Georgia Prison Visitation Rules Explained

Visiting someone in a Georgia prison requires following strict rules to ensure safety and order. Here’s what you need to know:

Approval Process: Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list, provide a valid ID, and pass a background check.
Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled in advance using the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) online portal. Inmates are typically allowed three 20-minute visits per week.
Prohibited Items: Weapons, drugs, phones, and more than $25 in cash are banned. Violations can result in felony charges.
Dress Code: Avoid revealing or inappropriate clothing such as short skirts, tank tops, or see-through fabrics.
Video Visits: These are capped at 20 minutes and follow the same dress and conduct rules as in-person visits.

Visitation rules vary between state prisons and county jails, so always check specific facility guidelines. Advocacy groups are pushing for reforms to make visitation more accessible and consistent across Georgia.

How Long Is Visitation In Prison?

Who Can Visit Inmates

Visiting an inmate in Georgia’s prison system involves a specific process and meeting set requirements. These rules aim to balance security concerns with the importance of maintaining family connections.

Getting on the Visitor List

Inmates are responsible for initiating visitor requests by submitting them to prison officials. The Warden or Superintendent reviews these requests and performs required background checks on all potential visitors ^[1].

To gain approval, visitors must provide:

A valid state ID or driver’s license if they are 17 or older and sign the visitor register upon arrival ^[1]^[2]^[4].
A completed GCIC/NCIC consent form, which allows the release of their driving and criminal history information ^[4].

Rules for Ex-Offenders and Minors

Ex-offenders face stricter rules to gain visitation privileges. Those currently on probation or parole must secure special approval from the Warden and show proof of a clean Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) criminal history report for at least one year after their release or probation/parole start date ^[6].

Minors also have specific restrictions, including:

Visitors under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian ^[2].
Children aged 16 and under must be supervised at all times during visits ^[2].
In some facilities, visits are capped at two adults and two children over the age of three per session ^[2].

"Special visits may be arranged for immediate family members who have recently been discharged from prison or are on probation or parole, limited to no more than two visitors at any one time." ^[6]

No Visits During Intake Period

New inmates are not allowed visitors during the first six weeks of their intake process ^[1]. This restriction is in place to allow time for:

Intake procedures to be completed.
Security assessments to be conducted.
Proper classification of the inmate.

Once the intake process is finished, inmates are eligible for standard visitation rights. However, Wardens can make exceptions for long-distance visitors if the inmate requests it in advance ^[1]. Advocacy groups like Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS) have raised concerns about the inconsistency of these discretionary approvals. Approved visitors can then schedule visits through the Department of Corrections portal, as explained in the next section.

How to Schedule a Visit

To visit an inmate in Georgia’s prison system, you’ll need to use the GDC’s online scheduling system and follow specific steps.

Online Booking Steps

Here’s how to book your visit:

Log in to your GDC portal account or create one if you don’t have it.
Enter the inmate’s GDC ID and your visitor details.
Choose one of the available 20-minute time slots.
Confirm your appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

You can schedule visits up to 14 days ahead ^[3]^[5]. Typically, inmates are allowed three 20-minute visits per week ^[5].

Visiting Hours by Facility

Georgia state prisons hold visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, with at least four hours available each day ^[1]. However, the exact times differ by facility.

Day Type	Minimum Hours	Notes
Saturdays	4 hours	Times vary by facility
Sundays	4 hours	Times vary by facility
Holidays	4 hours	Special schedules may apply

County vs. State Prison Rules

Visiting rules differ between state prisons and county jails. Here’s a quick comparison:

State Prisons:

Require visits to be scheduled in advance using the GDC system.
Have set visiting hours.
Need at least 24-hour notice ^[3].

County Jails:

Often allow more flexible scheduling.
May permit same-day visits.
Follow rules specific to the facility.

It’s essential to check the specific requirements for the facility you’re visiting to avoid any surprises.

Pro Tip: Book your visit early in the week to secure a spot during busy times.

What You Can’t Bring or Wear

Understanding Georgia’s rules on prohibited items and dress codes is crucial to avoid being turned away during visitation. These restrictions are tied to broader discussions about reform, which will be addressed later.

Items You Can’t Bring

Georgia Code §42-5-18 outlines items that are strictly forbidden, with violations potentially leading to felony charges:

Category	Prohibited Items
Weapons	Guns, pistols
Substances	Alcohol, drugs
Devices	Phones, electronic devices
Currency	More than $25 in cash or coins (limit is $25)^[4]

Advocacy groups like GPS argue that these restrictions often place an unfair burden on low-income families, making visitation more challenging for them.

Dress Code Rules

Beyond banned items, visitors must also adhere to strict clothing guidelines, no matter how their visit is arranged.

Clothing that isn’t allowed includes:

Low necklines or short hemlines
See-through fabrics
Sleepwear or swimwear
Outfits that expose the torso or upper thighs^[2]

"The introduction or attempted introduction of contraband can result in legal action and suspension of visitation privileges", according to Wheeler Correctional Facility’s visitation guidelines^[4].

If you have a medical need for specific clothing, make sure to get prior approval.

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What to Expect During Visits

When you schedule a visit through the GDC portal, there are specific procedures and rules you’ll need to follow. Here’s what you should know before heading to the facility.

Check-in Requirements

Georgia prisons have clear protocols in place for visitation. Be prepared to follow these steps to ensure a smooth entry:

Check-in Step	What You Need to Do
Documentation	Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
Registration	Sign the visitor log, which includes legal disclaimers.
Security	Pass through a metal detector and undergo either a pat-down or visual inspection.
Timing	Arrive early to allow time for processing delays.

Rules During Visits

During your visit, it’s important to follow all guidelines to avoid issues. Physical contact is generally restricted to a brief initial hug, if allowed. Other rules include:

Do not pass any items to inmates.
Electronic devices are not permitted.
Keep children supervised at all times.
Follow staff instructions without delay^[1]^[2].

Violating these rules can lead to the immediate termination of your visit and may result in losing visitation privileges^[1]^[8].

Video Visit Rules

Video visits can be a convenient alternative but come with their own set of guidelines. These visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through approved systems. Sessions are capped at 20 minutes and must be conducted on web-enabled devices. Keep in mind:

The same dress code as in-person visits applies.
Recording or taking photos of the session is strictly prohibited^[5].

While video visits offer more flexibility, groups like Georgia Prisoners’ Speak have highlighted ongoing issues, such as unreliable technology and high costs, which can limit access for some families.

Special Cases and Appeals

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) understands that some situations call for exceptions to standard visitation rules. Knowing how to handle emergency requests and appeal denials can make a big difference for inmates and their families.

Emergency Visit Requests

For urgent family situations like life-threatening illnesses or the death of an immediate family member, families need to act fast. Here’s how the process works:

The inmate submits a request through their counselor.
The counselor verifies the emergency.
The warden decides whether to approve or deny the request.

Families should reach out directly to the facility and provide any necessary documentation to support their request. However, these approvals can vary widely. Advocacy groups, such as Georgia Prisoners’ Speak, have pointed out inconsistencies in how these cases are handled across different facilities.

Appealing Visit Denials

If visitation is denied or suspended, there is a clear process to appeal the decision:

1. Initial Inquiry
Ask the facility administration for a written explanation of the denial.

2. Formal Appeal
Submit a written appeal to the warden, explaining your reasons and including any evidence that supports your case^[8].

3. Central Office Review
If the warden denies the appeal, escalate it to the GDC central office. Your submission should include:

A written appeal statement.
Copies of all previous correspondence.
Any additional supporting evidence.

Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS) offers guidance for families dealing with these appeals, especially when denials seem unfair. They recommend keeping detailed records of all interactions and maintaining professional communication throughout the process.

Important Notes:

Wardens base their decisions on factors like security and available space.
Legal advice might be helpful in complicated cases.
Some facilities now allow appeals to be submitted remotely^[8].

Always keep copies of all paperwork and follow up with the facility in a respectful and professional manner.

Current Issues and Reform Efforts

Georgia’s visitation system faces several challenges that can affect the experience for visitors. While it’s important to follow the rules we’ve discussed earlier, understanding these broader issues can help set expectations. These challenges have also sparked reform efforts, driven by groups like Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS), which was mentioned earlier in the visitor approval process.

Visitation: Privilege, Not a Right

Under Georgia law, visitation is considered a privilege, not a right ^[1]. This gives prison administrators the authority to restrict visits, sometimes without clear justification.

Some common issues include:

Limited visiting hours, especially on weekends and holidays ^[3]
Long wait times for processing ^[3]
Inconsistent enforcement of rules ^[1]^[8]
A lack of accommodations for visitors traveling long distances ^[1]

The importance of visitation is backed by data: it reduces inmate infractions by 13% and lowers recidivism rates by the same percentage ^[9]. Regular visits are also linked to improved outcomes after release ^[9].

Advocacy by Georgia Prisoners’ Speak (GPS)

GPS has highlighted problems like inconsistent dress code enforcement and paperwork errors that have led to visitor denials ^[8]. These cases underline the need for more standardized and transparent processes.

The group’s efforts include:

Documenting and mapping policies across facilities
Advocating for longer visiting hours
Promoting statewide consistency in visitation rules ^[8]

Proposed reforms could improve the visitation experience by:

Simplifying the visitor approval process ^[8]
Creating spaces that are more welcoming for families
Providing better staff training on visitation procedures ^[8]
Standardizing policies across all facilities ^[1]

Key Points Summary

Here’s a breakdown of the main rules for navigating Georgia’s visitation process:

Approval Needed: Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and have a valid ID.
Scheduling Visits: State facilities require online booking through the GDC portal, with slots available up to 14 days in advance.
Strict Security: Visitors undergo full searches, and bringing contraband can lead to felony charges ^[1]^[7].
Different Rules by Facility: Procedures vary between state prisons and county facilities, so it’s important to confirm specific rules ahead of time.
Remote Visits: 20-minute video sessions are offered through approved providers, with fees depending on the service ^[5].

Advocates argue that treating visitation as a privilege rather than a right leads to uneven access – a concern central to ongoing reform efforts ^[1]. For families navigating these challenges, advocacy groups continue pushing for more consistent policies and better access.

FAQs

What can you wear to visit an inmate in Georgia?

When visiting an inmate in Georgia, make sure your clothing meets these guidelines:

Wear full-coverage clothing (avoid tank tops, short skirts, or anything that shows the torso).
Opt for closed-toe shoes.
Avoid clothing with offensive graphics.
Stay away from see-through or mesh materials.
Ensure your chest, shoulders, and stomach are completely covered.
Skirts should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee.

Advocacy groups have pointed out that these rules can be enforced inconsistently across different facilities.

How do I get approved to visit an inmate in GA?

To get approved for visitation, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Fill out and submit a completed visitation form, including your ID and proof of relationship to the inmate.
Pass a background check.
Wait for confirmation from the facility.

You’ll need to provide:

A government-issued photo ID.
Proof of relationship, such as a marriage license or birth certificate.

Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. Ex-offenders must have a clean criminal record for at least one year after release or since starting probation/parole ^[6]^[3]. Advocacy organizations like GPS keep an eye on processing times and denial rates. If your application is denied, you can appeal by following the steps outlined in the Special Cases process.