Before you go:

You need to have a visiting order and photographic ID.

You should check that you know where you are going. You may want to arrive early, as there will be security to go through.

You are not allowed to give anything to the prisoner directly.  If you want to hand something in for the person you are visiting, it is worth calling the prison to ask if this is allowed.

Financial assistance

You may be able to get help with the costs of visiting someone in prison.  If you are a close relative, partner or the only visitor and have a low income, you should contact the Assisted Prison Visits Unit to see if you qualfy for help, their number is 0845 300 1423.

At the prison

Your bags and pockets will be searched. You may also be given a rub down search and asked to open your mouth. All searches should be carried out in a polite and respectful way.

During the visit.

Officers will be present and may listen to your conversation.

You can usually embrace at the beginning and end of the visit.

You cannot usually smoke in the visits hall.

You will be allocated seats and you normally have to remain seated.

The rules for visiting should be clearly displayed in the prison. The visit can be refused or cut short if you break any of these rules. If you are a threat to prison security or are causing concern to other visitors, you may also find the visit is cut short or you are offered a closed visit.

Complaints about visits

Visitors should be treated professionally and with respect.. If you feel you have been discriminated against or treated discourteously, you can write to the governor of the prison. The governor is expected to reply to you within 28 days. There is no formal complaints procedure for people visiting a prison.

More detailed information can be found in the prisoners' information booklet Visiting and Keeping in Touch