Visiting someone in prison

Visiting a loved one in prison can be a stressful and emotional experience, especially if it’s your first time. The environment, rules, and procedures are unfamiliar for most people, and knowing what to expect can make a difficult situation feel a little more manageable. This detailed guide will walk you through every stage of the prison visiting process in the UK — from booking your visit to what happens on the day — so you’re fully prepared.

Booking a visit

Before you visit, you must book your appointment. Most UK prisons require visits to be booked in advance. You can usually do this in one of three ways: online through the Government’s official system, by calling the prison’s dedicated visit booking line, or by email if the prison allows it. Each prison may have slightly different rules, so it’s important to check the prison’s specific visiting procedures using the prison finder.

When booking, you’ll need some key details. This includes the prisoner’s full name, their prison number, your own personal details (including full name, address, and date of birth), the relationship you have with the prisoner, and your preferred date and time for the visit. Once everything is confirmed, you should receive a confirmation by letter, email, or phone.

Preparing for the visit

Visitors must bring approved photo identification with them to the visit. Accepted forms usually include a passport, driving licence, or a CitizenCard. If you don’t have one of these, it’s best to contact the prison in advance to find out what alternatives might be acceptable.

Dress codes are strictly enforced in UK prisons to maintain security and decency. It’s wise to avoid revealing clothing, anything with offensive slogans or logos, excessive jewellery, hats or head coverings (unless for religious reasons), and open-toed shoes. Dressing modestly is always the safest option to avoid being turned away.

There are strict limits on what you can bring inside the prison. Typically, you’ll be allowed to bring your ID, your visit confirmation letter, and a locker token (if provided). Phones, cameras, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and recording devices are prohibited and must be stored in lockers provided by the prison before entry. Children can usually visit too, but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult. You’ll need to bring identification for them as well, and some prisons require birth certificates. Some prisons also offer family-friendly visit sessions with a more relaxed environment.

Arriving at the Prison

It’s recommended you arrive at the prison at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit time. This allows time for check-in, security procedures, and handling any unexpected delays. Once you arrive, you’ll need to present your ID at the visitor’s centre or reception, confirm your visit details, and hand over any personal belongings for storage in a secure locker. You’ll likely be given a token, pass, or stamp to confirm you’ve been checked in and are cleared for entry.

Security and searching procedures

All visitors are subject to thorough security screening before being allowed into the visits hall. This usually includes walking through a metal detector, a possible pat-down or handheld wand search, and a check of any bags or items you’re carrying. In some prisons, sniffer dogs may be used to detect drugs. These procedures are routine and designed to maintain the safety of staff, visitors, and prisoners.

What to expect during a visit

Visits typically take place in a communal visits hall, which is supervised by prison staff. The setup can vary between open visits and closed visits. In open visits, there are no physical barriers, and visitors and prisoners sit at designated tables while staff observe from a distance. In closed visits, contact is restricted by a glass partition, with communication through a phone or speaker system. These are usually reserved for higher-risk situations.

Rules inside the visits hall are clear and strictly enforced. Visitors must follow staff instructions, remain seated in their allocated area, and avoid passing items without permission. Physical contact is typically limited to a brief hug or handshake at the beginning and end of the visit. Conversations may be monitored, and any inappropriate behaviour can lead to the visit being ended early.

Many visits halls have vending machines or small cafes, allowing visitors to buy snacks or drinks during the visit. Some prisons allow visitors to purchase refreshments for the prisoner, while others have stricter rules. Additionally, some prisons provide play areas or activity packs for children to help keep them occupied during the visit.

Ending the visit

Visits typically last between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the prison’s policies and schedule. A bell or announcement will signal the end of visiting time. Visitors are expected to say their goodbyes promptly and follow staff instructions to exit in an orderly fashion. Prisoners usually leave the hall first, followed by the visitors.

After leaving the visits hall, visitors return to the entrance area where they collect their belongings from the lockers. Any visitor tokens, passes, or stamps should be returned as instructed before exiting the prison grounds.

Things to remember

If possible, plan your visit for the morning, as it’s often quieter. It’s also useful to bring some coins for vending machines and locker deposits. Be sure to check the number of visitors allowed per session, as some prisons have strict limits. Lastly, plan your travel and parking arrangements ahead of time, especially for remote prisons or those with limited public transport links.

How can Prison Call help?

While prison visits offer a vital lifeline, they can only happen so often. In the time between visits, regular phone calls provide a valuable way to stay connected. Prison Call makes this much more affordable by offering a virtual landline number that forwards to your mobile. This means prisoners can call you at the cheaper landline rate, saving their phone credit and allowing more frequent contact.It’s quick to set up a virtual landline at www.callfromprison.co.uk. Once you’ve added this number to your loved one’s approved PIN list, they can start calling you anytime they have access to a phone.

Support For Visitors

While prison visits offer a vital lifeline, they can only happen so often. In the time between visits, regular phone calls provide a valuable way to stay connected. Prison Call makes this much more affordable by offering a virtual landline number that forwards to your mobile. This means prisoners can call you at the cheaper landline rate, saving their phone credit and allowing more frequent contact.

It’s quick to set up a virtual landline at www.callfromprison.co.uk. Once you’ve added this number to your loved one’s approved PIN list, they can start calling you anytime they have access to a phone.

Visiting someone in prison can feel overwhelming, especially the first time. But with a little preparation and a clear understanding of the rules and routines, it can be a manageable and meaningful experience. By staying informed, dressing appropriately, arriving on time, and following security procedures, you can focus on what matters most — supporting your loved one. In between visits, services like Prison Call offer a reliable, cost-effective way to maintain that essential connection, helping families stay strong and prisoners feel less isolated.