CloserVisit
MediumFederal Correctional Institution

FCI Mendota

Mendota, California

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Visiting schedule

Typical hours from the facility's visiting regulations.

Verified from official documentDocument date: January 23, 2025

Main institution

  • Saturday8:15 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday8:15 AM – 3:00 PM
  • No visiting: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Visiting on federal holidays Last entry / processing ends: 2:00 PM

Special Housing Unit (SHU)

  • Saturday8:15 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Sunday8:15 AM – 2:00 PM
  • No visiting: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

Rotation: Inmates in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) visit Saturday and Sunday only, with shorter hours than general population.

Max visitors at once

4

Appointment required

No

Visiting can be cancelled for lockdowns, weather or count problems. Call the facility the day before you travel.

Dress code

  • No khaki, tan, orange, yellow, or green clothing (including plain T-shirts in those colors, plus gray and white)
  • No sheer, midriff, tank, halter, or strapless tops; no spandex-style or revealing clothing
  • No shorts (except on children under 12); skirts/dresses must be knee-length, no slits above the knee
  • No hooded clothing, medical scrubs, or clothing resembling staff uniforms
  • No hats or head coverings except religious headwear (subject to search)
  • Shoes must have an enclosed heel or ankle strap — no flip-flops, shower shoes, or open-toed shoes
  • Underwire bras/metal undergarments may trigger the metal detector, but undergarments are still required

You may bring

  • Valid state or government photo ID (driver's license or current passport) for visitors 16 and older
  • Up to $25 in $5 bills or smaller, for the vending machines
  • A small clear change purse, no larger than 6x6 inches (no purses, wallets, or tote bags)
  • Baby items: 4 diapers, 2 bottles (3/4 full with mixed formula), 2 sealed baby-food jars, 1 plastic spoon, wipes in a Ziploc bag, all in a small clear tote bag
  • Completed Visitor Information Form (BP-629), approved in advance by the Unit Team

Not allowed

  • Cell phones, pagers, keyless entry fobs, remote starters, cameras, or recording devices
  • Purses, wallets, regular watches, and tote bags (other than the small clear change purse)
  • Games, toys, balloons, books, papers, magazines, pens, pencils, photos, cosmetics, tobacco, matches, or lighters
  • Baby strollers or baby carriers
  • Jewelry other than religious medals (unless approved in writing in advance)
  • Pets, except documented/certified service animals (no animals left in vehicles)

Good to know

ID requirements
All visitors over 16 must show valid state or government-issued photo ID (driver's license or current passport). Altered, forged, or expired IDs, check-cashing cards, and consulate cards are not accepted.
Children
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who keeps them under control at all times; those 16 and over must submit their own Visitor Information Form. A child's play area is available in the Visiting Room, but inmates are not allowed in it.
Vending machines
Vending machines in the Visiting Room sell sandwiches, soft drinks, and candy. Visitors may buy food for the inmate but may never give the inmate money directly.
Money you may bring
Up to $25.00 per visitor, in bills of $5 or less, for the vending machines only
  • Call the institution ahead of your visit to confirm there are no schedule changes
  • Visitors are not processed before 8:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. on visiting days
  • Maximum of 4 approved visitors at a time (not counting an infant on your lap)
  • Once checked in, you cannot return to your vehicle or leave the visiting area without ending the visit
  • This supplement covers both the FCI and the adjacent Satellite Prison Camp (SPC) — use the correct visitor parking lot

Getting there

Closest airports

FAT

Fresno

Fresno Yosemite International Airport

1 hr 5 min drive · 41 mi

MCE

Merced

Merced Regional Macready Field

1 hr 22 min drive · 55 mi

SCK

Stockton

Stockton Metropolitan Airport

2 hr 29 min drive · 115 mi

SJC

San Jose

Mineta San Jose International Airport

2 hr 48 min drive · 124 mi

Hotels near the facility

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Directions
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