How to Book a Prison Visit in the UK: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Booking a prison visit requires understanding the formal procedures established under the Prison Rules 1999 and individual prison security protocols. This guide walks you through every stage—from initial eligibility checks through to your visit day—based on actual HM Prison Service procedures.
Why Proper Booking Procedures Matter
Prison visits are tightly controlled for security and safeguarding reasons. The booking system protects both visitors and prisoners by screening visitors, preventing unauthorised items entering the facility, and maintaining order. Understanding the correct procedures ensures your visit isn’t rejected or cancelled at the gate.
Stage 1: Eligibility and Pre-Booking Checks
Before you book, you must establish whether you’re eligible to visit and whether the prisoner has approved you. A prisoner can have up to 20 visitors on their approved list (though this varies by establishment and security category). You need:
- A valid form of photographic ID (driving licence, passport, or national ID card)
- Proof of address issued within the last three months (utility bill, bank statement, council tax letter)
- To be named on the prisoner’s visiting order or approved visitor list
- No criminal convictions that would disqualify you (serious drug offences, sexual offences, or violence-related convictions typically result in rejection)
For first-time visitors: The prisoner themselves must request your name be added to their approved visitors list. They’ll make this request through their wing officer or via a prison application form (Form OP/A). This can take 1-2 weeks to process.
Stage 2: Choosing Your Booking Method
The HM Prison Service offers three main booking methods, varying by establishment:
Online Booking Portal (Preferred)
Most prisons now use the centralised booking system at www.justice.gov.uk/prison-visits“>https://www.justice.gov.uk/prison-visits. This is the fastest method:
- Visit the official portal and enter the prisoner’s surname, date of birth, and prison name
- Create an account using your email address
- View available visiting sessions (typically 2-4pm weekdays, 10am-12pm and 2-4pm weekends)
- Select your preferred slot
- Complete your details and confirm
- Receive confirmation email with a booking reference (usually within 24 hours)
Processing time: Usually instant confirmation, with formal approval within 48 hours.
Telephone Booking
Call the individual prison’s visits office directly. The central number for most prisons is 0330 011 2000, though you should request the specific prison’s visits line. You’ll need to provide:
- Your full name and date of birth
- The prisoner’s full name and prisoner number
- Your preferred visiting date and time
- A contact telephone number
Processing time: Confirmation may take 2-3 working days.
Paper Visiting Order (Less Common)
Some prisons still accept physical visiting orders, though this is declining. The prisoner requests a visiting order form from their wing officer, completes it with your details, and sends it to you. You then return it to the prison’s visits office.
Processing time: 1-2 weeks.
Stage 3: What Happens During Booking
When you book, the system checks:
- Visitor eligibility: Have you been approved by the prisoner? Do you have disqualifying criminal convictions?
- Security clearance: Are there any security flags against you?
- Capacity: Does the visits room have availability? (Visits are limited to manage security and space)
- Prisoner status: Is the prisoner in the establishment, not segregated, and not banned from visits?
If everything checks out, you’ll receive a booking confirmation with:
- Booking reference number
- Confirmed date and time
- Prison address and access instructions
- What you can bring (see Security Section below)
- What time to arrive (usually 30 minutes before visit)
Stage 4: First Visit vs. Repeat Visits
First-Time Visitors
On your first visit, expect the process to take longer (30-45 minutes for security screening before the visit starts):
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early
- You’ll be asked to provide photographic ID and proof of address at the visits desk
- You’ll be photographed and added to the prison’s visitor database
- You’ll be security-screened (metal detector or manual pat-down)
- Your belongings will be searched
- You’ll receive a security pass valid for that day only
- You’ll then be escorted to the visits room
Repeat Visitors
Once you’re registered:
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early
- Security screening is still carried out but faster (you’re in the system)
- You may be recognised by visits staff, speeding up the process
- Each visit still requires photographic ID
Stage 5: Visiting Hours by Prison Category
UK prisons are classified into four security categories (A, B, C, D), and visiting hours vary:
Category A (Maximum Security)
Restricted visiting hours due to high-security requirements:
- Weekdays: 2-4pm
- Weekends/Bank Holidays: 10am-12pm, 2-4pm
- Limited number of visitors per prisoner
- Stricter security procedures (longer screening times)
Category B (High Security)
- Weekdays: 2-4pm (some prisons offer 1.30-3.30pm or 2-4.30pm)
- Weekends/Bank Holidays: 10am-12pm, 2-4pm
- Standard security screening
Category C (Medium Security)
- Weekdays: 1.30-4pm or 2-5pm (varies by establishment)
- Weekends/Bank Holidays: 10am-12.30pm, 2-4.30pm or 10am-1pm, 2-5pm
- More flexible scheduling
Category D (Open Prisons)
- More generous visiting hours: typically 9am-5pm weekdays, 9am-4pm weekends
- Some offer evening visits
- Family visits (longer, more relaxed sessions) may be available
Note on Bank Holidays: Most prisons close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Some close on New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, and Late Spring Bank Holiday. Check with your specific prison about their closure dates.
Stage 6: What You Can and Cannot Bring
Security restrictions are strict. You can typically bring:
- One small bag containing essentials (purse, phone, keys)
- Up to £10 in coins (for vending machines, if available)
- A wedding ring or religious pendant on a chain
- A hearing aid (if required)
- Prescribed medication in original container
Prohibited items include:
- Any electronic devices (phones, cameras, recording devices)
- Bags larger than a small handbag
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Perfume or aftershave (security risk)
- More than £10 in cash
- Children under 16 without an adult supervisor
Stage 7: Managing Your Booking
Cancelling a Visit
If you need to cancel, do so at least 24 hours in advance through the booking portal or by calling the visits office. Cancelling late may affect your booking privileges or the prisoner’s future visits.
Rescheduling a Visit
Some prisons allow you to move a booking to a different date/time through the online system or by calling the visits office. Availability varies.
No-Show Policy
Failing to arrive for a confirmed visit without notice can result in temporary suspension of booking privileges. If you miss a visit, contact the prison immediately to explain.
Troubleshooting Common Booking Issues
Your Booking Is Rejected
Possible reasons:
- You’re not on the prisoner’s approved list
- You have a disqualifying conviction
- There’s a security flag against you
- The prison has restricted visits for that prisoner
Solution: Contact the visits office to ask for the reason. If it’s a mistake, you can appeal through the prison’s formal complaints procedure.
The Prisoner Says They Didn’t Request Your Details
If the prisoner claims they didn’t add you to their approved list, contact the prison’s visits office. The prisoner may need to formally request your addition.
Online Portal Won’t Accept Your Prisoner’s Details
Possible reasons:
- You’ve entered the prisoner’s surname incorrectly (it’s case-sensitive on some systems)
- The date of birth is wrong (check carefully—day/month/year order matters)
- The prisoner has been released or transferred
- The prisoner is in a prison not covered by the online system (rare, but some use older systems)
Solution: Try again carefully, or call the prison’s visits office directly on 0330 011 2000.
Special Circumstances
Visiting a Remand Prisoner
Prisoners awaiting trial have the same visiting restrictions as convicted prisoners, but they may have more flexibility around approved visitors (since they haven’t been convicted yet). The approval process is the same.
Visiting with Young Children
Children under 5 visit for free. Children aged 5-15 require adult supervision (at least one adult per two children). Some prisons have restricted policies on young children in high-security establishments. Book in advance and mention you’re bringing children.
Disabled Access
Most prisons accommodate disabled visitors, but not all visits rooms are fully accessible. When booking, notify the prison of any mobility requirements so they can arrange appropriate facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far in advance should I book a visit?
A: You can typically book up to 28 days in advance through the online portal. For popular times (weekends, evenings), book as early as possible. For standard times, 1-2 weeks ahead usually gives you good availability.
Q2: Can I visit more than once per week?
A: Most prisons allow up to two visits per week per prisoner, though this varies. Category A prisons may be more restrictive. Check with your specific prison’s policy.
Q3: What happens if the prisoner is in segregation?
A: Visits are suspended while a prisoner is in segregation (solitary confinement), either as punishment or for their own protection. The prison will notify you if a booked visit is cancelled for this reason.
Q4: Can I visit a prisoner in a different prison than where they’re serving their sentence?
A: Prisoners can be transferred between establishments. If you’re told a prisoner has been moved, you can find their new location using the Prison Locator Service at justice.gov.uk.
Q5: Is there a cost to book a visit?
A: No—booking visits is free. However, you may incur travel costs to reach the prison. Traveller grants are available for family members on low incomes; ask the visits office about eligibility.
Q6: What’s the difference between a visiting order and an approved visitor list?
A: A visiting order is a physical ticket given by the prisoner, allowing a specific person to visit on a specific date. An approved visitor list is a permanent record allowing you to visit anytime the prison has availability. Most prisons now use the approved list system.
Q7: Can I visit if I have a criminal record?
A: This depends on the type and severity of your conviction. Minor offences may not disqualify you, but serious crimes (especially drug trafficking, sexual offences, or violence) typically will. The prison will assess this when you book.
Q8: What happens if I’m late arriving for a visit?
A: If you arrive after the visit has started, staff may refuse entry. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your visit time begins. Some prisons have a grace period of 5-10 minutes; call ahead if you’re running late.
Q9: Can my visit be extended if we haven’t finished talking?
A: No. Visits have a fixed end time (usually after 2 hours or 4pm, whichever comes first). The prisoner will be taken back to their wing at the stated end time.
Q10: What if I need to update my contact details on file?
A: Log into your online account and update your profile, or contact the prison’s visits office by phone. Changes usually take 2-3 working days to process.
Q11: Can I bring books or magazines for the prisoner?
A: Generally, you cannot bring items into the visits room for the prisoner (they cannot be handed over during visits). However, you can usually send books and magazines by post—most prisons allow books in their original packaging, though some restrict certain genres. Ask the prison’s mail room about their policy.
Q12: What’s the policy on physical contact during visits?
A: Most prisons allow hand-holding and a brief hug at the start and end of the visit. Kissing, sitting on laps, or prolonged physical contact is not permitted. Sexual contact is strictly prohibited and results in immediate visit termination and potential bans.
Q13: Can I visit a prisoner in hospital if they’ve been transferred?
A: If a prisoner is in an external hospital, visits may be restricted or supervised differently. Contact the hospital’s security office or the prison to arrange hospital visits, as procedures vary.
Q14: What if the prisoner refuses to see me?
A: A prisoner can decline a visit without explanation. If this happens repeatedly, you might contact their wing officer to ask if there’s an issue, but you cannot force a visit to happen.
Key Contacts
General Prison Visits Enquiries: 0330 011 2000
Online Booking Portal: www.justice.gov.uk/prison-visits“>https://www.justice.gov.uk/prison-visits
Prison Locator Service: www.justice.gov.uk/prison-locator“>https://www.justice.gov.uk/prison-locator
HM Prison Service Main Line: 0300 047 4000
Booking a prison visit is straightforward once you understand the procedure. Ensure you’re approved by the prisoner, use the correct booking method for your prison, arrive early, and follow security rules. Your preparation and compliance make the visit experience smoother for everyone involved.
