How to Schedule and Prepare for a Visit at New Hanover County Detention (what families need to know)
Visiting someone at New Hanover County Detention takes some planning. Visits are appointment-only, and here's the catch: the inmate has to schedule them, not you. This guide covers how to coordinate the time slot, what ID to bring, and how to avoid getting turned away at check-in.
At New Hanover County Detention, visitation is appointment-only - and the inmate has to schedule it. You can't show up hoping to be worked in, and you won't be able to book a slot yourself. Your loved one sets up the visit from inside the facility. Once they have a day and time, they'll pass those details to you so you can plan around it.
Tip: Confirm the scheduling procedure with the detention facility before you travel, especially if this is your first visit.
Visitation hours run daily from 1 pm to 9 pm. Visits happen in set time slots within that window, so plan your arrival around the specific hour your loved one scheduled.
- ✓ Visits are 45 minutes long
- ✓ Time slots are at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm
- ✓ Each inmate is allowed two visits per week (two 45-minute visits)
Figure out your group size before the appointment gets set. Each visit allows up to two adult guests, and inmates get two 45-minute visits per week. If more than two adults want to visit, you'll need to split up across separate visits rather than bringing everyone at once.
Bringing a child or teen? They must be accompanied by an adult the entire time.
What to Bring Checklist
- ✓ Approved photo ID for every visitor (you’ll be asked for it when you arrive)
- ✓ A clear plan for who is visiting (remember: up to two adult guests per visit)
- ✓ Extra time to check in so you’re not rushing once you get there
Bring the appointment details: Know the exact time slot your loved one scheduled, and have your approved photo ID ready. If you're unsure about check-in requirements, call the facility beforehand.
The visitation rooms have disinfectant wipes near the telephone area. Use them before and after your visit to keep the space clean for the next family.
Before you make the drive, confirm that an appointment is actually set and that you have the correct day and time. Since your loved one schedules the visit from inside, details can get lost in translation. If anything feels unclear - or you're not sure whether the schedule has changed - call the detention facility to double-check.
- Get the appointment details from your loved one - visits are appointment-only and scheduled by the inmate, so you’ll need the exact time they set.
- Match the visit to a valid time slot - visits happen during the 1–9 pm visitation window and are tied to set start times.
- Arrive ready to check in - bring your approved photo ID, since it’s required upon arrival.
- Plan around the weekly limits - each inmate is allowed two 45-minute visits per week, so coordinate who attends each visit.
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