Prison Visiting Rules: How to Visit Someone in Prison (UK)
Last reviewed: June 2026
Visiting a loved one in prison can feel daunting the first time, especially with security and unfamiliar rules. This guide walks you through how visits work, what to expect and how to avoid the common pitfalls, so your visit goes as smoothly as possible.
Getting on the visitor list and booking
Before you can visit, the prisoner needs to add you to their approved list of visitors. Once you are approved, you book a visit — most prisons use the GOV.UK online visit booking service, while some take bookings by phone. You will usually need the prisoner’s number and date of birth, plus details (including dates of birth) for everyone coming with you.
Booking ahead matters because spaces are limited and walk-in visits are generally not allowed. Confirmation tells you the date, time and how early to arrive. Always check the individual prison’s page on GOV.UK, as visiting times and rules differ between establishments. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to visit a prisoner.
What to bring — and what to leave at home
| Bring | Leave at home / in a locker |
|---|---|
| Valid photo ID (passport, driving licence or other accepted ID) | Mobile phones and smart devices |
| Your booking reference | Bags (beyond what is permitted) |
| A small amount of cash/coins for the visitors’ cafe or lockers | Cigarettes, lighters, vapes |
| Any documents the prison has asked for | Anything you have not been told you can bring in |
Lockers are usually provided for belongings you cannot take into the visits hall. Do not attempt to bring anything in for the prisoner unless the prison has explicitly approved it — passing unauthorised items is a serious offence.
Photo ID and children
Adult visitors normally need an accepted form of photo identification, and the prison can refuse entry without it. Check the prison’s ID list before you travel. Children can usually visit but must be accompanied by an adult and supervised throughout, and you may be asked for proof of your relationship.
What to expect on the day
Arrive in good time — you will go through security screening, which can include a search, a metal detector and sometimes a sniffer dog. This is routine, not a sign of suspicion. Visits take place in a visits hall with tables, often with a cafe. Staff supervise throughout, and there are rules about contact (usually a brief hug at the start and end). Closed visits, behind a screen, are used in some circumstances. Daniel Hockey, who served his own sentence, writes about how much these visits meant from the inside — see about Daniel Hockey.
- Turning up without booking. Almost all prisons require visits to be booked in advance.
- Forgetting photo ID. You can be turned away at the gate without it.
- Arriving late. Latecomers may be refused entry or have the visit shortened.
- Bringing a phone in. Leave devices in the car or a locker — taking one inside can have serious consequences.
- Passing items to the prisoner. Never hand over anything that has not been approved.
Frequently asked questions
How many visits can a prisoner have?
Most convicted prisoners are entitled to at least two visits every four weeks; those on remand are usually allowed more. The exact number depends on the prison and the prisoner’s status and behaviour level.
Can I take money in for the prisoner?
You cannot hand cash over during a visit, but you can usually send money to a prisoner’s account in advance through the GOV.UK send-money service. Bring only what you need for the visitors’ cafe and lockers.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly and avoid anything that could breach the dress code (such as ripped clothing, offensive slogans, hoods up, or revealing outfits). If in doubt, check the prison’s guidance beforehand.
Can visits be cancelled?
Yes — visits can be cancelled at short notice for operational or security reasons. It is worth confirming before a long journey.
What is a video visit?
Many prisons also offer secure video calls booked through an app, which can be helpful if you live far away or cannot travel.
Official sources
For the official process, see GOV.UK: visiting someone in prison and GOV.UK: staying in touch with someone in prison. The Prison Reform Trust and the Prisoners’ Families Helpline also offer support to families.
This guide is general information. Each prison sets its own arrangements — always check that prison’s GOV.UK page before you travel.
