How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Visits at the Telford Unit happen primarily on weekends, generally Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Regular on-unit visits last two hours, starting when both you and the inmate are present. Each inmate can have one on-unit visit per weekend. The unit also allows remote video visits through the approved vendor once per month for up to 60 minutes, in addition to on-unit visits. Use the Online Visitation Scheduler to request visits. Relationship requests are verified by unit staff, and account setup requires a 7-digit email validation code (your account email cannot be changed once created). Bring an acceptable photo ID. Don't bring cell phones inside the secure perimeter, and avoid cash except coins up to $35. Contact visits allow limited physical contact, and non-attorney visits may be electronically monitored. Call the unit to confirm assignment, privileges, and current visitation status before you travel.
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A long drive to a TDCJ unit is hard enough. Getting turned away at the gate is worse. Use this checklist to confirm the person's status, verify visiting is actually happening that day, and avoid bringing anything that could end your visit before it starts.
A little prep work before you leave can save you a long drive and a missed visit. Use this checklist to confirm the person you're visiting is at the right unit, eligible for visits, and that you're bringing the right ID and allowed items.
Planning a visit to someone in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)? Time is usually the first question. Here's how long regular visits last, how split visits work, and when you might qualify for an extended visit.
TDCJ visitation starts with one basic gatekeeper: the inmate's approved Visitors List. If you're trying to get added, swapped in, or put back on after a removal, here are the rules that control timing and the appeal process.
Visiting someone at a TDCJ unit takes some planning, but knowing the timing rules upfront helps you avoid wasted trips. Here's how to prepare and what to confirm before you travel.
Setting up the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler for the first time? A few small details can save you a lot of frustration. Here's how to create your account, validate it, and get approved to visit.
Setting up the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler for the first time? You'll create an account with your email, validate it with a code, complete your profile, and request relationship approval—all before you can schedule a visit.
Texas prison visits typically happen on weekends, with a standard two-hour window. Here's how the schedule works, when your time actually starts, and how to request extra time if you're traveling from far away.
Visiting at the Telford Unit is generally scheduled Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Regular on-unit visits last two hours and begin when both the inmate and visitor(s) are present.
Use the Online Visitation Scheduler to request a visit; relationship requests go to the unit for staff verification before you can schedule. Account setup sends a 7-digit validation code by email, and once created, the account email cannot be changed. Remote video visits are scheduled through the approved vendor and are allowed once per month for up to 60 minutes, in addition to on-unit visits.
Bring an acceptable photo ID. Cell phones are not allowed inside the secure perimeter, and you should not bring cash except coins, up to $35. Contact visits allow limited physical contact (one embrace or kiss at the start and end, plus holding hands on the table in view of staff), and most non-attorney visits may be electronically monitored.
TDCJ allows inmates to write to each other in limited situations. There's a specific approval step, and the mail still gets screened like any other general correspondence.
Reaching someone in a TDCJ facility comes down to two things: having the right identifying info and confirming details with the unit before you make plans. Here's what to do so you don't waste time or get blocked from contact.
Getting money onto someone's books is straightforward once you know which method to use and where to send it. Here are the two deposit options spelled out clearly, plus what to double-check before mailing anything.
