We recognise that visiting a prison for the first time may feel intimidating. To support you, we have provided the information below explaining what to expect.

Families Outside have also produced a video guide explaining how the National Prison Visitors' Service supports families with practical information, guidance and a warm welcome to help make prison visits a little easier.

Dedicated resources aimed at children and young people are also available on the Families Outside website.

Families Outside: Supporting children and young people

What do I need to visit?

You need some form of photographic ID, you may be asked for some additional ID. Some examples of what are accepted is one from section A, plus one from section B below.


Section A – Government Issued Photographic ID:
•    Valid Passport
•    Photographic Driving Licence
•    Citizen/Validate UK Card - apply for a CitizenCard
•    Senior Citizens Bus Pass
•    Photographic Bank Card
•    Young Scot Card


Section B – Proof of Address:
•    Utility bill
•    Council tax bill
•    Bank statement
•    Other letter from official source
 

What do I do when I arrive for a visit?

Please note many prisons will have a cut off time before the visit time is due to start, this is noted on the individual prison pages and can range from 10-30 minutes. If in doubt give yourself plenty of time to travel and be processed through the main prison entrance.

 

Upon arriving for a visit, you must book in at the front desk which will look like the image to the left.

 

Officers will greet you, check your booking and ID.
 

Reception desk at Stirling

What does the security look like?

Our security when visiting a prison is like what you would expect at an airport. For your safety and security, we operate robust security measures.

  • While security measures vary at different prisons dependent on the facilities, you will be asked to place your belongings in a locker and proceed through a metal detector.
  • Please note that lockers accept £1 coins or tokens, and you can take your locker key into the visit room.
  • You may be asked to remove your belt or your shoes and there may also be ION scanners in place or dogs present. The purpose of our security process is to ensure the safety of everyone visiting the prison.

What happens after I go through security?

Once you have gone through security there will be a waiting area/room where you can sit before being called through to your visit. 

 

Visit areas will look different between prisons, however we aim to provide you with a warm, welcoming friendly environment for you and your family to spend time together. 

Visit room in Low Moss

What is a closed visit?

There may be times when your entry is refused to the visits room, however when this happens you may be offered a closed visit.

The closed visits area is designed to prevent any physical contact taking place by way of a cubicle that separates you from the person in custody by a clear screen, there is also usually no access to refreshments during the visit. 

Where can I get additional support and information?

There are visitors centres dedicated to providing additional support and information to visitors visiting a loved one.

Prison Visitors' Centres page