Visiting someone in federal custody at IN TRANSIT in , District of Columbia follows a different process than visiting a state prison or county jail. The Federal Bureau of Prisons sets its visitation rules system-wide, but each facility — including IN TRANSIT — applies them with local procedures, visiting room schedules, and dress codes. Before traveling, confirm the current visiting schedule and your approval status by calling IN TRANSIT at .
Federal visitation is by approval only. The inmate at IN TRANSIT submits a list of proposed visitors, and each adult on that list must complete a Visitor Information Form — commonly known as the BP-A0629 — and return it directly to the institution for a background check. Approval typically takes four to six weeks, sometimes longer. You cannot visit until you receive written confirmation from the facility. Submitting the form yourself, rather than relying on the inmate to forward it, speeds the process.
BOP facilities generally hold visitation on weekends and federal holidays, with weekday visits in some institutions for inmates in specialized housing or programs. Visiting points are tracked — every inmate has a monthly visitor point allowance, and weekend and holiday visits cost more points than weekday visits. When points run out, no further visits that month. Call for current visiting days, hours, and any pre-registration requirements at IN TRANSIT.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, military ID, or US passport. Foreign nationals need a passport plus appropriate visa documentation. Dress code at IN TRANSIT is strict: no khaki, no green, no orange or other colors that resemble inmate clothing, no revealing attire, no open-toed shoes in most facilities. Leave your phone, keys, wallet, and any electronics in your car or in the visiting room lockers. Small amounts of cash or coins are allowed for vending machines in the visiting room.
If the inmate is in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), holdover status, or recently transferred to IN TRANSIT, visiting may be limited to non-contact visits behind glass, or suspended entirely. Inmates in the Communications Management Unit (CMU) face additional restrictions including pre-approval for each visit and monitoring during the visit. Disciplinary sanctions can also reduce or eliminate visiting privileges. Always call before traveling to confirm the inmate's current status.
The BOP rolled out video visitation through Trulincs at most federal facilities. Video visits require advance scheduling through the inmate's Trulincs account and have their own approval process separate from in-person visiting. Not every BOP facility offers video, and the schedule varies. Confirm video availability at IN TRANSIT by calling or asking the inmate to check their Trulincs system. For information on inmate phone and email communication options, see InmateAid's federal inmate services.
To begin the BP-A0629 approval process or confirm visiting hours at IN TRANSIT, call .
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Visitation Form, click to download.