How to Book a Prison Visit in the UK
To book a prison visit in the UK, you need to be on the prisoner’s approved visitor list first. Once approved, you can book online through the Prison Visit Booking Service at gov.uk/prison-visits, by phone, or in some cases by post. This guide explains every step of the process, what to expect on the day, and the rules you need to know.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Quick answer: Ask the prisoner to add you to their approved visitor list first — this can take up to two weeks. Once you are approved and have your visitor number, book your visit online at gov.uk/prison-visits, by phone on the prison visits booking line, or in some cases by returning a paper Visiting Order. Bring valid photo ID on the day — you will not be admitted without it.
Step 1: Get Added to the Prisoner’s Approved Visitor List
Before you can book any visit, the prisoner must add you to their approved visitor list. This is a list of people the prison has cleared to visit them. The prisoner does this by submitting your details to their wing officer or personal officer. The prison will then carry out a background check, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the establishment.
You cannot add yourself to the list — the request must come from the prisoner. If you have not heard back within two weeks, the prisoner should chase this up with their personal officer directly.
Step 2: Book Your Visit
Once approved, there are three ways to book a prison visit:
Option A: Book Online (Recommended)
The Prison Visit Booking Service at gov.uk/prison-visits lets you book a social visit online for most prisons in England and Wales. You will need to:
- Create a free account or sign in
- Search for the prison by name
- Select an available visiting slot from the calendar
- Enter your details and the details of any additional visitors
- Confirm the booking — you’ll receive a confirmation email
Option B: Phone the Prison
All prisons have a visits booking line. You can call the prison directly to book a social visit. The number will be on the prison’s GOV.UK page. Some prisons only accept bookings by phone, so this is worth checking before trying to book online.
Option C: Visiting Order (VO)
Some prisons still use a Visiting Order (VO) system. The prisoner sends a VO (a slip or form) to you by post, which you then bring to the prison on the day. Without a valid VO, you may not be admitted. Ask the prisoner if their prison uses VOs — this is becoming less common as online booking expands, but some establishments still use it.
How Many Visits Can a Prisoner Receive?
The minimum entitlement is set by prison rules, but the number of visits a prisoner receives can increase depending on their incentive level (basic, standard, or enhanced):
| Incentive Level | Typical Visits Per Month |
|---|---|
| Basic | 1 visit (minimum) |
| Standard | 2 visits |
| Enhanced | 3+ visits |
Remand prisoners (those awaiting trial) typically receive more frequent visits than sentenced prisoners. Each prison sets its own schedule — check the specific prison’s GOV.UK page for exact visit frequency and duration.
What to Bring to a Prison Visit
You must bring valid photo ID to every prison visit — without it, you will be refused entry. Accepted forms of ID typically include:
- Passport (UK or foreign)
- UK or EU driving licence (full or provisional)
- PASS-accredited proof of age card
- National identity card (EU/EEA)
- Biometric Residence Permit
If you don’t have photo ID, contact the prison in advance to ask what alternative documentation they will accept. Each prison may have slightly different requirements.
You should also bring your booking confirmation (email printout or on your phone), and if applicable, a valid VO. Leave valuables at home — mobile phones, excess cash, and most personal items are not permitted in the visits hall.
What Happens When You Arrive at the Prison
Arrive early — prisons operate strict timeslots and latecomers may be refused entry or have their visit cut short. When you arrive:
- Report to the visitors’ centre or reception
- Present your ID and booking confirmation
- You will be searched — this includes an airport-style scan and may include a pat-down search
- Your belongings will be stored in a locker while you visit
- You will be escorted to the visits hall
Drug dogs may be present at the entrance. If a dog indicates on you — even if you believe this is a false alert — you may be refused entry or subjected to further searches. Do not attempt to bring any prohibited items into a prison. Doing so is a criminal offence and will result in arrest.
What Can You Bring Into the Visits Hall?
Most prisons allow you to bring a small amount of cash (usually coins) to purchase refreshments from the visits hall canteen. Some prisons have moved to cashless canteen systems using a pre-loaded card. Check in advance which system your prison uses.
You are generally allowed to bring approved items for children visiting, such as nappies and baby food, but these must be in transparent bags and may be searched. Do not bring food, gifts, or any items for the prisoner — these are not permitted to be passed over during a visit and will be confiscated.
Taking Children to a Prison Visit
Children can visit prisoners and are welcome at most establishments. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children do not usually need photo ID, but some prisons may ask for proof of identity for older children. It is worth calling the prison in advance if you are bringing children, particularly babies or toddlers, so you know what to bring and what facilities are available.
Many prisons have a dedicated family-friendly visits area or children’s corner with toys and activities. Staff in the visits hall are trained to make visits as comfortable as possible for children.
Legal Visits
If you are a solicitor or legal representative visiting a prisoner in a professional capacity, legal visits are separate from social visits and are not subject to the same visiting order or booking system. Legal visits are confidential and prisoners have the right to see their legal representatives in private. Contact the prison’s legal visits department directly to arrange these.
Visiting Prisons in Scotland and Northern Ireland
The GOV.UK online booking service covers prisons in England and Wales only. For prisons in Scotland and Northern Ireland:
- Scotland: Contact the Scottish Prison Service or the individual prison directly to arrange visits. Each Scottish prison manages its own visiting arrangements.
- Northern Ireland: Contact the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Visits are arranged through the individual prison.
Other Ways to Stay in Touch
- Email a prisoner — via emailaprisoner.com, printed and delivered to their wing
- Send a letter — posted directly to the prison address
- Send money to a prisoner — via the Prison NOMIS banking system at gov.uk
- Phone calls — prisoners can call approved contacts from prison phones during association time
Common mistakes and misunderstandings:
- Turning up without being on the approved visitor list first — you cannot be added on the day, and applications can take up to two weeks.
- Forgetting photo ID — you will be turned away at the gate without valid identification for every adult visitor.
- Booking too close to the visit date — slots fill up quickly, especially at weekends, so book as early as the prison allows.
- Not checking dress code and property rules in advance — some items commonly carried day-to-day (large bags, certain clothing, phones) are not allowed in the visits hall.
This guide draws on the site’s own first-hand experience of prison visits — both as a visitor and, for founder Daniel Hockey, as a prisoner receiving visits across Category B, C and D establishments. Read more on our about page.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be on the prisoner’s approved visitor list before booking. Once approved, book online at gov.uk/prison-visits, call the prison’s visits booking line, or wait for a Visiting Order (VO) from the prisoner if their prison uses that system.
Yes. Valid photo ID is required at every prison visit. Accepted forms include a passport, UK or EU driving licence, PASS-accredited proof of age card, or national identity card. Without ID you will not be admitted.
The prisoner must submit your details to their personal officer or wing officer, who will arrange a background check. This process can take a few days to several weeks. You cannot add yourself to the list — it must be done by the prisoner.
Most prisons use airport-style security including a walk-through scanner, baggage X-ray, and potentially a pat-down search. Drug detection dogs may also be present. Mobile phones and prohibited items are not permitted in the visits hall.
Yes. Children can visit prisoners and are welcome at most prisons, accompanied by a responsible adult. Many prisons have family-friendly visiting areas. Contact the prison in advance if you are bringing babies or young children to confirm what facilities and items are permitted.
A Visiting Order (VO) is a form issued by the prisoner that authorises a specific visitor to attend. Some prisons require you to bring a VO on the day. Online booking has replaced VOs at many establishments, but some prisons still use them — ask the prisoner whether their prison requires one.
