The 18-Visitor Limit at Tabor CI: Who to Put on Your Loved One’s Approved Visitor List
At Tabor Correctional Institution, the approved visitor list isn't just about who can show up for visits — it determines who can make video calls and deposit money into your loved one's account. Here's how the 18-person limit works and how to make the most of it.
Each incarcerated person at Tabor CI can have up to 18 approved visitors. Kids count too - children, stepchildren, younger siblings all take up a spot just like adults. Think through the list early rather than adding names last minute.
Note: Only people who are listed as approved visitors are allowed to deposit funds into your loved one’s account. If someone regularly helps with money, make sure they’re on the approved list.
Every visitor needs an approved application before they can visit. Don't assume filling out the form means you're set - wait for actual approval from facility staff before planning your trip.
Under normal circumstances, your loved one gets one visiting session per week, lasting up to two hours. That's why the 18-person list is really about long-term planning. You're choosing who has the option to visit, knowing only a few people will realistically get face-to-face time each week.
In-person visits require appointments. Call or email the prison to schedule, and call again the day before to confirm visitation status. If multiple family members want to visit around the same time, coordinate - don't have everyone calling separately.
Video visits can ease pressure on that one weekly in-person slot. They're still limited to approved visitors, but once someone's approved, they can do on-demand calls or schedule ahead. This works well for relatives who live far away or can't make weekend travel happen.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Put your “must-have” people on the list first, remembering the 18 spots include adults and minors.
- ✓ Think in terms of the weekly limit: with one in-person session per week (up to two hours), prioritize the people who truly need that face-to-face time.
- ✓ Include anyone who may need to deposit funds, since only approved visitors can put money on your loved one’s account.
- Pick the core in-person visitors - decide who should use the one weekly in-person session (up to two hours) most often.
- Rotate everyone else and lean on video - alternate weeks for extended family and friends, and use on-demand or scheduled video visits so more people can stay connected without competing for the same in-person slot.
- Schedule early and confirm - book in-person visits by calling or emailing, then call the day before to confirm visitation status so you don’t waste a trip.
Build in time for approvals. If you're counting on someone for a visit next week - or planning a family rotation - make sure their application is approved, not just submitted, before you schedule around them.
Tip: If someone needs to help by depositing funds, they have to be on the approved visitor list. And if the in-person schedule is tight, video visits (on-demand or scheduled) can keep relationships steady between trips.
Find an Inmate at Tabor Corrections Inst., NC
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
