Visiting an inmate in Travis County isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming, and there are some procedures you must follow.

You will need to schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance, check in at least 15 minutes before your appointment, and be dressed appropriately. If you don’t follow the dress code or violate any of the other rules, your visit may be canceled or terminated.

How to Visit an Inmate in Travis County

If you can’t make it to the jail in person, inmates have access to an app that allows them to video chat and message friends and family.

Here’s what you should know to help you plan your visit.

Online Visits

Family members and friends may not be able to travel to the Austin area twice a week to visit. If that’s the case, virtual visits are an option.

Inmates at the Travis County Correctional Complex, located at 3614 Bill Price Road in Del Valle, and the Travis County Jail in Austin have access to wireless tablets that allow them to access educational, vocational, multimedia, and messaging content. This gives them a way to communicate with their attorneys, or friends and family who may not be able to make it to the jail during visiting hours or need to visit outside the standard hours for visitation..

You will have to set up an account at https://securustech.net and download an Android or iPhone app (GTL GettingOut), then add money to your account (calls cost between $5 to $10). Once you’ve completed these steps, you should be able to schedule calls and accept incoming calls and messages.

In-Person Visitation

You can visit an inmate in person at the jail twice a week. However, you must first confirm the location of the inmate. Inmates are housed in two locations, the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle and the Travis County Jail in Austin on 10th St. Visiting hours and scheduling are the same regardless of which facility you need to visit, but you need to ensure that you’re scheduling the appointment for the correct location.

Previously incarcerated individuals are not permitted to visit within 24 months of their release date, unless an immediate family member.

You must schedule the visit at least 24 hours in advance using the ViaPath Technologies Travis County Visitation Scheduling system. The scheduling requirement also applies to onsite video visits, though video visits can also be scheduled at a kiosk at the Travis County Correctional Complex.

Visitation is allowed Wednesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. You must check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you’re late, your visit will be cancelled and you’ll have to re-register.

No food or beverages are permitted.

Here are some key rules:

• Two visitors are permitted in the face-to-face area at one time. Three visitors are allowed if there are children under age 12.
• Anyone under age 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Anyone 17 and older must present a government-issued photo ID

Onsite Video Visits

The Travis County Correctional Complex also has kiosks available to chat via video. This provides an option for families with children who can’t be left unsupervised, or for inmates (or visitors) who are hearing-impaired. 

Video visits must also be scheduled in advance. Though you’re chatting virtually through a kiosk, only two visitors are allowed at one time (unless there’s a child under 12, in which case the maximum number of visitors is three).

All onsite video visits take place at kiosks located at the Del Valle Correctional Complex, including visits with inmates who are in custody at the Travis County Jail in Austin.

What to Expect During Visitation

All visitors will complete a security check that includes a metal detector and pat-down search.  You will then have to wait in a specified area. 

No items can be brought in from outside to give to inmates. However, visitors are allowed to purchase items for the inmate at on-site vending machines, or add money to the inmate’s “book” (a trust fund account). Inmates can use that money to buy items from the commissary, which typically includes various hygiene products, snacks, and other items that are permitted by the facility.

When the inmate is released from jail, any money remaining in their “book” account will be refunded to them. Some inmates have managed to accrue $50,000 or more while they’re incarcerated so that they have some money to start over after their release.

Visitation Dress Code

There is a strict dress code for visitation. Anyone who doesn’t adhere to the dress code will be turned away. 

The following items are not permitted:

• Sheer clothing
• Seductive garments
• Halter, tube, strapless, or backless tops
• Muscle shirts
• Tops with spaghetti straps
• Pajamas
• Any garment that displays obscene or offensive language, offensive drawings, a gang affiliation, or drugs or alcohol
• Dresses or skirts with high slits
• Shorts shorter than fingertip length 
• Skirts that are shorter than knee length

Penalties for Violating the Dress Code or Rules

The jail staff can be very strict about ensuring that all visitation rules are followed. This includes the dress code. Much of the dress code is subject to interpretation, so if you aren’t sure whether a garment is considered “seductive” or you don’t know whether the slit on your dress or skirt is too high, it’s best to wear clothing that avoids the issue completely. It’s not worth the risk of having your visit canceled or terminated.

The first time you violate the rules, your visit will be terminated. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may be banned from visiting for a fixed period of time.

Subsequent violations will result in a lengthier ban.

Repeated violations will result in total revocation of visiting privileges.

More Travis County Resources

How to get someone out of jail in Travis County

How to find an inmate in Travis County