How to Register for Video Visits at Northern Branch Jail (step-by-step)
Planning a video visit at Northern Branch Jail? You'll need to register first. Here's how the Via Path process works and what to have ready so you can get on the schedule.
Visitation at Santa Barbara County Jail
How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Overview
Visiting someone at Santa Barbara County Jail Northern Branch requires scheduling in advance through Via Path at santabarbaraca.gtlvisitme.com/app. Create or claim your account on the portal, then follow the prompts to pick a date and time. The Northern Branch is located at 2301 Black Road, Santa Maria, and visiting hours run Sunday through Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Appointments start on the hour. All social visits are non-contact: you'll talk through a visit window using telephone handsets. Before you go, bring a valid government photo ID, make sure the inmate has approved you as a visitor, and arrive early for check-in and any required screening.
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Quick Facts
- Visitors must register for Northern Branch visits via Via Path at santabarbaraca.gtlvisitme.com/app before visiting.
- Northern Branch visiting hours are Sunday–Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, with appointments starting on the hour.
- Social visits at the Northern Branch are non‑contact and take place at a visit window using telephone handsets.
- All Northern Branch visitations occur at 2301 Black Road, Santa Maria, CA.
Visitation Guides
Visitation
How to Visit Facility
Visiting at Northern Branch Jail is pretty straightforward once you know the few rules that can stop a visit before it starts. Here's how to get set up and what to expect when you arrive.
Northern Branch vs South County Jails: Visit Limits, Formats, and Scheduling Differences
Planning a jail visit in Santa Barbara County? The rules depend on whether your loved one is at Northern Branch (North County) or a South County facility. Here's what you need to know about visit limits, formats, and scheduling at each location.
Northern Branch vs South County: Understanding visit limits and scheduling differences
The weekly visit limit and scheduling process can look very different depending on whether your loved one is housed at Northern Branch or a South County facility. Here's what to know so you plan for the right location.
What You Can't Bring to a Visit (and what happens if you do): Santa Barbara County
A visit can get derailed fast if you bring the wrong item. Use the checklist below to pack light, leave prohibited items behind, and avoid getting turned away (or cited).
Common Questions
How do I register for a Northern Branch visit?
Register through the Via Path scheduling portal at santabarbaraca.gtlvisitme.com/app. Create or claim an account, then follow the prompts to pick a date and time and confirm your appointment.
What are the visiting hours at the Northern Branch Jail?
Visiting hours run Sunday through Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Appointments begin on the hour, so book a time slot that fits that schedule.
Are visits at the Northern Branch contact or non‑contact?
Visits at the Northern Branch are non-contact. Social visits happen at a visit window using telephone handsets.
Other Guides for Santa Barbara County Jail
Phone & Messaging
How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
Need to reach someone connected to this facility? Start by calling the correct Alternative Sentencing Bureau office to confirm current communication or visit procedures.
What You Can't Bring to a Visit at Santa Barbara County Jails (and the Consequences)
Want your visit to go smoothly? Pack light and leave anything on the prohibited list in your car or at home. One item in particular (your cell phone) can cost you visitation privileges for a full year.
When to Arrive for a Visit at Santa Barbara County Jails: Check‑In Windows and What They Mean
At Santa Barbara County Jail facilities, your visit time and check-in time are two different things. Miss the check-in window for your scheduled block, and you can lose the visit entirely, even if you show up close to when it starts.