First-Time Visitor Checklist — Valdosta State Prison

Valdosta State Prison runs different schedules depending on the visit type. General population visitation happens Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tier visitation is Mondays and Wednesdays (excluding State Holidays) from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Planning a weekday visit? Make sure you're looking at the tier schedule - not the weekend one.

You need to be approved before you can schedule anything. Start with the Visitation Request Form - fill it out and submit it to Valdosta State Prison.

1. Get the Visitation Request Form - this is the form used to become an approved visitor.
2. Fill it out completely - incomplete forms can slow the process.
3. Submit the completed form to Valdosta State Prison - approval is tied to the facility where your loved one is housed.
4. Request your scheduled visit through the Georgia DOC visitation form - once you’re approved, use the scheduling form process provided on the Georgia Department of Corrections site.

Before starting the Georgia DOC visitation request/scheduling form, gather your details so you're not hunting for information halfway through. The form asks for the offender's GDC ID, your basic information (name, email, relationship, date of birth), and your ID type.

• ✓ Offender’s GDC ID
• ✓ Your name (first and last)
• ✓ Your email address
• ✓ Your relationship to the offender
• ✓ Your date of birth
• ✓ Your ID type

Pick the right visit type upfront and scheduling goes much smoother. General population visits are Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tier visits have a different window: Mondays and Wednesdays (excluding State Holidays) from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Tier visits have an extra timing rule: you must schedule at least 24 hours in advance. If you're planning a Monday or Wednesday visit, don't wait until the last minute - build in that day-ahead requirement.

1. Decide which visit type you’re scheduling - general population (weekends/state holidays) or tier (Monday/Wednesday, excluding state holidays).
2. Match your date to the correct hours - general population is 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; tier is 8:30 AM–2:30 PM.
3. If it’s a tier visit, schedule at least 24 hours ahead - tier visits require advance scheduling by the visitor.

Cutoffs can sneak up on you, especially for weekends or holidays. For weekend visits, submit your request by 5:00 PM on Wednesday of the same week. For State Holidays, the deadline is 5:00 PM three days before the holiday. Plan around the calendar, not just the day you want to show up.

What to Bring

• ✓ Offender’s GDC ID (so you can complete the request)
• ✓ Your identifying information (name, date of birth, email, relationship)
• ✓ The ID type you’ll be using (the form asks for your ID type)

Give yourself extra time on the day of your visit - first visits tend to take longer because everything is new. If you scheduled ahead, keep your confirmation details handy in case you're asked for them.