prison visits service gov uk

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https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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Visiting someone in prison

This page includes advice on how to book a prison visit, what to expect and how to get financial assistance for your visit.

How to book a visit

Which prison are they in, preparing for a visit, will i get searched, what happens during the visit, complaints about visits, financial assistance for visits.

You will need to book a visit for the person you’re going to see making sure you have their name, prison number and date of birth, this can be done through the Gov.uk website — https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You can also book visits by calling the prison directly.

If you are having difficulty booking a visit you can telephone the Prisoners’ Families Helpline  on 0808 808 2003 who will be able to give you advice about booking a visit. You will need to give them information about how long you have spent on the phone trying to book a visit.

If you don’t know where the person you want to visit is, you can email Prisoner Location Service who may be able to location your loved one — subject to conditions.

You should check that you know where you are going. You may want to arrive early, as there will be security to go through.

You will also need a photographic ID i.e. passport or driver’s licence for when you arrive at the prison.

You’ll be allowed to take some money with you to purchase some food and drinks from the prisons shop during the visit for you and the person you’re visiting. You can contact the prison to confirm the maximum amount you’re allowed to take to the visiting area.

You should be aware that you will not be able to hand property directly to the prison. If you would like to hand something in for the person you’re visiting, it would be useful to call the prison to ask if this is allowed to avoid disappointment.

Yes, your bags and pockets will be searched. You may also be given a rub down search and asked to open your mouth. All searches should be carried out in a polite and respectful way.

You will be allocated seats and you normally have to remain seated.

You can usually embrace at the beginning and end of the visit.

Officers will be present and may listen to your conversation.

You cannot usually smoke in the visits hall.

The rules for visiting should be clearly displayed in the prison. The visit can be refused or cut short if you break any of the prison visit rules. If you are a threat to prison security or are causing concern to other visitors, you may also find the visit is cut short or you are offered a closed visit.

Further information on visits this can be found below:

PSI 16/2011 Managing prison visits

Management of security at visits Policy Framework

Visitors should be treated professionally and with respect. If you feel you have been discriminated against or treated discourteously, you can write to the governor of the prison. The governor is expected to reply to you within 28 days. There is no formal complaints procedure for people visiting a prison.

More information on how to make a complaint and who to complain to should be displayed in the visits area of each prison.

You may be able to get help with the costs of visiting someone in prison. If you are a close relative, partner or the only visitor and have a low income, you should contact the Assisted Prison Visits Unit to see if you qualify for help.

More information and contact details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits

Online Prison Visits Booking System

This free online prison visits request system for England and Wales runs along side the prison's own systems and will provide a quicker and easier way of booking visits in the future.

It can be used for public sector male, female and young offender establishments at category B and below (not the private or high security estate). Friends, families and others wishing to make a booking will need to fill in a number of details about the prisoner including their prisoner number, which they can obtain from the prisoner and the dates of birth of each of the visitors.

Applicants will get an email within 3 days confirming their visit time and date.

See gov.uk's prison visits page below for more information.

Our Partner

Do you know the latest ID requirements for prison visits?

Updated 1 Mar 2024

In April 2021, His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) introduced changes to the type of identification (ID) that you will need to provide when you visit a loved one in prison. These changes have been made to help make prison visits safer and more secure for everyone. The changes apply to adult visitors over the age of 16 years.

As in-person prison visits start to reopen, we explain what you need to know about the updated ID requirements. 

You can also download the official HMPPS poster to give you an overview of the changes.

What are the new ID rules?

You will still need to bring one or more forms of identification with you to all your prison visits.

If you have photographic identification (ID with your name and picture on - for example, a passport or driving licence), then you will only need to show this one form of ID. 

If you do not have photographic identification, you will need to show two different forms of ID before you are allowed to visit. 

What type of photographic ID can I use?

You can use any one of the following documents:

• Your  passport
• An identity card from a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country.
• A UK  photocard driving licence
• EU or EEA driving licences
• A Northern Ireland Electoral identity card
• A United States passport card
• A proof of age card recognised under the  Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)  with a unique reference number
• A UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

What if I don't have photographic ID? Can I use something else?

If you aren't able to provide one of the ID documents listed above, you will need to provide  two  different forms of ID.

One of these forms of ID must be:

• A Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person's document, one-way document or a certificate of travel).
• An older person's bus pass.
• A  Freedom Pass .
• A proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)  without a unique reference number.

In addition to one of the above documents, you will also need to provide one of the items from the following list:

• Your birth or adoption certificate.
• An education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as an NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A Level or degree certificate)
• A rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
• Your marriage or civil partnership certificate
• A bank, building society or credit union current account card (which has your name on it)

Any combination of the above documents should be accepted, but you will need one from the first list and one from the second list.

Example 1: You could provide your Freedom Pass and your marriage certificate. 

Example 2: You could provide your proof of age card and your building society current account card.

I have two documents from the first list, can I use both of those instead?

Unfortunately not. You must have one document from the first list and one document from the second list. If you cannot provide both of these forms of ID, then you may be refused entry to the prison.

What if I do not have the right ID? What if I don't have any ID?

All visitors to a prison, including legal visitors, need to provide one or more forms of identification before they will be allowed into the prison. 

In exceptional circumstances, if you do not have access to any of the ID listed above, you can ask permission to attend a visit in advance from the duty Governor at the prison. You will need to provide a reason why you do not have the appropriate ID. Each case will be reviewed individually.  

If you need ID urgently, you could consider  applying for a Citizen Card . An urgent application takes 1-2 working days and costs £35. Standard applications cost £18 and take up to 21 days to process.

Find out more

You can contact the  Prisoners’ Families Helpline for information, support and guidance about any aspect of the criminal justice system:

• Call 0808 808 2003 (9am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am - 3pm on weekends and bank holidays, exc. Christmas and Boxing Day)
• Email [email protected]
• Visit www.prisonersfamilies.org

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Request a Prison Visit: Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered how to meet a loved one incarcerated in the UK prison system? Well, wonder no more. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of requesting a prison visit in the United Kingdom.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

First off, you need to ensure you’re eligible to visit a prisoner. Typically, immediate family and close friends can visit. Legal representatives and Approved Visitors can also conduct prison visits.

Step 2: Book a Visit

There are two main methods to book a visit – online and via phone. Here’s how they work:

• Booking Online: Utilize the ‘prison visits’ service on the official government website. This is a quick, straightforward, and efficient booking method.
• Booking via Phone: Alternatively, you can call the specific prison’s visit booking line. Note that different prisons have different visiting times and it helps to check for the particular visiting hours.

Step 3: Visit Confirmation

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with the date and time of your visit. Check this information thoroughly and reach out to the prison if anything is unclear.

Step 4: Legal Identification

Ensure you have valid photo ID and proof of address. If you’re visiting with children, they must also have valid identification like a birth certificate or passport.

Step 5: Arrival Time

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit. This time allows for security checks and processing. Late comers may be denied entry.

Step 6: The Visit

The visit typically lasts no more than 2 hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the prison’s policies.

Note: It’s crucial to note that prison rules must be followed during the visit. Any form of misconduct can lead to termination of the visit, and subsequent visits can be revoked.

While visiting times and rules may vary, generally the above steps apply when booking a prisoner visit in the UK. It’s also essential to bear in mind that visits can be cancelled or altered due to prison routines and emergencies. Therefore, always contact the prison before your visit to confirm the schedule

It’s never easy when a loved one is in prison, but being able to visit them is a way to offer support during such a challenging time. Knowing what to do, and how to book a visit, can make the process smoother and less stressful.

What is the cheapest way to call from Prison?

Is it cheaper to call a landline from prison.

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• Knowledge Base - Home

Can I get help towards the cost of visiting someone in prison?

You may be entitled to claim help with the cost of travelling to visit someone in prison if you have a qualifying benefit or exemption .

Read more information on the GOV.UK website  or contact the Assisted Prison Visits Unit.

Telephone: 0300 063 2100

Email address:  [email protected]

Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online .

• Citizens Advice Scotland

Information for prisoners and their families

This advice applies to Scotland. See advice for See advice for England , See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Wales

This information applies to Scotland only.

Going into prison or leaving prison: practical arrangements

When you go into prison or leave prison, both you and your family will have to make arrangements about a range of practical concerns, including:

relationship with your partner

social security benefits

money and debts

possessions and property.

You will need specialist advice about these issues. There are a number of specialist organisations which can give advice about these matters. For details of organisations that can help, see  Useful organisations .

Legal advice

If you want further information about the legal situation, for example whether you can appeal against the prison sentence, you should consult a solicitor. You should usually consult the solicitor who represented you before you went into prison. All prisoners are allowed access to their legal advisers at 'any reasonable time'.

Prison visits

How to arrange a visit.

The rules about visiting someone in prison vary according to whether you are:

an untried prisoner awaiting trial, or

a convicted prisoner whose case has been decided.

As an untried prisoner you are normally allowed one 30 minute visit every week day. Arrangements for visits vary between prisons and the visitor should check in advance what the rules are.

As a convicted prisoner you are normally allowed one 30 minute visit each week or one 2-hour visit every 28 days. You will be given information when you arrive at the prison about how to organise a visit. In most cases the prisoner will have to complete a form saying who the visitor will be and the visitor will be sent a pass which they must bring with them to the prison.

These are basic minimum rules for how many visits you can have but some prisons will also allow longer or more frequent visits. If you are a long way from your family and friends, you may be able to save up visits. Special arrangements can be made if you are seriously ill or if there is an urgent domestic crisis in your family.

The governor can refuse permission for someone to visit you if they think it is necessary, for example, for the prevention of crime. If you think that a prison visit has been refused unfairly, you can make a complaint.

Individual prisons will be able to advise about the rules which apply to them. Specialist organisations may also be able to give advice about visits, see  Useful organisations .

If you would like visits but do not usually get them the prison chaplain or social worker may be able to arrange for a volunteer prison visitor to visit you.

Taking things in to the prison

There are strict rules on gifts that can be given to you and your visitor should check with the prison what they can take to the prison before the visit.

Financial help for prison visits

Financial help is available from the Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU) to allow close relatives and partners of prisoners in the UK, who are on a low income, to visit them in prison. The APVU scheme covers visits to all convicted, remand prisoners, civil prisoners and people held in prison under the 1971 Immigration Act. This includes Young Offenders Institutions.

The scheme covers all prisons in Scotland, Wales and England. Visitors living in England, Wales or Scotland can also apply to visit a prisoner in Northern Ireland, Guernsey or Jersey, although special rules may apply. A different scheme operates for visitors who are residents of Northern Ireland. 

For more information, a guide to applying for financial assistance for prison visits if you are on a low income is on the GOV.UK website.

You can apply for financial assistance if you are over 16 when visiting a prison in Scotland (18 in England) and you are one of the following relationships to the prisoner:

husband, wife or civil partner

parent or grandparent

brother, sister (including adoptive, step or half)

son or daughter (including step or adoptive)

next of kin (as noted by the prisoner in prison records)

unmarried partner where they were living as a couple before the prisoner went into prison. This includes lesbian and gay partners who are not in a civil partnership

prisoner’s sole visitor in the 4 weeks before a visit is claimed, whatever the relationship

escort to a qualifying adult or child. 

It does not include parents-in-law, brothers-in-law or sisters-in-law. Children should be included in a claim made by another qualifying person.

To qualify for financial help from the APVU for visiting a prisoner you must also be:

receiving income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Pension Credit, or

receiving Child Tax Credit and/or Working Tax Credit with a disability element, and have income below a certain amount. You should check with the APVU to find out the current year's income figure, or

in receipt of a Department of Health certificate (HC2 or HC3)

If you are on a low income, but you are not covered by the list above, you may still be able to get financial help, but you will need to see a specialist adviser.

What can be claimed

You can obtain help from the APVU for a visit as soon as someone is imprisoned. You can claim for one visit every 14 days. The maximum number of visits in any 12 month period is 26. If the prison governor agrees it is necessary, it may also be possible to get financial help with the cost of extra visits, for example, if the prisoner is seriously ill.

You can claim up to 28 days before or after the visit took place. It is important to keep any receipts for travel, food or lodgings as evidence of your costs. You must also keep a completed Confirmation of Visit form, which will be completed at the prison when you visit. Confirmation of Visit form is available on the GOV.UK website .

You can claim the following expenses:

travel - you will be paid the amount of the cheapest method of public transport available for the journey you are making or for petrol per mile at a fixed rate

if the journey cannot be completed in a day, you could qualify for the cost of bed and breakfast. You should seek approval from the Assisted Prison Visits Units before incurring these expenses. You may need evidence from the prison that an overnight stay is necessary

light refreshments, if you are going to be away from home for more than five hours

costs of taking dependent children including travel, meals and overnight accommodation, where necessary. If you are taking a prisoner’s child on a visit and you are not the parent of the child (i.e. an escort), you can apply for the same expenses as the parent would be entitled to.

How to claim

The claim can be made on the GOV.UK website . You can also contact the Assisted Prison Visits Unit by email, phone or post to request an application form.

You should apply by post if you are the parent of a child and wish for another person to escort the child to the prison for visits. Find information on what to include in your application on the GOV.UK website .

Help with Prison Visits

PO Box 17594

Helpline: 0300 063 2100 (Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm)

Email: [email protected]

Website:  www.gov.uk

You can claim for visits you will make in the next 28 days or visits you have made in the last 28 days. You should try to claim as soon as possible. 

How it is paid

Payment is made into your bank account or by a payment voucher which you exchange at a Post Office. If you are claiming in advance, train tickets can be sent to you before the visit. 

If your claim was refused or you feel that it was wrongly assessed, you can appeal.

If you wish to appeal against a refused claim, you should consult a specialist adviser.

Letters, emails and phone calls

You are allowed to send out and receive as many letters as you wish. Letters may be opened and read if the prison officer suspects that the letter relates to criminal activity or if it is in the interests of security, even if the letter is being sent to your solicitor or a court.

Landline phones are being fitted in cells in all Scottish prisons. There are also communal phones. Calls can only be made to numbers on a pre-approved list. Prison staff can monitor and record calls.

If you are having a problem with letters or phone calls, you should consult an experienced adviser. For details of organisations that may be able to advise, see  Useful organisations .

You don’t have any rights to send or receive emails in prison. Some prisons operate the Email a Prisoner service, which enables friends and family to send you emails, which will be printed off and delivered to you by prison staff. More information about the Email a Prisoner Service is on its website .

If you've been sentenced to 12 months or less in prison, you can vote in Scottish Parliament and Scottish local elections. This includes if you've been given two sentences of less than 12 months that run at the same time.

Alexa was given a 6-month sentence and a 7-month sentence, to run at the same time. This is counted as a total of 7 months, so she can vote in Scottish Parliament and Scottish local elections.

Barry was given a 6-month sentence and a 7-month sentence, to run one after the other. This is counted as a total of 13 months, so he can't vote in Scottish Parliament or Scottish local elections.

There are two ways to vote from prison. You can:

apply to vote by post

appoint someone to vote for you - this person is called your proxy.

You can't vote in person at a polling place from prison.

If you're in prison you can't vote in UK general elections.

Complaints about treatment in prison

Complaints about medical treatment.

The NHS assumed responsibility for providing prison healthcare on 1 November 2011. This includes medical, mental health, nursing, dental and ophthalmic services. Complaints about medical treatment in prison from 1 November 2011 are dealt with by the NHS complaints procedure.

Until 1 November 2011 primary healthcare services in Scottish prisons were the responsibility of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Complaints about medical treatment in prison before 1 November 2011 are dealt with by the Scottish Prison Service. If the internal SPS complaints procedure does not settle the issue, it can be taken to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

Independent prison monitors

Independent prison monitors are a group of lay people who:

act as a 'watchdog' to make sure the prison is properly run

hear and investigate any applications or complaints from prisoners

inspect from time to time the prison, food, and the way the prison is run, and make recommendations for any changes that they think are appropriate.

A prisoner can ask to speak to an independent prison monitor at any time. There is a freephone number in prison, or a request form can be handed in. You do not need to give a reason for asking to see an independent prison monitor. You only have to tell the independent prison monitor your name and your prison location. You do not have the right to see an independent prison monitor within a given time period. The interview with the independent prison monitor will take place out of the sight and hearing of prison officers if both you and the independent prison monitor want this. Information given to an independent prison monitor may only be passed on to the prison staff with the express consent of the prisoner. A full explanation of what the independent prison monitoring service provides is on the  HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland website .

Other complaints

Depending on the nature of the complaint, you should first consider using the prison’s internal complaints procedure. If your complaint is of a sensitive nature you could complain to someone outside the prison for example your MSP. If you are not happy with the response you get to your complaint, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) can consider complaints about most aspects of a prisoner’s treatment in prison. There is a leaflet about making a complaint to the SPSO on it's website.

For more information about making a complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, see How to use an ombudsman or commissioner in Scotland .

If you are complaining about race discrimination you can make your complaint to the Race Relations Manager in the prison or use the prison’s complaints procedure.

If you need more information about how to complain you should consult an experienced adviser for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau - where to get advice .

Useful organisations

Citizens advice bureau.

Your local bureau might hold information and advice about the issues facing prisoners and their families and will know who to refer to if they are not able to help. Find out how to contact your local bureau and get advice .

Families Outside

13 Great King Street

Tel: 0131 557 9800 (for professionals requiring information and back up)

Freephone helpline: 0800 254 0088

Email: [email protected] (helpline enquiries)

Email: [email protected] (general enquiries)

Website: www.familiesoutside.org.uk

Families Outside is a Scottish charity which runs a free, confidential helpline for friends and families affected by imprisonment in Scotland. It provides information on all Scottish prisons, claiming travel expenses for prison visits, visiting and what to take to the prison, housing and benefit issues, and other concerns families may have. It also provides general support and a listening ear for anyone who needs to talk.

SACRO - Safeguarding Communities, Reducing Offending

29 Albany Street

Edinburgh EH1 3QN

Tel: 0131 624 7270

Fax: 0131 624 7269

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sacro.org.uk

Sacro provides a range of Criminal Justice, Youth Justice and Mediation services. All Sacro services exist to promote safe and cohesive communities by reducing conflict and offending.

Criminal Justice services work mainly with offenders and their families to support and assist them in addressing the issues which cause, or may cause them to offend. Support is also offered to assist people with reintegration. 

Youth Justice services are based on restorative principles, which offer support to those affected by and those responsible for harm. The aim of services using restorative principles is to address behaviour in a way which empowers the people harmed, those responsible and the wider community members in order to resolve issues in a constructive way.

Mediators act with the invitation of those involved in a conflict to help them build agreement and/or improve understanding. Community Mediation services work with neighbours and neighbourhoods to help resolve local disputes. 

Society of Vincent De Paul

546 Sauchiehall Street

Glasgow G2 3NG

Tel: 0141 332 7752

Fax: 0141 332 6775

The aim of this organisation is to alleviate all types of poverty experienced by prisoners and their families. Much of the support is offered by home visits to prisoners’ families, in particular, single parents, housebound and older people.

Family Holiday Association

3 Gainsford Street

Tel: 020 3117 0650

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk/

This association will provide grants for families, including those with a member in prison, so that they may have a holiday. In general, grants will only be paid to families which have not had a holiday for 4 years. There is a choice in the type of holiday for which help can be provided, including a visit to relatives. Grants vary according to the size of the family, and their financial situation. All applications have to be referred by a social worker, welfare agency or voluntary organisation.

Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)

115 Old Street

Advice line: 020 7251 8706 (Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 5pm)

Tel: 020 7251 8708

Fax: 020 7251 8707

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.jcwi.org.uk

JCWI offers help, information and advice to prisoners who are experiencing immigration law problems including the threat of deportation.

More about immigration

Miscarriage of Justice Organisation (MOJO)

Miscarriages of Justice Organisation Scotland (MOJO)

121-127 Saltmarket

Tel: 0141 552 0009

Email: [email protected]

Website:  contact form

Website: www.mojoscotland.org

MOJO provides free and impartial expert advice to individuals who are suffering because of a miscarriage of justice.

Scottish Prison Service

There is  information about prison locations, travel directions for visitors and visiting times on the Scottish Prison Service website .

Prison Visits Scheme

If you're on a low income, you may be able to get some help with the cost of your travel expenses when you visit a close relative or partner at Maghaberry, Magilligan, Hydebank Wood Female Prison or Hydebank Wood College.

How to apply

You can get information about your application by:

• emailing  [email protected]
• writing to the Resettlement Branch, PO Box 62, Maghaberry Prison, 17 Old Road, Lisburn BT28 2PT

Getting help with your application

If you need advice or help with your claim please contact Visitors' Centre staff, the Family Support Officer at the prison or Family Links staff at NIACRO.

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• Criminal Profiles
• Entertainment Industry
• Prison Guide

• September 21, 2023 September 21, 2023

Examining the Duration and Rules for Prison Visits in the UK

Visitations play a vital role in maintaining ties between inmates and their loved ones while they serve out their sentences. But visits are administered under strict supervision and limitations. For those hoping to see friends or family inside, how long can they expect to spend together on a typical prison visit in the UK? In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the standard visitation duration along with the various regulations governing these cloely monitored encounters.

Overview of Visitation Rights

Prisoners in the UK are permitted to have regular visitors throughout their sentence, with some exceptions:

• Inmates on remand awaiting trial may have restrictions placed on visitations.
• Those segregated for behavioral issues may have visits temporarily suspended.
• Individuals banned under restraining orders cannot visit the inmate.

Barring such special circumstances, most prisoners can receive regular visitors who are family members or existing friends. Prisoners submit a list of approved visitors they wish to see.

Visits take place in a dedicated room under observation by guards. Physical contact like hugs or hand-holding is typically now allowed for security reasons. Conversations can be monitored to prevent suspicious activity.

Typical Visitation Duration

The length of a standard social visit session for an adult inmate to receive friends/family is:

• 1 hour  – This is the most common duration allocated. Sufficient time is given for meaningful conversation and connection. Some flexibility may be allowed such as combining two 1 hour slots consecutively.
• 30 minutes  – For young offenders under 18 or in certain high-security conditions, visits may be set at just 30 minutes per session.
• 2 hours  – Some facilities may permit sessions up to 2 hours for family events like a child’s birthday or graduation. Special occasions warrant more generous time.

So for adult prisoners in general population, one hour is the standard visit duration before parties must conclude their encounter and exist the secured visitation area.

Factors That May Limit Visitation Time

While one hour is the typical duration, certain factors can result in shortened visit times:

• Local staffing shortages that disrupt scheduling
• Security lockdowns or disciplinary issues with the inmate
• Visitor showing up late and missing available slots
• Non-family visitors such as friends or associates
• Newly incarcerated inmates still in intake processing phase
• History of contraband being passed during visits

Unless officially restricted for disciplinary reasons, most inmates eventually do work up to the standard one hour visitation allowance once settled into the routine at their assigned prison.

Number of Visits Allowed Per Week/Month

In addition to capping visit duration, prisons also limit the frequency, spread out to maintain security.

Typical allowance for number of visits per month:

• 2-3  – General population inmates are allowed 2-3 visits per month from their approved list.
• 1  – Higher risk category inmates may only receive 1 visit per month to discourage gang/criminal activity.
• 4  – Benchmark of good behavior can qualify prisoners for up to 4 visit sessions per month.

So for inmates exhibiting compliance and progress in rehabilitation, most UK prisons offer between 2 and 4 visits per month of 1 hour duration each.

Special Types of Visits

Beyond routine social visits from friends/family, some other unique visit types have their own duration rules:

• Legal visits  – No limit on duration or frequency. Solicitors can access clients when needed.
• Family days  – Special event annually or biannually with 5+ hour duration spent visiting.
• Overnight visits  – Low risk inmates allowed 1-2 day visit per year from spouse/family.
• Official/social services visits  – As needed for prisoner welfare and cooperation.

While regular visits operate under tight constraints, flexibility is offered for legal needs, rehabilitation, and maintaining family ties.

Visitor Qualifications and Approval Process

To maintain prison safety and prevent smuggling, visitors must pass screening:

• Existing relationship from prior to incarceration – family, spouse, close friends. No new acquaintances.
• Approval forms submitted and verified by staff. Criminal background checks conducted.
• No banned items carried in or worn by visitors per scanning and searches.
• Official ID cards or documentation required to confirm claimed identity and relationship.
• All visits pre-arranged by appointment following visitation request submission procedures.
• Children permitted only with guardian supervision.

The approval procedure often takes 4-6 weeks requiring patience. But this careful vetting of visitors is essential to preserving prison order.

Positive Impacts of Visitations

While highly regulated, visitations provide wide-ranging benefits:

• For inmates  – Maintains family bonds. Boosts morale and motivation. Incentive for good behavior. Crucial mental health support. Grounds prisoners in reality.
• For visitors  – Allows active role in inmate’s welfare. Eases reintegration later. Keeps relationship intact. Provides oversight and reduces worry.
• For prisons  – Improved inmate compliance and cooperation. Decreased disciplinary incidents and violence. Encourages participation in rehabilitation programs.

Despite limitations required for safety, visitations deliver advantages that extend far beyond the individuals directly participating in these scenic encounters.

Video Visitation Options

Some UK facilities offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits:

• Remote video visits  – Visitors at home can schedule and conduct monitored video calls with inmates. More convenient but less personal.
• On-site video terminals  – Stations inside the prison allow virtual visits when in-person isn’t possible.

Video visits enable more frequent communication opportunities for families separated by distance. But most still prefer in-person visits when permitted for the human connection.

COVID-19 Impacts on Prison Visitation

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in an extended suspension of in-person visitation given the health risks:

• From March 2020 onward, UK prisons banned in-person visits and restricted all access from outsiders.
• Exceptions were made only for essential medical staff and legal advisors with PPE precautions.
• Virtual visits became the temporary norm using online portals and secure video calling systems.

While vital for infection control, the long-term denial of in-person visits placed strain on inmates and families alike. Virtual visits helped fill the void but were an imperfect substitute for face-to-face interaction.

For UK inmates and their loved ones, precious visits are administered under tight constraints but remain essential lifelines. One hour is the standard duration for general population prisoner visits to balance meaningful engagement with security. The frequency is also capped at 2-4 visits monthly for well-behaved inmates. While restrictive, these reasonable limitations allow inmates to maintain bonds that improve welfare and incentive for rehabilitation. The vetting process ensures visitors are known relations without risk factors. By working within the stringent ground rules, inmates and families can safely uphold lifeline connections in the brief moments they share physically together.

FAQ About Prison Visits in the UK

How are visitors and inmates supervised during visits.

Guards observe visits from a distance. Conversations may be monitored. Non-contact rules are enforced, except some touching between parents and young children.

Can prisoners have conjugal visits with a spouse or partner?

No, conjugal visits are not normally permitted in UK prisons. The exception is 1-2 overnight family visits may be allowed annually in low security facilities.

What reasons can lead to an approved visitor being banned?

Threats of violence, repeatedly violating policies, attempting to smuggle contraband, disruptive behavior, intoxication, inappropriate attire, etc.

Are phone calls also monitored along with in-person visits?

Yes, phone conversations are subject to the same restrictions and monitoring as in-person visits to prevent criminal activity.

How has COVID impacted prison visitation rules?

The pandemic resulted in an extended suspension of normal in-person visits to protect inmates and staff from infection. Video and virtual visits became the temporary alternative.

Are ex-prisoners allowed to visit current inmates as mentors?

Sometimes, former inmates who have undergone rehabilitation can be approved for mentorship visits. But extensive screening for contraband risks occurs in such instances.

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• Why Did B. J. Whitmer Go To Prison?
• Why Did Charles S. Dutton Go to Prison?
• How Long is Life in Prison?
• Why Did O.J. Simpson Go To Prison?

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• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Norwich Prison

Norwich is a prison for men aged 18 and over on the eastern outskirts of Norwich in Norfolk.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Norwich prison

To visit someone in Norwich you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit. Prisoners can have fup to 3 visitors over the age of 10 at one time, plus any younger children.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have. You can check this with Norwich prison.

Contact Norwich if you have any questions about visiting.

Help with the cost of your visit

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit , including:

• travel to Norwich
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online or by telephone. Telephone booking line: 01603 708 790 Find out about call charges

The booking line is open:

• Monday to Thursday: 10am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4pm
• Friday: 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm

You can also email: [email protected]

Visits must be booked by midday on Friday for weekend visits.

Visiting times

Visits schedule for the reception site: A, B, C1, C2, K, and Ketts:

• Tuesday: A and K wing 10am to 11:30am
• Wednesday: A6 and M wing 2pm to 3:30pm
• Thursday: B and C wing 10am to 11:30am
• Saturday: A and K wing 2pm to 3:30pm
• Sunday AM: B and C wing 10am to 11:30am
• Sunday PM: A6 and M Wing 2pm to 3:30pm

Visits schedule for the Cat C site: F, G, Healthcare and L wing:

• Tuesday: F and G wing 2pm to 3:30pm
• Thursday: F and G wing 2pm to 3:30pm
• Saturday: F and G wing 10am to 11:30am

Visits schedule for Britannia House:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10am to 11:30am
• Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 11:30am, 2pm to 3:30pm and 3:30pm to 5pm

How to book legal and professional visits

Face to Face visits can be booked by email: [email protected]

Video link legal visits can be booked by email: [email protected]

Face to face professional and legal visits Main site and Cat C:

• Tuesday: 8am to 11:30am
• Thursday: 8am to 11:30am
• Tuesday: 2pm to 3:45pm
• Thursday: 2pm to 3:45pm

Getting to Norwich

Find Norwich on a map

HMP Norwich is situated on the eastern outskirts of Norwich, in Norfolk.

Bus numbers 23 or 24 from City Centre or the train Station go past HMP Norwich. Ask for Knox Road (or simply ask for the prison).

Take a train to Norwich Station (London services are via Liverpool Street). From Norwich Station it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the prison. At the main junction outside the station follow Riverside Road (Keep River on your left). At the roundabout turn right up Ketts Hill onto Plumstead Road. Please note the prison is located at the top of a steep hill. Turn left into Barrack Road. The prison and Visitors’ Centre are situated at the end of the road. No special transport is provided. Buses and taxis can be taken to the prison.

From A11: Join A47 (Southern bypass around Norwich) and follow signs for Great Yarmouth. Take the slip road signposted A1042 (Norwich N & E & Thorpe St. Andrew). Go straight over the roundabout and under Railway Bridge. At mini roundabout turn right. Take left-hand slip road by traffic lights (Sainsbury’s should be on your right-hand side) signposted Cromer, Norwich Airport (A140). Follow road up hill to roundabout. Take the second exit, Plumstead Road (B1140), signpost “HM Prison”. Turn right into Barrack Road. HMP YOI Norwich, and the Visitors’ Centre, is situated at the end of the road Parking Limited parking is available on site. Information and leaflets on all the above services can be obtained from the visitors’ centre.

Parking is limited however car parking is free.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use National Rail Enquiries
• use Traveline for local bus times

Entering Norwich

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison .

Incorrect identification could result in refused entry.

All visitors will be given a rub-down search, including children. You will also be searched by security dogs.

Visitors must adhere to the prison dress code that applies. Coats and hoodies may be worn however they must search via the x-ray machine prior to entry. We are aware that it is quite fashionable to wear two layers of trousers however during your visit could we ask that one layer is removed. Ripped jeans will also be permitted. Shorts can be worn however we request that hot pant length shorts are not worn. Miniskirts/dresses may be worn but only if worn with tights or leggings. In addition to this no revealing clothing is allowed.

Please be aware that if you are assessed as being inappropriately dressed the duty manager will be requested to attend and they will decide regarding your entry for your visit.

There will be a small selection refreshments available to purchase on your arrival at the visits centre.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Norwich prison. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or at the visits centre, this includes pushchairs and car seats. You will need a £1 coin for the lockers, which is refundable.

You will have the visit rules explained to you by an officer at the start of your visit. If you fail to adherer to these rules, your visit may be terminated, and you could face being banned from future visits.

Call the booking line if you have any questions about visiting.

Visiting facilities

There is a visitors centre at Norwich. serves hot and cold drinks and has a small children’s play area.

Family days

Family Days are an opportunity for families and children to spend and extended period together engaging in play activities and sharing lunch together; 4 Family Days are expected to take place each year split between the Cat C unit and the Main side of the prison. It is expected that up to 12 fathers can take part on each day.

Children’s visits

Children’s Visits are special visits for children to visit their dad/stepdad or granddad so that the family can spend time together in a relaxed setting. These visits can also be for new dads (‘Baby Bonding’ visits) so that they can bond with their new baby soon after birth.

Transition Children’s Visits

Transition Children’s Visits (otherwise known as Brit House Dad’s Visits) for fathers currently residing in the open-conditions part of HMP/YOI Norwich, Britannia House, to spend time with their children at the Play Space in the Visitors Centre, building the families confidence in dad’s capabilities as a parent and preparing the dads for their release.

Keep in touch with someone at Norwich

There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Norwich.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

• Download the Prison Video app
• Create an account
• Register all visitors
• Add the prisoner to your contact list.

How to book a secure video call

You can request a secure video call with someone in this prison via the Prison Video app.

You will receive a notification when your request has been accepted.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Prisoners have phones in their cells to be able to maintain contact with friends and family. They have to buy phone credits to do this.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service .

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and public protection.

You can send emails to someone in Norwich using the Email a Prisoner service .

You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Norwich.

You can write at any time.

Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope.

If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Norwich .

All post apart from legal letters will be opened and checked by officers.

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

People in Norwich are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them as gifts. Contact Norwich for more information on what’s allowed.

Family and friends of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.   For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel.

All parcels will be opened and checked by officers.

Life at Norwich

Norwich is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where prisoners can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every prisoner at Norwich has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

If you have any concerns about a prisoner at Norwich, contact the Safer Custody team .

Arrival and first night

When a prisoner first arrives at Norwich, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each person who arrives at Norwich gets an induction that lasts about a week. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone will also be made aware of rules, fire safety, and the day to day regime at HMP Norwich.

Accommodation

Around 750 prisoners live at Norwich Prison, mostly in single cells with some shared accommodation.

There are 10 wings and a special care unit:

• A - induction unit, first night centre, drug treatment stabilisation and maintenance unit
• B and C - for those on remand and trial plus vulnerable prisoners
• D - resettlement unit (also known as Britannia House)
• E - older prisoners unit
• F and G - local discharge unit for low-risk prisoners who are local to the area, serving 24 months or less
• H - healthcare unit
• L - elderly lifer unit
• M - low-risk prisoners serving 24 months or less
• U - special care and segregation unit (also known as the Kett’s unit)

There is a healthcare centre with 24-hour nursing cover.

Norwich has 3 gyms and an artificial multi-use sports area. There are various sports clubs available.

Prisoners have access to a wide range of faith and religious services.

Education and work

Education is offered by teachers across the prison. Courses cover:

• work, life and social skills
• English for speakers of other languages
• food hygiene
• health and safety
• painting and decorating
• arts and crafts
• gym instruction

There are work opportunities in:

Norwich also offers drug and alcohol programmes.

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

To contact our head of family provision at HMP Norwich email:  [email protected] .

Support at Norwich

Family services at HMP Norwich are provided by Ormiston Families .

Family and significant others

HMP Norwich promote contact for prisoners. We have an appointed Family and significant others lead at HMP Norwich and a supportive champion.

To contact our Family and significant others lead at HMP Norwich email:

[email protected] .

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01603 708 600 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Problems and complaints

If you have any other problem contact Norwich .

Contact Norwich

Governor: Declan Moore

Telephone: 01603 708 600 Fax: 01603 708 601 Find out about call charges

HMP/YOI Norwich Knox Road Norwich Norfolk NR1 4LU

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated information about how to use secure video calling at this prison.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated physical contact guidance

New visiting times and booking information added.

Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated prison visits

Updated safer custody hotline

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Covid update

Added confirmation of secure video calls made available at this prison.

added survey link

First published.

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