Skip to main content

Visiting a Prisoner

Prisoners are allowed to visit with immediate family members, qualified clergy, attorneys, outreach volunteers and up to ten other people designated by the prisoner. Those wishing to visit a prisoner, either in person or through video visitation, should follow these six steps:

Digital icon illustration of a clipboard with a checklist on it

Step 1: Find out if you qualify to visit

  • Must not be a current restricted visitor
  • Are not a current prisoner
  • Are not a former prisoner applying to visit someone other than immediate family
  • Are not on felony parole or probation
  • At least 18 years of age or an approved minor child
  • Are not already on another prisoner;s approved visiting list, unless you are an immediate family member of that prisoner

View exceptions and special circumstances to the above rules

See who qualifies as an immediate family member

Two human-like figures behind a plus sign

Step 2: Request to be added to the prisoners visiting list

Qualified visitors must be added to the prisoners Visiting List at request of the prisoner. If you are not currently on the prisoners visiting list, or if you are unsure if you are on their visiting list, you should contact the prisoner to request them to add you.

Contact a prisoner by mail or email

Contact a prisoner by phone

Line drawing of a form on a clipboard with a pen on top of them

Step 3: Fill out a visiting application

Once you verify with the prisoner that they have added you to their visiting list, you may fill out and submit your visiting application. Visiting applications can be printed, filled out, and mailed in; or they may be filled out online after registering for a MiLogin Account. Once you have your visiting application filled out, proceed to step 4.

Print Visiting Application

How to register for a MiLogin Account

MILogin Online Visiting Application

Line drawing of two sheets of paper with an arrow pointing up to denote an upload process

Step 4: Submit your visiting application

Online Application

Online visiting applications will be submitted when you have completed the steps in MiLogin, and a response will be sent to your email when your application is processed informing you if you can visit. Processing times may take up to 4 weeks.

Mail Application

To mail in a visiting application, mail it to the facility where the prisoner is located, with a self-addressed stamped envelope that the facility will use to mail you a response once your application if processed. Processing time may take up to 4 weeks.

Address EXAMPLE:

John A. Smith, #123456
Michigan Correctional Facility
123 Prison St.
Anytown, MI 48909

Find your facility address

Contact your facility with visiting questions

Line drawing of a calendar with a clock placed on top of it

Step 5: Schedule your visit

To schedule an in-person visit or a video visit, you must register on the Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling website hosted by ViaPath (formerly GTL). You cannot create or schedule a visit until your visiting application (step 3) has been approved. Visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance but not more than 7 days in advance.

Michigan DOC Visitation Scheduling

In-Person Visits

A maximum of 5 visitors may visit a prisoner at a time. Visitors may schedule up to 2 separate visits on the same day with the same prisoner. Visiting blocks are 3 hours during the weekdays, and 2 hours during the weekend. Periodically, a facility or unit may be under medical quarantine and will be unable to attend visits, you must check the quarantine status of the facility you intend to visit before you arrive.

View Facility Visiting Schedules and Quarantine Status

Video Visits

Video visits are 20 minutes in length and cost $3.20 per visit which must be paid for in advance by the visitor.

Video Visiting Standards

Line drawing of a checklist on a clipboard

Step 6: Review information for your visit

Identification: All visitors must sign in upon arrival at the facility and provide an approved identification document.

Dress Code: Visitors must avoid revealing clothing including skirts and shorts more than 3" above the knee; form-fitting garments like leggings and yoga pants; hooded items, and items with graphic content on them. See the visiting standards for full list.

Personal Contact: Visitors are allowed to briefly hug and kiss a prisoner at the beginning and end of a visit. No other personal contact is permitted during the visit.

Vending Machines: Vending machines are available in the visiting room for snacks and beverages. Vending items must be immediately removed from packaging, placed on a plate, and the packaging discarded before returning to your seat. Food must remain uncovered until consumed.

Photos: Visitors and prisoners can take photos together, an embrace including a kiss is permitted while the picture is being taken.

Bathroom Breaks: Visitors can take bathroom breaks but the time used in the bathroom counts towards the scheduled visiting time.