A contact visit lets you sit in the same room as an inmate with limited physical contact, usually a brief hug at the start and end. A non-contact visit keeps you separated by a glass or plexiglass partition, where you talk through a phone handset or a small opening with no physical contact at all. Which type you get depends on the facility, the inmate’s custody level and status, and security rules. Always confirm what your facility offers on the official Department of Corrections, BOP, or county jail website.
The Core Difference
The names describe exactly what they mean. The distinction comes down to whether physical contact is permitted and whether you share the same physical space.
- Contact visit: You and the inmate are in the same room. Brief, supervised physical contact is usually allowed, such as a hug or handshake at the beginning and end of the visit. You typically sit across a table.
- Non-contact visit: You and the inmate are separated by a barrier — glass or plexiglass — and communicate through a phone handset or a small grille. No physical contact is possible.
Both are in-person visits where you can see and speak to your loved one. The difference is the barrier and the touching, which can matter a great deal emotionally, especially for families with children.
What a Contact Visit Looks Like
In a contact visit, families generally meet in a shared visiting room with tables and chairs. Common features include:
- A brief greeting and goodbye with limited physical contact (often a hug and a kiss), with continuous supervision by officers.
- Sitting across a table for the conversation, with rules about keeping hands visible and not passing items.
- Vending machines in some facilities, so you can share a snack or drink purchased on-site.
- A more relaxed, human feel that helps maintain close relationships.
Because contact visits carry more security risk, they are usually reserved for visitors and inmates who meet certain requirements, and the facility enforces strict rules. Violations can end the visit and affect future visiting privileges.
What a Non-Contact Visit Looks Like
In a non-contact visit, you sit on one side of a partition and the inmate on the other. You speak through a handset, much like an old phone booth. Features include:
- No physical contact at any point in the visit.
- A glass or plexiglass barrier between you and the inmate.
- Often shorter and more controlled sessions, used when security concerns are higher.
Non-contact visits can feel harder emotionally, particularly for young children who may not understand why they cannot hug a parent. Preparing kids in advance helps — see our guide on whether kids can visit an inmate.
Why Facilities Assign One or the Other
You usually do not choose the visit type. The facility decides based on a mix of factors, which may include:
- The inmate’s custody or security level. Higher-security or restricted-status inmates are more likely to have non-contact visits.
- Disciplinary status. An inmate who has lost contact-visit privileges may be limited to non-contact visits for a time.
- Facility design and policy. Some facilities, especially county jails, are built primarily for non-contact or video visits and rarely offer contact visits.
- Pre-trial vs sentenced status. People awaiting trial in jail may have different visiting options than sentenced prisoners.
Because of these variables, the same person may have different visit types at different points, and different facilities offer different defaults.
How Video Visits Fit In
Many facilities, particularly county jails, now offer video visitation in addition to or instead of in-person visits. A video visit can be:
- On-site, using a video terminal in the jail lobby (you go to the facility but talk by screen), or
- Remote, from a computer or smartphone at home through a provider such as Securus or GTL/ViaPath.
Video visits are technically a form of non-contact visit. They add convenience, especially for families who live far away, but they often carry per-session fees and require scheduling and an account. Fees and availability vary by facility and provider, so confirm officially. Some facilities have reduced in-person visiting in favor of video, while others keep both.
Federal, State, and County Differences
- Federal (BOP): Federal institutions commonly offer contact visiting for eligible inmates and visitors, with non-contact visits used in certain custody situations. Confirm specifics on bop.gov and with the institution.
- State prisons: Each state DOC sets its own rules on which inmates qualify for contact visits and when non-contact applies. Check the state DOC website.
- County jails: Jails lean heavily toward non-contact and video visits and may offer few or no contact visits. Verify on the county sheriff’s or jail website.
Preparing for Either Type
Whatever type your visit is, the preparation is similar: get approved in advance, bring valid photo ID, follow the dress code, and arrive early for screening. Knowing in advance whether the visit is contact or non-contact helps you set expectations, especially for children, and avoid disappointment at the door. For the full walk-through, read our guide on the first time visiting an inmate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose between a contact and non-contact visit?
Usually not. The facility assigns the visit type based on custody level, status, policy, and facility design. Confirm what is available for your loved one before scheduling.
Is a video visit the same as a non-contact visit?
A video visit is a form of non-contact visit, since there is no physical contact. It can be done on-site at a terminal or remotely from home, often for a fee.
Why was my loved one moved from contact to non-contact visits?
Common reasons include a change in custody or disciplinary status, a transfer to a different facility, or a temporary loss of contact-visit privileges. The facility can explain its policy.
Are children allowed at non-contact visits?
Often yes, with an approved adult, but the glass barrier can be confusing for young kids. Prepare them ahead of time. See can kids visit an inmate.
Do non-contact and video visits cost money?
In-person visits are typically free, but remote video visits often carry per-session fees set by the provider. Confirm current costs and options with the facility.
For the complete process, see our overview of how to visit an inmate and the inmate visitation rules. Always confirm which visit types your facility offers on the official DOC, BOP, or county website.
