Eastern CI Visiting Hours. How to Get Approved and Schedule a Visit

Step 1. Get on the Approved Visitor List

Walk-in visits are not allowed at Eastern CI. All visitors need advance approval before they can schedule a session. Here is how the process works:

1. The person inside requests a blank visitor application and mails it to you.
2. You fill out the application completely and return it to the facility.
3. Adults 16 and older must attach a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
4. Minors under 16 must attach a copy of their birth certificate.
5. The facility reviews the application and notifies the person inside when you are approved.

Start this process as early as possible. Processing takes time, and you cannot schedule a visit until your application is approved. The visitor list is open for enrollment periodically. Each inmate can have a set number of approved visitors on their list. Contact the facility at (252) 653-5774 to ask about current enrollment windows and list limits.

Step 2. Schedule the Visit

Once you are approved, call (252) 653-5774 or email [email protected] to schedule a session. Visiting hours at Eastern CI are not published on the NC DAC website. Contact the facility to find out what times are available.

When you call or email, have the inmate’s full legal name and OPUS Number ready. This helps staff confirm your name on the approved list and match you to the right person.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are not published online for Eastern Correctional Institution. Call (252) 653-5774 or email [email protected] to confirm current available session times before making travel plans.

Hours can change because of staffing, security events, or facility lockdowns. Always confirm before you travel. A session that was available last week may not be available this week. This applies especially at a close-custody facility like Eastern CI, where security protocols are stricter.

What Close Custody Means for Your Visit

Eastern CI holds only close-custody inmates. Close custody is one level below maximum security and sits above medium and minimum custody in NC DAC’s classification system. It means:

• Inmates have more restricted movement within the facility
• Daily schedules are more structured
• Security procedures during visitation are thorough
• Individual restrictions on visits can change quickly based on conduct or facility events

This does not mean visits are impossible. Families visit close-custody facilities across NC regularly. It does mean you should call ahead, confirm the appointment, and follow all dress and conduct rules carefully. A minor misstep that might be overlooked elsewhere can end a visit here.

Contact vs. Non-Contact Visits

At Eastern CI, whether your visit is contact or non-contact depends on the person’s current housing assignment and individual restrictions.

General population (close custody): Inmates in general housing units typically qualify for contact visits with approved visitors. You sit together in the visitation area without a barrier.

Restricted housing unit: Eastern CI operates a 48-cell restricted housing unit. Inmates in restricted housing are limited to non-contact visits only. Non-contact visits happen through a barrier or window. If you are not sure which unit someone is in, call (252) 653-5774 before you travel.

Contact the facility to confirm the current visit type before you make the trip.

Who Can Visit and How Often

Each approved visit session allows:

• Up to 3 visitors at one time
• One session per week per inmate
• Sessions last up to 2 hours

Children are welcome to visit but must be listed on the approved visitor application. Minors under 16 must have a birth certificate on file with the application. If someone other than a parent is bringing a minor, contact the facility at (252) 653-5774 ahead of time to confirm what documentation is needed.

What to Bring

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Leave everything else locked in your vehicle.

Acceptable photo IDs include:

• State driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• U.S. Military ID

Do not bring cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, or AI glasses. These are not allowed inside the facility. If you have a metal implant (pacemaker, joint replacement, or surgical hardware), bring a letter from your doctor and contact the facility in advance so staff can plan for your arrival during security screening.

Dress Code

Eastern CI enforces a visitor dress code based on NC DAC policy. A visit can be denied or ended early for a dress code violation. The following are not allowed:

• Halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, or tank tops
• Bare midriffs or any top that exposes the midsection
• Fishnet or see-through clothing of any kind
• Spandex
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses more than 3 inches above the kneecap
• Wave caps, doo rags, or bandanas
• Pants worn below the waist
• Clothing with gang affiliations, profanity, or other prohibited imagery

Wear clean, modest clothing. If your outfit could raise any doubt, choose something more conservative. If you are denied at the entrance for a dress code issue, there is no guarantee of a rescheduled visit.

Security Screening

All visitors go through a security check before entering. This includes:

• Metal detector screening
• Pat search for anyone 16 and older
• Additional screening at officer discretion

Close-custody facilities may take more time during screening. Plan for this in your schedule and arrive early. Do not bring any contraband onto facility property. Attempting to bring in drugs, alcohol, weapons, or other prohibited items is a felony and will result in arrest and prosecution. This applies to items in your vehicle while on facility grounds.

Video Visits Through Getting Out

If traveling to Maury is not possible, Eastern CI offers video visits through the Getting Out Visits app. Visit sso.gtlconnect.com or download the Getting Out Visits app, create a free account, and find Eastern Correctional Institution to schedule a session.

You must be on the approved visitor list to use video visits. The list is the same one used for in-person visits.

What Happens During the Visit

Visits take place in the designated visitation area. During the visit:

• Stay in the area where staff direct you
• Do not exchange items with the person unless specifically authorized by staff in advance
• Conduct yourself calmly and follow all officer instructions

A visit can be ended early if visitors do not follow the rules. Misconduct during a visit can affect future visit privileges and is taken seriously at a close-custody facility.

Medical Needs and Accommodations

If you use a wheelchair, cane, oxygen, or have a medical condition that affects security screening (like a pacemaker or joint replacement), contact the facility before your visit at (252) 653-5774. Bringing documentation from your doctor helps staff plan for your arrival and speeds up screening.

Getting to Eastern CI

Eastern Correctional Institution is at 2821 N.C. Highway 903 in Maury, in Greene County in eastern North Carolina. The facility sits on the same campus as Greene Correctional Institution. When you arrive, confirm you are at the correct facility entrance. Maury is a small rural community. The nearest larger towns with gas, food, and lodging are Kinston (about 15 miles southwest) and Goldsboro (about 30 miles northwest). Plan your trip before you leave and confirm visiting hours in advance.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Visiting schedules can change around major holidays or during facility security events. Always call or email ahead before traveling, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. If you are traveling from far away, call (252) 653-5774 to ask about options and confirm your appointment the day before.