Roanoke River 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 Roanoke River CI. Every visitor must be approved in advance. 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 and processes the application.

The visitor list is open for enrollment every 6 months. Each inmate can have up to 18 approved visitors on their list. If the list is full or an enrollment window has passed, you may need to wait for the next period.

Start this process early. Processing takes time, and you cannot schedule a visit until your application is approved.

Step 2. Schedule the Visit

Once you are approved, call (252) 826-5621 or email [email protected] to schedule a session. Visiting hours at Roanoke River CI are not published on the NC DAC website. Contact the facility directly to find out what times are available.

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

Visiting Hours

Roanoke River Correctional Institution does not publish visiting hours online. Call (252) 826-5621 or email [email protected] before making any travel plans to confirm current available times.

Hours can change due to staffing, security events, or facility lockdowns without advance notice. Always confirm before you travel.

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 with a birth certificate on file. If a non-parent adult is bringing a minor, contact the facility at (252) 826-5621 in advance to confirm what additional documentation is required.

What to Bring

Bring only what you need. Leave everything else locked in your vehicle.

You must present a valid government-issued photo ID to enter. Acceptable forms 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 items are not permitted inside the facility.

Dress Code

Roanoke River CI enforces a visitor dress code. Staff can deny entry or end a visit early if clothing does not comply. The following are not allowed:

• Halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, or tank tops
• Bare midriffs or tops that expose the midsection
• Fishnet or see-through clothing
• 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 content

Dress conservatively. If your clothing is flagged at the entrance, you may be turned away. There is no guarantee of a rescheduled visit if denied for a dress code violation.

Security Screening

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

• Metal detector screening
• Pat search for visitors 16 and older
• Possible additional screening at officer discretion

If you have a metal implant, pacemaker, or another medical device that will trigger the detector, contact the facility at (252) 826-5621 before your visit. Bring a letter from your doctor explaining the implant or device. Staff can make appropriate arrangements when notified in advance.

Do not bring contraband onto facility property. Attempting to bring in drugs, alcohol, weapons, or prohibited items is a felony and will result in arrest. This applies to items left in your vehicle on facility grounds as well.

Video Visits Through Getting Out

If traveling to Tillery is not possible, video visits are available through the Getting Out Visits app. Download the app or access visits through GettingOut.com. Create a free account, find Roanoke River Correctional Institution, and schedule a video session.

Video visits do not replace in-person visits but are a good option for families who live far away or who cannot make it on the available days.

Conduct During the Visit

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

• Stay in the area where staff direct you
• Do not pass items to the person inside unless specifically authorized by staff in advance
• Follow all officer instructions promptly
• Conduct yourself calmly and respectfully

Visits can be ended early for rule violations. Misconduct during a visit can affect future visit privileges for both you and the person inside.

Parking and Location

Roanoke River Correctional Institution is located at 2787 Caledonia Drive in Tillery, Halifax County in northeastern North Carolina. Tillery is a rural community. The nearest city with hotels, gas stations, and restaurants is Roanoke Rapids, about 20 miles to the north. Get driving directions to the facility before you leave home. Do not rely solely on GPS for a rural address. If you need help with directions, call (252) 826-5621.

Holiday and Special Circumstances

Visiting schedules can change around holidays or during facility security events. Always contact the facility before traveling, especially around major holidays. If you have a special circumstance such as a family emergency, medical need, or are traveling from a significant distance, contact the facility in advance to ask about options.

The Roanoke River Minimum Unit

Roanoke River CI includes a separate minimum custody unit located about a quarter mile from the main complex on a 20-acre site. Visitors going to the minimum unit may check in at a different location. When you schedule your visit, confirm whether the person is in the main facility or the minimum unit so you go to the right place.