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A Volunteer Visitation Program to Federal and Military Prisoners Throughout the United States

Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS) is a volunteer visitation program for people incarcerated in federal and military prisons throughout the United States.

Our mission is to provide prisoners with regular, face to face contact from the world outside of prison to help them cope with prison life, encourage personal growth, and prepare for successful reentry into society.

Our vision is to provide qualified visitors to fulfill all requests for visits by prisoners in every federal and military prison.

Our priority is to visit those prisoners who:

• do not ordinarily receive visits from family and friends,

• want or need visits,

• are in solitary confinement,

• are on death row,

• or are serving long sentences.

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“I just wanted to tell you how very thankful I am to you for what you have done for me. Mrs. Colleen is such a good-hearted person…Each visit seems to last only seconds because she is so easy to talk with. She always talks to me & treats me as if I am just a regular person & not like a low-life. Thank you so very much for bringing her into my life. She gives me something to look forward to.”

Prisoner, USMCFP Springfield, MO

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“I also would like to thank you for your inspiration. You are a great person and have become a great, positive role model over the past few months. I have gained so much knowledge and wisdom that has allowed my brain to free itself from the suffering of mental servitude. Yes, you are my elder, but I have not looked upon a friendship with this much appreciation since I was very young. So I thank you very much.”

Prisoner, USP Florence, CO

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“I’ve been incarcerated a little over 2 decades & I never met anyone or a group of people that really cared with no strings attached. Who would’ve ever thought that people actually would take the time to get to know a bunch of misfits that society gave up on? My grandma said that in life we will meet a lot of different people, but never forget the special ones. Suzanne is that special one for me. She really makes a difference. PVS, you are a beacon of light for guys like us.”

Prisoner, USP Coleman 2, FL

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Visit an Inmate - Guide to inmate visitation

Inmate Visitation: A Comprehensive Guide

Inmate Visitation: A Comprehensive Guide

Visiting an inmate in prison can be an important way to maintain connections and provide support. Understanding the different types of inmate visitation options available is crucial for navigating the process effectively. In this article, we will delve into the various types of inmate visitation, shedding light on the different options and what you can expect from each.

Regular Visits:

Regular visits are the most common type of visitation offered to inmates. These visits usually take place in designated visitation areas within the correctional facility. They allow inmates to spend quality time with their loved ones, providing an opportunity for conversation, physical contact (depending on facility rules), and a sense of connection.

During regular visits, visitors and inmates are typically allowed to sit together at tables, and conversation can take place without barriers. Depending on the facility, physical contact such as hugging or holding hands may be permitted. However, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and guidelines set by the correctional facility before the visit to ensure compliance.

Special Visits:

Special visits are granted under specific circumstances that may not align with regular visitation schedules. These visits are typically requested and approved on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as emergencies, critical life events, or legal matters. Special visits allow for additional visitation opportunities beyond the usual schedule, offering flexibility in exceptional situations.

To request a special visit, it is necessary to follow the correctional facility’s guidelines and protocols. Usually, documentation and supporting evidence are required to justify the need for a special visit. It’s essential to plan ahead and communicate effectively with the facility’s authorities to ensure a smooth process.

Contact vs. Non-Contact Visits:

Correctional facilities may offer two different types of visits: contact and non-contact visits. Contact visits involve physical contact between the inmate and the visitor, while non-contact visits occur with a physical barrier between them, typically through glass or wire mesh.

Contact visits allow for direct interaction, including physical touch such as hugs or holding hands. These visits provide a more intimate connection and are often preferred when allowed, as they foster a sense of closeness between inmates and their loved ones. However, they may come with additional security measures, such as thorough searches or specific dress code requirements.

On the other hand, non-contact visits prioritize security and safety by maintaining a physical barrier between visitors and inmates. These visits usually occur through a glass partition or using communication devices, such as telephones. While physical contact is not possible during non-contact visits, they still enable communication and visual interaction.

Understanding the various types of inmate visitation is essential for anyone planning to visit a loved one in prison. Regular visits offer the opportunity for meaningful connections, while special visits provide flexibility in exceptional circumstances. Contact and non-contact visits cater to different needs, ensuring both security and human connection. By being aware of these options, you can make informed decisions and better navigate the inmate visitation process.

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Visit an Inmate

How to Visit Someone in Prison

Last Updated: February 8, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD . Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 74,335 times.

Visiting someone in prison requires some planning on your part. Once you know which prison the inmate is staying at, you need to make sure that you have been put on the inmate’s visiting list. This may require a letter to the inmate. On the day that you are scheduled to visit, you must be sure to dress appropriately and avoid bringing in any prohibited items. Prisons encourage visitation, and once you understand the ground rules then visitation should go smoothly.

Preparing to Visit

In the United States, you can find a prisoner in the federal system by visiting the Federal Bureau of Prisons and entering the prisoner’s Inmate Register Number. [2] X Research source
In England and Wales, you can find a prisoner by visiting https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner . There is an email and fax number provided for you to contact.

how to get put on the prisoner’s visitation list
what identification you need
what items are prohibited from being brought into the prison
any dress code

Step 4 Have the prisoner put you on the visiting list.

Most prisons ask prisoners to create a visiting list. The inmate then lists family members, friends, and professionals (like attorneys or parole advisors) on the list. [3] X Research source
You need to be added to the list before you can visit. In order to ask the inmate to put you on, you will probably need to write a letter and ask to be put on. You should also include relevant information that the inmate might need, such as your full name, address, and phone number. [4] X Research source

Sometimes these applications will be sent to you before you arrive at the prison, and in some prisons you will fill them out as you wait to be admitted.

Visiting the Prison

revealing shorts or miniskirts
halter tops, see-through garments, and belly shirts
low cut blouses, sleeveless shirts, or dresses with slits up the side, front, or back
baseball hats
military fatigues or other clothing that looks like inmate clothing

your identification
single car key
bills or change to use with the vending machine
a bottle and diaper for a baby

Check with the prison before showing up for visitation. You want to make sure that you have an acceptable form of identification.

You may be limited in the amount of touching allowed. Prisons may allow hugs, handshakes, and kisses at the beginning and end of the visit. Otherwise, the guards stationed during visitation may limit touching so that visitors aren’t smuggling contraband to prisoners.
If a guard tells you to stop touching, then you should comply with the order. You may be removed from the visitation if you fail to comply.

Expert Q&A

Prisons might have different rules for minors. For example, minors under a certain age may not be able to visit without an adult present. If someone under 18 wants to visit the prison, then you certainly need to call ahead and ask if there are special procedures for minors. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/offender/pages/inmatesearch.aspx
↑ https://www.bop.gov/inmates/visiting.jsp
↑ http://www.prisonpro.com/content/visiting-inmate-answers-common-questions-things-you-should-know

About This Article

Visiting someone in prison can be stressful and emotional, but knowing the rules and regulations before your visit will make things easier. Since rules vary from prison to prison, it’s best to check their website or call them for details about what to do. Usually, the prisoner will need to put you on their visiting list and you’ll need to fill out an application when you get there. Since prisons can sometimes get locked down, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure visiting hours are still open. Try to arrive 20 minutes early so you have time to park and go through security, and remember to bring your ID with you. For more tips from our Legal co-author, including how to find out which prison a person is held at, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Prepare for a Prison Visit

Visiting a family member in prison presents its own bundle of challenges. Just knowing what to expect can reduce stress. Being prepared can raise the bar for positive visitation experiences, possibly snowballing into more visits, and hopefully, improved relationships.

Since studies point to lower recidivism rates for prisoners who stay connected to supportive family members, positive prison visits end up benefiting everyone: prisoners, families, and the community. For the 1.5 million children and youth who have at least one incarcerated parent, visiting their parent(s) can strengthen family bonds.

To be prepared, consider the following information the first time visiting someone in prison. Please keep in mind that rules vary among prisons.

BEFORE VISITING PRISON

Be approved.

Be sure your name is on the prisoner's pre-approved visiting list for people age 18 and older. Information on the form allows officials to do background checks to approve or deny visitation. Most facilities require this form, but verify with the facility to be sure. Some facilities also require an authorization form for children.

Check the facility's visitation hours, which are typically weekends and holidays, and possibly additional days depending on the facility and security level. Visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons' website to see a list of federal prisons; for state or private prisons, directly contact the facility.

BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU CAN BRING

Check the facility's policy for what is allowed in the visiting room. Generally, visitors can only bring in identification (such as a driver's license), a single car key, eyeglasses, small bills, or change for vending machines (if applicable) in visitation rooms.

No medications, tobacco products, or any illegal substances are allowed. Cell phones or other electronic devices are also not permitted.

Other restrictions might include rules about bringing in food or gifts.

DURING THE PRISON VISIT

Dress appropriately.

Wear appropriate clothing. Avoid provocative, revealing items and anything similar to prison clothing such as khaki or green military-type. Visitors may be denied access if dress code policies are violated.

ARRIVE EARLY

Give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes to fill out paperwork. Be prepared to be searched before being admitted into the visiting room. Searches may include a pat down by an officer of the same gender and a pass through a metal detector. All visitors must be searched, including children.

Before bringing children, consider visiting alone first so you can explain what to expect.

BE RESPECTFUL

Show courtesy to all correctional staff, other visitors, and prisoners to ensure a positive visiting experience for everyone.

SHOW AFFECTION IN MODERATION

Handshakes, hugs, and affection (in good taste) are usually allowed at the beginning and end of a visit.

To keep the visiting area orderly and to prevent the distribution of contraband, security staff may limit physical contact.

SUPERVISE CHILDREN

Be aware of you and your children's behavior to avoid the risk of losing visiting privileges.

BE A GOOD LISTENER

Extend a listening ear to the prisoner you are visiting. A little understanding can go a long way.

AFTER THE PRISON VISIT

Mail a letter to the prisoner to continue building the relationship. Be sure to check with the facility first to ensure permission.

Encourage the prisoner to get involved in prison programs to cope with prison life and to take reentry classes for a successful reentry plan. Prison Fellowship ® offers several in-prison programs —ranging from faith-based seminars to life-skills classes—in prisons across the country.

GET INVOLVED

Explore involvement in a local church that provides support for prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. Check out Prison Fellowship's efforts in reentry , church and community engagement, and Angel Tree ® .

Consider involvement in Celebrate Recovery , a nationwide Christ-centered recovery program that is forward-looking and emphasizes personal responsibility and spiritual growth.

Or check out an online support group such as DailyStrenth that is dedicated to families impacted by incarceration, or the National Association for Christian Recovery that provides resources and free online training in topics including 12-step recovery, parenting addicted children, recovering from childhood trauma, etc.

Finally, be a part of Prison Fellowship's Second Prison Project™ . Find out how you can help your loved one and others with reentry and adjusting to life with a criminal record.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visiting loved ones in prison can lead to stronger relationships and help beat the odds of someone returning to prison. And that's definitely raising the bar for good.

Other helpful websites include Assisting Families of Inmates and PrisonPro.com .

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

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Restoration Partners give monthly to bring life-changing prison ministry programs to incarcerated men and women across the country.

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September 26, 2023 September 26, 2023

How to Visit Someone in Prison – A Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting an incarcerated loved one allows you to spend time together and provide vital social support while they serve their sentence. However, visiting an inmate comes with specific procedures and restrictions. This guide covers everything you need to know to get approved for and schedule prison visits.

Understand the Benefits of Visits

Maintaining connections is crucial for prisoners’ mental health and success after release. As a friend or family member, you can provide important support through visitation:

Improve inmate morale, outlook, and behavior
Allow inmates to preserve family bonds
Reduce feelings of isolation for prisoners
Help inmates stay focused on rehabilitation
Give inmates hope and motivation for the future

Your efforts to visit while someone is incarcerated make a real difference.

Check Visitor Eligibility Rules

Each facility has its own policies on who can visit inmates based on:

Relationship status – Immediate family, spouses, etc. are often approved
Criminal history – Past felony convictions may disqualify visitors
Age requirements – Depends on prison policies, but 18+ is common
Identification needed – Photo ID/address verification is required

Submit any required applications and paperwork to get pre-approved before attempting visits. This prevents wasted trips if you end up being denied at the prison gates.

Know the Different Visitation Types

Prisons offer various types of visitation which require separate approval processes:

General Visiting: For approved friends/family to visit during normal hours
Family & Spousal Visits: More private and intimate extended visits
Attorney Visits: Private meetings with lawyers for legal counsel
Clergy Visits: For religious support and guidance

Apply only for the relevant visitation privileges you will need. This speeds approval.

Schedule Visits in Advance

Signing up for visits in advance is required at most prisons. Contact the facility you wish to visit and follow scheduling procedures:

Call the inmate records office to request an appointment
Provide needed visitor details like ID, relationship, criminal history
Verify eligible visitation dates/times based on prison schedules
Get approved and added to the visitor list
Avoid last minute visit requests as availability is not guaranteed

Planning ahead ensures your spot and gives staff time to screen and process guests.

Know What to Expect Arriving at the Facility

Prepare for security screening when you arrive at the prison for visits:

Leave unauthorized items secured in your vehicle
Present valid ID and check in at the front desk
Pass through metal detectors and body scanners
Submit to search of clothing, bags, pockets, hair, etc.
Wait to be escorted to the visitation room

Cooperate fully with search procedures to avoid denied entry.

Follow All Visitation Rules and Restrictions

While visiting, adhere to the prison’s posted policies and guard directives:

Dress appropriately – avoid revealing clothes
Keep hands visible and avoid physical contact
Remain seated across from inmates
Avoid sharing or exchanging any items or food
Refrain from loud voices or disruptive behavior
Stick to approved discussion topics and language
Comply if visit is ended early for violations

Respect all rules to ensure future visit privileges are not revoked.

Utilize Alternatives If In-Person Visits Are Restricted

If circumstances prevent in-person visits, alternatives may include:

Video visitation – remotely via webcam and pre-paid services
Phone calls – register your number on approved call lists
Mail – send letters and postcards to stay in touch
Emails – where electronic messaging is offered
Online photo sharing – some systems let you send pics to inmates
Video greetings – record and send video clips if allowed

While not the same, these options keep communication open when needed.

Visiting incarcerated loved ones requires proper planning, respecting rules, and patience handling prison security protocols. But maintaining these important personal connections has major benefits for inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation.

With the right mindset and preparation, you can schedule productive visits and get approved to see inmates regularly. Just follow all official policies, arrive early, cooperate during screening, avoid contraband issues, and stay positive throughout the process.

Face-to-face visits are ideal. But explore alternative forms of communication when needed. Use every option to provide inmates with that vital support system and human bonding they need to make it through their sentences.

Where can I find detailed rules on dress code, conduct and banned items for a specific facility?

The prison’s official website will outline visitation rules and restrictions. Call their front desk for any clarification. Guidelines can vary so always verify policies before visiting.

What options exist for lodging and hotels when traveling to distant prisons?

Some facilities have hospitality programs with discounted visiting family rates at area hotels. Check if the prison offers these services or search independently for accommodations in the nearby vicinity.

What are the most common reasons visits get denied or cut short?

Attempting to pass contraband, wearing inappropriate clothing, physical contact with inmates, disruptive behavior, intoxication, violating facility guidelines, safety concerns, inmate count issues, staffing shortages.

Can visitation privileges be suspended if rules are broken?

Yes, privileges can be revoked temporarily or permanently for serious or repeat violations. This highlights the importance of closely following all visit policies.

What is the best way to comfort an upset inmate during emotional visits?

Listen supportively and offer reassuring words. Avoid criticism of the system, roundabout discussion of the case, or overt public displays which guards may curtail. Stay positive.

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First time visitors are never sure what the process will be like and many questions will enter your mind like:

What is it like?
Do we visit through glass like on TV?
Can I bring food?
What should I wear?
What are the hours?
How do I apply for approval?
Can I bring my children?
What Identification do I need to present to the corrections officers?

This is a quick reference guide for the important things you will need to know when going to visit your inmate, and answers to many of the frequently asked questions you may have are here or from links embedded in the text for more detail.

Types of Visitation

There are several different types of visitation for inmates. Video visitation is becoming more common and in some instances can be done from the comfort of your own home. Video visitation works similar to the way you would use Skype. Non-contact or telephone visitation is when you are behind a glass partition, the inmate and you have a phone which you can talk to one another on, but the glass separates you. Contact visitation is the most common and generally the most desired form of visiting an inmate. You are able to sit, usually at a small table and be with the inmate for a short period of time. Although contact can occur between you and the inmate, you are limited in how much touching can take place. As a rule, be prepared that only a brief hug at hello and goodbye is all that is allowed. Holding hands is usually restricted, and the aggressive guards will call you out if you cross the line and/or they feel you are disrespecting them or the rules.

Before Your Visit

Prior to your visit to the institution, you will need to be in contact with your inmate. Almost all inmates have something called a visitors list. At some facilities, the inmate will fill out a list of 10 or so visitors that can visit. The inmate needs to know the visitor's full name, address, phone number and sometimes more information. If you think your inmate may not know all this information, you should mail them a letter, or be sure to tell them the next time they call. Some facilities will require all prospective visitors to fill out a visiting application, and certain correctional institutions only make the form available if the inmate requests it.

The Visiting Application

Not all institutions will require you to fill out a visitor’s application, but most do. This is just a questionnaire you must fill out that has your name, address, and asks questions such as are you a convicted felon, have you been incarcerated or worked in the department of corrections. Answer all of these questions truthfully, as they will be using the information to do a background check on you, and then make a decision if you will be approved or denied visitation.

InmateAid has compiled all of the visitor applications that are available for jails and prisons in the United States. If you need to fill out a visiting application, or you are just curious as to what the form looks like you can view the inmate visiting application on InmateAid. Please note that some of these applications may not be used at select institutions. They require that the inmate fills it out and mails it to the prospective visitor for you to fill out and mail back to the counselor.

Some reasons why your visiting application may be denied are as follows: • You provided false information on your application • You are a convicted felon • You have served time in a correctional institution, or have worked in the department of corrections • You have outstanding warrants • You have a protective order out against you or the inmate • You are deemed a security risk by the facility • You are on PTI, probation, or parole (some exceptions can be made to this) • You are on another inmate's visitation list at the same institution already

Most facilities will not inform you of the status of your application, usually, they leave it entirely up to the inmate to let you know if you were approved or denied so you must be in constant contact with them. If you are denied visitation most states have a process of appealing the decision, and the appeal must be filed with the warden within a specified time frame.

Preparing For Your Visit

After you are approved, you will want to check a schedule of the visitation hours. We provide the visiting hours for many of the institutions on our site, just search for the facilities name, or select the state the inmate is located in from our homepage. You may still want to call and double check the hours, and make sure visitation has not been canceled for any reason, as visiting hours can change or be canceled at any time and without notice. A correctional facility may cancel visiting if the facility goes on lockdown if an inmate has escaped, or for any other reason, the facility deems necessary. Also if an inmate is in solitary, the SHU, or 'the hole', their visiting privilege becomes suspended.

Once you know the visiting hours and have planned which day you will be going on you will need to make sure you have the proper identification with you. All department of corrections vary slightly in what kinds of identification they will accept, but the safe bet is a valid state issued photo ID or photo driver’s license (for the exact requirements search the specific facility pages on InmateAid).

Visiting with Minors

When visiting with minors or children you may have to fill out a special visiting with the minors authorization form. If they are over a certain age (around 14) they need to have a school-issued ID or birth certificate to accompany you to visitation. Minors are never allowed to go alone to visitation, and must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also, some inmates cannot have any minors visit if they are incarcerated for a crime against a child. Small children or babies may still need to have their birth certificate to gain entry but normally they are more relaxed in the requirements, they are NOT lax about the behavior of children, and if you fail to control your child or keep their behavior in line you can be removed from the visiting area altogether.

If you are visiting an institution you should be aware that all facilities have a dress code. Staff will reject you from visiting if you violate the dress code, here are the general rules: • Do not wear any clothing that resembles the inmate’s clothes, or staffs clothes. This means if the inmates where denim you cannot, if they wear white, you cannot, if they were khaki, well...you guessed it you cannot. • Do not wear medical scrubs or any sort of uniform, as this presents a security risk • Shirts and shoes are mandatory • Any clothing that exposes chest, back, thighs, midsection or any other large amount of flesh is prohibited • Any see-through fabric is restricted from being worn • Sleeveless shirts are prohibited • No shorts or skirts that are above the knee should be worn (no slits above the knee either) • Offensive pictures or language on clothing is prohibited • Tight clothing, including spandex, tank tops, leggings, tights etc. are prohibited • Jewelry is restricted so it is a good idea to not wear any

Some of these rules are obviously up to the interpretation of the guard on duty, and they make the final decision on what is allowed to be worn. We recommend you always bring a change of clothing and leave it in your car, this way in the event something you are wearing is deemed in violation of the dress code you can just change.

Arrival at the Facility and Search

You should arrive at visitation a few minutes early, sometimes as early as 15-20 minutes so that you can fill out more paperwork. Do not arrive any earlier as you will get into trouble. Upon your arrival to the facility parking lot, you can expect to be searched. This means your car and everything in it can be searched by staff, and sometimes even canine units (dogs). Most facilities are now tobacco-free, meaning you cannot even bring cigarettes with you to visitation (you can and must leave them in your car). Once you enter the facility expect you and your belongings to be searched again, usually by a pat down, metal detector and also possibly by dogs. If you refuse to be searched you will be banned from visiting. Please note that in some instances people must consent to a strip search as a condition of visiting, a person can refuse but they will not be refused visitation. Strip searches are rarely required though, so do not let this deter you from visiting. Some institutions have used ion scanners, which actually pick up on small particles of drugs being present. The scanners often gave false positives and people had to be strip searched because of it which is why they are not used so much anymore, dogs are much more reliable at finding contraband.

What Items Can You Bring to Visitation?

This really differs from one facility to another, as some facilities will have lockers you can rent for about a quarter that you can store your belongings in, others do not. In general, you can only bring your ID, single car key, eyeglasses (for medical), small bills or change for the vending machines that are in the visitation room (highly recommend this because you can buy your inmate some snacks for while you visit). If you have a small child or baby you may be allowed to bring a single bottle and diaper to visiting. You should never bring medications, cigarettes, or any illegal substances to visitation as this can be cause for immediate revocation of visiting privilege and possible criminal charges.

Have a visiting question not answered here?

Ask the inmate – and chat with a former inmate who has already been through it. browse through the thousands and thousands of questions already asked by folks like you. .

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Prison Visit: 8 Tips for Visiting a Prisoner

Posted 11/18/2021 by Mark Miclette Inmate Visitation

If you're new to the experience of visiting someone in prison, the thought can seem daunting at first. Prisons are a place run by strict rules, regulations, and schedules.

That's why it's so important to prepare when visiting a prisoner -- you need to do some research beforehand on what the incarceration facility expects from you as a visitor.

With this in mind, it's doesn't have to be a scary, complicated process. You just have to make sure you follow the rules correctly and focus on making the most of the time you have with your loved one .

Here's what you ought to know.

1. Ensure You're on the Approved List Before Visiting a Prisoner

Before you plan your prison visit, you'll need to get in touch with the prison and your loved one to let them know you're visiting. From there, prison administration will add you to the inmate visitor's list. Most of the time, an inmate can have up to 10 different visitors included on their visitor's list.

In order to approve a visitor, an inmate must provide personal details about each visitor, such as their full name, address, contact number, and other information. It's your job to ensure an inmate knows all of this information -- either through a letter or phone call.

After this, you'll need to fill out a form in order to qualify for the preapproved visitor's list (only if you're 18 years old). With this information, the prison conducts a background check before adding you to the visitor's list. This is how they approve or deny your visitation rights.

If you plan on bringing children along for a prison visit, you'll have to fill out authorization forms on their behalf, beforehand. In order to find out whether the prison approves your visitation, you'll have to keep in touch with the inmate who will let you know. Or you could call the prison for an update.

Most of the time, a prison facility will not update you directly.

2. Understand Visitation Limits

Limits on visitation times and duration vary from one prison to the next. That's why it's up to you to call the facility and acquaint yourself with the limitations that apply.

Generally, most prisons permit one visit per inmate over the weekend. The duration of this visit is up to two hours. But bear in mind that certain circumstances may arise, and your visiting time shortened.

3. Some Prisons Allow for Special Visits

Understandably, it's not always as simple as driving 20-minutes to an incarceration facility to visit an inmate. Sometimes, they're moved hundreds of miles away and it might take you a few hours to get there by car, train, or bus.

In this case, you can apply for a special visit if you have to travel 300 miles or more in order to visit an inmate. But you'll have to get in touch with the prison warden well in advance to arrange this visit.

Special visitation allows you to spend up to four hours with an inmate, spread over two consecutive days in a row. However, special visitation slots are limited and sometimes only occur once a month. So make sure to schedule yours well in advance.

4. Always Be Punctual for Your Visit

As mentioned earlier, prisons run on a tight schedule and visitation hours are no different. In order to maximize the time you have with an inmate, you want to arrive at least 15-minutes early so that have time for all the visitation processing.

It's also a good idea to confirm your visit and the correct time beforehand, in case it's canceled at the last minute, without you knowing.

An inmate's visitation privileges are not always guaranteed as well, so you want to be sure you're visiting on the right day at the right time. Showing up late does not look good for both you and the person you're visiting, so plan your time well.

5. Research What You Can and Can't Bring Into a Prison

It's important to face the reality that most prisons house dangerous people. Especially state prisons which tend to have a higher population of prisoners who've committed a violent crime.

This is why there is such strict protocol around visitation and what you can and can't bring with you during your visits. Before you visit the facility, do your research on what you're permitted to bring with you. This also includes what you can and can't have in your car, especially if you drive a pick-up truck.

Most of the time, you're permitted to carry your driver's license or ID card, loose change, a car key, and eyeglasses. Sunglasses, cellphones, electronic devices, medications, tobacco products, matches, and lighters are not permitted.

In most prisons, you're not allowed to bring food for inmates, either. If you plan on bringing a small child or infant, do some research on what you're permitted to bring for them, too.

6. Always Dress Appropriately

This is a no-brainer. Think about the setting of a prison and you'll understand why dressing appropriately is so important. If you're not dressed properly, the facility can deny you access to your visit.

You want to avoid revealing, showy, or provocative clothing at all times. You also want to avoid wearing anything that resembles military gear or matches too closely to inmate uniforms. Do not wear anything that could entice inmates, such as politically driven slogans, etc.

Make sure to avoid wearing a work uniform, such as medical scrubs, for example, as this could put you at risk as a visitor. Wear as little, if any, jewelry at all on your visit.

At the end of the day, prison guards make the decision on whether your clothing is appropriate or not. They may ask you to change or remove certain items (i.e. jewelry) if it's objectionable.

7. Always Be Respectful and Polite

You want to remember your manners when you visit an inmate in prison. It's crucial that you show prison guards, other inmates, and other visitors respect and courtesy.

In general, this helps to create a calm environment that all inmates and visitors can enjoy during visitation times. Disruptive behavior can also work against you and your visitation rights in the future.

8. Be Mindful of Displays of Affection

Depending on the type of prison, they might not permit displays of affection or touching at all between inmates and visitors. If they do permit touching, keep your displays of affection very limited. This might include a quick hug or handshake at the beginning and end of your visit, and that's about it.

If correctional staff are unhappy with a display of affection they may ask you to stop, move away from one another, or limit your visitation rights in the future.

Want To Learn More About an Inmate or Facility?

With Jail Exchange, visiting a prisoner in a correctional facility just got a whole lot easier. If you're looking for information about an inmate, or the facility they're housed in, you can find it on Jail Exchange.

We offer free information on both inmates and facilities across America, whether it's a state, federal, city, or county jail. Got questions? Contact us here .

The Simple Guide to Visiting an Inmate for the First Time

Updated on 9/27/2023.

When a loved one ends up in jail or prison, one of your first thoughts will probably be “When will I get to see them again?”

Of course, if you’ve never visited an inmate before, the thought of doing so may be intimidating – even outright frightening.

However, you can alleviate these fears by understanding what to expect during inmate visitation and being prepared for every step of the process. The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about what to expect when visiting an incarcerated friend or family member.

Prior to visiting an inmate in prison, you must know

How To Get Approved To Visit An Inmate

Before you ever step foot inside the institution, you’ll need to complete some basic paperwork and make sure you’re following the correct policy.

If you do not follow these measures exactly as directed by the administration, you risk not being permitted to visit your loved one at all.

Visiting an incarcerated loved one can be a daunting process, but understanding the steps for getting approved can help ease the way.

With some preparation and patience, you can successfully navigate the visitation system.

Research the Facility’s Policies

The first key step is researching the specific visitation policies and procedures for the facility where the inmate is housed.

Prisons and jails each have their own regulations on visitation application requirements, approved visitor lists, dress codes, visit schedules, and more.

Check the facility’s website or call their office to learn their guidelines.

Get on the Approved Visitors List

In order to get approval to visit, you’ll need to be placed on the inmate’s approved visitors list. The inmate must submit your name, address, date of birth, and relationship to them to the facility.

The process may include completing request forms and sending copies of your government-issued ID. Approvals for minors usually require consent forms from their legal guardian as well.

Pass the Background Check

Facilities need to screen all potential visitors through background checks as a safety measure.

Local jails and police stations can decide to bar visitation to individuals with criminal records, a history of drug abuse, or other red flags.

While a clean background helps your chances, minor offenses don’t automatically disqualify you. Be honest in disclosing your history.

Know What to Expect

Get familiar with the facility’s dress code, security procedures, and visitation hours.

Stick closely to the rules - arriving late, wearing prohibited clothing items or bringing banned objects could get your visitation revoked.

Most visits will be non-contact only, with a glass partition separating you and the inmate. Visitors should expect to go through screening checkpoints upon arrival and may need to show ID.

Many facilities now require you to schedule visitation time slots ahead of your visit in order to manage capacity restrictions.

Sign up for an available time online or by phone as early as possible, as slots can fill up quickly. Make sure to be on time for your appointment.

Have Patience

The entire approval process can take some time, sometimes weeks or months depending on the facility.

Be patient and persistent in following up if you don’t hear back right away.

Reach out to the facility contact if you need to provide additional documentation or clarify any issues with your request to help move it along.

With some diligent preparation, understanding of the regulations, and patience in navigating the red tape, getting approved for inmate visitation is very doable.

Staying on top of the process and policies makes for a smoother visitation experience. Most importantly, enjoy the chance to visit your loved one when approved!

Know Who’s Allowed for Inmate Visitation

First things first, all prisons have rules dictating who is actually allowed to visit an inmate during specified hours. In general, this list includes:

Immediate family members
Approved relatives
Friends (usually an approved list of fewer than 10 individuals)
Religious leaders

On the other hand, there are a number of reasons you may not be allowed to visit a loved one in prison, such as if you have an outstanding warrant, you have an active order of protection against you, you’re currently on probation or parole, or you’re deemed a security risk.

Although individuals who have previously been convicted of felonies may face a tough time being admitted as visitors to a prison, they’ll be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Information to Provide to Visit an Inmate

Once you are sure you meet the criteria listed above, you’ll need to provide the institute with information about yourself, such as your full name, birthdate, address, and other contact information.

The inmate you’re visiting will fill out a form denoting you as an approved guest, and the form will then be sent to your home address for you to complete. You can either mail the form back to the prison or return it in person – just make sure to do so long in advance of your planned visit.

How to Dress to Inmate Visitation

When visiting an inmate in prison, you should take special care to ensure you follow the dress code exactly as it’s dictated. As mentioned, failure to adhere to any of the prison’s guidelines will almost certainly disqualify you from being able to see your friend or family member during the allotted time.

Though dress codes vary depending on the specific institute, the following rules generally apply:

No hats or extraneous garments
No revealing clothing, including spaghetti straps, short skirts, or tank tops
No clothing that resembles inmates’ clothing

When considering what to wear when visiting an inmate , err on the side of tastefulness.

You don’t want something silly like the way you’re dressed to be the reason your loved one doesn’t get to see you.

Arriving to the Prison for Inmate Visitation

Once you arrive at the prison, you’ll be subjected to a number of procedures before you’re actually allowed to see your loved one. These procedures are all in the name of safety, so – again – it’s important that you adhere to the rules exactly as they’re designated.

First, you’re advised to arrive about 15-20 minutes early. This will give you enough time to fill out the necessary paperwork and go through the numerous security clearances as you enter the grounds. Arriving early is especially important your first time visiting someone in jail. The paperwork process is less exhausting on subsequent visits.

If you arrive late, your time with your loved one will simply be cut short. (On the other hand, arriving too early will cause an inconvenience to prison staff. Arriving 20 minutes early should give you more than enough time to do what you need to do.)

As mentioned, you should expect to have your person and vehicle searched once you enter the parking lot, and again as you enter the actual facility. You’ll likely be asked to remove any jewelry you may be wearing, your belt, and anything in your pockets.

Generally, you’re allowed to keep the following items with you during your visit:

Money for vending machine snacks
Diaper and bottle if you bring a child

Most other objects, including your keys, must be stored in a locker that will be provided.

There are, of course, objects you shouldn’t bring, as well, such as:

Medication of any sort
Cigarettes or tobacco-related products
Anything that can be considered or used as a weapon
Illicit substances or materials

You’ll likely be able to leave medication or tobacco products in your car, but it is probably best to just leave them at home. As for illegal instruments or substances, since you’ll be consenting to a lawful search upon entering the grounds, possession of any of the sort may ultimately lead to criminal charges against you.

The smoother your intake process goes, the quicker you’ll be able to see your loved one. Do everything you can on your end to make sure this happens.

During Inmate Visitation

Once you’re finally allowed to actually see your friend or family member, it’s important to remember you’re not at home or the mall. For security reasons, a number of seemingly innocuous actions are not tolerated while visiting a prisoner and may be cause for visitation to end prematurely.

You should always maintain a professional demeanor during your visit. Speak in a lower tone of voice, stay calm, and be considerate of other visitors, inmates, and staff members. Boisterous laughter or anything of the sort will almost always cause staff to end your visit early.

You’ll be relegated to a specific table where your visit will take place, and you must not move from your assigned seat throughout the visitation. In general, you’ll be sat across from your loved one with a visible amount of physical space between the two of you. Any excess movement or fidgeting will arouse a guard’s suspicion, and generally will not be tolerated.

You’ll be allowed to give a hug, handshake, or kiss “hello” and “goodbye” at the beginning and end of your visit, but nothing more. Again, a pat on the shoulder may seem innocuous to you as a friendly visitor with nothing to hide, but, for security reasons, such fraternizing is not allowed.

Inmate visitation lasts anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Once time is up, you’ll be allowed to say a quick goodbye and will be escorted to your locker to gather your belongings, then will be brought out of the facility.

The amount of inmate visitations you’re allowed to make depend on a variety of factors, such as an institute’s policy, your loved one’s behavior, and the administration’s discretion. However, federal law dictates that inmates must have at least four hours of total visitation time per month. Depending on your relationship to the inmate, you may be able to see them more often than you had initially hoped.

As mentioned, visiting an incarcerated loved one for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience.

But, as long as you understand exactly what to expect before and during your visit, you’ll be able to focus on the positive aspects of getting some much-needed facetime with your imprisoned friend or family member.

And, as long as you follow the regulations of the institution, you should be welcomed back as much as lawfully allowed.

Have you ever visited a loved one in jail or prison? What else should first-time visitors expect that we may have missed? What advice can you give those who are nervous about entering a prison facility as a guest?

We love hearing from our readers. Let us know if you have anything to add!

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Prison and Jail Visitation Tweet this

Incarceration separates families — and not only by putting people behind bars. All too often, prisons, jails, and private companies impose policies that make it needlessly difficult to maintain family ties.

Our research has revealed that when families must travel great distances to visit loved ones in prison, visitation declines . We’ve also uncovered how sheriffs and private companies use video calling to eliminate human contact and have worked to protect in-person jail visits nationwide. Meanwhile, prisons continue to find other ways of making visitation difficult and degrading, such as strip-searching visitors and curtailing visiting hours .

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Screening Out Family Time: The for-profit video visitation industry in prisons and jails by Bernadette Rabuy and Peter Wagner January 2015

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Separation by Bars and Miles: Visitation in state prisons by Bernadette Rabuy and Dan Kopf October 2015

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Correctional video calling contracts

We've made our collection of correctional video calling contract documents public. Search them to see what companies are profting in your area.

Major victories

In April 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed S.2371 into law , which requires Massachusetts jails to provide people in jails with at least two in-person visits per week and prohibits jails from replacing in-person visits with video calls.
In June 2017, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the 2017-2018 California budget, including AB 103 , which statutorily requires jails to provide in-person visits rather than video calls. AB 103 permits jails that had already replaced in-person visits with video calls as of January 1, 2017 to continue to ban in-person visits. But these jails must provide all facility-based video calls and the first hour of remote video calls to visitors at no cost. The Board of State and Community Corrections’ regulations , approved shortly after AB 103, also exempt jails that, as of January 1, 2017, had submitted initial architectural planning to the Board of State and Community Corrections that did not include in-person visitation space. Governor Brown previously vetoed SB 1157 , which would have prohibited jails from using video calls to replace in-person visits, stating that SB 1157 didn’t provide enough flexibility.
In August 2016, the Illinois legislature approved HB2738 : Protect Prison Visits Bill, which prohibits Illinois prisons from replacing in-person visits with video calls and charging high rates for video calls.
In August 2016, the American Correctional Association unanimously ratified a policy declaring that emerging technologies like video calls should only be used to supplement existing in-person visitation.
In May 2015, Securus announced it would no longer explicitly require county jails and state prisons to replace in-person visits with video calls in its contracts with correctional facilities.
Travis County, TX legislators voted to bring back in-person visits in September 2015. In-person visits became available again in April 2016. According to this document , it likely cost around $1.2 million to bring back in-person visits.
TX legislation that clarifies that the Texas Commission on Jail Standard’s requirement of at least two visits per week refers to in-person visits , not video calls, went into effect in September 2015, but included a grandfathering clause for counties that incurred significant expense replacing in-person visits with video calls.
Starting June 22, 2015 , Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser restored in-person visits for those who have (1) been incarcerated for at least 60 days and (2) not incurred a sustained disciplinary violation for at least 30 days .
In January 2015, prompted by Street Roots' reporting, the Multnomah County, Oregon Sheriff reversed his ban on in-person visits in Portland jails.
In November 2014, Dallas County rejected a Securus video call contract that would have required the County to ban on in-person visits. One county commissioner even mentioned that the issue received more attention than any other issue ever had.

See more of our victories

Filter to show: Most recent Favorites Video calls Importance of visits Prison visits Jail visits Show all

A best practices guide for counties writing video calling RFPs , February 4, 2020
When jails replace in-person visits with video, what happens when the technology fails? , by Sarah Watson, June 18, 2019
Who's really bringing contraband into jails? Our 2018 survey confirms it's staff, not visitors , by Jorge Renaud, December 6, 2018
Every Second: The Impact of the Incarceration Crisis on America's Families , FWD.us, December 2018
Comment letter: Florida's Department of Corrections should not reduce visitation , by Lucius Couloute, May 31, 2018
Our blog post highlighting the report's key findings
A few thoughts on legislative compromises , by Bernadette Rabuy, November 20, 2017
Durham County Detention Facility Video Visitation Survey Results , Durham County Sheriff’s Office, November 2017
Comment letter: Maine’s Department of Corrections should not allow correctional facilities to eliminate in-person visitation. , by Lucius Couloute, September 7, 2017
Closing the Distance: The Impact of Video Visits in Washington State Prisons , Vera Institute of Justice, August 2017
For families of incarcerated dads, Father’s day comes at a premium , by Lucius Couloute, June 13, 2017
Phone Tag to Computer Hack: Securus puts privacy at risk , by Stephen Raher, April 24, 2017
Travis County, Texas: A Case Study on Video Visitation , by Emily Widra, April 18, 2016
Seeing eye to eye: understanding the limits of video visitation , by Emily Widra, April 11, 2016
A New Role for Technology? Implementing Video Visitation in Prison , Vera Institute of Justice, March 2016
Video Visiting in Corrections: Benefits, Limitations, and Implementation Considerations , by The Osborne Association, National Institute of Corrections, December 2014
Video Visitation: How Private Companies Push for Visits by Video and Families Pay the Price , by Jorge Renaud, Grassroots Leadership and Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, October 2014
Breaches in the Wall: Imprisonment, Social Support, and Recidivism , by Joshua C. Cochran, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency , March 2014
Prison Visitation Policies: A Fifty State Survey , by Chesa Boudin, Trevor Stutz, and Aaron Littman, Yale Law & Policy Review , 2013
The Double Edged Sword of Prison Video Visitation: Claiming to Keep Families Together While Furthering the Aims of the Prison Industrial Complex , by Patrice A. Fulcher, Florida A&M University Law Review , Fall 2013
Video Visits for Children Whose Parents Are Incarcerated: In Whose Best Interest? , by Susan D. Phillips, Ph.D., The Sentencing Project, October 2012
The ties that bind or the ties that break: Examining the relationship between visitation and prisoner misconduct , by Joshua C. Cochran, Journal of Criminal Justice , September 2012
An Overview of Research Findings in the Visitation, Offender Behavior Connection , by Gary C. Mohr, Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, 2012
The Effects of Prison Visitation on Offender Recidivism , Minnesota Department of Corrections, 2011
Connecting Children with Incarcerated Parents , Child Protection Best Practices Bulletin, 2011
Prison Visitation and Recidivism , by Daniel P. Mears, Joshua C. Cochran, Sonja E. Siennick, and William D. Bales, Justice Quarterly , June 2011
Prison Video Conferencing , by Patrick Doyle, Camille Fordy, and Aaron Haight, The University of Vermont James M. Jeffords Center’s Vermont Legislative Research Service, May 2011

Federal Communications Commission briefings

For years, we have been encouraging the Federal Communications Commission to bring fairness to the predatory video call industry and answering the FCC's questions about the technology and industry:

Lemhi County, Idaho TurnKey Contract
News articles about video calls in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
News article about video calls in Clark County, Nevada
Editorials criticizing video calls
Screening Out Family Time : The for-profit video visitation industry in prisons and jails
New York Times October 2015 editorial
Solano County, California iWebVisit.com Contract
Arkansas DOC to implement Securus video calls
Securus ends its ban on in-person visits, shifts responsibility to sheriffs
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article about Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Racine County, Wisconsin Securus Contract and Screenshot of Current Price
Solano County, California iWebVisit.com Video Calls Contract
The demographics of computer ownership and high-speed internet access
Video calls editorials and news articles
Selected news stories about video calls
Maricopa County, Arizona video calls contract
Shawnee County, Kansas video calls contract

Show older briefings

News and editorials

Filter to show: Favorites Most Recent Video calls Importance of visits Prison visits Jail visits Audio Video Blog posts Press coverage Editorials Show all

As Utah jails embrace video technology, in-person visits are being eliminated , by Jessica Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune , November 2, 2019
The benefits - and potential steep costs - of adding video visitation to Spokane County's jail facilities , by Josh Kelety, The Pacific Northwest Inlander , September 19, 2019
Behind Bars, and Pixels Too: How Technology Makes Jail Even Bleaker , by Wendy MacNaughton, The New York Times , August 29, 2019
Video visitation at county jail praised by staff, decried by users , by Tracy Neal, The Arkansas Democrat Gazette , June 10, 2019
How Private Equity Is Turning Public Prisons into Big Profits , by Tim Requarth, The Nation , April 30, 2019
How jails are replacing visits with video , by Teresa Mathews, The Appeal , April 22, 2019
The Ada County Jail routinely makes half a million dollars annually on inmate phone calls , by Tommy Simmons, Idaho Press , April 20, 2019
More jails replace in-person visits with awful video chat products , by Timothy Lee, Ars Technica , April 8, 2019
Newton County Jail video-only visitation policy draws praise, criticism , by Rayna Karst, The Joplin Globe , April 6, 2019
Sheriff to temporarily restore in-person visits at Mecklenburg County Jail for the holidays , by WBTV and Dedrick Russell, WBTV (Charlotte, NC), December 21, 2018
Offering a window into normalcy, community , by Anna Schuessler, San Mateo Daily Journal , November 29, 2018
Washington State: Jail Phone Rates Increase as Video Replaces In-Person Visits , by Steve Horn and Iris Wagner, Prison Legal News , October 2018
McHenry County Jail now offering free on-site visitations , by Katie Smith, The Northwest Herald , August 15, 2018
Arkansas jail's pay-to-visit plan panned , by Tracy Neal, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette , July 30, 2018
Florida prisons add for-profit services, consider visitation cuts , by Ben Conarck, The Orlando Sentinel , June 10, 2018
Pima County jail's visitation policies create hardship, some Tucson families say , by Patty Machelor, The Arizona Daily Star , May 26, 2018
Editorial: Video visits have a role, but should not replace in-person visits in Maine jails , by Editorial Board, Bangor Daily News, May 16, 2018
Jails are replacing visits with video calls—inmates and families hate it , by Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica , May 14, 2018
Don’t cut visits to prisoners , by Editorial Board, The Florida Times-Union, April 19, 2018
New Massachusetts reform package aims to protect in-person jail visits , by Lucius Couloute, March 26, 2018
Senate bill targets recalcitrant FCC: revitalizes federal fight to lower the cost of calling home , by Aleks Kajstura, March 12, 2018
Growing momentum in the fight to preserve in-person visits (New Jersey legislation and California juvenile facility regulations), by Lucius Couloute, March 5, 2018
Coalition calls for end to ban on in-person Knox County jail vsiits , by Bridgette Bjorlo, WATE , January 29, 2018
The Guardian and Colorado Public Radio raise urgent questions about the video calling industry , by Lucius Couloute, December 14, 2017
The end of American prison visits: jails end face-to-face contact – and families suffer , by Shannon Sims, The Guardian, December 09, 2017
Denver Jails Reconsider In-Person Visitation After Watchdog Says Video-Only Is 'Inhumane' , by Michael Sakas, Colorado Public Radio, December 7, 2017
Despite Suicides, Jails Replace In-Person Visitation With Video Screens , by Mike Ludwig, TruthOut, October 13, 2017

Video Conferencing Enthusiasts Slam Replacement of In-Person Jail Visits with Video Calls , by Bernadette Rabuy, September 26, 2017
California legislators continue fighting for in-person jail visits , by Bernadette Rabuy, September 6, 2017
Video Chat Price-Gouging Costs Inmates More Than Money , by Issie Lapowsky, Wired, August 31, 2017
Voices that matter: Incarcerated people on video calling , by Lucius Couloute, August 9, 2017

Senator Tammy Duckworth introduces the Video Visitation and Inmate Calling in Prisons Act of 2017 , by Lucius Couloute, July 24, 2017
Vice News Tonight examines the exploitive video visitation industry , by Lucius Couloute, June 28, 2017

In their own words: The value of in-person visitation to families , by Emily Widra, May 9, 2017
American Correctional Association says that video visitation should not replace in-person visits , by Lucius Couloute, April 24, 2017
In-person visits return to jails in Travis County, Texas! , by Alison Walsh, April 19, 2016
Protecting incarcerated people and their loved ones from the video visitation industry (Illinois and New Jersey legislation), by Lucius Couloute, April 10, 2017
NJ jails doing away with family visitation. Critics argue why that’s a bad idea , by David Matthau, NJ101.5 , April 7, 2017
Groups Complain Video Visitation In Jail Often Means End To In-Person Visits , by Laura Tsutsui, Valley Public Radio (NPR for Central California), April 4, 2017
Editorial: A Bad Idea to Cut Prison Visitations , by The Editorial Board, The New York Times , March 28, 2017
Support for in-person visitation continues to grow (New Jersey and federal legislation), by Bernadette Rabuy, February 1, 2017
Our View: Video visits won’t solve major challenges at Maine’s county jails , by Editorial Board, Portland Press Herald , January 13, 2017
Editorial: Videoconferencing is no replacement for in-person visits for jail inmates , Bangor Daily News , January 13, 2017
Prison visits crucial, but miles and money separate families , The Times-Picayune , January 10, 2017
In Maine county jails, video visits deny vital connection between inmates and their families , by Joelle Bouchard, Bangor Daily News , January 9, 2017
Durham County jail moving to video visitation for inmates , by Virginia Bridges, The News & Observer , January 6, 2017
New Jersey legislation aims to protect in-person visits from video visitation , by Bernadette Rabuy, December 22, 2016
With fate of program uncertain, BCSO defends video visitations (Bexar County, Texas), KSAT , December 22, 2016

Worlds Apart , by Sarah Beller, Real Life , November 14, 2016

No Way to Call Home: Incarcerated Deaf People Are Locked in a Prison Inside a Prison , by Mike Ludwig, Truthout , August 22, 2016
Banning real jail visits punishes inmates' families , by Lynn Wu, The Sacramento Bee , August 15, 2016
Jail Video Visitation Falls Short on Usage, Revenue Expectations , by Selah Maya Zighelboim, Texas Observer , June 1, 2016
Punishing Families: How the Prison Communication Industry Weakens Family Ties , by Emily Pollom, Truthout , May 11, 2016
Raphael Sperry: San Mateo's new jail has no place to visit inmates , by Raphael Sperry, The Mercury News , May 6, 2016
The End of Prison Visitation , by Jack Smith IV, Mic , May 5, 2016
Sheriff to discontinue video visitation at jail , by Vershal Hogan, The Natchez Democrat , April 22, 2016
Prison visits helped prepare me for life after release. Why are they under threat? , by Chandra Bozelko, The Guardian , April 20, 2016
How Prison Phone Calls Became A Tax On The Poor , by Eric Markowtiz, International Business Times , March 30, 2016
As one jail's video visitation technology breaks, a larger battle continues , by Max Lewontin, The Christian Science Monitor , March 16, 2016
Maine State Prison Ending Most Night Visitation, Requiring Visitors to Call Ahead , by Susan Sharon, MPBN News , February 9, 2016
Editorial: Video prison visits — done right , by YDR Editorial Board, York Daily Record , January 29, 2016

In-person family visits will return to Austin, Texas , by Bernadette Rabuy, September 30, 2015
Ruling on county's video-based jail visits questioned , by Sean Collins Walsh, Austin American-Statesman , September 21, 2015
New law forces two counties — Wood and Hays — to restart in-person jail visits , by Tom Benning, The Dallas Morning News , September 9, 2015
Legislation protecting in-person county jail visits goes into effect , Grassroots Leadership, September 1, 2015

Westmoreland County libraries help inmates keep in touch with loved ones , by Renatta Signorini, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review , August 11, 2015
Screen to Screen: Bexar County Jail , by Mark Reagan, San Antonio Current , July 28, 2015
Inside the Shadowy Business of Prison Phone Calls , by Eric Markowitz, International Business Times , July 2, 2015
D.C. Jail is bringing back intimacy – in a way , by Abigail Hauslohner, The Washington Post , June 24, 2015
County Jail Visitation Bill Filed Without Signature, Becomes Law , Grassroots Leadership, June 18, 2015
Video jail visits / Technology has advantages, but keep the in-person option , by Press of Atlantic City Editorial Board, Press of Atlantic City , June 4, 2015
Use of Video Visits for Inmates Grows, Along With Concerns , by Juan A. Lozano of The Associated Press, The Detroit News , May 25, 2015
Lawmakers Could Slow Spread of Video-Only Jail Visitations , by Kelsey Jukam, Texas Observer , May 13, 2015
Securus ends its ban on in-person visits, shifts responsibility to sheriffs , by Bernadette Rabuy, May 6, 2015
Prison-Tech Giant Securus Will No Longer Require Jails To Remove In-Person Visits , by Eric Markowitz, International Business Times , May 6, 2015
Why Prisons Should Have Video Visitation , by Kevin A. Wright, Slate , May 6, 2015
Are video visits a smart innovation for jails — or yet another way to exploit families? , by Hanna Kozlowska, Quartz , April 30, 2015
Phone rates for prison inmates exploitative, counterproductive , Editorial Board, The Boston Globe , April 28, 2015
Expensive 'Prison Skype' Is Squeezing Out In-Person Visitation , by Matt Stroud and Joshua Brustein, Bloomberg Businessweek , April 27, 2015

Arkansas DOC to implement Securus video visits , by Bernadette Rabuy, April 15, 2015

Video Chats Are Replacing In-Person Jail Visits, While One Tech Company Profits (Texas), by Eric Markowitz, International Business Times , April 8, 2015
'Video visitation' expanding in Arkansas jails , by David Koon, Arkansas Times , April 2, 2015
Video visitation threatens to put more distance between inmates and family , by Tom Bartlett, Al Jazeera America , March 9, 2015
As Jail Visits Go High-Tech, Isolation Grows , by Lisa Riordan Seville, NBC News , February 27, 2015
Video chats replace in-person visits in US jails and prisons , by Tim Gaynor, Al Jazeera America , February 24, 2015
Want to visit an inmate? Increasingly, you'll have to log on , by Hamed Aleaziz, San Francisco Chronicle , February 22, 2015
New videos: Video visitation is not "just like Skype" , by Bernadette Rabuy, February 18, 2015
Can technology and prisons get along? , by Kevin Roose and Pendarvis Harshaw, Fusion , February 5, 2015
Multnomah County Sheriff reverses ban on in-person visits in Portland jails , by Bernadette Rabuy, January 29, 2015

Sheriff Dan Staton Won't Do Away With Face-To-Face Inmate Visits, After All , by Dirk Vanderhart, Portland Mercury , January 27, 2015

County should preserve in-person visitation , by Street Roots editorial board, Street Roots , January 23, 2015

In-person visitation should be an option at Travis, Bastrop jails , by Editorial Board, Austin American-Statesman , November 13, 2014
Dallas County approves video visitation contract , by Peter Wagner, November 11, 2014
Editorial: A price too high for calls from jail , by Editorial Board, The Dallas Morning News , November 10, 2014
Tarrant County sheriff speaks to for-profit companies taking advantage of inmates, families (Texas), by Dee Anderson, Star Telegram , September 27, 2014
Editorial: Idea blackout , by Editorial Board, Houston Chronicle , September 15, 2014
Dallas County rejects Securus video visitation contract! , by Peter Wagner, September 9, 2014

Video Visitation a Growing Trend, but Concerns Remain , Prison Legal News , March 2014

D.C. prisoners deserve better than flawed video-only visitation policy , by Editorial Board, The Washington Post , August 12, 2013
Some Jails Turning to Video Visitation Only , by Matthew Clarke, Prison Legal News , July 2013
Prisoners and Families Connect with Video Visitation, for a Price , Prison Legal News , September 2012

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Jails and bail: Our research

One out of three people behind bars is in a local jail. Our research drives jail reform.

Can you smoke in jail?
Daily prison life
Different types of prisons
Going to jail for the first time
How to stay safe in prison
How to survive prison
Prison food
Prison slang
Scared of going to jail
What can you buy in jail?

What do prisoners wear in Australia? Australian prison uniform

Minimum age of imprisonment
Finding out if someone is in jail

What are jail visits like?

Whether you are about to get sent to prison for the first time , or you have a loved one that is in prison, you may be wondering what jail visits are like in Australia. In movies, you see inmates seated in a tiny room, separated from their visitor by perspex, and communicating through the phone in the room. Fortunately this is not how most visits happen in Australian prisons. Those types of visits are called box visits and they are only used in extraordinary circumstances, for example if the inmate is too dangerous or has a history of smuggling contraband in during visits.

Visits in jail are one of the best things that inmates look forward to, because it is a chance to see your family and friends again, and remind you of life outside. It gives you motivation to keep going with the daily grind in jail , because you remember that there is life after prison, and you will get there.

Maximum security visits

In maximum security prisons, inmates must wear white overalls for the duration of the visit, to prevent the smuggling of contraband. Visitors will be seated at a table and chairs that are bolted to the floor, and the inmate must sit in their designated seat, and is not allowed to get up until the end of their visit. Visitors can buy snacks or drinks from a vending machine in the visiting area, but cannot bring in any food from outside.

The visiting hours depend on the jail, as does the duration of the visit, but it will be usually 30 min to 1 hour. It is not long at all, the visit will fly by, but make the most of it. If you are a visitor, make sure you arrive early - you don't want to turn up 15min late and miss out on half the visit.

Visiting area in a maximum security prison

Picture: Adam Taylor

Minimum security visits

In minimum security prisons, inmates don't need to wear white overalls during their visit, instead they can wear their usual prison greens . The visits are still in a room where the table and chairs are bolted down, but the environment is more relaxed.

The visiting hours depend on the jail, as well as the duration, but they are generally longer than in maxo . For example, the visits could be 1.5 hours, or even longer for a remote farm jail.

How long are visits?

This depends on the specific jail , but it varies from 30min to an hour for maxo, or 1.5 hrs or more for minimum security prisons.

When can I get visits?

The visit days depend on each prison , but it is usually weekends only. Some may have visits on Thursdays as well, or public holidays. Be sure to look up the specific prison you will be visiting to check which days are available. Most jails will also require you to make a booking beforehand.

Inmates - what to expect

Before your visit, you will be required to change into white overalls if you are in maxo. If you are in minimum, you can remain in your greens. The screws will write down any items of clothing you wear into the visit, to ensure that you are not bringing anything extra out of the visit. This includes shoes, watches and glasses. When you enter the visit area, you will be directed to where your visitors are seated. You will need to sit on the designated coloured seat that is for inmates only.

You may be overwhelmed with emotion, especially if it is your first visit, or if you haven't had a visit in a long time. Remember to enjoy and treasure the short time you have together, because the visit will fly by. Make sure you go to the toilet before you enter the visit area, because if you need to leave to go to the toilet, your visit will be terminated.

After your visit, you will be strip searched by a screw to ensure you haven't got any contraband to smuggle into the prison. It will be hard to say goodbye to your family and friends when they leave, but hold onto the memories of the visit until you see them again.

Visitors - what to expect

If you are a visitor, you must ensure you have booked a visit, if the prison you are visiting requires it. If it is your first visit, you will be given a VIN (Visitor Index Number), and when you visit you will need to provide your ID (such as driver licence or passport) to confirm your identity. When you arrive, there may be a wait to be processed, especially if there are many visitors at the same time, so ensure you arrive early so you do not eat into your visit time.

When you arrive you will may be searched, which could include looking through your bag, emptying your pockets, or going through an x-ray scanner. You are not allowed to bring mobile phones, guns, knives, alcohol, syringes, cigarettes, lighters, or jewellery into the visiting area. In fact, they are very strict even with dress code, and you cannot wear any clothing that is too revealing, nor hoodies, hats or sunnies which can be used to hide your identity.

It can be overwhelming for you as a visitor when you see your loved one for the first time in prison, especially if they are in the white overalls. You may feel so sorry for them, and want to take away all their pain, but know that your visits are so meaningful to them and you are helping them so much just by being there for them in person.

More information?

If you are looking for more info, you can send me an email using the Contact Form below. I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Ask an ex-inmate any questions about jail

If you have any quick questions that you are curious about, or if you are facing imprisonment and need some more info, please leave me a message below with your details.

I am also available for telephone consultations if you need to chat for longer.

About the Author

I served a full-time custodial sentence in several prisons in NSW, and I hope that my experience can help others who are about to be sentenced. All the information provided on this site is based on my real personal experience, or experiences and anecdotes from inmates I have met during my incarceration.

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Visits in Musclebrook jail and Cessnock jail for C classified inmates are totally different to most other jails that I have been to. You can move around. Cook bacon and eggs and steak which you have to buy. But there not that expensive. I know long bay is nothing like that. Whether you are in maxo or minimum classification. It's crap visiting no matter what 1 you are in.

I have a few questions about visits these days since COVID – does Parklea have vending machines ? Do you still have to wear masks? Should I bring coins? My friend had not called anyone despite 2 weeks passing – out of isolation. Worried Last time in ( 2020) on remand for a month called several times a day.

Hopefully moved to minimum security soon.

I haven’t been to Parklea but I would imagine they do have vending machines. I am also not sure about masks, you are better off ringing Parklea to answer. Yes, I would bring coins for vending machines. Don’t worry too much, maybe they don’t have the phone numbers added to their account yet. The process can be very slow at the start. I remember it took me a few weeks to get the numbers added.

Going to jail for the first time australia, what can prisoners buy in jail in australia, can you smoke in jail australia.

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Visit someone in prison

Use this service to request a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales. There’s a different way to book a prison visit in Northern Ireland or a prison visit in Scotland .

To use this service you need the:

prisoner number
prisoner’s date of birth
dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

If you do not have the prisoner’s location or prisoner number, use the ‘Find a prisoner’ service .

You can choose up to 3 dates and times you prefer. The prison will email you to confirm when you can visit.

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can request a visit. This can take up to 2 weeks.

Request a prison visit

Visits you cannot book through this service.

Contact the prison directly if you need to arrange any of the following:

legal visits, for example legal professionals discussing the prisoner’s case
reception visits, for example the first visit to the prisoner within 72 hours of being admitted
double visits, for example visiting for 2 hours instead of 1
family day visits - special family events that the prison organises

Help with the costs of prison visits

You may be able to get help with the cost of prison visits if you’re getting certain benefits or have a health certificate.

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

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Jails are embracing video-only visits, but some experts say screens aren't enough

Martin Kaste

A boy uses a video screen to talk with his mother, who was held at the Campbell County Jail in Jacksboro, Tenn. David Goldman/AP hide caption

A boy uses a video screen to talk with his mother, who was held at the Campbell County Jail in Jacksboro, Tenn.

The holidays are all about trying to spend time with family — a hard thing to do when a family member is behind bars. And it's even harder if that person is held in a local jail, where there's been a growing trend away from in-person visits.

"There's no more eye-to-eye, face-to-face visitation," says Maj. David McFadyen, the head of administrative operations for the sheriff's office in North Carolina's Craven County. Since the pandemic, the county jail has switched to a remote video system for family visits. It's not free; families pay the video service contractor $8 per 20 minutes. But McFadyen says it's easier for everyone involved.

"The inmates themselves don't have to leave the cell block. So it takes less personnel to have to bring them to another area where there was the face-to-face visitation," he says. And because family members no longer come to the jail, they don't have to be screened for contraband.

Prisons across the U.S. have mostly returned to allowing in-person visits since COVID. But in jails — which house people for shorter periods, usually before trial — there's been less interest in reopening doors to family, according to Wanda Bertram of the Prison Policy Initiative.

"In Michigan, for example, we recently obtained some data about the availability of in-person visits, and found that the vast majority have eliminated them," Bertram says.

There are no national statistics tracking the visiting rules for the thousands of locally run jails, but she says the trend seems clear.

"Not only are jails cutting back on in-person visits, they are building new facilities to exclude that possibility entirely," Bertram says.

Jails that have done this say video allows inmates more time to visit with family — even outside traditional jail visiting hours. But is video time the same as in-person time? Nneka Jones Tapia says no. She's a psychologist with the nonprofit Chicago Beyond who once ran the massive Cook County jail. When she was a little girl, her father was incarcerated.

"I recall back in the '80s visting my father and being able to bring food," Tapia says. "Just being able to have more normalized experiences with my dad helped us to maintain our bond."

That was a minimum-security prison; such personal contact is far less likely in jails, especially when they're short-staffed and security is a concern. But Tapia says it doesn't have to be that way. She has encouraged jails to set up visitation systems that welcome families — such as one she helped create at Cook County jail.

"They no longer see their incarcerated loved one in handcuffs," says Tapia. "They walk into a visitation space that is more colorful. It has bright lighting. It has games and activities so that the incarcerated parents, the care-takers who have brought the children and the children can engage in family play."

Every inmate at Cook County jail is entitled to one "contact visitation" per week. Tapia says this might involve extra effort, but that's made up for by the positive outcomes for everyone — including the corrections officers, who tend to volunteer for this more upbeat duty.

While child-oriented visiting programs have existed at prisons — especially women's prisons — Tapia says it's time for jails to welcome families, too, because their populations aren't as transient as they used to be.

"Jails were traditionally thought of as facilities that housed people for brief amounts of time," she says. "That is in fact not the case. Jails are holding people for sometimes years while they are awaiting trial."

According to federal estimates, the average stay in jail has risen slightly, to about 32 days per year in 2022 from about 24 days in 2015.

Julie Poehlmann at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studies families of incarcerated people. She says research has shown the value of in-person visits, both to the incarcerated person and family members . But she says a lot depends on the quality of the visit. In jails, she says, "in-person visit" often means the family is still separated by a glass partition or in-house video.

"Usually there's a row of video monitors, their special [incarcerated] person is on the screen, but only one [family member] can hear at a time because there's only one handheld [audio] device," Poehlmann says. "So in the observational work that my team has done, we found that children spend more than half the time watching other people's visits because it's hard to connect that way."

That's why she's not completely opposed to video visits. "They're not a bad supplement," Poehlmann says, "especially if they're done remotely, so a kid and a family can stay home or be in a comfortable place." This time of year, for instance, she says remote video might allow a child to show an incarcerated parent the Christmas tree.

"If [video] is offered for free, I think that that can help," she says. "But I don't think it should ever be a replacement" for in-person visits.

At least one state, Massachusetts, agrees: In 2018, it passed a law saying video visits are OK, as long inmates are still guaranteed the in-person option.

But nationally, the trend is the other way. In Craven County, Maj. McFadyen sees the shift to video as a reflection of what's going on outside the jail.

"Our whole society and socialization has changed now, where incredibly, many people do communicate when they're not incarcerated [by] Facetiming with their smartphones or their computers," he says.

And in a jail, McFadyen says video is just better — especially for kids. He thinks visiting a jail in person is just too traumatic for them.

"You certainly don't want a young child to be hugging a family member and their time expires and you have to pull them out of their arms," he says. "In a bad situation, [remote video] is as good of an option as we can have at this time."

He says with video, kids can spend even more time connecting with a jailed parent, and in the same way they're increasingly connecting with the rest of their world — through a screen.

incarceration
jail visits

Community corrections

Orders are issued to offenders by courts and by the Adult Parole Board.

Community work

The majority of offenders are required to undertake unpaid community work as a condition of their order.

Find a CCS location

Alleged offenders on remand are held in custody before and during their trial (on criminal charges) by order of a court.

Going to Prison

All prisoners undergo reception and assessment before being placed in a prison unit appropriate to the prison and the prisoner's needs.

Health care

The quality and standard of health care provided to prisoners is the same as that provided in the community through the public health system.

Leaving prison

All Victorian prisons have Transitional staff to assist prisoners to prepare for their release.

Corrections Victoria provides a wide range of program opportunities for prisoners to assist in their rehabilitation and successful return to the community after release from custody.

Contact or visit a prison

Prisons in Victoria

Find information about each of Victoria's correctional centres.

Visit a person in prison

Learn about visiting someone in a Victorian prison and what to expect.

Phone calls and video visits

Learn how to have a phone call or video visit with a person in prison.

Send letters, money or property to a person in prison

Learn how to post mail, send personal items or send money to a person in prison.

Email a person in prison

Learn how to send emails to a person in prison in Victoria.

Legal and other professional visitors

People in prison are entitled to meetings, phone calls and video calls with professional visitors.

Independent Prison Visitor Scheme

Independent Prison Visitors are volunteers who provide independent advice to the Minister for Corrections on the operation of Victoria's prison system.

International delegations

Information for overseas delegations (outside of Australia) to visit a prison in Victoria.

2. Plan your visit

3. Check what you can and cannot bring with you

4. When you arrive

5. During your visit

6. after your visit.

For a person in prison, getting visitors is an important way to keep social connections. It can help them adjust to prison life, promote mental health and reduce their chances of going back to prison after release.

For friends and family, visiting a prison can be a difficult experience. Prisons can be intimidating places and strict rules must be followed. Knowing what to expect can make the process smoother.

Note: The information on this page is designed for friends and family of prisoners. If you’re a professional visitor, such as a lawyer, see information about professional visits .

You need to know which prison they’re in

Visits are booked directly with the specific prison, so you need to know where the person is.

Contact someone without knowing their location

If you do not know which prison someone is in, you can contact them by writing to Corrections Victoria. We will forward your letter to them.

Post your letter to:

[Prisoner's first name and surname] c/- Corrections Victoria GPO Box 123 Melbourne VICTORIA 3001 AUSTRALIA

In your letter, you could ask them:

to tell you which prison they’re in, so you can post them letters, send them property or email them
to add you to their visit list, so you can visit them or send them money
to add your phone number to their phone list, so they can call you from prison .

If you are already on their visit list, you can call 1300 191 835 (External link) to confirm which prison they are currently in.

You must be on their list of approved visitors

To book a visit with a person in prison, your name must be on their visit list.

A visit list is the list of people who are approved to visit a person in prison.

To get on a visit list, write to the person and ask them to add you. You’ll need to give them your:

date of birth.

You must be on the visit list before you can:

visit them in person
have a video visit
send money to them .

Sometimes you may not be allowed to visit

Prisons have strict rules and a strong focus on safety and security. Sometimes it is not possible for in-person visits to happen.

You may not be allowed to visit if:

a temporary issue, such as a lockdown, means that visits are restricted
you have previously been banned from visiting a Victorian prison
you have a criminal history.

We recommend that you phone the prison on the day of your booked visit to check that there are no issues.

Visiting when you have a criminal history

If you have a Corrections Reference Number (CRN) or Person Identification (PID), you may need written permission from the prison General Manager before visiting. You will have a CRN or PID if you have been in prison, held on remand or subject to a Community Correction Order in the past.

If you have a CRN or PID and would like to visit someone in prison, you can seek permission from the prison's General Manager. Write to the General Manager and include:

your CRN or PID (if known) or your offences
your full name
your date of birth
your current residential address
name of the prisoner you wish to visit
reasons you want permission to visit (such as your relationship with the prisoner).

Address your letter to the postal address of the specific prison. Find the prison’s mailing address in the list of prisons in Victoria .

The General Manager will review your request and tell you their decision.

If you do not know the prison they are in, you can post your letter to:

[Prisoner's first name and surname] c/- Corrections Victoria GPO Box 123 Melbourne VICTORIA 3001 AUSTRALIA

If you cannot visit in person, there are other ways to stay connected, such as:

posting letters or property to someone in prison
emailing a person in prison
having phone calls or video visits with a person in prison .

1. Make a booking

All visits must be booked in advance.

In some prisons, visits are booked by the person in prison, not the visitor.

To book a visit, or find out how visits are booked, contact the specific prison. Find contact information and visiting hours for each of the prisons in Victoria .

Types of visits

There are a few different types of prison visit, including:

contact visits, where there is no barrier between the prisoner and visitors
non-contact visits (‘box visits’) where the prisoner and visitors talk through a window using a telephone handset
video visits .

The type of visit you can have will vary depending on the prison, the visitor and the prisoner.

If you’re sick, please reschedule

When the day of your visit approaches, please reschedule if:

you have tested positive to COVID-19 in the last 5 days
you have a cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion that is new or getting worse.

Getting there

Free parking is available at all prisons, except Melbourne Assessment Prison.

Instructions for driving and using public transport are available on each prison’s profile page. Find the prison’s profile page in the list of prisons in Victoria .

Arrive early

Some prisons ask visitors to arrive well before their booked visit time (sometimes up to 40 minutes before). Check the prison’s profile page in the list of prisons in Victoria and, if you’re not sure, contact the prison to ask.

If you arrive late, you might need to rebook the visit. We cannot guarantee this will be on the same day as the original booking.

Bring identification (ID)

You must prove your identity every time you visit a prison.

Visitors need to show 100 points of ID.

If you do not have enough ID, you will not be allowed to visit.

Showing 100 points of identification (ID)

To prove your identity, you usually need 100 points of ID. The ID items you use must be current (not expired).

The most common ID item to use is a driver licence . A driver licence is worth 100 points, so it would be the only item you need.

If you do not have any of the items in the 100-points category, you can use either:

two items from the 50-points category (50 + 50 = 100 points)
one item from the 50-points category and two items from the 25-points category (50 + 25 + 25 = 100 points).

Using four items from the 25-points category is not allowed.

Items worth 100 points

Victorian driver licence
Correctional Services pass
Consulate ID card
Valid passport
Working With Children Check card
Firearms licence
Police member ID
Ombudsman’s photo ID pass
Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission ID
Proof of Age card
Australian Board Force identification card
Victorian Government ID

Items worth 50 points

Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Australian citizenship certificate
Immigration card
Defence Department ID
Government authorised under-16 years card
Australia interstate digital drivers licence (including a digital driver licence)

Items worth 25 points

Medicare card
Health care card
Student card
Credit card
Senior's card

If you cannot meet the ID requirements, contact Corrections Victoria on [email protected] (External link) or call 1300 191 835 (External link) .

What to wear

As a visitor to a prison, you must follow prison rules, including the visitor dress standards. Visitor dress standards help keep prisons safe and secure.

Staff must consider many factors when processing visitors, including whether the visitor’s clothing:

is suitable for a prison environment
could hide prohibited items (contraband)
could hide a person’s identity or help someone breach security
could lead to unrest or cause incidents among prisoners.

Refer to this information as a guide and, if you’re unsure about whether your clothing is okay, contact the prison.

Visitors are not allowed to wear:

gang-affiliated clothing, colours or patches
clothing with racist, derogatory, sexist or profane messages, images or symbols
is sheer, see-through or low cut
is very short, such as football shorts, miniskirts or high-cut shorts that show upper thigh or buttocks
is unnecessarily exposing, such as crop tops or other tops that show the midriff
gloves
high-visibility workwear (due to similarity with the clothing worn by contractors)
open-toed shoes
scarves (unless for religious purposes)
watches, including any type of smart watch or Fitbit activity device.

Other items might also be seen as a risk to security or safety, such as:

boots and thick-sole shoes
hair pieces such as headbands and scrunchies
hooded tops or jumpers (hoodies)
jewellery, particularly if it's excessive
sleeveless or strapless clothing
windcheaters, tracksuit pants or T-shirts in similar colours to what a person in the prison is wearing (bottle green in men’s prisons and royal blue in woman’s prisons).

Staff may ask you to:

present an item to be searched
remove hair pieces or jewellery
place items into a visitor locker
wear a prison-issued visitor T-shirt.

Specific prisons may have additional rules and restrictions. Check the information on the prison’s profile page, which you can find in the list of prisons in Victoria . If you’re not sure about something, contact the prison to ask.

3. Check what you can and cannot bring with you

Do not bring prohibited items (contraband) onto prison property .

It is a criminal offence to bring prohibited items onto prison property. This includes items left in cars in prison car parks (cars may be searched). Make sure you check what you can and cannot bring onto prison property before you leave home.

For a list of items prohibited at all prisons, see prohibited items (contraband) .

Some prisons have other rules. Check the information on the prison’s profile page, which you can find in the list of prisons in Victoria . If you’re not sure about something, contact the prison to ask.

Bringing personal items for people in prison

You can bring property to drop off at the prison.

For more information about what you can and cannot bring, and other ways to send property, learn how to send property to prisoners .

Bringing money for people in prison

Money for people in prison can be dropped off at prisons. To do this, you must meet prison identification requirements.

For more information about money, including other ways to send money, read more about how to s end money to a person in prison .

4. When you arrive

Where to go.

On arrival, follow the signs to the gatehouse or visit centre .

Waiting area

Most prisons have a waiting area with toilets and vending machines.

Many have lockers that you can leave a small amount of belongings in.

Going through security

Security procedures vary depending on whether the prison is maximum, medium or minimum security.

When it’s your turn, prison staff will take you through security. This is a routine process that everyone must go through, including prison staff.

If you’ve been to an airport, you will be familiar with some of the procedures.

Depending on the prison security level, security procedures for visitors at Victorian prisons may include:

inspection of your clothing, accessories or other property
sniffer dogs in the prison and the carpark
body scanners.

If staff suspect you may have contraband, they may ask you to submit to a strip search. You have the right to refuse a strip search.

Body scanners

All visitors will be subject to body scanning on entry to prisons. This includes personal visitors (friends and family) and professional visitors (such as lawyers).

About the body scanners used in Victorian prisons

Millimetre wave body scanner .

Millimetre wave technology (MMW) is a high-level radio frequency security scanner that emits radio waves. MMW has been introduced as an added layer of security at prison gatehouses.

MMW emits no radiation. It is safe for all persons to enter the screener, including pregnant women and people with medical implants such as pacemakers and defibrillators.

MMW body screeners are now in use at most passenger departure points at most Australian airports as well as international airports and other locations where high levels of security are needed.

Shoes, jackets and bulky outerwear must be removed to ensure the most effective and efficient scan is achieved.

X-ray body scanner

The X-ray body scanner produces an image of the whole body to show items that may be concealed by a person.

Persons undergoing the scan will be exposed to a very low dose of radiation. The Victorian Department of Health sets the maximum number of scans that an individual will receive. This is done in accordance with the Victorian Radiation Act 2005 and Radiation Regulations 2017.

The radiation dose is minimal, comparable to routine activities in the community. For example, 400 scans over 12 months is equivalent to less than one medical chest X-ray.

Shoes, jackets and bulky outerwear must be removed to ensure the most effective and efficient scan is achieved.

Exemptions from being X-ray scanned:

Pregnant or possibly pregnant persons should inform staff and may be screened by an alternative search method, including a Millimetre Wave Body Scanner, which is a non-radiation screening device.
If a visitor has a medical condition that precludes them from being subject to radiation, a medical certificate must be provided.
Visitors under 18 years will not be scanned.

If a visitor refuses a body scan:

the visit may be refused
a non-contact visit may be offered
the visitor may have to undergo an alternate screening method.

For more information about body scanning processes, please contact the specific prison or email [email protected] (External link) .

Follow the rules

All visitors must follow the directions of prison staff.

Inappropriate, disrespectful and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. Any visitor whose behaviour risks prison security or the safety of people in prison, staff or other visitors may be banned from visiting.

If you fail to follow prison rules, you may:

be refused entry
offered a non-contact visit
receive a visit ban.

Practice good hygiene

Please practice good hygiene to stop the spread of infectious diseases and keep everyone healthy and safe.

While you’re visiting, we encourage you to:

use hand sanitiser
cough and sneeze into your elbow
avoid touching your face.

Child toys and play equipment

Play equipment, toys and books can be made available to you during your visit. Speak with the staff in the visit area about what is available.

Food and beverages

Some visit centres have canteens and some have vending machines. Fresh water is always available.

Please ensure you use the toilet in the waiting area of the gatehouse or visit centre. If you require a toilet break during your visit, or need to use the baby change rooms, the visit may be terminated. If you have a medical condition or specific circumstances that require you to use the toilet more frequently, please advise the prison staff before entering the prison.

If you would like to give feedback about your visit:

contact the specific prison you visited
email [email protected] (External link)
learn about making a complaint .

I want to...

More information.

Professional video calls with people in prison

COMMENTS

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Find the prison's website. Many prisons now have websites. On the website, you can find important information for planning your trip. Look for the website so that you can find out how to schedule a visit. You will also want information about what you can bring. 3. Call to ask about restrictions.
How to Prepare for a Prison Visit
Give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes to fill out paperwork. Be prepared to be searched before being admitted into the visiting room. Searches may include a pat down by an officer of the same gender and a pass through a metal detector. All visitors must be searched, including children. Before bringing children, consider visiting alone first so ...
How to Visit Someone in Prison
Signing up for visits in advance is required at most prisons. Contact the facility you wish to visit and follow scheduling procedures: Call the inmate records office to request an appointment. Provide needed visitor details like ID, relationship, criminal history. Verify eligible visitation dates/times based on prison schedules.
Visiting Rules and Applications for Jails and Prisons
Visiting Application Process. When planning to visit an inmate, understanding the eligibility criteria for visitors is the first crucial step. Prisons and jails have specific guidelines that determine who is allowed to visit inmates, primarily to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Generally, visitors must not have a felony ...
Visiting prison
How many visits is a prisoner allowed?  Visit entitlement can vary from prison to prison and also depends on whether a prisoner is being held on remand or has been convicted. Convicted prisoners are generally allowed 3-4 visits a month but this can increase as the prisoner progresses through the system. Remanded prisoners are allowed a minimum of 90 minutes visiting per week up ...
Prison Visitation Guide
During a Visit. Visits can last anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour. Make the most of your time by abiding by instructions given by officers and by being nondisruptive. Physical contact will most likely be limited to a brief hug, handshake or kiss when greeting and saying goodbye.
Visiting an Inmate
At some facilities, the inmate will fill out a list of 10 or so visitors that can visit. The inmate needs to know the visitor's full name, address, phone number and sometimes more information. If you think your inmate may not know all this information, you should mail them a letter, or be sure to tell them the next time they call.
PDF Visiting Procedures
Inmates receiving visits are permitted to wear or bring only the following items to the visiting area. a. Social Visits - Jumpsuit, undergarments, institutional issue shoes, handkerchief, prescription eyeglasses, religious book (Bible, Quran, etc.) (if desired), and a wedding band (if married) will be worn or carried into the visiting area.
Visitor Centers
Visits provide a way for a family to stay connected. Incarcerated parents have the opportunity to support the parent/child relationship and children get to experience much needed contact with their Mother or Father. Visitor Centers are located outside the prison walls but on prison grounds, and usually are adjacent to the visitor parking lots.
Inmate Visitation
In-Person Visits. Each inmate is permitted four in-person visits per month, one of which may be on a weekend; in-person visits are guaranteed to be at least one hour long. Four visitors are permitted with an inmate at a time. (Exception: At Quehanna Boot Camp, two visitors are permitted at a time.) All visitors must clear all security ...
Prison Visit: 8 Tips for Visiting a Prisoner
Here's what you ought to know. 1. Ensure You're on the Approved List Before Visiting a Prisoner. Before you plan your prison visit, you'll need to get in touch with the prison and your loved one to let them know you're visiting. From there, prison administration will add you to the inmate visitor's list. Most of the time, an inmate can have up ...
An In-Depth Guide to Jail and Prison Visiting Hours
Visiting hours and policies in correctional facilities are subject to significant variation, largely due to the distinct functions and operational structures of jails and prisons. Understanding these differences is crucial for those planning to visit an inmate, as it impacts everything from scheduling visits to the nature of the visit itself.
The Simple Guide to Visiting an Inmate for the First Time
First, you're advised to arrive about 15-20 minutes early. This will give you enough time to fill out the necessary paperwork and go through the numerous security clearances as you enter the grounds. Arriving early is especially important your first time visiting someone in jail.
PDF KNOW YOUR RIGHTS RESTRICTIONS ON VISITATION
Last updated: 11/05 3 Additionally, prisons and jails must provide reasonable schedules and facilities for visits by attorneys and paralegals.17 Generally, prisoners must be granted confidentiality in their legal visits.18 New laws passed in the wake of September 11th, however, have placed some limitations on the privilege of confidential communications with an attorney.
Prison and Jail Visitation
Protecting in-person family visits in prisons and jails. In April 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed S.2371 into law, which requires Massachusetts jails to provide people in jails with at least two in-person visits per week and prohibits jails from replacing in-person visits with video calls. In June 2017, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the 2017-2018 California budget ...
What are jail visits like? What you MUST know before your visit
The visiting hours depend on the jail, as does the duration of the visit, but it will be usually 30 min to 1 hour. It is not long at all, the visit will fly by, but make the most of it. If you are a visitor, make sure you arrive early - you don't want to turn up 15min late and miss out on half the visit. Visiting area in a maximum security prison.
Visit someone in prison
To use this service you need the: If you do not have the prisoner's location or prisoner number, use the 'Find a prisoner' service. You can choose up to 3 dates and times you prefer. The ...
Jails offer video visits, but experts say screens aren't enough
Jails are embracing video-only visits, but some experts say screens aren't enough. A boy uses a video screen to talk with his mother, who was held at the Campbell County Jail in Jacksboro, Tenn ...
Visit a person in prison
A visit list is the list of people who are approved to visit a person in prison. To get on a visit list, write to the person and ask them to add you. You'll need to give them your: full name; address; date of birth. You must be on the visit list before you can: visit them in person; have a video visit; send money to them.

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How to Prepare for a Prison Visit

BEFORE VISITING PRISON

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DURING THE PRISON VISIT

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How to Visit Someone in Prison – A Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Benefits of Visits

Check Visitor Eligibility Rules

Know the Different Visitation Types

Schedule Visits in Advance

Know What to Expect Arriving at the Facility

Follow All Visitation Rules and Restrictions

Utilize Alternatives If In-Person Visits Are Restricted

Where can I find detailed rules on dress code, conduct and banned items for a specific facility?

What options exist for lodging and hotels when traveling to distant prisons?

What are the most common reasons visits get denied or cut short?

Can visitation privileges be suspended if rules are broken?

What is the best way to comfort an upset inmate during emotional visits?

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Types of Visitation

Before Your Visit

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Visiting with Minors

Arrival at the Facility and Search

What Items Can You Bring to Visitation?

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Prison Visit: 8 Tips for Visiting a Prisoner

1. Ensure You're on the Approved List Before Visiting a Prisoner

2. Understand Visitation Limits

3. Some Prisons Allow for Special Visits

4. Always Be Punctual for Your Visit

5. Research What You Can and Can't Bring Into a Prison

6. Always Dress Appropriately

7. Always Be Respectful and Polite

8. Be Mindful of Displays of Affection

Want To Learn More About an Inmate or Facility?

The Simple Guide to Visiting an Inmate for the First Time

How To Get Approved To Visit An Inmate

Know Who’s Allowed for Inmate Visitation

Information to Provide to Visit an Inmate

How to Dress to Inmate Visitation

Arriving to the Prison for Inmate Visitation

During Inmate Visitation

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