your loved one may only be allowed one visit that week. Plan your timing accordingly.

Confirm Before Travel

• ✓ Confirm the inmate is assigned to Rogelio Sanchez State Jail (not in transit or housed somewhere else).
• ✓ Verify the inmate has visitation privileges and that visitation hasn’t been canceled.
• ✓ Check the unit visitation schedule for the day you plan to go.
• ✓ Call the unit for final confirmation before you travel.

TDCJ requires visitors to be on an approved Visitors List - each inmate can have up to 10 names. Confirm you're on the list before making the trip. If you're not approved, you'll be turned away even with valid ID in hand.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID if you're 18 or older. Student IDs don't count for adults. For children 17 and under, the facility may ask for identification too - a birth certificate, state-issued ID, or student ID card works (student IDs are only accepted for minors). Before you leave, double-check your outfit against the unit's dress code. Clothing violations are one of the most common reasons visits get denied before they even start.

Expect security screening. Staff can search both visitors and vehicles. "Contraband" covers more than drugs and weapons - it includes paper money, tobacco, and electronics like cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, cameras, and digital recorders. Travel light. Leave anything questionable at home or locked in your car.

If you’re traveling a long distance, ask about an extended visit before you go. Extended visits may be permitted at the warden’s discretion for people traveling more than 250 miles one way, and if time and space allow, they may be up to four hours long.

1. Confirm the details before you leave - Verify your loved one is assigned to the unit, has visitation privileges, check the unit schedule, and call the unit for final confirmation.
2. Make sure you’re approved - Each inmate can only have 10 names on their Visitors List, so confirm you’re on it before you travel.
3. Bring the right ID and dress to pass the check - Adults need a current government-issued photo ID (not a student ID), and you should check clothing for compliance ahead of time.
4. Keep your belongings simple - Don’t bring cash except coins up to $35, and leave your phone and other prohibited items out of the secure perimeter.