Granville CI Visiting Hours. How to Get on the Approved Visitor List

Do Not Confuse Granville CI with the Butner Federal Complex

Butner, NC is home to both Granville Correctional Institution (a NC state prison) and the federal Butner complex (FCI Butner Low, FCI Butner Medium I, FCI Butner Medium II, and FMC Butner). These are completely different facilities with different addresses, different visitor approval processes, and different visiting procedures.

If your family member is serving a state sentence, you are in the right place. Use this guide and call (919) 964-6200. If they are in federal custody at one of the Butner BOP facilities, you will need to follow BOP visiting procedures and contact the appropriate federal facility directly.

How the Visitor Approval Process Works

Getting approved to visit takes several steps. Start early so the paperwork is done before you want to visit.

Step 1: The person inside requests blank forms. Ask them to request blank visitor application forms from the facility. They mail the forms to you.

Step 2: You complete and return the form. Fill out the form completely. Adults 16 and older must attach a copy of a valid photo ID. Minors under 16 must include a birth certificate. Mail the completed form back to the facility.

Step 3: Wait for approval. The facility reviews applications during open enrollment, which happens every 6 months. Once approved, you will be added to the list.

Step 4: Schedule your visit. Once on the approved list, call (919) 964-6200 to set up an appointment. Do not travel without scheduling first.

Visiting Hours

Granville CI does not publish visiting hours on its website. Hours vary and can change around holidays or during facility lockdowns. Call (919) 964-6200 before you make any travel plans to confirm the current schedule and your appointment time.

How Many People Can Visit

Each inmate may have up to 18 approved visitors on their list total. During any single session, no more than 3 visitors may attend at once. Each inmate is allowed one session per week, with a maximum of 2 hours per session.

Coordinate with others who want to visit the same person so sessions are not wasted or double-booked.

Video Visits

Video visits are available through the GettingOut Visits app (ViaPath/GTL). You can schedule or request an on-demand visit at sso.gtlconnect.com. You must be on the approved visitor list to use video visits. Video visits are a good option when traveling in person is not possible.

Custody Level and STG Classification

The type of visit you can have depends on the person’s custody level and security threat group (STG) classification.

• Standard close and medium custody: Contact visits are typically available for approved visitors.
• Disciplinary or administrative segregation: Inmates on disciplinary or administrative segregation are restricted to non-contact visits only.
• STG Level 2: Contact visits are limited to immediate family members only.
• STG Level 3: Non-contact visits with immediate family members only.

Call the facility if you are unsure of the person’s classification before making the trip.

Dress Code for Visitors

The dress code is strictly enforced. An officer can turn you away at the door if you are not dressed appropriately.

Not allowed:

• Halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, or tank tops
• Bare midriffs or see-through clothing
• Fishnet or mesh clothing
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses more than 3 inches above the kneecap
• Spandex or skintight clothing
• Pants worn below the waist
• Wave caps, doo rags, or bandanas
• Clothing with gang-affiliated symbols, profanity, or STG markings

Bermuda shorts, skirts, and dresses are allowed if they fall within the 3-inch rule. When in doubt, wear loose, modest clothing in solid or simple patterns.

Security Screening

All visitors 16 and older go through a pat search. Expect a metal detector screening for everyone. Do not bring cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, or AI-enabled glasses into the facility. Leave them locked in your vehicle.

If you have an artificial joint or metal implant, bring your implant ID card from your doctor. Officers will note it and use alternative screening procedures.

What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Bring only what you need: your valid photo ID and your implant card if applicable. Leave purses, bags, wallets, and personal items locked in your car. The facility does not provide lockers in all cases, so the less you carry in, the easier the process.

Valid photo ID is required for all visitors 16 and older. Acceptable forms include:

• State driver’s license or ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID

Rules for Children Visiting

Minors under 16 must include a birth certificate with their original application, not just a photo ID copy. During a visit, children must be supervised by an approved adult at all times.

If someone other than a parent is bringing a minor to visit, check with the facility about whether additional documentation such as a notarized permission slip is required. Requirements can vary based on the custody level and specific circumstances.

What Is Not Allowed During a Visit

• Passing items to or receiving items from the inmate without prior staff approval
• Bringing food, drink, tobacco, or any personal items into the visiting area
• Using cell phones or recording devices in the facility
• Conduct that disturbs other visitors or disrupts the visiting room

Attempting to bring in any unauthorized item, including drugs, alcohol, or weapons, is a felony under North Carolina law. You will be prosecuted.

If You Cannot Make Your Appointment

Call (919) 964-6200 as soon as you know you cannot make it. No-shows can affect future scheduling. If you are running late, call ahead to see if an accommodation can be made.

Confirm Before You Travel

Before making any trip to Granville CI, use the NC OPI inmate search to confirm the person is still housed there. People can be transferred for medical care, court appearances, or reclassification without much notice.