What to Know Before Your First Visit to Nashua Street Jail (Boston)
Your first visit to Nashua Street Jail goes smoothly when you bring the right ID, have documents ready for any kids, and know what to wear. This checklist covers the common reasons people get turned away — so you won't be one of them.
Essentials ID Docs
- ✓ A current, valid state-issued photo ID (original)
- ✓ A current, valid driver’s license (original)
- ✓ A current, valid passport (original)
- ✓ If anyone under 18 is visiting, they must come with a parent
- ✓ Bring the child’s original birth certificate (no photocopies)
Nashua Street Jail offers visiting seven days a week across four time blocks: 8:00–10:30am, 1:00–2:45pm, 3:30–5:00pm, and 7:00–8:45pm. Pick your block and give yourself plenty of buffer - check-in takes time, and you don't want to be rushing at the door.
- ✓ Up to three visits per week per inmate (the visiting week runs Monday through Sunday)
- ✓ Only one visit per day is permitted
- ✓ Visits may last up to one hour
Timing tip: Arrive 30–60 minutes before the start of the visiting period so you have time for check-in and any delays.
Dress Code
- ✓ Bare/see-through tops (including tank tops, tube tops, cropped tops, and bathing/swimsuit-like tops)
- ✓ Short skirts
- ✓ Baggy pants or pants with excessive pockets
- ✓ Sweatpants, sweatsuits, or uniforms
- ✓ Outer garments in the visit area (coats, jackets, sweaters, rainwear, ponchos, hooded sweatshirts, over-shirts)
Heads up on hemlines: Published rules differ on exactly how short is too short for skirts and dresses - one says no more than 3 inches above the knee, another uses a different measurement. When in doubt, go longer.
- ✓ Allowed in the visit area: wedding bands, medical alert bracelets, religious medallions, handkerchiefs, and locker keys
- ✓ Not allowed: other jewelry and any currency (coin or paper), except as otherwise noted for attorneys
Children Limits and Timing
- ✓ Only two children are permitted per visit
Bringing kids? Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, and you'll need the child's original birth certificate - photocopies won't work. One set of facility guidance also says children can't visit on Saturdays. If Saturday is your only option, call ahead to confirm the current rule.
Prohibited Items and Risks
- ✓ Drugs or controlled substances
- ✓ Any unauthorized articles (anything you’re not specifically allowed to bring into the visit area)
- ✓ Currency (coin or paper)
- ✓ Extra jewelry beyond what’s allowed
- ✓ Outer garments you won’t be allowed to wear into the visit area (coats, jackets, hoodies, etc.)
- ✓ Prohibited clothing items (for example, see-through tops, swimsuit-like tops, short skirts, baggy pants, sweats, uniforms)
Legal risk: Any attempt to provide drugs, controlled substances, or unauthorized articles to an inmate is a felony punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.
During your visit, follow all orders from Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department personnel. If you don’t comply with directions, staff can end the visit early.
Denied visitor application? You can appeal in writing to the Superintendent. Submit your appeal within 30 days.
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