How to Schedule an In-Person Visit at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility
Visiting Central New Mexico Correctional Facility (CNMCF) requires advance planning—visits happen weekdays only and must be scheduled ahead of time. Here's what you need to know to book your visit and avoid a wasted trip.
CNMCF holds in-person visits Monday through Friday only - no weekend visitation. You'll need to schedule at least one week in advance, so plan your travel and time off around that. Visits run in two-hour blocks: 8:00–10:00 am, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, or 1:00–3:00 pm.
Reminder: CNMCF requires in-person visits to be scheduled at least one week ahead.
Before booking, confirm you're eligible to visit. CNMCF requires every visitor to be on the inmate's approved visitation list - if your name isn't on it, you won't get in.
Check that your visitor application is current, too. CNMCF requires renewal every two years, and an expired application can hold up your scheduling.
- Pick a weekday - CNMCF in-person visits run Monday through Friday only, so start by choosing a day you can reliably make.
- Choose a two-hour time block - Visits are scheduled in set windows: 8:00–10:00 am, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, or 1:00–3:00 pm.
- Schedule at least one week ahead - Build in that lead time before you buy tickets, request time off, or book a hotel.
No weekend visits, but CNMCF does allow visitation on most holidays. Holiday schedules can shift, though - confirm your specific date before traveling.
Traveling from far away? CNMCF offers consecutive two-day visits - two hours on day one, two hours on day two, back-to-back weekdays (like Monday/Tuesday or Tuesday/Wednesday). The same visitors must attend both days.
Tip: Planning consecutive-day visits? Double-check how your dates line up with holidays and scheduling availability.
Some situations call for a special visit. CNMCF handles these through the Special Visit Request form (CD-100201.3). The request needs unit-level approval (Unit Manager, Programs Director, or Classification Supervisor) plus final sign-off from the Deputy Warden. Special visits can apply to visitors traveling over 500 miles, prospective employers, or law enforcement.
Even with an approved visit on the books, the inmate's status can block it. CNMCF doesn't allow visits for inmates in Restrictive Housing or on disciplinary or PHD status. If you're traveling any distance, confirm the inmate can receive visits before you leave.
Expect security screening when you arrive. Everyone passes through a metal detector and may be screened by controlled-substance detection equipment or detection dogs. The facility can also conduct searches on the grounds - including vehicle and pat searches. If staff request a strip search and you refuse, your visit will be canceled or suspended.
Before visiting, you'll read and sign the Visitor Statement of Understanding (CD-100201.A). Standard visits at CNMCF are barrier (non-contact). Contact visits are only allowed for immediate family members who have provided proof of kinship.
Practical Travel Tips
- ✓ Confirm you’re on the inmate’s current approved visitation list
- ✓ Check whether your visitor application renewal is due (renewal is required every two years)
- ✓ Schedule your visit at least one week in advance
- ✓ Pick the two-hour block that works best: 8:00–10:00 am, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, or 1:00–3:00 pm
- ✓ If you’re aiming for a holiday, confirm that date’s visitation plans before you travel
Give yourself extra time on arrival day. Screening is part of the process - you'll go through a metal detector and may face additional screening by detection equipment or dogs. Vehicle and pat searches can happen on the grounds.
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