How to Schedule Your First Visit with Someone in a VADOC Facility
Your first in-person visit at a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) facility goes smoother when you handle the paperwork first, schedule your slot, then show up prepared for screening. This guide covers the common reasons people get delayed or turned away, and how to avoid them.
As of June 1, 2023, you don't need to be on an inmate's approved visiting list to get approved for in-person visitation. That simplifies things, but it doesn't eliminate the other requirements. You still need to complete the visitor process before you can schedule a visit.
Visitor approvals don't last forever. All applications expire three years after the approval date. If it's been a while since your last visit, you may need to renew before you can schedule again.
- ✓ If you live in Virginia, submit a new, updated online visitor application at least 45 days before your approval expires.
- ✓ If you live out of state, submit a new, updated online visitor application at least 90 days before your approval expires.
Scheduling an in-person visit happens online, and it's a two-step process: first get your visitation application approved, then reserve a date and time through the Visitation Scheduler. If this is your first time using the scheduler, set aside a few minutes to create your account. Enter your information carefully so it matches your application details exactly.
Most VADOC facilities allow visitation on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Weekend slots fill up fast. Some facilities also run building-based schedules (one building hosts visits on Saturdays, another on Sundays), so the day you choose affects where you report and who's being visited.
Before you drive over, check for facility-specific visitation updates and confirm the current hours. Individual facilities can cancel visitation for a particular housing pod on short notice. Even with a scheduled visit, last-minute changes can affect whether in-person visits are running for your loved one's location.
Note: Some facilities use building-based schedules for in-person visitation. Confirm which building is hosting visits on your planned day so you do not show up to the wrong location.
Plan to arrive one hour before your scheduled visit. VADOC expects you there early enough for security screening. Arriving late can cost you your visit, even with a reservation.
- ✓ Bring at least one valid picture ID that matches the information on your visitation application.
- ✓ Acceptable photo IDs include a driver’s license.
- ✓ Acceptable photo IDs include a passport (only for those who do not reside in the United States).
- ✓ Acceptable photo IDs include a military ID.
- ✓ Acceptable photo IDs include another official picture ID issued by a federal or state agency.
Heads up: No food or drinks are allowed inside the facility, and you will not have access to vending machines.
Dress is one of the easiest things to control before you leave, and one of the fastest ways to get turned away. VADOC's baseline rule: your attire must cover from the neck to the kneecaps, include appropriate underwear, and you must wear footwear at all times.
- ✓ Tube tops, tank tops, or halter tops
- ✓ Clothing that exposes your midriff, side, or back
- ✓ Mini-skirts, mini-dresses, or shorts at or above the kneecap
- ✓ See-through clothing
- ✓ Form-fitting clothes like leotards, spandex, and leggings
- ✓ Clothing with inappropriate symbols or messages, including gang symbols, racist comments, or inflammatory communications
Do not bring: Watches and all wearable technology are prohibited, including Google Glasses.
If you're unsure about an outfit, change it before you leave. Dress code enforcement can be strict. Review the facility's full dress code guidance ahead of time and choose something clearly within the rules.
Find an Inmate at Haynesville Corr. Center, VA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
