Booking a visit to see someone in prison can seem like a complicated process, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you're planning to visit in person or opting for a virtual visit, knowing the requirements and steps will make the process easier and smoother. We are here to help guide you through everything you need to know, from booking online to bringing the right documentation for your visit. The process may vary slightly depending on the prison, but this guide will provide the necessary steps to book a prison visit successfully.

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Understanding The Process

If you want to see someone in prison, it’s essential to book a visit in advance. The process can be done either online or over the phone, depending on your preference and previous experience. In addition to in-person visits, many prisons now offer virtual visits, providing greater flexibility for families and friends to stay connected with their loved ones inside.

If this is your first time visiting a prison, you'll need to phone the prison's Visits Booking Office to arrange the visit. Upon calling, you will be assigned a unique visitor identification number (VIN). This number is crucial as it is required for all future prison visits, whether booked online or via phone.

It's important to note that if the prisoner you are visiting has just been admitted to the facility, you must call the booking office directly to schedule your first visit. You won’t be able to book online until your details have been entered into the prison's system.

Booking a Prison Visit Online

Booking a visit to prison online is a convenient way to schedule an in-person or virtual visit with a prisoner. However, several details are required for the online process. To book a prison visit online, make sure you have the following:

- Your unique visitor identification number (VIN)
- The prisoner’s reference number
- The prisoner’s identification number
- Your date of birth
- Your email address and contact number
- The unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for any additional visitors (if applicable, not required for virtual visits)

Without these details, the booking process cannot be completed. It’s crucial to ensure you have all the required information before attempting to book your visit. If you don't have the necessary details, contact the prison’s Visits Booking Office for assistance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking an Online VisitLog into the prison booking portal:
You will need to have previously booked a visit or registered with the prison to gain access to the online portal.

‍Enter your VIN:
This unique visitor identification number ensures that the prison recognizes you as an authorized visitor.

‍Provide prisoner information:
Enter the prisoner’s reference and identification number to ensure you are booking a visit for the correct person.

‍Add additional visitors (if applicable):
For in-person visits, all visitors must be registered, and their unique visitor identification numbers and dates of birth must be provided.

‍Confirm details and submit your booking:
After verifying all the details, you can finalize the booking. You should receive a confirmation email with the visit date and time.

Booking a Prison Visit by Telephone

If you prefer or are required to book a visit to prison by telephone, the process is similar to booking online. However, you’ll be speaking directly with the Visits Booking Office, which can be helpful if you need assistance or clarification.

- To book a visit by phone, you’ll need:
- The prisoner’s reference number
- The prisoner’s identification number
- Your unique visitor identification number
- Your date of birthYour contact number and email address
- The unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (for in-person visits)

By calling the prison’s booking office, you can ask any questions you may have about the visit, the documentation needed, and any restrictions in place at the facility.

If the person you want to visit has just arrived in prison, it’s essential to call the booking office as soon as possible. Newly admitted prisoners may not be entered into the prison’s online system immediately, so a phone call ensures you can arrange a visit sooner rather than later. Once the prison has all the necessary details, they will schedule your visit and provide you with any additional information you may need.

Visiting Some One In Prison

Visiting someone in prison plays a significant role in maintaining family connections, but there are rules and processes to follow. First, you need to book your visit and get registered. On your first visit, you should arrive at least 30 minutes early to provide identification, which is required for all visitors. Acceptable forms of ID include a driving license, passport, or electoral identity card. If you're between 16 and 18, additional ID like a birth certificate or student card may be required.

During your visit, you can expect to be searched, including passing through a dog trained to detect banned items. If the dog detects something, you may be offered a "closed visit," where physical contact is restricted, or you can choose to reschedule. For the safety of everyone, personal items must be left in lockers, and appropriate clothing is required—sporting team attire or revealing clothing is not allowed.

If you have special requirements, like wheelchair access, inform the staff when booking. Normally, up to three adults and two children can visit at once, but changes can be requested. If you're on a low income, financial help with travel expenses may be available, and there are free transport services to certain prisons on visit days.

If visiting isn't possible, keeping in touch through prison phone calls is another option. To reduce costs, many UK prison phone services offer affordable prison calls with cheaper prison call rates and low-cost prison calls. Families can benefit from unlimited prison calls, cheap prison phone calls, and tailored inmate calling plans. Some prison call providers even offer free prison calls or special prison phone plans for regular communication. Whether using prison landlines or prison phone number services, staying connected has never been more accessible or affordable.

Virtual Visits

In recent years, virtual visits have become an increasingly popular way for friends and family to stay connected with their loved ones in prison. Virtual visits offer a convenient alternative to in-person visits, especially for those who cannot easily travel to the prison.

Virtual visits allow you to connect with a prisoner using a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. The visit can last up to 20 minutes, and, like in-person visits, they are supervised by prison staff. It’s important to note that any inappropriate behavior during the visit, such as the use of offensive language or gestures, may result in the visit being cut short and future virtual visits being restricted.

To book a virtual visit, you will need the same information as for an in-person visit:
- The prisoner’s reference number
- The prisoner’s identification number
- Your unique visitor identification number
- Your date of birth
- Your contact details

Once the visit is booked, you will receive a confirmation email with the date and time of the visit, along with instructions on how to join the virtual meeting.

Virtual visits provide several advantages over in-person visits, offering greater convenience by eliminating the need to travel to the prison, which saves both time and money. They also provide more flexibility, allowing visits to be scheduled around work and personal commitments with ease. Additionally, virtual visits enhance safety by minimizing physical interaction, which is particularly important in addressing public health concerns, ensuring a safer experience for both visitors and prisoners.

FAQs & Useful Informtation About Visiting Someone In Prison