How to Schedule Your First Visit at Lake Erie Correctional Facility (step-by-step)

First-time visits can feel overwhelming, but the process is straightforward. Complete the visiting application packet, submit it to the facility, wait for approval, then create your online scheduling account and book your visit.

Step1 Packet

• ✓ Complete the Visiting Application (DRC2096)
• ✓ Sign the Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554)
• ✓ Sign the General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274)
• ✓ Include a copy of your bona fide ID (make sure the copy is legible)

Once your packet is complete (including your ID copy), submit it directly to Lake Erie Correctional Facility by mail, fax, or email. Don't send it to ODRC's central mail processing center - that's for mail processing only and will slow down your approval.

After submitting your packet, wait for the facility to process and approve you. No visits until that happens. The facility notifies the incarcerated person once your application is processed, and they can relay the outcome. Hold off on creating your ViaPath account until you're approved - registering early can delay your ViaPath approval and turn a simple first visit into an unnecessary wait.

Lake Erie schedules visits online through ViaPath (GTL) at ohdoc.gtlvisitme.com. Once approved, you'll use that site to book either an in-person or video visit.

Step5 Day of

• ✓ Bring what you need to match your approved visitor paperwork, including the bona fide ID copy requirement from the application packet
• ✓ Expect security screening: all visitors are subject to search
• ✓ Keep metal detector “problem” items to a minimum (hairpins, underwire bras, certain boots/shoes, clothing with multiple zippers, excessive jewelry) so you don’t get delayed at the door
• ✓ Do not bring cash onto facility grounds
• ✓ Do not bring a cellular phone (or other electronic communication device) onto facility grounds

• ✓ Skip see-through clothing (including torn or ripped jeans or any holes where skin shows)
• ✓ Don’t wear halter tops, tube tops, cropped tops, tank tops, or muscle shirts
• ✓ Avoid anything that exposes undergarments
• ✓ Choose bottoms with enough length: skirts/dresses/skorts/shorts/culottes can’t be above mid-knee
• ✓ Keep accessories simple - excessive jewelry and certain clothing details can set off metal detectors and slow down entry

Give yourself extra time before your scheduled visit. Check-in and security screening take longer than you'd expect - especially if something triggers the metal detector or your clothing doesn't pass inspection. Show up with prohibited items, cash, or a phone, and you may have to leave them elsewhere or lose the visit entirely.

In-person visiting runs Thursday through Sunday, scheduled by housing assignment. Session blocks are 8:00–10:30 a.m., noon–2:30 p.m., and 3:00–5:30 p.m. Schedules can change, so confirm current sessions before you travel.

Video visits are available daily from noon to 3:00 p.m. You'll schedule them through the same ViaPath system after approval.

• ✓ Confirm visiting hours and session availability before you travel (posted schedules can change)
• ✓ For visitation questions, email LakeErieVisitation@corecivic.com

Know the limits before you book. General population: eight visits per month, up to five visitors per visit. Special management housing: one visit per month on Saturdays, up to two visitors per visit.