How to schedule your first in‑person visit at Madison Correctional Institution (MaCI)
Your first in-person visit goes smoother when you plan around MaCI's scheduling window. Here's how to reserve a spot in the GTL visitation portal, confirm it, and avoid last-minute headaches.
In-person visits at Madison Correctional Institution (MaCI) must be reserved through the online portal at least 1 day in advance - but no more than 30 days out. That 1–30 day window drives everything else. Trying to visit tomorrow? Probably too late. Planning far ahead? The date may not be available yet.
I'll walk you through the full first-time process: creating or signing into your GTL visitor account, choosing the right date and session time for MaCI, confirming your reservation (and what
Start by signing in to the GTL visitation portal - that's where you schedule and manage visits. Pick your date, time, and location, and the system confirms instantly. You'll know right away whether you got the slot.
Setting up your account for the first time? The GTL portal has a
Before browsing for times, double-check your date against the scheduling window. MaCI requires reservations at least one day ahead - same-day visits won't work through the portal. Planning more than 30 days out? The portal won't let you book yet. Pick a closer date, or come back when you're inside that 30-day range.
Monday through Friday, MaCI offers two in-person visiting sessions. Session 1 runs 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Session 2 runs 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. When the portal shows available times, you're choosing one of these blocks.
Saturdays and Sundays also have two sessions, but earlier. Session 1 is 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM; Session 2 is 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. If you're traveling any distance, these times help you plan your drive and still arrive early enough to check in.
Once you select your date, time, and location in the GTL portal, your visit is confirmed instantly. Double-check the details on screen and save whatever confirmation the portal provides - a screenshot or printed copy comes in handy if your phone has poor reception at the facility.
You may see a
Need to cancel or modify? Do it early. Cancellations and modifications must be made at least two days in advance. Once you're inside that two-day window, assume you can't change the reservation - so pick your session carefully when you book.
Tip: If your plans might change, schedule as soon as you know your real availability - and cancel the moment you know you can't make it. The two-day rule is strict; waiting can cost you the slot.
Before you leave home, verify the visiting hours. MaCI's hours can change without notice, and the facility advises visitors to call ahead to confirm. That quick call can save you a wasted trip.
- ✓ Arrive 30–45 minutes before your session starts (MaCI recommends this) so you have time for check-in.
- ✓ Re-check your scheduled date and session time before you drive over.
- ✓ Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (it’s commonly required at check-in).
- ✓ Leave extra items secured in your vehicle and bring only what you truly need.
- ✓ Dress conservatively and avoid clothing that could be rejected at the door.
- ✓ Plan for a security screening process and possible lines, especially during busy session times.
First time visiting? Review the visiting guidelines and check-in instructions in the GTL portal resources before your trip. A quick read-through helps you avoid small issues - like showing up with the wrong items - that can derail a visit.
To schedule your first in-person visit at MaCI: book through the GTL visitation portal at least 1 day ahead and no more than 30 days out. Once you select the date, time, and location, confirmation is instant. Need to change plans? Cancel or modify at least two days in advance. And before you travel, call the institution to verify visiting hours - they can change without notice.
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