How to Book First Prison Visit in the UK

Booking your first prison visit in the UK can be a daunting experience. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you are well-prepared.

Steps to Book Your First Prison Visit

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

The first step in booking your first prison visit is to gather the required information about the prisoner you wish to visit. You will need the prisoner’s full name, date of birth, prisoner number, and the name of the prison. This information is crucial for completing the booking process​​​​.

Book First Prison Visit Step 2

Understand the Booking Methods

There are two primary ways to book a prison visit in the UK: online and by telephone.

Booking Online

To book online, you must use the government’s official Prison Visits Booking system. You will need the prisoner’s details and your identification information, including your full name, date of birth, and contact information. Once submitted, the prison will confirm your visit via email​​​​.

Booking by Telephone

If you prefer to book by phone, you can contact the prison’s Visits Booking Office. You will need the same information as for online booking. Some prisons also require a unique visitor identification number, which you can obtain by calling the prison​​​​.

Book First Prison Visit Step 3

Await Confirmation

After submitting your booking request, you will need to wait for confirmation. This process can take several days, so it’s advisable to book well in advance. The prison will notify you of the approved visit date and time​​.

Step 4: Prepare for the Visit

Once your visit is confirmed, ensure you have a valid form of identification to bring with you, such as a passport or driving licence. Familiarize yourself with the prison’s visitation rules, including what you can and cannot bring. Typically, only essential items are allowed, and all items may be subject to search​​​​.

Step 5: Understand the Search Procedures

Upon arrival at the prison, expect to go through a security check. This may include a physical search, biometric scans, and drug detection dogs. These measures ensure the safety and security of everyone in the facility​​.

What to Expect During Your Visit

During the visit, you will be in a designated visiting area, which is often supervised. Some prisons allow limited physical contact, while others have stricter rules. The environment aims to balance security with the need for visitors and inmates to connect meaningfully​​.

FAQs

  1. How do I find out which prison an inmate is in?

    • You can use the ‘Find a Prisoner’ service on the GOV.UK website by providing the inmate’s full name and date of birth​​.
  2. Can children visit inmates?

    • Yes, but there may be additional rules, such as age limits and the need for children to be accompanied by an adult. Check with the specific prison for their policies​​.
  3. What identification do I need to bring?

    • A valid passport, driving licence, or utility bills showing your current address are usually required​​.
  4. Can I bring gifts or money to the inmate?

    • You can bring certain items like underwear and books, but they will be thoroughly checked. Money can be sent using the online service​​.
  5. What should I do if I can’t book a visit online?

    • Contact the prison’s Visits Booking Office by phone. They can assist you with the booking process and provide a unique visitor identification number if needed​​.
  6. How soon can I visit after booking?

    • The confirmation process can take several days, so plan accordingly and book in advance​​.
  7. Are video visits available?

    • Some prisons offer secure video calls, which must be requested by the prisoner. You need to create an account on the Prison Video app and register all visitors​​.
  8. What is the process for booking a legal visit?

    • Legal visits are usually arranged directly through the prison and not through the standard online booking system​​.
  9. Can I cancel or reschedule a visit?

    • Contact the prison as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Policies vary by prison​​.
  10. How do I get help with the cost of visits?

    • If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for financial assistance with travel costs for prison visits​​.

Summary and Conclusion

Booking your first prison visit in the UK requires careful preparation and understanding of the procedures. Ensure you have all necessary information and identification ready. By following the outlined steps, you can make the process smoother and support your loved one effectively during their time in prison.

For further details on booking visits and other related information, visit GOV.UK.


Research URLs:

Visit our other prison pages such as Visit a prisoner for the first time.