Contact visits are limited to a "hello" and "goodbye" kiss and hug. But, not all facilities have this option during visitation. The security level of the prison will dictate how visitation is conducted.

Yes, probably. There are exceptions to this rule but you will need to get permission from the warden. Exceptions occur for close family members but few others.

they would either have to travel or might be able to have a video visit

You will need to call the facility and ask to speak with the case manager, counselor or unit team secretary to get more information on special visits. Most institutions allow visitors traveling over 100 miles to visit longer than the typical visitation time set for the inmates.

You cannot find out who is on an inmate's visitation (only if you are approved), it is private information.

Visitation on Christmas is not usually different than other days except for the holiday spirit. The number of visitors is very heavy on Christmas and Thanksgiving so there might be time restrictions due to overcrowding. You should check with the facility before you go just to make sure there are no limitations imposed due to the anticipated traffic

Regular visiting is held on Saturdays and Sundays. There are 2 sessions per day: • 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The dorm assignment dictates the time for inmate to have visitation on these days. Regular visiting is permitted on State observed holidays.

The visitation structure is based on the facility and it's custody level. The higher the security level, the more restrictive visitation is. For instance the highest security level of custody does not allow contact visits, the communication is conducted face-to-face through Plexiglas cubicles on recorded telephones. Medium and low security have visitation where the inmates and the visitor sit at a table across from each other - but very limited contact. Minimum security is very liberal where you can sit

There are visitation days and times that are set by the facility or institution

Usually no more that 2-3 weeks on the high side, several days on the low side. Relatives get approved quickly, the thing that takes time is the background check of the applicant. If you have a felony it will delay and probably invalidate your application.