prison visit booking contact number

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open) . Trusted website s

Look for a lock ( ) or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Make Visit or Interview Bookings

Visit Announcements

Visit Information

Why are Visits Important

Who can Visit

Where can I Visit

When can I Visit

How to Visit

Other Visit Matters

Compassionate Leave

Home Remittance

Collection of Inmate’s Property

Visit Items

Release Locations and Timing

Write eLetters

Families may go through challenging times when a loved one is incarcerated and will require support. You may find these  resources  useful.

• CDCR Facebook (opens new window)
• CDCR Twitter (opens new window)
• YouTube (opens new window)
• Instagram (opens new window)

How to Schedule a Visit Using Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA)

VSA allows Friends and Family to schedule visits from a variety of web enabled devices including computer, smartphone and tablet. Get familiar with our visiting guidelines and make sure you are approved to visit before using VSA. If it’s your first time using VSA, you’ll need to claim your account before you can schedule a visit.

Schedule visits at the time designated for the institution listed below.

Northern Region VSA request period will open from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. for the following institutions in the Northern region:

• California Correctional Center
• Central California Women’s Facility
• California Health Care Facility
• California Medical Facility
• California State Prison – Sacramento
• California State Prison – Solano
• Folsom State Prison
• High Desert State Prison
• Mule Creek State Prison
• Pelican Bay State Prison
• Sierra Conservation Center
• San Quentin State Prison
• Valley State Prison

Central Region VSA request period will open from 6:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. for the following institutions in the Central region:

• Avenal State Prison
• California Correctional Institution
• California Men’s Colony
• California State Prison – Corcoran
• Correctional Training Facility
• Kern Valley State Prison
• North Kern State Prison
• Pleasant Valley State Prison
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison – Corcoran
• Salinas Valley State Prison
• Wasco State Prison

Southern Region VSA request period will open from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. for the following institutions in the Central region:

• California City Correctional Facility
• Calipatria State Prison
• Centinela State Prison
• California Institution for Men
• California Institution for Women
• California Rehabilitation Center
• California State Prison – Los Angeles County
• Chuckawalla Valley State Prison
• Ironwood State Prison
• Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility

The request period begins eight days prior to the visitation day and closes five days prior to the visitation day. See the table below for examples.

• Friends and Family (also referred to as visitor) go to the visitor website and click Claim Account .

• Type your First Name, Last Name and Date of Birth.    

• Add and confirm your Email Address . Select Next.

• Complete the remaining fields with all Personal Information . Click on the checkbox to run the robot test. Review the information and when you are ready, select the checkbox to verify that all information is correct, and then click the Finish button.

• Once your account is created, you will receive your Visitor ID . It is very important to write down the number, print the summary page, or take a screenshot of the following screen for your records.

• Look for an email from [email protected] with your temporary password .

• Starting from the visitor website, sign into your account with your temporary password. You will then be required to change your password. Enter and confirm a new password, and then click Update .

• Once your password has been successfully reset, the Home page of the visitor website will be displayed with any upcoming visits, a list of associated (approved) inmate names, and any canceled visits. 

Claiming Your Account – Mobile Device

• Friends and Family (also referred to as visitor) go to the Visitation Scheduling website and click Claim Account .

• Type your First Name, Last Name and Date of Birth.  Click Next .

• Add and confirm your Email Address . Select Next .

• The Address Information screen will display (showing California).  Click Next.

• You will then be required to set your password. Enter and confirm a new password, and then click Next .

A confirmation email with login information is sent from [email protected] .  

• Review policies and then click Accept Policies and Submit.   

• From the Registration Successful screen, select New Visit to go directly to scheduling a visit. Or select Main Menu to schedule a new visit, display upcoming visits, view history, and manage account settings. 

You can organize your account by going to the My Account menu where you can manage your email address, password, inmates, and visitor groups.   

You can organize your account by going to the Main Menu and selecting Account Settings . From here you can manage your password, personal information (email address), visitors, and inmates.  

• Login to the Friends and Family visitor website with your visitor ID or email and password.

• The Visitation Scheduling Home page displays:
• Upcoming visits
• Canceled Visits
• My Inmates (approved list)

• Click on the Visit link next to the inmate’s name from the My Inmates list to schedule a visit with them. 

• Choose Visitor (select yourself) or select multiple Visitors (additional visitors must be approved to visit). A visitor can send another approved visitor a friend request via the Manage Visitor Groups option under the My Account Menu. This means both visitors would be able to visit the same inmate together.  Both visitors must be approved to visit the inmate.
• Click Next .
• Select available Date from calendar.

• Select the Visitation Location (Facility and Video Station location) and the Time of Day.  Click Search.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because institutions are currently offering a variety of video visit options, it is recommended to select No Preference to show all available visits for all visitation centers at an institution.   

For example, institutions may be providing In Person Only visits, Internet Only visits, or a hybrid of In Person and Internet visits.  The available days for in person visits may also vary per institution.  

• Select the desired time slot from the displayed options.  Only available times will display.

• Review visit information and click Confirm .
• Type of Visit – Internet Video Visit or Face to Face Visit
• Date, Time, Location (map will display for Face-to-Face Visit)
• Inmate name
• Visitor name, Relationship
• Visitation Policies
• Once the visit is confirmed, a unique confirmation number is added and a confirmation email will be sent to you with visit information.  

• Schedule another visit
• Return Home
• Print Summary
• Cancel Visit

Schedule A New Visit

• Click English or Spanish

• Login to the Visitation Scheduling website with your visitor ID or email address and password.

• The Visitation Scheduling Home page displays.

• To see a list of previously scheduled visits, click on the Upcoming Visits link.  From this screen you can schedule a new visit.  Click on the New Visit button to add a new visit.

• You can also schedule a new visit from the Main Menu by selecting Schedule a New Visit . 

• A list of all approved visitors will display (or select the button on the bottom left to request a visitor be added).  Select a Visitor(s) from the Available column by using the green arrow to move them to the Attending column .  Click Confirm Visitors .

• Select the applicable inmate name and then click the Confirm Inmate button.

• Use the drop-down menu to select the applicable inmate/visitor relationship. Click Confirm Relations .

• Select the Visitation Center. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Because institutions are currently offering a variety of video visit options, it is recommended to select No Preference to show all available visits for all visitation centers at an institution.

For example,  institutions may be providing In Person only visits, Internet Only visits, or a hybrid of In Person and Internet visits.  The available days for in person and internet visits may vary by institution.

• Select an available visit date from the Calendar (displayed in white). Click Confirm Date .

NOTE: Depending on which day you select will determine whether In Person or Internet visit time slots will be displayed on the next screen after clicking Confirm Date .

• Select the desired Time from the list.  Only available time slots will display.  Click the Confirm Time button

• Review the details of your reserved visit.

• Click Edit to change a visit. Select the field to be changed (Inmate, Visitor, Date, Time, or Location) and click Edit .  You will be re-directed back to the applicable area to make the change.  It is important to note, if you need to change an inmate name, visitor name, date or time while making a visitation appointment, it must be done before selecting the Agree and Reserve button .   Otherwise, you will need to cancel the visit and reschedule the visit.

14. Click on the Review Policies button to see the Terms of Use, Privacy Policies, and Facility Policies.

• Click Agree & Reserve to confirm the visit.  A unique confirmation number is added and a confirmation email will be sent to you with visit information.  

Once a visit has been scheduled, the Upcoming Visits screen allows you to:

• Edit a visit
• Cancel a visit
• Add a New Visit

Once a visit is confirmed, you can only add/remove visitors.   If you need to change an inmate name, visitor name, date, or time, you must first cancel the visit and then reschedule it.  

• To add or remove a visitor from an already confirmed visit, click View Upcoming from either the Visit Summary screen or the Main Menu screen.    

2. Select the visit that needs to be changed.  Click Edit . You will be re-directed back to the Visit Summary screen. 

• Click Edit Visitors. Use the green and red arrows in the center of the screen to add or remove approved visitors to your existing visit. Click Confirm Visitors .   

• The updated Visit Summary screen will display with visitor changes. Click Agree & Reserve to reconfirm the visit with updated visitors. This example shows the visit was modified to reflect two visitors.

CDCR inmates are allowed one free video visit per month with Friends and Family.  Quotas (number of visits inmates get per day/week/month) are determined by CDCR and are configured into the visitation scheduling system. When a visit is canceled, the quota for that inmate is automatically reset.

• Friends and Family can go the visitor website to cancel a scheduled visit. 
• To cancel a visit from the visitor website, click on the Cancel Visit link on the Home page.

• Confirm the cancellation by clicking Yes or No.

• The visit status is updated to Canceled and is displayed on the Visitor Home Page. In addition, a cancellation email will be sent your email account confirming the cancellation.

CDCR inmates and visitors are allowed one free video visit per 30 days with Friends and Family.  Quotas (number of allowed per day/week/month) are determined by CDCR. When a visit is canceled, the quota for that inmate/visitor is automatically reset.

• Friends and Family can go the Visitation Scheduling website to cancel a scheduled visit. 
• From the Upcoming Visits screen, select the applicable visit to be canceled and click the Cancel button. 

• Confirm the cancellation by clicking Cancel Visit .

• The visit status is updated to Canceled . In addition, a cancellation email will be sent your email account confirming the cancellation.

Look for an email from WebEx with details for how to join your video visit.

For more information on “How to Use WebEx to Join a Video Visit”, you can also refer to CDCR’s Web Site:

Join your video visit from your computer, mobile device, phone, or a video conferencing system. You may pick the one that works best for you. All video visits are secure. The communication is encrypted and CDCR processes ensure that approved visitors are validated and only those approved visitors may join the visit. 

For technical assistance with VSA, contact the Visiting Sergeant or Lieutenant of the institution you wish to visit .

DO NOT contact GTL for technical assistance.

Your version of Internet Explorer is out of date and no longer compatible with GettingOut. Please try using another browser or upgrade your current version of Internet Explorer by clicking here .

schedule a visit

Three Types of Video Visits

At Facility

These visits are when you go to your facility and sit at a video visit station in the lobby. Your loved one or friend will be on a video visit station in their pod.

From Computer

At select facilities families and friends can have video visits from their own personal computers in the comfort of their own homes. You will need the following equipment to do a video visit from home:

• A computer.
• A webcam and a microphone, or a computer with these components built in (most laptops have these built in).
• An internet browser. Internet browsers Safari 4 and higher, or Firefox 7 and higher, are strongly recommended. Using other browsers may not load the page appropriately in order to begin your visit. We are not responsible for technical problems or issues that may arise from using an unsupported browser.
• For the best visit experience you should use headphones, but they are not required.
• High speed internet (DSL or Cable) connection (dial up and satellite are not supported).

From Android Device

Video visits go mobile with our Visit Now Android app. At select facilities families and friends can have video visits from their own Android devices.

How to Schedule a Visit

Free video visit policy.

Free visits are a benefit for the inmate and are credited to the  inmate’s account. Therefore the inmate is the only one who  can book a free visit . This allows the inmate at your facility full control of whom they want to use their free visit with. There are also advanced scheduling rules that control the timeframe that a free visit can be booked. These rules vary by facility. If an inmate books a visit outside this timeframe, they will not be allowed to use a free visit.

• Book the visit with their Friends & Family.
• Suggest a visit with their Friends & Family. The Friends & Family must have no prepaid funds on their account at the time they confirm the suggested time. The inmate’s free visit will then be deducted.
• Confirm a suggested visit from their friends and family. The Friends & Family must have no prepaid funds on their account at the time the inmate confirms the visit. The inmate’s free visit will then be deducted from their free visit allowance.

The only way Friends & Family can use a free visit is by suggesting a visit with the inmate. If the inmate has a free visit available and there are no prepaid funds on the Friends & Family account at the time the inmate confirms, the free visit will be deducted from inmate’s account.

What Services Are Available At My Facility?

Select your facility below, available services:.

• Phone & Voicemail
• Video Visit at Facility
• Video Visit from Home

• Photo Sharing
• Tablets Your inmate has access to tablets. Make a deposit to their account so they have more ways to be productive, and you have more ways to stay connected.
• Verification Required

What is Telmate Verified?

If you are asked to be Telmate Verified it means your facility requires verification of your identity prior to acceptance of inmates' calls. The purpose of verification is to ensure inmates are not connecting with inappropriate people on the outside. The verification process is simple and can be completed before or after creating an account.

To be verified, you can make a deposit , schedule a visit or download and complete the Telmate Verified form .

Did you know…

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, inmates who

maintain strong relationships

with friends and family, greatly reduce their risk of recidivism.

Terms of Use governing use of GettingOut services state that all services are intended to be used by persons over the age of 18.

To continue, please enter your date of birth to confirm you are over the age of 18.

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Federal Bureau of Prisons

General visiting information.

Make sure your visit will be a success by carefully following these four steps.

Discover or confirm the whereabouts of the inmate you would like to visit.

Before you can visit you must be placed on the inmate's approved visiting list.

Review all visiting rules, regulations, and procedures before your visit.

Find out when you can visit and get directions to the facility.

Locate the inmate

Sometimes an inmate may be moved to a different facility so that they can benefit from unique programs offered at that location. They might also be moved to receive treatment for a medical condition or for security concerns. Therefore, the first step in planning your visit should be to determine where the inmate is currently housed.

Please verify you are a human by entering the words you see in the textbox below.

To visit, you must be pre-approved.

You can only visit an inmate if they have placed you on their visiting list and you have been cleared by the BOP.

• An inmate is given a Visitor Information Form when he/she arrives at a new facility.
• Inmate completes their portion of the form and mails a copy to each potential visitor.
• Potential visitor completes all remaining form fields.
• Potential visitor sends the completed form back to the inmate's address (listed on the form).
• We may request more background information and possibly contact other law enforcement agencies or the NCIC
• The inmate is told when a person is not approved to visit and it is the inmate's responsibility to notify that person.

Who can an inmate add to their visiting list?

• Step-parent(s)
• Foster parent(s)
• Grandparents
• No more than 10 friends/associates
• Foreign officials
• Members of religious groups including clergy
• Members of civic groups
• Employers (former or prospective)
• Parole advisors

In certain circumstances such as when an inmate first enters prison or is transferred to a new prison, a visiting list might not exist yet. In this case, immediate family members who can be verified by the information contained in the inmate's Pre-Sentence Report, may be allowed to visit. However, if there is little or no information available about a person, visiting may be denied. You should always call the prison ahead of time to ensure your visit will be permitted.

Be Prepared

You should be familiar with all visiting rules, regulations, and procedures before your visit.

The following clothing items are generally not permitted but please consult the visiting policy for the specific facility as to what attire and items are permitted in the visiting room:

• revealing shorts
• halter tops
• bathing suits
• see-through garments of any type
• low-cut blouses or dresses
• backless tops
• hats or caps
• sleeveless garments
• skirts two inches or more above the knee
• dresses or skirts with a high-cut split in the back, front, or side
• clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing)

Plan your trip

• the prison location
• the prison type
• inmate visiting needs
• availability of visiting space

The inmate you plan to visit should tell you what the visiting schedule is for that prison; however, if you have any questions please contact that particular facility .

General Visiting Hours

Camp general visiting hours, fsl general visiting hours.

Department of Correctional Services

Visitation process.

————————————————————————————————————-

Visiting Privileges According to the Security Classification of the Offender

City of Philadelphia

• An official website of the City of Philadelphia government
• Here's how you know
• An official website
• Feedback and support

Crime, law & justice

• Prisons, incarcerated people, and returning citizens
• Finding and contacting incarcerated people

Visit an incarcerated person

Service overview.

Incarcerated people can receive visitors in prison for one hour each week. Walk-ins are not permitted. You must schedule your visit at least 48 hours in advance.

If you are visiting an incarcerated person, you can bring an outfit for them to attend court in .

Philadelphia prison facilities are operated by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) .

Who can visit an incarcerated person

Friends and family members can visit incarcerated people.

Children that are six months and older can visit with a parent or guardian. The adult must provide proof of custody or a birth certificate. Children cannot visit during school hours.

No more than one adult and one child can visit with a person at one time.

Who can’t visit an incarcerated person

You cannot visit someone in jail or prison at a PDP facility if you:

• Are on probation, parole, or conditional release including furlough and work release.
• Were incarcerated in any Philadelphia Department of Prisons facility in the last six months.
• Are believed to have a potential detrimental effect on the person you are visiting, or pose a security threat to the facility.
• Have had your visiting privileges suspended.

If you have been denied a visit because of one of the reasons above, you can request special permission from the facility’s warden.

Requirements

Visitors must follow a dress code. You may not wear:

• Plain white t-shirts.
• Clothing that closely resembles an incarcerated person’s uniform (orange jumpsuits, blue scrub tops).
• Hoodies or jackets with hoods.
• Hot pants or short-shorts. (Bermuda shorts are permissible.)
• Torn jeans.
• Revealing clothing or see-through fabric anywhere on the torso.
• Mini-skirts or dresses (must be within two inches of the knee).
• Low-rise pants or skirts that reveal undergarments.
• Clothing with offensive or provocative language.
• Clothing with writing across the seat of pants or skirt.
• Open-toe shoes.

Visitors must wear:

• Shirts with sleeves.

If you’re wearing leggings or stretch pants, your top must cover your hips when you raise your arms above your head.

Where and when

Appointments for visits are first-come, first-served. You must make your appointment between 48 hours and seven days in advance.

Saturday visits are reserved for designated facility populations. Holiday visits are only allowed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Visitors must be at the facility at least ten minutes before the scheduled visit.

Friends and family members can collect personal effects from the cashier during the hours listed below. The cashier’s office is open 24 hours a day at release.

Visiting hours by facility

* To visit an incarcerated person at the Detention Center (DC), Alternative & Special Detention Center (ASD), or ASD MOD III, go to the Riverside Correctional Facility (RCF) visiting lobby.

In the visiting area, you can store your belongings in a locker. You must have quarters for the lockers. There is no change machine in the waiting room.

They may ask you to loosen undergarments to perform the search. You also need to go through a metal detector.

If you feel that a search was improper, ask to speak to a supervisor or contact the Office of Community Justice Outreach (CJO) at (215) 685-8909 or (215) 685-7288 .

If the person you are visiting doesn’t want to see you, you will not be allowed to visit them. The PDP will not force anyone to meet a visitor if they don’t want to.

Related content

• Locate an incarcerated person
• Contact an incarcerated person by mail
• Send clothes to an incarcerated person
• Send funds to an incarcerated person

• Criminal Profiles
• Entertainment Industry
• Prison Guide

• September 25, 2023 September 25, 2023

How to Book a Prison Visit Online

Scheduling an in-person visit with an incarcerated loved one is important for maintaining connections. Many corrections departments now allow online prison visit reservations to improve convenience and efficiency. This article outlines the typical process for booking online prison visits.

Check Visitation Eligibility Requirements

Before scheduling visits, confirm eligibility with the facility’s policies:

• Age minimums – Adult visitors usually required.
• Visitor approval – Visitors must be on inmate’s approved list.
• ID/documentation – Valid photo ID often required.
• Allowed items – Review dress code and authorized items.
• Health requirements – Some facilities require COVID vaccination proof.

Ensure you meet all criteria to avoid wasted trips or denied entry.

Create a Visitor Account on the Facility’s Website

Most prisons with online scheduling require creating a visitor account:

• Enter your personal details like name, address, email, phone number.
• Create a username and password for the visitor account.
• Provide your ID number and type (driver’s license, passport, etc).
• Electronically sign any waivers or terms required.

This information links you to the inmate and confirms identity upon arrival.

Schedule Visit Date and Time

With an approved visitor account, you can view visitation calendars and schedule dates/times:

• Select day(s) – Weekends and holidays are busiest.
• Choose time slot(s) – Typical windows are 1-2 hours long.
• Check-in 15-30 minutes prior – To clear security screening.
• Bring printed or digital confirmation – Shows your scheduled slot.

Visits are usually first-come, first-served for available times. Book well in advance for best selection.

Understand Cancellation and No Show Policies

Review policies if you must cancel or miss scheduled visits:

• Timeframe – Cancel at least 24-48 hours in advance when possible.
• Allowed frequency – Too many cancellations or no shows may restrict future visits.
• Notifications – Call the visitation hotline as soon as possible.
• Exceptions – Illness or family emergencies may qualify for waivers.

Follow proper procedures to avoid penalties like temporary visit suspensions.

Arrive Prepared on Visitation Day

Give yourself extra time and arrive prepared:

• Dress appropriately – Follow dress code to get cleared for entry.
• Limited belongings – Carry only approved items needed for children.
• Check in at gate – Provide printed or digital confirmation and ID.
• Clear security – Successfully pass through metal detectors and searches.
• Confirm visitation rules – Keep physical contact limited if prohibited.
• Enjoy visit! – Make the most of this valued time together.

Proper planning ensures visitation goes smoothly.

Online scheduling systems are making arranging prison visits easier and more efficient. Visitors can quickly check availability and reserve slots after creating an approved account. Following facility policies ensures a smooth visitation process. While in-person time is limited, it remains invaluable for maintaining inmate connections and support systems.

FAQs About Booking Online Prison Visits

How far in advance can visits be booked.

Most facilities allow booking 1-4 weeks in advance. Holidays and weekends fill up quickly.

Can visitors schedule multiple back-to-back time slots?

Usually not – facilities limit visits to 1-2 hour sessions with buffer times in between.

Is there an age limit or requirement for minor visitor approval?

Yes, approval rules vary but most prisons prohibit visitors under 18 years old.

Can online visit reservations be made on a mobile device?

Some systems only allow scheduling on the desktop website. But mobile-friendly platforms are becoming more common.

What if a visitor’s plans change after booking?

Notify the prison as soon as possible if you cannot make the booked time. Schedule changes are limited.

How do waiting lists work if times are fully booked?

Waiting lists prioritize visitors by order and frequency since last visit. Openings from cancellations are first-come, first-served.

What happens if a visitor is late for check-in?

You may forfeit that day’s visit. Arrive well before the scheduled window to ensure entry.

Related posts:

• Why Did Jane Schneck Go to Prison?
• Why Did Taryn Manning Go to Prison?
• Is Andrew Tate Still in Prison in 2023?
• Why Did Jelly Roll Go to Prison?

Share this post on social

We are dedicated to exploring the intricacies of prison life and justice reform through firsthand experiences and expert insights.

Popular posts

• How Much Prison Time for Embezzlement?
• How Much Prison Time for Domestic Violence?
• How Much Prison Time for Armed Robbery?
• Inside Prison
• Worst Prisons

Welcome to ‘Prison Inside,’ a blog dedicated to shedding light on the often hidden and misunderstood world within correctional facilities. Through firsthand accounts, personal narratives, and insightful reflections, we delve into the lives of those who find themselves behind bars, offering a unique perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and transformations that unfold within the confines of these walls.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to look up prisoners and prison records

You can search for prisoners and prison records based on when and where someone was incarcerated. Find out how to look up federal, state, or local prison records.

Look up state and local prison records

For state and local prison records, contact the state's department of corrections .

Look up federal prison records from 1870 to present

Recent federal prison records (1982 - present), locate or learn about an inmate.

Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate locator  to find out when a prisoner is or was expected to be released.

To learn more details about an inmate, find out how to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to BOP.

Get a copy of your own prison records

If you are looking for your own prison records, complete and submit Form DOJ-361  along with a FOIA request . This form helps BOP confirm your identity so your private prison records are not wrongfully disclosed.

Federal prison records 1870 - 1981

Find prisoner records prior to 1982 from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). To learn more about finding BOP records, contact NARA .

NARA also has indexes of inmates once held at Alcatraz, Leavenworth, and other federal prisons . Search by name for former inmates at each location to see if they served time there. 

You may be able to order copies of prisoners' records through NARA if they are available. Include the following information about the inmate in your request:

• Name (including middle name or initial)
• Date of birth or approximate age at the time of incarceration
• Approximate dates in prison

LAST UPDATED: January 31, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Blog Government Digital Service

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?

Related content and links

Government digital service.

GDS is here to make digital government simpler, clearer and faster for everyone. Good digital services are better for users, and cheaper for the taxpayer.

Find out more .

Sign up and manage updates

Be part of the transformation.

If you’re interested in joining us, check out all open opportunities on the GDS careers site.

• GDS Podcasts

Recent Posts

• How we’re using Webinars to demonstrate how quick and easy it is to use GOV.UK Forms 28 February 2024
• How we are improving GOV.UK Pay with user satisfaction feedback 29 January 2024
• How we migrated our PostgreSQL database with 11 seconds downtime 17 January 2024

Comments and moderation

Social media house rules.

Read our guidelines

Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

• to have previously booked a visit
• the visit reference number for the prisoner
• the prisoner's number
• your unique visitor identification number
• your date of birth
• your e-mail address and contact number
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

• the visit reference number for the prisoner 
• the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

• Guide to arranging an online visit
• Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

• more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

• more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

• Visiting someone in prison

Translation help

Help improve this page - send your feedback.

You will not receive a reply. We will consider your feedback to help improve the site. Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers.

What to do next

Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to [email protected] 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 Email  [email protected]

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750  Email  [email protected]

Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912  Email [email protected]

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to [email protected] or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service .

For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service .

For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit .

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) section , then for queries about:

• Restrictions or regulations —  contact the Department of Health
• Travel advice (including self-isolation) —  contact the Department of Health
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the  Department of Health  or  Public Health Agency

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] and for queries about your certificate, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email [email protected]

Application and payment queries can be emailed to  [email protected]

For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency .

For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email  [email protected]

For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email  [email protected] .

For queries about:

• Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea  
• Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about passports, contact  HM Passport Office .

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email  [email protected]

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the  Northern Ireland Pension Centre .

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section .

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads .

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service .

For queries or advice about rates, email [email protected]

For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact  Smartpass - Translink .

If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly .  We don't have access to information about you.

• ePrisons MIS
• Citizen Service

Instant Visit Request

Advance visit request to meet your wards..

Dashboard Reports

Statistical information about prison population, daily admissions, relase, visits etc..

ePrison Canteen

Support the inmates by purchasing the items produced in prison factory..

KIOSK Information

Information access to inmates..

Submit grievances of your wards lodged inside the prison online.

Legal Aid Made Simple.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Crime, justice and law
• Prisons and probation

Hull Prison

Hull is a prison and young offender institution (YOI) for men over 18 just outside Hull, East Yorkshire.

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

Book and plan your visit to Hull

To visit someone in Hull Prison you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit between 2 weeks and 24 hours in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

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

Contact Hull Prison 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 Hull
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can book your visit online .

You can book your visit by telephone.

Booking line: 01482 282 016 The booking line is open Monday to Friday: 8am to 12:30pm

Visiting times:

• Monday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm
• Tuesday: 5:45pm to 6:45pm
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 5:45pm to 6:45pm
• Friday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm
• Saturday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm
• Sunday: 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm

If you have any other queries, such as prisoner property, contact list additions, pin credit or finance, please call the switchboard on 01482 282 200.

The Grab bag phone line is no longer in operation. Grab bags can be purchased in person from the canteen on your visit.

How to book legal and professional visits

You can book a legal visit by email: [email protected] mailbox is monitored Monday to Friday 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Legal Visit times:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9am, 10am, 2pm and 3pm

Legal Video visit times:

• Monday to Friday: 9:30am, 10:30am, 2pm and 3pm

Getting to Hull

Find Hull on a map

The closest railway station is Paragon Station, Hull. From there you can get a taxi or take the bus.

To plan your journey by public transport:

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

By car, head towards the ferry port and the prison is just before it. There is a free car park (number 4) for visitors on Southcoates Lane with 6 spaces for Blue Badge holders in front of the main gate.

There is a free visitors car park located at the rear of the Prison, Southcoates Lane.

Entering Hull

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 .

All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Hull has a strict family friendly dress code policy, which means visitors should wear smart clothes. This means no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons. No multiple layers of clothing, no high boots or steel toe capped boots, no sportswear, no offensive slogans and no ripped or see-through clothing.

Refreshments are available to purchase during your visit.

There are strict controls on what you can take into HMP Hull, including jewellery. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker in the visitors’ centre or in your car - this includes pushchairs and car seats.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

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

Visiting facilities

In the visitor centre, there is a vending machine for hot drinks, baby changing facilities and disabled access. There is also a children’s play area. In the visiting hall, there is a canteen serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and sweets.

Family days

HMP Hull run numerous family visits throughout the year. Details on how these visits run can be obtained by contacting: [email protected] .

Keep in touch with someone at Hull

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

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

Secure video calls at this prison can be requested by prisoners only.

You will receive a notification if a prisoner has requested a video call with you.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Prisoners have phones in their cells but these do not accept incoming calls. They are able to make calls every day between 7:30am and 11pm. 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 helping keep people safe.

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

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

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 Hull .

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 Hull can apply for permission for visitors to hand in items during a visit.

All property will be opened and checked by officers. Make sure to include the person’s name and prisoner number on the parcel.

Friends and families 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 .

Contact Hull for more information on what’s allowed.

Life at Hull

Hull 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 Hull 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 .

Arrival and first night

When someone first arrives at Hull, 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 prisoner who arrives at Hull 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 also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Accommodation

Around 1,100 prisoners live at Hull across 6 houseblocks (A to F). Most prisoners share cells.

Education and work

Prisoners have access to a broad programme of accredited and non-accredited learning opportunities provided by Novus. These range from basic skills, such as English and maths, to distance learning with The Open University , National Extension College and The Prison Education Trust .

The programme includes training in a variety of trades and professions, including:

• Digital skills
• ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
• Food preparation and cooking
• Health & Safety
• Food Safety
• CSCS (Construction Health & Safety)
• Cleaning competencies
• Support in preparing for employment upon release
• Novus works
• Distance learning

Employment and training are available throughout the establishment, in Industries, Kitchens and Gardens, whilst working in these areas prisoners can access accredited learning / training through vocational qualifications.

Hull also runs a number of accredited  offending behaviour programme  courses.

Support for family, friends and significant others

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

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

Support at Hull

Lincolnshire Action Trust are the current providers for the family service. You can contact the team for any support, information and guidance by emailing [email protected] or you can call: 01482 282 574

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01482 282 200 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 Hull .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Hull in response to independent inspections.

Contact Hull

Governor: S Mycroft

Telephone: 01482 282 200 Open 24 hours Fax: 01482 282 403 Find out about call charges

Email: [email protected]

Follow Hull on Twitter/X

HMP Hull Hedon Road Hull HU9 5LS

Updated information about education on offer to prisoners at HMP Hull

Added legal visits and legal video call day and time slots

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

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

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

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

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 visit info

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

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

Covid-19 update

Covid updates to visit times

Added confirmation of secure video calling availability at this prison.

added survey link

Prison visits update.

First published.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .