Prison visits are essential for maintaining family connections and psychological wellbeing. Understanding visiting procedures, entitlements, and your rights as a prisoner receiving visits is important.
Legal Framework
Prison Rules 1999 Rule 37 govern visits. Prisoners have right to visits unless restricted for security/discipline. Governor can refuse or cancel visits if necessary. Visiting entitlements vary by security category and behavioral record.
Visiting Entitlements
Standard: one visit per week (standard category). Enhanced: up to three visits per week (good behavior). Basic: no visits (disciplinary). Remand prisoners: more visits allowed. Category A: visits often restricted location.
Booking Visits
Family/friends contact prison to book visit (typically 2-7 days notice). Visit time slot allocated (usually 1 hour). Visits usually mid-week and weekends. Visiting orders (VO) may be required (varies by prison). Online booking systems available in some prisons.
Visiting Procedures
Visitors arrive early for security check. Photo ID required. Visitors subject to search (drugs/contraband prevention). Contact visit or visit through screen/phone varies by prison. Conversations monitored for security. Mobile phones prohibited. Visits supervised.
Restrictions
Visits can be refused if visitor has criminal history, security concerns, or prison policies violated. Visits cancelled if prisoner or visitor breaches rules. Violence, drugs, or smuggling during visit results in immediate cancellation and potential prosecution.
FAQ
How often can I receive visits?
Standard: one per week. Enhanced: up to three per week. Basic: none. Remand: more frequent. Check with your wing staff.
Can I refuse a visit?
Yes. Tell wing staff before visit time. Visitor should be notified to cancel if possible.
What if visitor doesn’t arrive?
Not your responsibility. Family issue. Request new visit slot.
Can I have phone calls instead?
Yes. Phone calls available separate from visits. Phone time allowances vary by category.
Can children visit?
Yes. Children can visit (with responsible adult). Some prisons have child-friendly visiting areas. Supervision required.
What if visitor breaks rules?
Visit cancelled immediately. Visitor may be banned from future visits. Serious breaches (drugs, violence) reported to police.
Can I refuse strip search of visitors?
Visitors consent to search by entering prison. Refusal means visit refused. Security necessity justifies search.
Can visits be monitored?
Yes. Monitored for security. Solicitor visits legally privileged (not monitored for content).
Author: Daniel Hockey | Visiting rights specialist, Prison Law Index 2026.
Last Updated: 2026-04-05 | Prison Rules 1999 Rule 37.
