Website of the UK government

How to plan your visit

Each prison has its own rules about how many visits each prisoner is allowed, and how and when those visits can happen. Before you can visit any prison, you need a document called a 'visiting order'. This should be sent to you by the person you're planning to visit.

You'll need to take that paper with you when you visit them.

It must have the names of all visitors travelling with you. If any visitors are under the age of 18, then the form should include their full name, date of birth, address and relationship to the prisoner.

Your visit will usually need to be booked in advance on the prison telephone booking line, but some prisons allow you to book your next visit while you are there.

If you can’t use your visiting order for any reason, send it back to the prison so it can be used by another visitor.

• Locate a prison Opens new window

Visiting an unconvicted prisoner

An unconvicted prisoner is someone who is being held in jail while they wait for their trial to take place.

If you're planning to visit one, you'll find that their visiting rules are different than those for prisoners who have been convicted. They are generally given more rights and privileges, and can often receive more frequent visits.

The person you're visiting will be able to let you know about the rules in their own prison, or you could contact the prison directly.

How often you can visit

Prisoners who have been convicted of a crime are entitled to at least two 60-minute visits every four weeks.

Some prisons allow more visits as a reward for good behaviour.

If you live a long way from the prison, the inmate may ask to save up visits so that you can make fewer, but longer, visits. Some prisons will allow that.

Inmates can also request to take their visits at a prison closer to home. However, it’s up to each prison to decide whether or not to allow that.

Identification to take on your visit

You need to make sure that you have the right form of identification when visiting.

A passport, driving licence or gas bill are normally suitable, but you should check this with the prison when you call to book your visit. Different prisons will ask for different forms of identification.

Who can visit

No more than three people can visit a prisoner at the same time. If you are planning a visit with a large number of people, you will need to ask for permission. Tell the prison when you book your visit.

Anyone over the age of 10 counts as one person, but children under ten are not counted.

Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

If the person you're visiting is on remand or has been convicted of a civil offence, you should check the visiting arrangements with the prison. They may have more flexibility on when you can visit and how long you can stay.

What you can take with you

If you want to take things in for the person you are visiting, check with the prison before you visit. Not all prisons allow visitors to bring food or gifts.

Anything you take in must be handed over to the officer in charge of visits when you arrive.

You might be searched when you arrive. If you refuse to be searched you will not be allowed to see the prisoner. This is to ensure that you are not smuggling in any items for the person you're visiting.

Smuggling drugs or other contraband into prisons is a serious offence. It can result in a ban from visting the prison for several months or even in your arrest.

• What can I take in? - information from HM Prison Service Opens new window

More useful links

• Visiting prison - a guide from HM Prison Service Opens new window