How to Visit Angola Prison

The Bus Cutoff: What You Need to Know

Angola is unlike most prisons in one important way. The six prison camps are spread across a working 18,000-acre property. To reach the visiting areas, all visitors board a bus at the main gate. That bus makes its last run at 2:00 p.m.

If you arrive at the main gate at 2:01 p.m., you will not get in. The gate staff will not make exceptions. This cutoff applies regardless of how far you drove or what circumstances caused the delay.

Plan to arrive at the main gate no later than 1:30 p.m. This gives you time to check in, get processed, and board the bus without rushing.

Tunica Trace Road, the road leading to Angola, is a long rural route with no shortcuts. GPS sometimes underestimates travel time. If you’re coming from Baton Rouge, the trip takes roughly an hour under normal conditions. Give yourself more.

How to Get on the Approved Visitor List

The process starts with the inmate, not with you. Here’s how it works:

1. The inmate contacts their case manager and requests that your name be added to their approved visitor list.
2. The case manager provides a visitor application form for you to complete.
3. You fill it out and return it to the facility.
4. Angola runs a criminal background check on all prospective visitors.
5. The facility notifies the inmate whether the application was approved or denied.

Angola allows up to 10 approved adult visitors per inmate plus 1 religious adviser. If you’ve been denied, the inmate can request a review through their case manager.

The approval process can take several weeks. Apply as early as possible.

Visiting Hours

Day	Hours	Bus Cutoff
Saturday	6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.	Last bus at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday	6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.	Last bus at 2:00 p.m.

Each approved visitor may visit twice per month. Each visit is limited to 2 hours.

Up to 5 visitors are allowed at one time per inmate.

What to Wear

Louisiana DOC enforces a dress code at all facilities, including Angola. The following are not allowed:

• Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms (khaki, denim, gray, orange)
• Clothing that resembles staff or law enforcement uniforms (scrubs, etc.)
• Revealing clothing. Midriff, shoulders, back, cleavage, and thighs must be covered
• Shorts or skirts above the knee
• Tight or form-fitting clothing
• Hats, sunglasses, or face coverings
• Sleeveless tops or tank tops

Wear solid-colored, non-khaki clothing with modest coverage and closed-toe shoes.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID) for all adults
• Cash for vending machines during the visit. Small bills work best.
• For infants: basic necessities in a clear bag

Leave in your car: phone, keys, wallet, food, gum, electronics, jewelry beyond simple wedding bands or stud earrings, and anything that could trigger metal detectors.

How the Visit Works

All visitors pass through security screening at the main gate. Then you board the bus to the appropriate camp. Visits take place in a supervised visiting room. A brief hug or handshake at the beginning and end of the visit may be permitted depending on the inmate’s status.

Before You Go to Angola

Call Angola at (225) 655-4411 the morning of your visit to confirm visitation is open. Visits can be suspended without notice due to lockdowns, facility counts, or emergencies. Angola is in a rural area of West Feliciana Parish. Plan for gas, allow extra time on Tunica Trace Road, and leave early.