Visiting in Georgia (GDC) | Prison Visitor Guide

Key info

Visiting is a two-step process. First get approved on the person’s visiting list; then schedule an appointment through the GDC portal. You cannot do the second step until the first is complete.

Approval starts with a mailed application. The incarcerated person can request a visitor through their counselor, or the visitor mails GDC’s “Application for Visitation Privilege” to the specific prison — email is not accepted, and every visitor must apply regardless of age.

Visits are by appointment, on weekends and state holidays. Book through GDC’s portal at gdconnect.gdc.ga.gov/visitation/; visits run Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays in two-hour blocks.

Visiting-list changes are restricted. The list can be changed only when the person first reaches a permanent facility, or during the months of May and November.

Bring almost nothing. A photo ID (required for all visitors 16 and older, held during the visit), a car key, and up to $20 in coins or a vending card where accepted — no phones, bags, or outside food.

Visiting an incarcerated person in Georgia involves two separate steps: getting approved on the person’s visiting list, and then scheduling each visit through GDC’s online portal. The first step is handled by mail with the specific prison; the second is handled online. Per-facility days within the weekend, hours, and the number of available slots vary, so confirm the details with the specific prison.

Step 1: Getting approved on the visiting list

Before anyone can schedule a visit, they must be approved on the incarcerated person’s visiting list. There are two ways to start:

The incarcerated person requests a visitor through their counselor, or
The visitor submits GDC’s “Application for Visitation Privilege” form, which must be mailed to the specific prison where the person is held. Email is not accepted.

Every visitor must apply, regardless of age. Supporting documents may be required, such as a copy of a government photo ID or proof of relationship (for example, a marriage license or birth certificate). Consent forms must be notarized. The warden has 14 working days to decide on an application.

When the visiting list can change

Changes to the visiting list are restricted. A change is allowed only:

When the person first reaches their permanent facility, or
During the months of May and November.

At least six months must pass between change requests. Address corrections are an exception to this limit.

Step 2: Scheduling the visit

Once a visitor is approved, visits are scheduled through GDC’s online portal at gdconnect.gdc.ga.gov/visitation/. Visits take place Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, in two-hour blocks.

Appointment requests for a given week are accepted on a fixed window:

Monday 5:00 a.m. through Wednesday 5:00 p.m.

When booking, you provide each visitor’s name, email, and relationship, plus the person’s GDC ID number. This appointment system replaced GDC’s older set-day visiting arrangement.

What to wear

GDC’s dress code applies to all visitors:

Shirts must cover the chest, shoulders, back, and waist. No tank, halter, tube, or thin-strap tops; nothing sheer or transparent; nothing baring the midriff.
Women’s slacks, dresses, and skirts may be no more than two inches above the knee, and full foundation garments (bra, slip, underwear) are required.
No shorts and no above-the-knee slacks for anyone age 12 and older. Children under 12 may wear shorts.
Shoes are required.

What you can bring

Items allowed into the visit are limited to:

A photo ID — required for all visitors 16 and older, and held during the visit.
A car key.
Up to $20 in coins, or a vending debit card where the facility accepts one.

Not allowed: outside food or drink (store-bought baby formula is an exception), phones, cameras, and bags. Money is sent through JPay, never at a visit. All visitors pass through metal detectors, and a deeper search requires the visitor’s consent.

Video visiting

GDC does not advertise a public remote or at-home video-visitation program. If a video option matters to you, confirm whether one is available at the specific facility rather than assuming it exists.

Verify Before Acting

Sources

This page is compiled from the following publicly available sources. Policies change without notice — confirm current details with the facility before relying on them.