Visiting Day Checklist: What to Wear, What to Bring, and What You'll Be Asked to Do

Before you plan a trip, make sure you're actually eligible to visit. At federal facilities, you can only see an inmate if they've placed you on their approved visiting list and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has cleared you. That clearance can involve paperwork. You may need to complete a visitor questionnaire and release (BP-A0629) so the institution can check with law enforcement or crime information agencies before deciding whether to add you. If you haven't finished any requested forms yet, do that first. Wait for the institution to approve you before you travel.

Dress is one of the easiest ways to lose a visit, especially after a long drive. The BOP expects visitors to follow the recommended dress code, and clothing considered provocative or revealing can get you turned away. When in doubt, go conservative. Think family-appropriate clothing that would fit in a large mixed group of men, women, and children. Individual institutions can be stricter than the general BOP guidelines, so check the Visiting Regulations for the specific location before you pick your outfit.

• ✓ Revealing shorts
• ✓ Halter tops
• ✓ Bathing suits
• ✓ See-through garments of any type
• ✓ Crop tops
• ✓ Low-cut blouses or dresses
• ✓ Leotards
• ✓ Spandex
• ✓ Miniskirts
• ✓ Backless tops
• ✓ Hats or caps
• ✓ Sleeveless garments
• ✓ Skirts two inches or more above the knee
• ✓ Dresses or skirts with a high-cut split in the back, front, or side
• ✓ Clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)

Plan for security screening. By entering (or even attempting to enter) Bureau grounds or facilities, you're consenting to searches under Bureau policy. That includes searches of you, your belongings (bags, boxes, jackets, coats), and your vehicle, including any containers inside it. Refuse a search and you can be prohibited from entering entirely. The simplest way to avoid delays: travel light and keep your car and pockets free of anything that could trigger a problem at the gate or front desk.

• ✓ Weapons
• ✓ Explosives
• ✓ Drugs
• ✓ Intoxicants
• ✓ Currency
• ✓ Cameras of any type
• ✓ Recording equipment
• ✓ Telephones
• ✓ Radios
• ✓ Pagers
• ✓ Electronic devices (and other electronics that violate rules)

Keep your expectations realistic about physical contact. Handshakes, hugs, and kisses (in good taste) are typically allowed at the beginning and end of a visit. Beyond that, staff can limit contact for security reasons and to keep the visiting area orderly. If an officer tells you to stop, follow the direction immediately so your visit doesn't get cut short.

Getting there is entirely on you. There's no government payment or reimbursement for transportation to or from BOP facilities, so you'll need to arrange your own ride. If you're unsure about the route, parking, or public transportation options (when available), call the facility for directions before you leave. That quick call can prevent late arrivals and last-minute stress.

1. Read the facility Visiting Regulations. Each location has a Visiting Regulations policy that spells out the rules and procedures for that specific institution.
2. Confirm visiting hours and any changes before you leave. Check the BOP information for that location and call ahead when you can, especially if you are traveling far.
3. Show up ready to check in. Bring the required identification and have any required paperwork completed ahead of time so you are not turned away at the door.