How to Visit Facility

You can only visit if the inmate has added you to their approved visiting list and you've been cleared by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). That approval process involves paperwork and screening. The BOP uses a visitor questionnaire and release form so institution staff can verify your suitability. This can include sending inquiries to law enforcement or crime information agencies when needed.

By law, an inmate is entitled to at least four hours of visiting time per month, and many facilities offer more. That said, the Warden can restrict visit length or the number of visitors allowed at one time to prevent overcrowding. So your actual visit time (and how many people can come with you) may be limited based on current conditions.

Steps to Follow

• ✓ Confirm the inmate has placed you on their approved visiting list before you plan a trip.
• ✓ Complete any required visitor questionnaire/release forms.
• ✓ Be prepared for inquiries or background checks as part of being cleared to visit.

• ✓ Plan your visit around the facility’s current visiting schedule (get the current hours directly from the facility).
• ✓ Keep expectations flexible. Visits can be limited in length, and the number of people who can visit at once can be restricted to prevent overcrowding.
• ✓ If you are traveling with family or friends, confirm in advance how many visitors will be allowed at one time.

• ✓ Dress conservatively to avoid being turned away for provocative or revealing clothing.
• ✓ Skip revealing shorts, halter tops, bathing suits, and any see-through garments.
• ✓ Avoid crop tops, low-cut blouses or dresses, leotards, spandex, miniskirts, and backless tops.
• ✓ Leave hats/caps at home and avoid sleeveless garments.
• ✓ Do not wear skirts more than two inches above the knee or dresses/skirts with high-cut splits.
• ✓ Avoid clothing that resembles inmate clothing, including khaki or green military-type clothing.

1. Confirm you are approved: Ask the inmate (and the facility, if needed) whether you are on the approved visiting list and cleared to visit.
2. Ask about required forms: Verify whether you need to complete a visitor questionnaire/release form.
3. Check whether screening applies: Confirm whether the approval process will include inquiries or background checks, so you can plan for the extra time.

1. Ask what visit time is currently offered: Inmates get at least four hours of visiting time per month by law, but the facility may be able to provide more.
2. Confirm current restrictions: Ask whether the Warden has set limits on visit length or on the number of visitors allowed at one time due to capacity.

1. Get the most current dress code: Dress rules can be enforced strictly, so verify what is allowed before you go.
2. Double-check common problem items: Confirm whether items like hats, sleeveless tops, short skirts, see-through clothing, and inmate-looking colors or styles will result in denial.