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How to Set Up Your First Video Visit with Someone in a Virginia Prison

Setting up video visitation with someone in a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) prison is straightforward once you pick the right option and follow the timing rules. Here's how to register, schedule, and show up ready, whether you visit from home or through an AFOI Visitor Center.

• 4 min read Verified from official sources

VADOC offers video visitation through a partnership with Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI). There are two options: at-home video visitation (from your own device) or visits at an AFOI Visitor Center. At-home visits let you connect using a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone. Visitor Centers exist for people who don't have the right technology at home, and they may also work for people who don't qualify for at-home video visitation.

Choice Checklist

  • ✓ Choose at-home video visitation if you have a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone you can use for the visit.
  • ✓ Choose an AFOI Visitor Center if you do not have the necessary technology at home.
  • ✓ Consider an AFOI Visitor Center if you do not qualify for at-home video visitation.

Timing matters, too. Once you're approved, you book visits online through the Visitation Scheduler up to 14 days in advance. You're allowed a maximum of one visit per weekend, so if slots fill up fast at your loved one's facility, grab an open time as soon as you can.

Start with registration, and use your legal name. VADOC requires all visitors to register under their legal name, and everyone 18 or older must have a valid government-issued photo ID. If the name in the system doesn't match your ID, expect delays getting your first visit set up.

Once you're approved, schedule your video visit online through the Visitation Scheduler. You can book up to 14 days in advance, and you're limited to one visit per weekend. If you want a specific weekend time, don't wait until the last minute.

  1. Log into GTL early for an at-home visit: Home internet video visitation visitors must be logged into the GTL system 15 minutes prior to the visit starting.
  2. Arrive early for a Visitor Center visit: AFOI Visitor Center visitors must arrive at the Visitor Center at least 20 minutes prior to their scheduled visit.
  3. Treat your slot as exact: Visits run for the exact time slots as scheduled. Fees will not be refunded for late arrivals or missed visits.

Prepare Bring

  • ✓ Use a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone for at-home video visitation.
  • ✓ Log into the GTL system 15 minutes before your visit start time.
  • ✓ Do a quick test run on your device (camera, microphone, volume) before your scheduled time.
  • ✓ Arrive at the AFOI Visitor Center at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit.
  • ✓ Leave cell phones and other portable electronics outside the Visitor Center. Possession or use can result in termination of your visit.

Dress like you would for an in-person check-in. VADOC's video visitation dress code requires clothing that covers from the neck to the kneecaps, and all visitors must wear underwear. Tube tops, tank tops, and halter tops aren't allowed unless covered by garments that meet the attire requirements. Bringing kids? Count heads before you start. Only five people total (including children) may participate in a video visit at any time. At least one visitor must be over 18, and that adult must be the parent or legal guardian of any minors present.

The best way to avoid connection problems is simple: be early and be ready. For at-home visits, log into the GTL system 15 minutes before your start time. For AFOI Visitor Center visits, arrive at least 20 minutes early so you're checked in and seated with time to spare. VADOC video visits run for the exact scheduled time slot, and fees aren't refunded for late arrivals or missed visits. Do everything you can to start on time.

Note: If you need to reschedule, keep in mind that visits can be booked up to 14 days in advance, and you're limited to one visit per weekend.

Need help with AFOI video visitation or Visitor Centers? AFOI's Richmond main office is at 220 Hull Street, Suite 100, Richmond, Virginia 23224. You can call them at 804-643-2401. VADOC also directs that all visitation forms should be mailed or sent to that same Richmond address.

Verify Tip

  • ✓ Confirm you can schedule (or have scheduled) your visit online using the Visitation Scheduler. Keep the 14-day booking window and one-visit-per-weekend limit in mind.
  • ✓ If you are visiting from home, plan to be logged into the GTL system 15 minutes before the visit starts.
  • ✓ If you are using a Visitor Center, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time.

Reminder: Register using your legal name. It needs to match both your ID and your registration exactly.

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