USP Big Sandy Visiting Hours, Dress Code & Visitor Approval

Visiting Schedule

USP Big Sandy is a high-security facility with limited visiting days. General population visits are:

Day	Hours
Saturday	8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sunday	8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Federal Holidays	8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Monday through Friday	Not available for general population

Always call (606) 433-2400 before your visit to confirm the facility is open and no schedule changes are in effect. High-security facilities can suspend or restrict visiting on short notice due to lockdowns, counts, or administrative reasons.

Visiting Points System

Inmates at USP Big Sandy receive 6 visiting points per month. Each approved visit costs 1 point. Once those 6 points are used, no more visits are permitted until the next month. Federal holidays do not count as an accessed visit point.

This differs from some other BOP facilities that use a higher point total. At USP Big Sandy, plan your visits carefully to spread them across the month.

How to Get on the Approved Visitor List

You cannot visit without prior approval. Here is the process:

1. The inmate receives a Visitor Information form (BP-A0629) from their unit counselor.
2. The inmate sends the form to you. You fill it out with your personal information.
3. You return the completed form to the inmate’s unit counselor at USP Big Sandy.
4. The unit team runs a background check and reviews the request.
5. You receive written confirmation once approved.

Allow several weeks for processing before your first planned visit. Immediate family members may sometimes receive temporary approval during the A&O (Admissions and Orientation) period based on information in the Pre-Sentence Report, but do not count on this.

To check on the status of a visitor request, call (606) 433-2400 and ask for the inmate’s unit counselor.

ID Requirements

All visitors 16 and older must present a valid, current government-issued photo ID at entry. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, military ID, or passport. Expired IDs are not accepted.

Children 16 and 17 years old who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must also have written permission from their custodial parent or guardian, in addition to a valid government photo ID.

Visitor Dress Code

USP Big Sandy enforces a strict dress code for visitors. The following are prohibited:

• Khaki or camouflage clothing of any kind
• Open-toed shoes, slippers, or flip-flops
• Sleeveless, strapless, or backless tops
• Tank tops or halter tops
• Midriff-exposing shirts (shirts must be tucked in or fully cover the waistline for visitors 4 and older)
• Miniskirts, short skirts, or dresses more than two inches above the knee
• Tight, form-fitting, or see-through clothing
• Deep V-neck blouses, shirts, or dresses
• Shorts worn above the knee
• Caps, hats, scarves, or head coverings of any kind inside the institution
• Clothing with sexually suggestive text or images
• Clothing with gang symbols or affiliations
• Athletic shorts, sweat suits, wind suits, or athletic jerseys
• Spandex or Lycra clothing
• Underwire bras or clothing with metal that will not clear the metal detector
• Long coats or jackets extending below the knee or with hoods
• Fish net materials

When in doubt, wear business casual: slacks, a conservative top, closed-toed shoes. Bring nothing that could be mistaken for inmate clothing (khaki) or security uniforms (camouflage, dark navy blue).

What You Can Bring In

Very little. The visiting room allows:

• Coins for vending machines (purchases to be shared in the visiting room only)
• Baby care items in original sealed packaging: up to 3 nursing bottles, 6 diapers, wet wipes, change of clothing, and 2 small blankets
• Pre-mixed infant formula in original sealed containers
• A small, clear plastic bag (half-gallon size or equivalent clear zip-lock bag) for your keys, coins, and ID

You cannot bring in: outside food, personal items for the inmate, phones, cameras, bags or purses of any kind beyond the clear bag, makeup, or strollers. All items must be left in your vehicle or a facility locker before entering.

Physical Contact Rules

Physical contact is strictly limited at USP Big Sandy. A brief kiss and a hug are permitted at the start of the visit and again at the end. Holding hands during the visit is not permitted. No conjugal visits are offered at any BOP facility.

Drug Screening and Search

Visitors are subject to drug screening and pat searches at the discretion of staff. If a visitor refuses a search, the visit will be denied. Visitors who test positive for drug use may be temporarily or permanently removed from the approved visitor list.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Arrive early. Processing takes time, and the visiting room closes for entry before 3:00 PM. If you arrive too close to closing, you may not be admitted.
• Leave phones, cameras, and valuables in your vehicle. Nothing electronic is permitted inside.
• Dress conservatively and plainly. If you are unsure about an item, wear something else.
• Call ahead every time. Even if your last visit went smoothly, schedules change at high-security facilities.