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COVID‑19 Protocols for Visitors

Vaccination and Testing Requirements

All incarcerated people residing in a facility in “OPEN” phase of the Roadmap to Reopening are now eligible for in-person visitation, regardless of vaccination status.

Children under the age of two are now permitted to visit – they are not required to wear a face mask, but must screen negative for COVID symptoms the day of visit.

Beginning Feb. 1, 2023, those participating in visiting, including family visiting, will no longer be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or a COVID-19 test. All visitors must continue to self-screen negative for COVID-19 symptoms on the day of the visit.  

Additionally, face coverings are no longer required for visitors, but encouraged. The Department will make masks available to those who wish to wear one during a visit.  

Residents in medical isolation will not be eligible for in-person or video visiting.  

If staff observe residents or visitors displaying symptoms consistent with a contagious disease, the visit may be terminated.  

Masking Guidance

CDCR has updated masking requirements for all in-person visitors. The following guidance is effective immediately:

  • For indoor, in-person visits where the entire facility is in the OPEN Phase of the Roadmap to Reopening AND Center for Disease Control (CDC) county transmissibility rates are low: Procedure mask optional but encouraged, regardless of vaccination status.
  • For indoor, in-person visits where one or more housing units is in the OUTBREAK Phase of the Roadmap to Reopening AND/OR CDC County Transmissibility is MEDIUM OR HIGH: Procedure mask will be required for all visitors above the age of two, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Masks are optional while outdoors.

See September 23, 2022 Memo on updated masking guidance here.

Walk-in Visiting

All incarcerated people without disciplinary restrictions are eligible for walk-in visits, regardless of vaccination status. Please see the Facility Visiting Status page for specific information relative to walk-in visits at your facility.

During a Visit

Five people may visit one incarcerated person at a time. Minors age two and under are now allowed to participate in a visit.

At the beginning and end of each visit, incarcerated persons may:

  • Briefly embrace and kiss visitors
  • Hold hands during the visit
  • Hold minor children accompanying visitor