Penmate Inmate Support Guides
Visitation

Before Your First Visit to SCI Greene: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Your first visit to SCI Greene will go much smoother if you set up the Inmate Visitation System (IVS) ahead of time and come prepared for security screening.

• 2 min read • pa.gov
Before Your First Visit to SCI Greene: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Before you plan the drive, confirm you can actually schedule a visit through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS). IVS uses Keystone Login for identity verification - create or sign into your Keystone Login first, then access IVS from there. Here's the catch: when you try to add the person you want to visit, IVS won't let you proceed unless you're already on their approved visitors list. If you can't add them, that's usually why.

Note: Bringing a child? You'll manage their visit through your own IVS account during setup.

If a child will be part of your visit, you'll need a completed DC-313 form. According to DOC's IVS guidance, this form must be presented when you're adding an inmate to your account - not the day of the visit. Get it sorted while you're setting up IVS, not at the last minute.

Expect airport-style screening when you arrive. Every visitor passes through a metal detector before entry. Anything that sets it off can delay you - or end your visit before it begins.

Everyone gets screened. Age doesn't matter - children and older family members go through the same process as everyone else.

Tip: Dress and pack like you’re going through screening - keep metal accessories and unnecessary items to a minimum so the metal detector and search process goes faster.

Don't bring extra people "just in case." SCI Greene has no waiting area, and anyone not visiting must leave the facility grounds entirely. If someone's driving you or watching kids, arrange for them to wait off-site - not in the parking lot.

Before Your First Visit to SCI Greene: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Day-of-checklist

  • ✓ Log into IVS using your Keystone Login before you leave, so you’re not troubleshooting at the last minute
  • ✓ Confirm your visit is scheduled in advance (walk-ins aren’t allowed for in-person or video visits)
  • ✓ Make sure you’re scheduling within the allowed window: at least 3 days ahead, and no more than 60 days out

Your car counts as part of the security process. While on prison property, keep your vehicle locked with windows closed. Ladders, toolboxes, and similar items need to be secured. All visitor vehicles are subject to search, so keep the interior orderly and avoid leaving loose equipment or anything that might raise questions.

Find an Inmate at SCI Greene Prison, PA

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from SCI Greene Prison, PA

Before Your First Visit to SCI Greene: what to bring, vehicle prep, and what to expect at screening

Your first visit goes smoother when you handle the basics ahead of time: schedule through IVS, bring the right paperwork for kids, and show up ready for security screening and strict vehicle rules.

Phone & Messaging

How to Contact an Inmate at Facility

Before helping your loved one use any in-facility communication technology, there's one documented policy to be aware of: inmates and reentrants can be held financially responsible for losses, costs, or damages they cause to Department information technology systems if the damage is intentional or negligent. This policy can apply broadly to technology used inside the facility, including devices or systems for messaging, video communication, or other IT-based services. That's the only facility-specific communication detail covered by the evidence provided here. Phone numbers, vendor names, messaging rules, visiting or video schedules, fee amounts, and how charges are calculated aren't included. You'll need to confirm those details directly with the facility.

How to Schedule a Visit at SCI Greene — what the IVS lead time really is

Scheduling a visit at SCI Greene goes through Pennsylvania DOC's Inmate Visitation System (IVS). The catch? Official guidance contradicts itself on the minimum lead time. Here's the practical rule that'll keep you from getting blocked when you try to book.