How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Every visit at SCI Phoenix goes through Pennsylvania's Inmate Visitation System (IVS), and you'll need a Keystone login to access it. You must be on the inmate's authorized visitors list, and each adult visitor needs their own IVS account. Visits must be scheduled at least three days in advance and no more than 60 days ahead. In-person visits are capped at four per month (including one weekend visit), last at least one hour, and allow up to four visitors per session. Video visits are free for inmates, capped at six per month (including one weekend video visit), and allow up to six visitors to join. When you arrive for an in-person visit, secure your vehicle and be prepared for searches and metal detection. There's no facility waiting area, and breaking the rules can get your visiting privileges suspended.
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Your first visit at SCI Phoenix starts online. Pennsylvania DOC uses the Inmate Visitation System (IVS) for scheduling both in-person and video visits. You'll verify your identity through Keystone Login before you can book anything.
Your first visit at SCI Phoenix is a lot easier once you understand the system Pennsylvania DOC uses. Here's the path: create your IVS account (through Keystone Login), confirm you're on your loved one's authorized visitor list, then schedule within the allowed time window.
Visiting at SCI Phoenix is manageable once you know the system. The key: schedule ahead through Pennsylvania DOC's online tools and show up ready for security screening.
SCI Phoenix offers both in-person and free video visits, but the limits and rules differ. Here's a breakdown of monthly caps, group sizes, scheduling requirements, and monitoring so you can decide what works best for your situation.
SCI Phoenix offers both in-person and video visits. You can choose whichever fits your schedule, group size, and the kind of contact you want.
Schedule all visits through Pennsylvania's Inmate Visitation System (IVS). Create an IVS account, confirm you're on the inmate's authorized visitors list, and select an available date (at least three days out, no more than 60 days ahead). If you need help, contact SCI Phoenix or email the DOC Central Office at RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov.
In-person visits are limited to four per month (including one weekend visit). Video visits are free for inmates and limited to six per month (including one weekend video visit).
Bring a current government-issued photo ID showing your date of birth, and provide an address that matches your ID. You'll need to secure your vehicle and pass through searches and metal detection. Keep in mind there's no on-site waiting area. If you break security rules, your visiting privileges can be suspended.
If you want to stay in touch with someone at SCI Phoenix, your main options are scheduled visits (including video) and phone calls. Here are the rules that tend to trip people up, plus the simplest way to plan ahead.
If your loved one is at SCI Phoenix, general mail doesn't go directly to the prison. Everything gets routed through Smart Communications for processing first. Small mistakes (wrong paper size, missing inmate number, bound pages) can delay or reject your mail.
Sending mail to someone at SCI Phoenix is straightforward—just use the correct address format and follow Smart Communications rules for letters and photos.
