Video Visits vs. In-Person Visits at SCI Retreat: Limits, Lengths, and What’s Recorded

Pennsylvania DOC offers both in-person and video visits, so you can pick whichever fits your schedule and your loved one's situation. Both types run through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS), which uses Keystone Login to verify your identity when you create an account and sign in.

Monthly Limits

• ✓ In-person visits per month: Each inmate may receive up to four in-person visits per month (including one weekend visit).
• ✓ How many people can attend in person: A maximum of four visitors are allowed per in-person visit (except at Quehanna Boot Camp, where only two visitors are allowed).

Video visits have a separate monthly cap. According to PA DOC guidance, someone in general population can receive up to six video visits per month, though availability still depends on open time slots and the person's housing status. The maximum number of people who can join a single video visit isn't spelled out in that same guidance. If you want to include multiple family members, check the rules shown inside IVS for the current limit.

Visit length depends on the type. Video visits run 45 minutes. In-person (contact) visits are guaranteed to be at least one hour, so you'll typically get more face-to-face time if you can make the trip and get scheduled.

If you use video visitation, assume the conversation is being watched and saved. The one stated exception is legal counsel visits, which are not recorded. For everything else, treat it like any monitored setting and keep the focus on family updates and support.

1. Start with time and distance: If getting to SCI Retreat is hard, video visits can keep you connected with a 45-minute session.
2. Decide if you need the in-person experience: In-person visits are guaranteed to be at least one hour, which can feel less rushed if you can travel.
3. Think about who needs to be there: In-person visits allow up to four visitors at a time (with a separate two-visitor limit at Quehanna Boot Camp), so if you’re coordinating a group visit, plan around that cap.

Scheduling for both in-person and video visits happens through IVS, and you'll use Keystone Login for identity verification. Here's one thing to watch for: the stated lead times don't always match. IVS says visits must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance (and no more than 60 days out), while another PA DOC page says at least 2 days in advance. Since those instructions conflict, go with whatever scheduling window IVS shows you when you're actually booking your visit.