Visiting Western Correctional Center for Women. How to Get Approved and Schedule

Step 1. Get on the Approved Visitor List

Before you can visit anyone at Western Correctional Center for Women, you must be on the approved visitor list. Here is how that process works.

The person inside requests blank visitor application forms from the facility and mails them to you. You fill out the form and return it to WCCW. Adults 16 and older must attach a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. For minors under 16, attach a copy of their birth certificate.

NC DAC runs open enrollment every 6 months. If someone new wants to be added, they apply during the next enrollment window. Up to 18 people can be on the approved list at once. Clergy may be approved in addition to the standard 18-person limit.

Do not plan a trip to Black Mountain until you have confirmed approval.

Step 2. Book Your Appointment

Western Correctional Center for Women does not post visiting hours online. To schedule, contact the facility directly:

• Phone: (828) 259-6000

Call ahead of when you want to visit. Ask for the current visit schedule and confirm an open slot. Then call again the day before to make sure the appointment is still on. Lockdowns, staffing changes, or program schedules for residents can cancel visits with little warning. A quick confirmation call saves you a long drive for nothing.

Legal visits are arranged separately. Contact the facility at (828) 259-6000 for attorney visit requests.

Minimum Custody and Program Assignments

WCCW is a minimum custody reentry facility. Residents often have work assignments, vocational programs, or community activities outside the main unit. When you schedule a visit, ask whether the person is available that day. Program assignments can shift, and a visit that was confirmed at booking may not be possible if a scheduling conflict comes up. The day-before confirmation call matters more here than at higher-security facilities.

Visitor Limits

Each session allows up to 3 visitors at once. Each person at WCCW is limited to one visit per week, with a maximum of 2 hours per session. Plan who is attending before you call to schedule so the count stays within the cap.

Legal visits, clergy visits, and law enforcement visits do not count against the weekly session limit.

Video Visits Through GettingOut Visits

If you cannot make it to Black Mountain, video visits are available through the GettingOut Visits app. Access it at sso.gtlconnect.com or through your device’s app store. Create a free account, find Western Correctional Center for Women, and schedule a visit. On-demand visits may also be available if the person has a tablet inside the facility.

Video visits are a good option for family members who live far from the mountains or want a mid-week connection without the drive.

What to Bring

Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. Expired IDs are not accepted.

Leave cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and AI glasses in your car or at home. These devices are not allowed inside the facility.

For minor children, have a copy of their birth certificate. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is bringing a child, contact the facility in advance about any additional documentation required.

Security Screening

All visitors 16 and older go through a pat search and electronic device screening at entry. Metal detectors are in use. Underwire bras, metal belt buckles, and metal accessories can set off the detector. If possible, wear a non-underwire bra and avoid large metal items.

If you have a pacemaker, metal implant, or other medical device, bring a physician’s statement ahead of your visit. Talk to the facility in advance so staff can plan accordingly.

Nothing passes into the visitation area unless staff approves it.

Dress Code

WCCW enforces NC DAC’s standard dress code at every visit. Showing up in prohibited clothing means being turned away. The following are not allowed:

• Halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, or tank tops
• Bare midriffs
• 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 STG (security threat group) imagery or profane graphics

Dress in plain, modest clothing. When in doubt, go more conservative.

What Is Not Allowed

Attempting to bring contraband into WCCW is a felony under North Carolina law. This includes drugs, weapons, alcohol, or any unauthorized item. No item may be given to the person during a visit, and nothing may be received from the person, unless staff has explicitly pre-approved it.

Children at Visits

Minors under 16 must have a birth certificate on file with the facility. Children must be on the approved visitor list. Check with WCCW about any requirements for minors accompanying non-parent guardians. Some restrictions may apply depending on the individual’s program or custody status.

Getting to Western Correctional Center for Women

The facility sits at 55 Lake Eden Road in Black Mountain, NC, in Buncombe County. Black Mountain is about 15 miles east of Asheville. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is roughly 20 miles away. Before you leave home, confirm the person is still at WCCW using the NC OPI inmate search.

Medical Accommodations and Accessibility

If you have a mobility limitation or need accessibility support during a visit, contact the facility ahead of time at (828) 259-6000. WCCW can make arrangements when given advance notice. Do not wait until arrival.

What Happens If a Visit Is Terminated Early

Staff may end a visit early if a rule violation occurs. This can include a dress code issue identified after entry, a conduct violation during the visit, or a facility emergency. Repeat violations can result in removal from the approved visitor list.