How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Before visiting Durham County Detention, you'll need to register—either online through the portal (a valid email address is required) or at the kiosk in the detention lobby. In-person visits must be scheduled 2–7 days in advance. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, or your visit may be canceled. The schedule runs by pod: Pods A & B visit Tuesday 4:00 PM–7:30 PM, Pods C & D visit Thursday 4:00 PM–7:30 PM (3C North & South follow a different schedule). Each inmate gets two in-person visits per month, with up to three visitors allowed per session and one session per day. You can modify or cancel up to one day ahead—late cancellations still count against your monthly limit. Free video visits run on a separate schedule and require the visitation app (Android recommended).
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Your first in-person visit goes much smoother when you handle the basics ahead of time—ID, timing, and scheduling. Use this checklist to avoid common check-in surprises at Durham County Detention.
Visiting at Durham County Detention runs on a pod-based schedule, with firm limits on how many in-person visits an inmate can have each month. Here's how the days, times, and monthly caps work—plus what to know if you need to cancel or reschedule.
At Durham County Detention, in-person visiting times depend on your loved one’s housing pod. If they’re in Pod A or Pod B, the in-person visitation window is Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Durham County’s in-person visit limits are pretty strict, so it helps to plan around them. Each inmate is allowed up to two in-person visits per month. For each visit session (one “visitation period”), the inmate can have up to three visitors at a time. There’s also a daily cap: an inmate is allowed one visitation period per day. That means you can’t stack multiple in-person sessions on the same day to “make up” for missed time—so choosing your dates carefully matters.
Your first visit can feel overwhelming, but scheduling at Durham County Detention is straightforward once you know the requirements and timing rules.
Durham County Detention Facility offers video visitation as another way to stay connected with someone in custody. It’s an option you can use in addition to in-person visits — it doesn’t replace them — and the facility states that video visits are free.
A smooth visit comes down to two things: the right ID and enough time to check in. Here's what to bring—and what to leave at home—before heading to Durham County Detention.
Register online at https://durhamcountync.gtlvisitme.com or at the kiosk in the detention lobby. The online registration requires a valid email address—save your visitor ID and password so you can schedule visits later.
Schedule in-person visits at least 2 days and no more than 7 days in advance. Pods A & B visit Tuesday 4:00 PM–7:30 PM, and Pods C & D visit Thursday 4:00 PM–7:30 PM; 3C North & South have a noted exception to the regular schedule.
If you’re 18 or older, bring valid ID—acceptable options include U.S./state/local government ID cards, U.S. and international passports, and student IDs. Minors under 18 may visit only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 18.
Durham County Detention uses two different mailing addresses depending on what you're sending. Personal letters go to an offsite mailscan P.O. Box in Phoenix, Maryland. Legal mail, books, and packages still go to a Durham, North Carolina P.O. Box.
If you’re trying to get funds onto someone’s account at Durham County Detention, you have a few solid options. The methods below cover online, kiosk, phone, and mail—plus what to do if you need Money Intake help in person.
Want to visit someone at Durham County Detention? You'll need to register first. Once your account is set up—online or at the lobby kiosk—you can start scheduling in-person or video visits.
