How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Keen Mountain Corrections Center offers video visitation through VADOC's partnership with AFOI. You can visit from home or use an AFOI visitor center if you don't have the right technology. Before your first visit, every visitor—adults and minors alike—must submit the online visitor application and background authorization to the Central Visitation Unit. Set aside 20–30 minutes to complete it. You'll need the inmate's name and ID, a photo ID, and your Social Security number. The form can't be saved as a draft, so have everything ready. Virginia residents typically wait about 45 days for approval; out-of-state applicants should expect around 90 days. Once approved, book through the Visitation Scheduler up to 14 days ahead. You're limited to one visit per weekend. Video visits have strict rules around ID, arrival time, dress, and conduct—and only five people can participate.
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Your first VADOC video visit goes smoother when you treat it like an appointment with strict rules. These five basics cover timing, who can be on camera, what to wear, and what can end the visit or cost you future visits.
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) offers video visitation through Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI). You can choose between two options: At-home Video Visitation or visits at an AFOI Visitor Center.
Planning ahead makes your first visit much easier. Bring the right ID, dress within facility rules, and know what to expect at screening. This checklist helps you avoid getting turned away at the door.
VADOC requires visitors to get approved before entering any facility. Gather a few details first and plan for the review timeline, and the online application process will go much smoother.
Visiting at Keen Mountain starts with one thing: getting approved through the Virginia DOC's online visitor application. Gather a few details beforehand, and you can usually finish the form in one sitting without delays.
Visiting is straightforward once you understand the approval process and timing requirements. Start with the visitor application, then plan to arrive or log in early so you don't miss your slot.
Once you hit submit, your application heads to the Central Visitation Unit for review before you can schedule a visit at Keen Mountain. Here's what they check, how long approval typically takes, and what to do once you hear back.
Adults can use a government-issued picture ID such as a Driver’s License, Military ID, Passport (for non‑US residents), or another official federal/state picture ID. Minors must be attached to an adult application and must be accompanied by the approving parent/legal guardian or an approved adult.
Apply online by submitting the visitor application and background authorization for Central Visitation Unit review and approval before scheduling any visit. The application takes about 20–30 minutes, and approval typically takes about 45 days for Virginia residents and about 90 days for out-of-state applicants.
Keen Mountain offers both at-home video visits and AFOI visitor-center visits—helpful if you lack home technology or don't qualify for at-home sessions. Log into GTL 15 minutes early for at-home visits, or arrive at least 20 minutes early for AFOI visits. Late or missed visits aren't refunded. If the inmate needs a restroom break, the visit ends. Rule violations can result in a six-month suspension, and serious offenses may lead to a permanent ban.
Staying in touch usually comes down to two options: phone calls and video visits. Here's what's confirmed for this Virginia Department of Corrections facility, plus what you should double-check before scheduling or paying for anything.
Trying to put money on a Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) account? The method you choose matters. Some options are fast. Others will be rejected outright.
Sending money to someone at Keen Mountain Corrections Center is straightforward once you pick the right JPay option. The key thing: don't send cash or checks to the prison. Use JPay instead.
