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Video Visits vs. In-Person at River North: Key Differences, Dress Rules, and What Happens If You're Late

Choosing between a video visit and an in-person visit at River North mostly comes down to logistics: where you'll be visiting from, how early you need to show up, what you can wear, and what happens if you're running late.

• 3 min read • vadoc.virginia.gov
Video Visits vs. In-Person at River North: Key Differences, Dress Rules, and What Happens If You're Late

VADOC video visits work two ways: from home through the GTL system, or at a visitor center. The main difference is timing. Visiting from home? Log into GTL 15 minutes before your session starts so you're ready when it opens. Going to a visitor center? Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in and get set up.

Video visit dress standards are stricter than you might expect. Your clothing must cover from your neck to your kneecaps, and you're required to wear underwear. Stick with conservative outfits that won't ride up or shift on camera. If you get turned away for a dress code violation, you lose your time slot.

Shoes are required at all times - even for at-home video visits. Get fully dressed head-to-toe before you log on. The last thing you want is an avoidable rule issue right as your visit starts.

Video visits have a hard cap: only five people can participate at once, and that includes children. If your household is larger, decide beforehand who's joining so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

If minors will be part of the video visit, make sure the right adult is present. At least one visitor has to be over 18, and that person must be the parent or legal guardian of any minor visitor(s).

Timing matters. Home visitors should be logged into GTL 15 minutes early; visitor center appointments require arrival at least 20 minutes ahead. Why take this seriously? Visits run only for your exact time slot. Show up late or miss it entirely, and the fee won't be refunded. Build in extra buffer time, even if you think you'll only be a couple minutes behind.

Running into technical trouble setting up a video visit? Don't wait until the last minute to troubleshoot. If something isn't working on your phone, try switching to a laptop or desktop - a more stable setup can make the difference.

Video Visits vs. In-Person at River North: Key Differences, Dress Rules, and What Happens If You're Late

Video visits come with strict behavior rules. Two of the biggest pitfalls: recording and extra devices. You cannot record, film, or take pictures or screenshots of the inmate during the visit. You also can't have other technology in the room - no phone, tablet, TV, or any device besides the one you're using for the GTL visit.

Consequences: Inappropriate behavior can get video visitation privileges suspended for six months. Some violations can trigger enhanced sanctions, up to and including a permanent ban from using the video visit system.

One more thing: if the inmate needs to use the restroom during a video visit, the visit ends. It's frustrating, but this rule can cut your session short even when everything else is going fine.

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More from River North Correctional Center, Va

How to Apply for Visiting Approval at River North Correctional Center (and Keep It Active)

Visiting at River North Correctional Center starts with approval from Virginia DOC's Central Visitation Unit. Know what they check and when renewals are due, and you'll avoid surprise interruptions that could derail your visits.

How to Apply for Visiting Approval at River North Correctional Center (step‑by‑step)

Before you can visit anyone at River North, you need approval through Virginia DOC's online visitor application system. Once you understand which form to use and when renewals are due, the process becomes straightforward.

How to Schedule a Visit at River North Correctional Center (and what to check before you drive)

Once you're approved, you can book an in-person visit through the online Visitation Scheduler. The booking window opens 14 days in advance - enough time to plan, but not so far out that you can schedule months ahead. One limit to keep in mind: you're allowed one visit per weekend. If you're juggling rides, childcare, or multiple family members who want to come, choose your date carefully so you don't accidentally use up your slot.