After CVU Approval: How to Actually Schedule Your First Visit
Once you have written approval from the Central Visitation Unit (CVU), you're not quite done yet. There are still a couple of steps before you can walk in for your first in-person visit. Here's how scheduling works, what days visits are typically offered for general population, and what to bring so you don't get turned away at check-in.
With your written CVU approval in hand, the next step is registering in the GTL Visitation Scheduler. All in-person visits must be booked through this system. You can't just show up and ask to be added. Once your account is set up, you'll pick an available time slot and reserve your visit.
Reminder: Don't try to visit until you have both written CVU approval and a confirmed booking in the GTL Visitation Scheduler. Show up without either one, and you will be denied entry.
General population visitation is held on Saturdays, Sundays, and recognized Virginia state holidays. Those holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, George Washington Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Each inmate in general population is allowed at least one 2-hour visit per 7-day period. That doesn't mean you can walk in anytime. Time slots are limited, so book as soon as you're eligible in the scheduler.
- Arrive one hour early - Get there one hour before your scheduled in-person visit so you have time for security screening.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID - Adults and emancipated minors must show a valid ID at each visit (driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other bona fide government-issued ID).
- ✓ A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other government ID)
- ✓ A plan to leave food and drinks outside (they are not allowed in the facility)
- ✓ Expectation-setting: there is no access to vending machines during your visit
Tip: Build extra time into your day. Screening can take a while, and you cannot bring food or drinks inside (and you will not be able to rely on vending machines).
Even with system-wide rules in place, visitation procedures and schedules can vary by institution and change at any time. Before you travel, contact the facility directly to confirm the current process and timing for the visit you scheduled.
Recommendation: Confirm the details the day before you travel, or the morning of, so you do not waste a trip.
Most first-visit denials come down to timing and scheduling. If you arrive before your CVU application is fully processed and you have written approval, or you show up without a scheduled visit, staff will turn you away. The fix is simple: wait for written CVU approval, then book your time in the GTL Visitation Scheduler before you travel.
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