How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
To visit at SCI Somerset, register in Pennsylvania's Inmate Visitation System (IVS) and verify your identity with a Keystone login. Make sure your registration details are accurate—IVS uses that information to validate authorized visitor lists. Book visits at least three days in advance, but no more than 60 days out. IVS emails you if a visit is canceled or its status changes. Video visits run 45 minutes; contact (in-person) visits are a minimum of one hour. Each inmate can have up to four in-person visits per month (including one weekend visit), with up to four visitors per session. On-site rules: lock your vehicle, keep windows closed on prison property, limit affection to a brief hug and kiss at arrival and departure, and don't create multiple IVS accounts for the same person.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
Planning a video visit with someone at SCI Somerset? It helps to know what's private and what isn't. Most video visits are recorded, but attorney visits work differently.
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.
Monthly visit limits can sneak up on you, especially when you're juggling in-person and video. Here's what the DOC allows and how long each visit lasts so you can plan your month without burning a slot.
Planning visits gets easier once you know the monthly caps and how long each visit lasts. Here's what Pennsylvania DOC rules say about SCI Somerset—and what to double-check before locking in your schedule.
Visiting someone at SCI Somerset is straightforward once you know what to expect at arrival. Here's a quick checklist and walkthrough to help you avoid delays and turnaways.
Your first video visit goes much smoother when you handle account setup and Zoom prep ahead of time. Follow these steps to get registered in Pennsylvania DOC's system, schedule your visit, and join without last-minute surprises.
Your first PA DOC video visit comes down to two things: setting up your IVS account and joining the Zoom call on time. This guide covers both, step by step.
First, have the inmate add you to the authorized visitors list, then create an IVS account and complete identity verification with a Keystone login. Adults need their own IVS accounts; minors are added under a parent/guardian account, and once someone turns 18 they must create their own account. Schedule your visit in IVS at least three days ahead (and no more than 60 days out) and watch your email for confirmations, cancellations, or status changes.
Video visits are 45 minutes. Contact (in-person) visits are a minimum of one hour.
Adult visitors must use IVS and verify identity with a Keystone login; minors should be listed under a parent/guardian account. Enter your information accurately because IVS uses it to validate the authorized visitor list, and it will email you about cancellations or status changes. When you arrive, follow on-site rules like locking your vehicle and keeping windows closed while on prison property.
Bringing children to visit someone at SCI Somerset? Good news: minors don't need their own IVS account. You add them under your parent or guardian account, then schedule the visit through IVS.
Want to help someone at SCI Somerset get a tablet? Here's the key thing to know: the inmate has to order the tablet themselves through commissary. If you want to help cover the cost, you send funds through JPay.
Need to send something official to your loved one at SCI Somerset? Things like IDs, checks, or paperwork requiring a signature should go through the Business Office. This ensures the facility can track originals and handle signatures and return mailing properly.
