Can You Visit A Prisoner Without Being On The Approved List?

If someone you care about is in prison, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is how to visit them. Face-to-face contact is hugely important it reassures both sides, keeps relationships strong, and helps everyone cope better with the emotional strain.

But the process isn’t as simple as just turning up. In the UK, most prisons have clear rules about who can visit and how visits are booked. One of the most common concerns we hear is: “Can you visit a prison without being on the approved list?”

‍This guide explains exactly what the “approved visitors list” (or “visiting list”) is, when you might need to be on it, the exceptions, and what to do if you’re not yet listed. It also includes practical tips on how to prepare for your first visit so you’re not turned away.

What is the approved visitors list?

In most UK prisons, prisoners must submit a list of people they want to be allowed to visit them. This is often called their visitors list, visiting order list, or VO list (in older systems).The prison checks this list to make sure there are no security concerns (for example, that the visitor isn’t a co-defendant, victim, or someone otherwise barred from contact). Once approved, the person is added to the inmate’s official visiting list.

Why do approved visitor lists exist?

There are important reasons for having a visiting list in UK prisons. It helps prison security control exactly who comes in and out of the facility, reducing the risk of unauthorised people entering. It also prevents individuals from trying to smuggle in contraband, which is a serious concern in maintaining prison safety. Just as importantly, the visiting list helps protect victims or witnesses from being contacted by the offender, ensuring that vulnerable people aren’t put at further risk. Additionally, by keeping a clear record of approved visitors, prison staff have vital information on hand in case of emergencies, making it easier to manage visits safely and responsibly.

So, can you visit a prisoner if you’re not on this list?

In most cases, you cannot visit someone in a UK prison without being on their approved visitors list. If you arrive at the prison and your name isn’t on the list — or if your ID details don’t exactly match what’s on file — you’ll almost always be refused entry. However, there are a few limited exceptions. Some prisons allow a first visit for close family if the prisoner is on remand (awaiting trial or sentencing), although even then you usually need to be named by the prisoner and might have to fill out paperwork on the day. Legal or professional visits, such as those from solicitors or probation officers, follow separate procedures and do not require being on the family or friends list. In very rare cases, such as a serious family illness or crisis, prison staff may authorise an emergency welfare visit outside the normal approval process. These are arranged at the discretion of the governor and typically coordinated through a family liaison or safer custody team.

Are there exceptions?

There are a few limited exceptions, depending on the prison:
‍
‍First visits for remand prisoners:
If the person is on remand (meaning awaiting trial or sentencing), some prisons allow a first visit without being on a formal list, especially from close family. But even then, you typically need to be named by the prisoner and may need to fill out paperwork on the day.

‍Legal or professional visits:
Solicitors, probation officers, or official visitors don’t have to be on the approved family & friends list. They have separate booking procedures.

‍Emergency welfare visits:
In very rare circumstances (such as a serious family illness), prison staff might authorise a visit outside the normal approval process. This is at the discretion of the governor and usually arranged through a family liaison team.

How to get added to the approved list

For most family or social visits, the prisoner needs to add you to their visiting list. Here’s how it usually works:

‍The prisoner fills out a form inside the prison, listing the names and details of the people they’d like to receive visits from.

Prison security staff check these names against records. They might carry out criminal record checks or assess any security risks.

Once approved, your name is added to the prisoner’s list. You may receive a letter, call or visiting order number (VO) to use when booking.You’ll then be able to book a visit through the prison’s visits booking line, email or online system.

What information do you need to provide?

The prisoner will generally need your:

- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Relationship to them

‍Some prisons might also require your contact number. When you arrive for your visit, your ID will need to exactly match these details.

Visiting without being listed: common scenarios explained

“I’m a new partner — can I just go and visit?”
No. Even if you’re a fiancé or long-term partner who has just moved in together, you’ll still need to be on the official approved list. Your partner inside will have to submit your details first.

“Can kids visit without being on the list?”
Children still need to be named on the visiting list, although the rules vary slightly. If the child is under 18, their details are usually tied to the accompanying adult. You’ll often need to bring the child’s birth certificate to prove the relationship.

“Can multiple people go to a visit even if only one is on the list?”
No — each visitor generally needs to be on the approved list in their own right. The only partial exception is very young children under the supervision of an approved adult.

“Can I visit if I was added but I’ve changed address?”
If your ID doesn’t match the details the prison has (for example you’ve moved house or changed your name), you may be refused entry. Always notify your loved one inside so they can update your details with prison staff.

What happens at the gate if you’re not approved?

If you arrive for a visit and your name isn’t on the list — or your ID doesn’t match — the prison will almost always turn you away. This is extremely common with new partners or friends who didn’t realise the process.

Many families find this distressing, especially if they’ve travelled long distances. It’s always best to confirm with the prisoner in advance that you’re fully approved.

Tips to avoid problems

✅ Communicate early: Have your loved one inside put your details forward as soon as possible.
✅ Double-check your ID matches: Ensure your address, spelling of your name, and date of birth are exactly correct.
✅ Keep records: If you’ve moved or changed your name, let them know so they can update it inside.
✅ Don’t bring banned items: Even if you’re approved, bringing in unauthorised items can lead to refused entry.
✅ Ask for help: If you’re unsure about being listed, contact the prison visits booking team directly or reach out to a charity like the Prisoners’ Families Helpline.

Being able to visit someone in prison is far more than a simple privilege — it’s a critical lifeline that supports rehabilitation and keeps families strong. But in nearly all cases across the UK, you do need to be on the prisoner’s approved visitors list before you can attend.

It’s worth going through the process carefully to avoid disappointment on the day. Being turned away at the gate can be upsetting for everyone, including the person inside who may lose their scheduled visit slot entirely.

If you’re also supporting your loved one through calls, remember that phone contact can be another huge boost — and using services like Prison Call’s virtual landline can dramatically cut costs, meaning more frequent, worry-free chats between visits.