How to Schedule Your First Visit at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI)

All visits to NCDAC prisons are by appointment only. You'll need to schedule directly with Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) - not through a central office. Call or email the facility using the contact info they provide for scheduling.

Even after you've scheduled, call again the day before. A quick check confirms visits are still happening - and saves you a wasted trip if something changed.

Before any visit can happen, your visitor application must be completed and approved by facility staff. "Approved" means they've reviewed your paperwork and added you to the approved visitors list for the person you want to see. If you try to schedule or show up before approval goes through, you'll be turned away. Handle this step first.

Expect security screening when you arrive. Everyone goes through a metal detector. If you're 16 or older, you'll also get a pat-down and an electronic device scan. Arrive early - screening takes time, and it goes faster when you bring less. Leave your phone in the car. Phones are treated as contraband and aren't allowed on prison property.

• ✓ Expect screening if you’re 16+ (pat/frisk and electronic-device search) and budget extra time for it.
• ✓ Be ready to clear the metal detector - wear simple clothing and minimize metal accessories.
• ✓ Leave your phone behind (in your car or at home). Cell phones are contraband and prohibited.
• ✓ Keep what you bring to a minimum so check-in moves faster.

Dress simply. The dress code is strictly enforced - at minimum, you must wear a shirt and shoes. Don't bring prohibited items. Cell phones are considered contraband and are banned from all prison facilities.

Planning to wear shorts? Use the Bermuda-length rule: they can't be more than three inches above the kneecap. Anything shorter, and you'll be turned away before you reach the visiting area.

If your visit gets denied or delayed - or you're getting conflicting answers - start with the basics: Are you approved by facility staff? Is the visit actually happening that day? Keep notes on who you talked to and when (jot them down on your phone after you leave the property). For questions about the prison's visitation policy or procedures, contact the warden directly.

1. Call to confirm visitation status - The day before (and again if something seems off), call the prison to confirm visits are still happening as scheduled.
2. Verify your approval - Ask whether your completed visitor application has been approved by facility staff, because approval is required before any visit can occur.
3. Document and escalate if needed - Write down dates/times and what you were told, then direct policy/procedure questions to the warden of the prison you’re visiting if you can’t get a clear answer.