How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Visiting someone at East Mesa Detention Facility requires a reservation. Schedule in-person social visits through the San Diego Sheriff's eVisit system (Wed–Sun, 7:00am–7:00pm) or by calling (619) 409-5000 during phone hours (Wed–Sun, 6:30am–6:00pm). You'll need to book at least 24 hours ahead—same-day scheduling isn't available. Arrive early: check-in is required 60 minutes before your visit (effective Nov 6, 2025). Visiting days can differ across published sources, so confirm the current schedule before traveling. Up to three visitors (including children) are allowed per visit. Adults 18+ need valid government photo ID, and minors must be with a qualifying adult. Social visits run 30 minutes; incarcerated workers get one-hour visits.
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East Mesa Detention Facility caps visitors at three per visit, and check-in will turn you away if your group or paperwork doesn't match the rules. Here's how the limit works, who can bring minors, and what ID you'll need at the door.
Planning an in-person visit at East Mesa? You might hit a frustrating snag: the Sheriff's website shows two different schedules for visiting days. Here's what each page says—and how to confirm the current schedule before you make the trip.
East Mesa video visits run through Smart Communications (SmartInmate). Once you know the time limits and scheduling rules, setup is straightforward.
If your loved one works as an incarcerated worker at East Mesa, they may qualify for visits that are twice as long as standard ones. Here's how it works — and how to confirm eligibility before you go.
Book a visit through the San Diego Sheriff’s eVisit system (Wed–Sun, 7:00am–7:00pm) or call (619) 409-5000 during phone reservation hours (Wed–Sun, 6:30am–6:00pm). Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance—same-day scheduling isn’t permitted.
Visitors age 18 and older must show valid government-issued photo ID. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a qualifying adult (parent, court-appointed guardian, or other legal custodian) who also has valid photo ID and is cleared for visitation.
Service animals (as defined by the ADA) are generally allowed during visitation, with some exceptions. Confirm with the facility before you go, since allowances and exceptions can vary.
Emailing someone at East Mesa Detention Facility isn't like regular email. Your message gets reviewed, printed, and handed to them on paper. It's one-way communication with a few strict limits worth knowing about.
Getting calls from an unknown number? It's natural to assume scam or spam. Here's why calls from East Mesa might show up as 727‑349‑1561, what
Starting November 06, 2025, East Mesa Reentry Facility requires all visitors to check in 60 minutes before their scheduled visit time. This is a hard cutoff. Show up too close to your visit time, and you may not finish check-in before they turn you away.
