VISITING DAY PREPARATION GUIDE

What to Wear, What to Bring, and How to Make the Most of Your Time

A DrPrison.org / InmateHelp.org Resource Guide

DISCLAIMER: Visiting policies vary by facility. Always confirm current rules by calling the facility or checking BOP.gov before your visit. Updated April 2026.

Before Your Visit

Getting Approved

You cannot visit a federal inmate without being on their approved visiting list. The process:

Step	What Happens	Timeline
1. Inmate submits your name	They provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, relationship, and address to their counselor	Anytime after intake
2. Background check	The BOP runs a background check on you. Active warrants, certain felony convictions, or being on supervised release may disqualify you	2–4 weeks
3. Approval notification	Your loved one will notify you when you’re approved. You may also receive written notification	Varies
4. Schedule your visit	Some facilities require advance scheduling. Others accept walk-ins during posted visiting hours. Call the facility to confirm	Before each visit

⛔ WARNING: If you have any criminal history — even an old misdemeanor — disclose it on the visiting application. Failure to disclose is grounds for permanent denial. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but lying about it will.

Dress Code

The dress code is strictly enforced. Visitors who do not meet the dress code will be turned away at the door — no exceptions, no matter how far you drove.

Allowed	NOT Allowed
Modest, casual clothing	Sleeveless tops (no tank tops, spaghetti straps, or halter tops)
Pants, jeans, or skirts below the knee	Shorts above the knee
Closed-toe shoes	Open-toe shoes or sandals (policy varies — call ahead)
Light jacket or cardigan	Hooded sweatshirts or jackets with hoods
Plain undergarments	Underwire bras (some facilities — call ahead; sports bras are always safe)
Solid colors and simple patterns	Clothing resembling inmate uniforms (solid khaki, solid orange)
	See-through or excessively tight clothing
	Camouflage or military-style clothing
	Clothing with offensive or drug-related graphics
	Spandex, yoga pants, or leggings as outerwear

★ KEY POINT: When in doubt, dress as if you’re going to a conservative church service. Modest, clean, simple. If you’re turned away for dress code, you’ve lost your entire visit — and possibly your only visit that month.

What to Bring

Bring	Quantity	Notes
Valid photo ID	1	Driver’s license or state-issued ID. Required every visit
Car key (single)	1	Just the car key — no keychain, no fob at some facilities
Coins for vending machines	Up to $30 in coins (varies)	Vending machines are typically the ONLY food option during visits. Dollar coins, quarters accepted. No bills
Clear bag (if required)	1	Some facilities require all items in a clear plastic bag
Infant supplies (if applicable)	Limited	Diapers (2-3), baby wipes, one clear bottle, one change of baby clothes. Formula if needed. Must be factory-sealed
Prescription medications	As needed	Must be in original containers. For medical conditions requiring medication during the visit

Do NOT Bring

Cell phone (leave in car, turned off)
Purse, wallet, or bag (except clear bag if required)
Food or drinks (only facility vending machines)
Tobacco, lighters, or vapes
Cameras or recording devices
Excessive cash or credit cards
Books, magazines, or newspapers (cannot hand to inmate)
Gifts of any kind (cannot hand to inmate)

Preparing Children

If you’re bringing children, preparation matters enormously:

Explain where you’re going in age-appropriate terms. “We’re going to visit Daddy/Mommy at a special building where they’re staying for a while”
Describe the security process. “We’ll walk through a doorway that beeps like at the airport. It’s to make sure everyone is safe”
Set expectations for physical contact. Most facilities allow a brief hug and kiss at the beginning and end of the visit. Ongoing hand-holding is usually permitted. Sitting on laps may be allowed for small children. Explain the rules before you arrive
Bring coins for the vending machines. Sharing a snack from the vending machine is often the highlight of a child’s visit
Bring coloring supplies. Some facilities allow ONE clear bag with a coloring book and crayons for children. No markers, no scissors, no toys with electronic components
Prepare for emotions. Children may cry when it’s time to leave. This is normal. Have a plan for the car ride home

The Visit Itself

Arriving

Arrive 30 minutes before visiting hours begin. Processing takes time
You will pass through a metal detector and may be subject to a pat-down search
Store prohibited items in a locker (if available) or your car
Sign in at the visiting room desk with your ID

During the Visit

Do	Don’t
Maintain physical contact within approved limits (hand-holding, brief embrace)	Excessive physical contact — officers will warn you, then terminate the visit
Talk openly about family, plans, positive topics	Discuss case details, legal strategy, or other inmates
Use the vending machines together	Pass anything directly to the inmate. ALL purchases must come from the vending machines, operated by the visitor
Include children in the conversation	Argue, yell, or create a scene — the visit will be terminated
Take your time and be present	Watch the clock. The time will go fast regardless

Leaving

A brief embrace and kiss are permitted at the end of the visit
Leave promptly when visiting hours end
Expect the drive home to be emotional. Give yourself grace
Call a friend or family member if you need to talk afterward

Visiting Schedule Tips

Tip	Why
Visit on weekdays if possible	Weekends are crowded. Weekday visits are usually calmer and more private
Visit consistently	A regular schedule (“every other Saturday”) gives both of you something to anticipate and builds routine
Dress the same way each time	Reduces the chance of a dress code issue. If an outfit worked last time, wear it again
Bring exact change	Vending machines don’t give change at all facilities. Dollar coins and quarters are best
Drive home carefully	Post-visit emotions are intense. Take breaks if you need to