For families and friends • Adults’ prisons • England & Wales

Preparing for your first prison visit

A few things to sort before you set off, so you can focus on seeing the person you care about.

You might be unsure what to wear, what to take or what happens at the entrance. Work through the list at your own pace. The prompts are the same for everyone; your chosen prison’s official page gives the local instructions.

Which prison are you visiting?

Choose from our England and Wales directory, or use the prison finder.

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Before you book

Confirm the prison and visitor listMake sure the person is still at that prison and everyone attending has been added to their visitor list. Being on a phone list is a separate arrangement.
Wait for a confirmed bookingUse the prison’s published booking route. Have the information the booking service asks for ready privately. An online request is not the same as a confirmed visit. Ask the prison directly about reception visits or family days.
Check identification for each visitorCheck the official accepted ID list. Alternatives exist if you do not have a passport or driving licence. If none of the listed documents is available, contact the prison before travelling to ask about advance permission.
Ask about anything that would make the visit easierTell the booking team about mobility or communication needs, sensory difficulties, medical equipment or medication you need during the visit. Ask what arrangements and evidence are needed; do not leave it until the entrance.

Get ready for the day

Read that prison’s visitor dress rulesCheck footwear, outerwear and accessories as well as clothes. Hooded, revealing or damaged clothing can cause problems. Rules for visitors are different from rules about clothes a prisoner may keep. Ask about anything you are unsure of.
Plan the journey and arrival timeCheck the visitor entrance, where to report and how early to arrive. Allow time for registration and security. Check parking or the last part of the journey from the station. Keep the booking contact and confirmation available.
Check bags, phones, lockers and refreshmentsAsk what must be left outside the visits hall, whether a locker needs a coin or token, and how refreshments are paid for. Do not assume you can hand in clothes, gifts or parcels during a visit.
Check help with travel costsIf money is tight, read the official eligibility rules before booking expensive travel. Keep the evidence and receipts the scheme asks for. Help is conditional, rather than available for every visitor.

If children are coming

Confirm the children are included in the bookingAsk about age, accompanying-adult and identification requirements. Check what baby supplies, food, bottles and pushchairs are permitted and whether the visitors’ centre can help.
Explain the visit in words they understandTell them there may be waiting, security checks and rules about what they can take in. Give them space for questions. Plan food, toilets and the journey home around their needs; the visitor team can explain local facilities.

Before leaving home

Recheck the booking and local instructionsConfirm the date, time, approved visitors and ID. Read any cancellation message and check the prison’s latest visiting information. If something is unclear, contact the visits team before setting off.
Leave some space after the visitA first visit can bring relief as well as difficult feelings. Plan who you can speak to afterwards. You do not have to solve every problem during one conversation.

Keep the visit manageable

It can help to think of one or two things you want to talk about, rather than trying to fit everything into the visit. Ask how they are finding things, listen to the answer and leave room for ordinary family conversation too.

If a child goes quiet or feels upset afterwards, give them time. A visit does not have to go perfectly to matter.

If something changes

If you are delayed, a visitor cannot attend or you have an ID problem, contact the visits team. They can explain the options; this checklist cannot guarantee entry. If you are worried about someone’s immediate safety, use the prison’s urgent safety contacts rather than waiting for a visit.

Help with prison visit costs ↗
Family support organisations ↗
Urgent help ↗

Questions to ask the visits team

Official guidance

Checked 19 October 2026. These links cover England and Wales. Local rules can change.

For Scotland or Northern Ireland, use the official directories linked in our prison finder and the prison’s own visiting instructions.

Before the Gate does not need your family’s personal details. Enter booking information only with the official booking service or prison. This checklist stores the selected prison and ticks, not visitor records.