Video Visits from Home vs. Visitor Centers: Which Option Is Right for You?

VADOC video visits aren't available all day. They run on specific days in hourly blocks, and you book a set time slot. One example schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Within that system, you pick between two options: at-home video visitation (using your own device) or video visitation from an AFOI visitor center. The visitor center exists for people who don't have the necessary technology at home, and it may also work for family and friends who don't qualify for at-home visits.

At-home video visitation is built for convenience. You connect from a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone. No coordinating transportation, parking, or traveling to a separate location just to get face time.

• ✓ Log into the GTL system 15 minutes before your scheduled visit starts.
• ✓ Your visit is only for the exact time slot you scheduled. Fees are not refunded if you arrive late or miss the visit.

If you're 18 or older, you'll need a valid government-issued photo ID to participate in video visitation.

AFOI visitor centers are the alternative when at-home visits aren't a good fit. They're designed for people who don't have the needed technology at home, and they can also work if you don't qualify for at-home video visitation. For some families, a center visit is simply the easiest way to get a reliable connection without troubleshooting devices and internet on your own.

• ✓ Arrive at the AFOI Visitor Center at least 20 minutes before your scheduled visit.
• ✓ Your visit is only for the exact time slot you scheduled. Fees are not refunded if you arrive late or miss the visit.

AFOI visitor centers have straightforward pricing: $4 for a 20-minute visit, or $10 for a 50-minute visit. When you're comparing options, factor in the hidden costs of getting to a center (gas, parking, time off work, childcare) alongside the visit fee itself.

Same as at-home visits: if you're 18 or older, you'll need a valid government-issued photo ID.

1. Start with your tech: If you have a home computer, tablet, or Android smartphone that you can use for the visit, at-home video visitation is often the easiest choice.
2. Decide if a center makes more sense: If you do not have the necessary technology at home, or if you do not qualify for at-home video visitation, an AFOI visitor center may be your best path.
3. Compare the real costs: AFOI visitor centers charge $4 for 20 minutes or $10 for 50 minutes. Balance that against the time and expense of traveling to the center versus staying home.

Timing is usually what makes or breaks video visits. For at-home sessions, you need to be logged into the GTL system 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. For AFOI visitor centers, you need to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Either way, the visit covers only the exact time slot you scheduled, and fees won't be refunded for late arrivals or missed visits. If your day is unpredictable, go with whichever option lets you most confidently meet that early check-in window.

Before you head to an AFOI visitor center, confirm the current address and phone number. The AFOI Richmond main visitor center is listed at 220 Hull Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23224, with a phone number of 804-643-2401. Some documents list different Richmond addresses, so verify the location ahead of time. You don't want to show up at the wrong place.