How to Visit Sci Somerset Pennsylvania (PA)
Visiting SCI Somerset takes some planning. Pennsylvania DOC visits are scheduled through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS), and you'll need to be approved before you can book. Once that's done, scheduling is straightforward.
You can't just show up at SCI Somerset and ask for a visit. All visits (in-person and video) must be scheduled ahead of time through the Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS). Before you can schedule, you need to be on the incarcerated person's authorized visitor list and have an IVS account linked to you as an approved visitor.
IVS uses Keystone Login for identity verification. The system requires visits to be scheduled at least 3 days in advance, and you can't book more than 60 days out. Schedules and rules can shift around holidays or due to operational changes, so I recommend checking the timing rules in IVS before finalizing travel plans.
Note: Expect security screening when you arrive. Vehicles and all visitors (including children) can be searched. Everyone goes through a metal detector, and there's no waiting area on facility grounds.
Video visits through Pennsylvania DOC are free for visitors. You can join up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time, but logging in earlier than that may block you from entering. Keep an eye on the email address tied to your IVS account. If the facility cancels your visit, that's where the notice goes.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Make sure you are on the inmate’s authorized visitor list.
- ✓ Create your IVS account and ensure it is linked to you as the authorized visitor.
- ✓ Sign in to IVS using Keystone Login.
- ✓ Schedule your in-person or video visit through IVS (walk-ins are not allowed).
- ✓ Schedule at least 3 days in advance.
- ✓ Do not schedule more than 60 days ahead.
- ✓ Lock your vehicle while on prison property and be ready for it to be searched.
- ✓ Be prepared for all visitors, regardless of age, to be subject to search.
- ✓ Expect every visitor to pass through a metal detector.
- ✓ Plan your arrival so you are on time since there is no waiting area on facility grounds.
- ✓ Video visits are free for visitors.
- ✓ Join the video visit no more than 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- ✓ If a visit is canceled, check the email address connected to your IVS account for the notice.
Before making plans, check the scheduling window in IVS for your visit. The system requires at least 3 days advance notice and won't let you book more than 60 days out. Confirm there are no facility-specific exceptions affecting SCI Somerset on your dates.
If IVS won't let you schedule, the issue is usually account or authorization related. Make sure you're currently approved on the inmate's authorized visitor list, that your IVS account is properly linked, and that you're signing in through Keystone Login (required for identity verification).
Reminder: On-arrival procedures can affect whether you get in. Plan for vehicle searches and metal-detector screening, and check your IVS account email in case the facility cancels your visit.
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