Booking Visitation & Visiting an Inmate
How to book visitation and things to know before you visit a federal institution.
This page contains information for OPEN visitation, if you have information/tips/advice about closed visitation, Private Family Visits or video visitation, please get in touch with us!
How to Book Visitation
Once you are approved, you can move forward booking your visit!
Please note that the following information can vary from one institution to another, so it’s always best to call the institution directly to confirm their specific requirements.
While procedures differ, most institutions require you to call to schedule a visit. Visits must typically be booked at least 24–48 hours in advance and cannot be scheduled more than two weeks ahead (this may vary by location).
Visiting hours also differ depending on the institution and security level. Keep in mind that long weekends can be especially busy, so plan ahead and call early to secure your spot.
Helpful reminders for in-person open visitation at federal institutions in Canada
Remember to dress “appropriately”, this can simply mean showing up in clean, not revealing and not torn clothing
Remember to bring the two government-issued IDs you sent in with your visitation forms
Leave personal belongings like your phone in your car, bring in only necessary items
If visiting with small children, you can bring baby food, diapers, wipes, a drinking cup and a change of clothes
There are small lockers where you can place your belongings, but keeping them in your car is more ideal
Some institutions have vending machines where you can purchase snacks and drinks for yourself and your loved one, bring coins (usually $8-$10 per visitor or a maximum of $20 in coins only, confirm with the Institution as this amount can vary)
Remember, you will go through a metal detector, your clothes or shoes may go through an X-ray scanning device (like at the airport), you may be searched by dogs, and you will most likely be frisked and scanned with an ION scanner (do NOT bring contraband!)
All visits may be subject to monitoring and recording
Be kind and courteous to the institution staff and follow directions
Still have questions about visiting an inmate in a federal institution?
In order not to duplicate existing resources, it’s strongly recommended that you view the links below for more information. These links will open in a new browser tab.