When and How to Schedule a Michigan Prison Visit: 48-hour rule, 7-day window, and the Oct. 25 scheduling release time
Scheduling a Michigan prison visit comes down to timing. You need to be approved, use the right scheduling site, and book within a specific window. Here's how to get it right without wasting time clicking around.
Michigan Department of Corrections visits are appointment-only. All scheduling goes through the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website, hosted by ViaPath (formerly GTL). Whether you want an in-person visit or a video visit, you'll use the same scheduler at midoc.gtlvisitme.com/app to view available slots and request your visit.
Planning to do video visits? Don't wait until the last minute to get set up. Create an account on the ViaPath (GTL) visitor website now so you're ready to grab a time slot when one opens up.
Michigan prison visits have a narrow booking window: at least 48 hours in advance, but no more than 7 days out. Check your calendar first, then aim for dates that fall within that sweet spot - far enough out to meet the 48-hour rule, but not so far that they're beyond the 7-day limit.
The same timing rules apply to video visits: no later than 48 hours before, no earlier than 7 days before. Video visits run up to 20 minutes, so plan what you want to cover - especially if you're coordinating with kids, work breaks, or multiple family members.
Group size reminder: For in-person visits, a maximum of five people may participate. Children under two years old don’t count toward that five-person limit.
Starting Oct. 25, 2025, MDOC is changing when new time slots drop: 8:00 a.m. instead of midnight. If you've been checking late at night, shift your routine. Once that change takes effect, being ready around 8:00 a.m. is what matters.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Confirm your MDOC visiting application has been approved before you try to schedule - until you’re approved, you can’t create or schedule a visit.
- ✓ Register on the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website (ViaPath/formerly GTL) since that’s required for both in-person and video visits.
- ✓ Create your ViaPath visitor account early so you’re ready to request and schedule video visits when you find an opening.
- Count forward at least 48 hours - pick a visit date/time that’s at least two full days away, since visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
- Stay inside the 7-day window - don’t aim too far out; visits can only be scheduled up to 7 days ahead.
- Plan around the 8:00 a.m. release (effective Oct. 25, 2025) - once the change starts, check for newly released time slots at 8:00 a.m. instead of midnight.
Video visit must-dos: Video visits have to be paid for in advance through ViaPath, and you’re required to log in 10 minutes before your scheduled time for verification.
Before you travel, double-check that your visit is still on and the facility can host visits as scheduled. The ViaPath scheduler is the place to confirm your appointment and catch any changes before you leave home.
Find an Inmate at Bellamy Creek Corrections Facility
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
