Pre-Visit Checklist for Garza West Unit

Everything to confirm before you drive to Beeville.

Overview

Garza West is not a short trip for most families — from San Antonio it’s 90 miles each way. Showing up unprepared and getting turned away at the gate isn’t just frustrating, it’s an entire day gone. This checklist covers what to confirm, what to prepare, and what to do the morning of.

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Quick Facts

Confirm visitor approval at visitation.tdcj.texas.gov a week before your trip.
Check the visiting schedule fresh — it changes for holidays, lockdowns, and staffing.
One visit per weekend per inmate — coordinate with other family members.
Arrive 30–45 minutes before the scheduled visit start.

A Week Before the Visit

Confirm your approval is current at visitation.tdcj.texas.gov
Check the visiting schedule — don’t rely on last visit’s times
Plan for one visit per weekend — coordinate with other approved visitors
Get your ID in order — current, unexpired, name matching your application

The Day Before

Get $35 in coins from a bank or coin machine
Lay out your outfit — no blue denim, orange, tan, or camouflage
Plan your drive time — build in extra time for security processing
Leave prohibited items at home — phone, purse, wallet

The Morning of the Visit

Check visitation.tdcj.texas.gov one more time for cancellations. Call (361) 358-9890 if uncertain.

What to bring — final list

Government-issued photo ID
Up to $35 in coins
Car keys
Infant supplies in a clear bag if applicable

What to leave behind

Cell phone
Wallet and cards
Food or drinks from home
Medication (unless pre-approved)

At the Gate

Show your ID, confirm you’re on the approved list, and follow every instruction from staff. Stay calm if there’s an issue — ask to speak with a supervisor.