Before Your First Visit to Green Haven: Where to Enter, When to Arrive, and What to Expect
Your first visit to Green Haven goes smoother when you know which day to come, where to walk in, and how timing affects processing.
Green Haven allows visits on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Show up any other day and you'll be turned away - so plan accordingly.
Visiting hours run from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. That window includes processing time, so don't plan to arrive at 2:30 PM thinking you'll get in.
Enter through the side entrance (the handicap entrance) to reach Visitor Processing. Head to the wrong door first and you'll lose valuable time - especially on busy weekends.
Screening happens right when you walk in. Build extra time into your plan even if you think you're early - processing takes longer than most people expect.
The latest you can arrive is 1:30 PM. After that, you won't be processed - even though visiting hours technically run until 2:30 PM.
- ✓ Plan to be at the Visitor Processing entrance well before 1:30 PM (not pulling into the area at 1:29 PM).
- ✓ Give yourself a buffer so screening and check-in don’t push you past the 1:30 PM latest arrival time.
- ✓ If you’re traveling a long distance, aim earlier than you think you need - traffic and lines can erase your cushion fast.
Processing pauses for the facility count around 10:30 AM. If you arrive near that time, expect to wait until the count clears before staff can process you.
- ✓ Try to arrive far enough before ~10:30 AM that you’re through Visitor Processing before the count pause.
- ✓ If you can’t make it earlier, consider arriving after the pause so you’re not stuck mid-process.
- ✓ Keep the 1:30 PM latest arrival time in mind when you’re planning around the 10:30 AM pause - waiting out the count still counts against your day.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Confirm who is coming with you before you leave: a visit may include up to three (3) visitors.
- ✓ If you’re bringing a small child, Green Haven allows one (1) child aged five (5) or under, and the child must sit on an adult’s lap.
- ✓ Bring whatever identification you expect to need for check-in, and make sure everyone in your group is prepared to be screened on arrival.
- ✓ Arrive early enough to complete screening and processing without cutting it close to the 1:30 PM latest arrival time.
- ✓ Go straight to the Visitor Processing area and be ready to be screened when you enter.
- ✓ If you’re visiting with a group, keep everyone together and ready - delays inside the line can cost you your spot before processing stops or the cut-off hits.
For details beyond the basics - like broader visitation rules and updated guidance - check the DOCCS Visitors Page. A quick look before you travel can save you a wasted trip.
Verify before you go: Dress code details, prohibited items, weekend rotation specifics, parking, and the best phone number for questions aren't confirmed here. Check the DOCCS Visitors information or contact the facility directly before you travel.
Find an Inmate at Green Haven Correctional Facility
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
