bristol prison visit id

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https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

• Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
• Making prison visits easier to book
• Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

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HMP Bristol, Visits and getting there

Visits are held every day except Xmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday between 14:00-16:00

You can book online at www.gov.uk/prison-visits . All you need is the name and date of birth of the person you are visiting, their prisoner number and details of the visitors. You can choose up to 3 possible dates and times. Prison booking staff will check what’s available and confirm your visit by email. If you’ve made an online visit booking request and haven’t received a confirmation email within 1-3 working days, email [email protected] or call 0117 372 3213, lines open Monday-Friday 09.00-12.30 and 1330-16.30.

You can also book visits be emailing the address above, or of you prefer by calling 0117 372 3213. If you have sent an email, do not assume that the visit booking has been acceoted until you get a confirmation from the prison.

There is a visitors centre at the prison click here or call 01179 244866. You can leave items that you are not allowed to take into the prison such as mobile phones, cigarettes etc in lockers at the visitors centre during your visit. You will be searched before being admitted to the visits hall. You are allowed to take a small amount of money into the hall to buy refreshments (no £20 notes allowed)

The nearest railway stations are Bristol Temple Meads (3 miles) and Bristol Parkway (4 miles). Click here.   Both stations have large taxi ranks, but all buses #70-79 click here from the central bus station pass the prison.

The prison is close to the city centre to the North West, off the A38. Parking at the prison can be a challenge.

Return to Bristol

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Do you know the latest ID requirements for prison visits?

Updated 1 Mar 2024

In April 2021, His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) introduced changes to the type of identification (ID) that you will need to provide when you visit a loved one in prison. These changes have been made to help make prison visits safer and more secure for everyone. The changes apply to adult visitors over the age of 16 years.

As in-person prison visits start to reopen, we explain what you need to know about the updated ID requirements. 

You can also download the official HMPPS poster to give you an overview of the changes.

What are the new ID rules?

You will still need to bring one or more forms of identification with you to all your prison visits.

If you have photographic identification (ID with your name and picture on - for example, a passport or driving licence), then you will only need to show this one form of ID. 

If you do not have photographic identification, you will need to show two different forms of ID before you are allowed to visit. 

What type of photographic ID can I use?

You can use any one of the following documents:

• Your  passport
• An identity card from a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country.
• A UK  photocard driving licence
• EU or EEA driving licences
• A Northern Ireland Electoral identity card
• A United States passport card
• A proof of age card recognised under the  Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)  with a unique reference number
• A UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

What if I don't have photographic ID? Can I use something else?

If you aren't able to provide one of the ID documents listed above, you will need to provide  two  different forms of ID.

One of these forms of ID must be:

• A Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person's document, one-way document or a certificate of travel).
• An older person's bus pass.
• A  Freedom Pass .
• A proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)  without a unique reference number.

In addition to one of the above documents, you will also need to provide one of the items from the following list:

• Your birth or adoption certificate.
• An education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as an NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A Level or degree certificate)
• A rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
• Your marriage or civil partnership certificate
• A bank, building society or credit union current account card (which has your name on it)

Any combination of the above documents should be accepted, but you will need one from the first list and one from the second list.

Example 1: You could provide your Freedom Pass and your marriage certificate. 

Example 2: You could provide your proof of age card and your building society current account card.

I have two documents from the first list, can I use both of those instead?

Unfortunately not. You must have one document from the first list and one document from the second list. If you cannot provide both of these forms of ID, then you may be refused entry to the prison.

What if I do not have the right ID? What if I don't have any ID?

All visitors to a prison, including legal visitors, need to provide one or more forms of identification before they will be allowed into the prison. 

In exceptional circumstances, if you do not have access to any of the ID listed above, you can ask permission to attend a visit in advance from the duty Governor at the prison. You will need to provide a reason why you do not have the appropriate ID. Each case will be reviewed individually.  

If you need ID urgently, you could consider  applying for a Citizen Card . An urgent application takes 1-2 working days and costs £35. Standard applications cost £18 and take up to 21 days to process.

Find out more

You can contact the  Prisoners’ Families Helpline for information, support and guidance about any aspect of the criminal justice system:

• Call 0808 808 2003 (9am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am - 3pm on weekends and bank holidays, exc. Christmas and Boxing Day)
• Email [email protected]
• Visit www.prisonersfamilies.org

• The weekly online and monthly printed national newspaper for prisoners and detainees

Search articles and comments

Hmp bristol.

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Male Local , Prison Visit , South West

Prison information

Address: HMP BRISTOL 19 Cambridge Road, Bristol, BS7 8PS Switchboard: 0300 060 6510 Managed by: HMPPS Region:  West Category:  Male Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bristol-prison

Description

Bristol Prison is a men’s prison in the Horfield area of Bristol.

Visit Booking: Online

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

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

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Children’s Visits:

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

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If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

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7 thoughts on “ hmp bristol ”.

The new rules about money are that it must be by debit card. But banks advise never to use a debit card over the phone, always a credit card for security.

So how can I send in money to my grandson ?

I need to sent money to my son who is on remand. How can I do it quickly?

how do I send some money in can I do it on line for personal use eg:shower gel,toiletrys ,phone, please could some one let me know.

Editorial Comment: Inside Time have a factsheet which explains the available means of sending money to prisoners in public prisons in England and Wales. For private prisons you would need to contact the specific prison. https://insidetime.org/download/Information/for_prisoners%E2%80%99_families/Sending-money-to-prisoners.pdf

Can a victim of one of the prisoners arrange for a meeting with each other?

I have tried booking a visit all day to be told line closed i need to book a reception visit asap for my son jameshay i do not know his prison number please contact me to sort this out

Does anybody know if prisoners are able to have family visits and legal visits in the same day.

I’ve booked a visit online and it has been confirmed, however I’m pretty sure he has a legal visit on the same day ?

My husband is there in prison and I ve never been there that’s why I am checking on the site

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Guide to Booking Your First Prison Visit

Visiting a loved one in prison can be an emotionally-wrought experience, especially if this is your first time. It’s normal to feel nervous. Here is a comprehensive guide designed to help ease your concerns and answer your questions about booking your first prison visit in the UK:

The Basic Rules

Every prison in the UK has their own set of rules for visits. Generally, you are allowed a certain number of visits in a specified period.

Booking a Visit

You can’t just show up at the prison; you have to book your visitation in advance. The usual method for booking a visit is through the government’s official Prison Visits Booking website. You need to provide the prisoner’s name and prisoner number, and you would also have to provide your own personal details like your full name, contact number, and date of birth.

Visiting Order (VO)

Before visiting a prison, you need to receive a Visiting Order from the prisoner that you plan to visit. This rule, however, may vary depending on the prison’s individual visitation rules.

Identification

When you visit a prison, you’re required to provide a certain level of identification. This typically involves your passport or driving license and utility bills showing your current address. If you don’t provide the right ID, you may not be allowed to visit.

What You Can Bring

The rules about what you can bring into a prison are rigorous. You’re not expected to bring anything in, but if you do, it’s likely to be thoroughly searched.

Searching Process

When you enter a prison, you’ll be searched. This is an essential part of maintaining the safety and security of everyone involved.

• Physical Search: This involves a metal detector and possibly a pat down.
• Biometric Tests: These include fingerprint scans. Your biometric data gets destroyed after your visit.
• Drug Detection Dogs: You may also be screened by drug detection dogs.

What You Can Expect

During your time in the prison, you can expect to see your loved one in a communal area. Visits are typically supervised, though they try to give you some privacy. There might also be a limit to the physical contact you’re allowed with the prisoner.

Remember, prison visits are all about keeping connected with your loved one and offering them moral support. The rules might seem overwhelmingly strict, but they’re there to protect all parties involved. If you’ve got specific concerns or questions, do seek advice from the prison you’re planning to visit or a support network like the Prison Advice and Care Trust.

What is the cheapest way to call from Prison?

Is it cheaper to call a landline from prison.

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• Crime, justice and the law
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Staying in touch with someone in prison

Visiting someone in prison.

You can make an online request to visit someone in prison in most cases.

You can only visit a prisoner if they’ve added you to their visitor list. The prison will contact you once you’re on this list.

Get help with the cost of visiting someone

You might be able to get help paying for a prison visit , for example travel costs, if you’re receiving certain benefits.

How often you can visit someone in prison

A convicted prisoner is usually allowed at least two 1-hour visits every 4 weeks.

A prisoner on remand (waiting for their trial) is allowed three 1-hour visits a week.

You can find out more about the exact rules on visits on the prison information page of the prison you’re visiting.

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BCJ HOC Visitation Center

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General Facility Information

Visitation table of contents.

• What time can I visit my inmate at Bristol County Jail & House of Corrections?
• What can I expect when visiting.
• Are the visitation rules different depending on the type prison that Bristol County Jail & House of Corrections is?
• Can I bring my inmate anything in the visiting room?
• Can I request longer visitations with the facility?
• Where can I get a visitation application for Bristol County Jail & House of Corrections? - Click to download.
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Visitation Hours

Bcj hoc - visitation.

Times and days are subject to change without notice

• Monday 8:30 am - 4 pm
• Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
• Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Saturday 10 am - 3:30 pm
• Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm
• All federal holidays

This facility may also have a video visitation option, please call 508-995-6400 for more information, alerts, or scheduling changes.

General Visitation Information

House of Correction - Main Visiting Room Monday

• 7:00 am to 8:00 am EC,ED,EE Units (RHU)
• 8:00 am to 10:00 am HB Unit (82)
• 10:00 am to 11:00 am EB Unit (38)
• 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EA Unit ICE Det only (RHU)
• 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm GB Unit (96)
• 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm FA Unit (66)
• 7:00 am to 8:00 am Male ICE Det Only (RHU)
• 8:00 am to 10:00 am 2 East Unit (104)
• 10:00 am to 11:00 am FB Unit (64)
• 11:00 am to 1:00 pm GC Unit (96)
• 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm HA Unit (82)
• 10:00 am to 11:00 am GA Unit (96)
• 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm 1 West Unit (104)
• 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EB Unit (38)
• 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 2 West Unit (96)
• 11:00 am to 1:00 pm FA Unit (66)
• 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm GC Unit (96)
• 7:00 am to 8:00 am EA Unit ICE Det Only (RHU)
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• 7:00 am to 8:00 am EA Unit (16) (Sent/Pre-Trial RHU)
• 8:00 am to 11:00 am 2 West Unit
• 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm EB Unit – Minor Visits for ICE Detention
• 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm 1 East Unit (104)
• 8:00 am to 11:00 am 1 East Unit
• 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 2 East Unit – Minor Visits for ICE Detention
• 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 1 West Unit (104)

Visiting Inmates at Bristol County Jail & House of Corrections

All Visitors are subject to search once inside the facility.

The public may visit no more than one time per week, Monday through Saturday at this N Dartmouth MA location. Visitors must sign inat least 15 minutes before their scheduled visits. If you schedule a visit and don't show up or show up late, you will not be allowed to visit the rest of that week, including Saturday. If a visit on Saturday is scheduled, and the visitor does not show up or shows up late, they will not be allowed to visit until the following Saturday. Repeated late arrival or no-show violations may result in longer suspension of visiting privileges. Inmates are allowed no more than one (1) visit per day. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, unless they are visiting a parent. Unaccompanied minors (under age 18) visiting a parent must present a copy of their birth certificate. Children must remain with the parent at all times during the visit. All visitors must have acceptable identification. This includes a drivers license with picture identification, military ID, or other verifiable picture ID. Three (3) pieces of non-picture ID may substitute for picture ID.

No mail or messages for inmates will be accepted. Mail must go through the U.S. Mail. Visitors may only visit the inmate they have signed up to visit. Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit. Inappropriate behavior, including the use of profanity, will not be permitted. No weapons will be permitted. All other items listed in the jail lobby are prohibited. There is a maximum of four (4) visitors per booth, including children, and the door must remain closed.

All visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include: No miniskirts or similar attire; no low-cut or revealing necklines; no attire with obscene or offensive language; and no persons with a bare midriff will be permitted to visit. Visitors cannot bring items into the visiting area including weapons of any kind, purses, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, food, drink, gum, baby bottles, pictures, books, toys, writing utensils, strollers or carriers, cell phones, cameras, or any other electronic devices.

Violation of the above restrictions may cause the visit to be cancelled or terminated, and visiting privileges may be suspended by the Bristol Sheriffs Department . The on-duty supervisor may cancel visits without notice due to circumstances within the jail.

Visitation Rules

County - Rules by type

The Bristol County Jail & House of Corrections, located in N Dartmouth, MA, plays a crucial role in facilitating successful offender reintegration into the community, a cornerstone of effective crime control strategies. With a focus on rehabilitation and community engagement, the center aims to support individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, this process is governed by a multitude of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.

Visitors to the prison must navigate a complex set of guidelines regarding identification, conduct, and the items they can bring during visits. These rules are in place to maintain order within the facility and to protect both visitors and inmates. For example, visitors are required to present proper forms of identification upon arrival, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID card. This helps to verify their identity and ensure that they are authorized to visit the inmate.

Furthermore, visitors must adhere to strict rules regarding their conduct while inside the facility. Disruptive behavior, the use of loud or obscene language, or engaging in any form of sexual behavior can result in the termination of the visit and may lead to further consequences. Additionally, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and weapons. These restrictions help to maintain the safety and security of the facility and prevent any unauthorized items from entering the prison.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific guidelines that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with children must ensure that they are supervised at all times and that they do not engage in any inappropriate behavior while inside the facility. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Another important aspect of visiting a prison is understanding the limitations and restrictions that may apply to certain individuals. For example, individuals who have previously been incarcerated, are currently under probation or parole supervision, or are victims of the inmate are typically not permitted to visit. Likewise, individuals who have had their visiting privileges suspended or who have an active protection from abuse (PFA) order against them are also prohibited from visiting the inmate.

Despite these restrictions, there are procedures in place for individuals who wish to visit an inmate but are not permitted under normal circumstances. Inmates can initiate a request to have a prohibited visitor added to their visiting list, and a recommendation from the inmate's unit team may allow the visitor to be approved by the facility manager or designee. However, reinstatement of visiting privileges is not guaranteed, and individuals whose visiting privileges have been suspended must write to the appropriate facility manager seeking reinstatement.

Upon arrival at the prison, visitors are subject to a thorough screening process to ensure that they do not bring any contraband into the facility. This includes a search of their person, their belongings, and their vehicle. Visitors must also pass through a metal detector and may be subject to additional screening measures, such as drug screenings conducted by dogs or special devices. Failure to pass these screenings can result in the denial of the visit and may lead to further consequences.

Once inside the visiting room, visitors must continue to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the prison. This includes refraining from conversing with other inmates or their guests, as well as following any specific instructions given by the visiting room officers. Visitors are also responsible for keeping control of their children and ensuring that they do not engage in any disruptive behavior.

In addition to these general guidelines, there are specific rules that visitors must follow depending on their circumstances. For example, visitors with infants must adhere to guidelines regarding the types and amounts of baby items they can bring into the visiting room. Likewise, visitors who require medication during their visit must inform the visiting room officer upon arrival and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that their medication is properly stored and administered.

Overall, visiting a prison requires careful adherence to a complex set of rules and regulations designed to maintain order and security within the facility. By understanding and following these guidelines, visitors can help to ensure a safe and positive experience for themselves, the inmates, and the staff.

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Prisons · Bristol

Overcrowding.

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA): 408

Population: 573

Bristol is a category B local prison, built in 1883. While primarily for adult males, Bristol also holds a small number of young offenders, both convicted and on remand.

Read Bristol’s latest inspection report here.

About this information

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA) is the prison service’s own measure of how many prisoners can be held in decent and safe accommodation. Any occupancy above CNA means that the prison in question is overcrowded.

Prisons in England and Wales fall into four separate security categories. Some prisons can operate under more than one category.

Category A : Category A prisons are high security prisons, holding those individuals considered the most threatening to the public should they escape. Category A prisons should not be overcrowded, given the high levels of security required.

Category B: Category B prisons, or local prisons, are the largest category of prison. They tend to hold un-sentenced prisoners, prisoners on remand awaiting trial, short-sentenced prisoners or those newly sentenced and awaiting transfer to another prison category. Category B prisons tend to be the most overcrowded, with a constantly churning population.

Category C: Category C prisons are sometimes called ‘training prisons’. They are meant to offer education and training to prisoners and the vast majority of prisoners on longer sentences will spend time in Category C accommodation. Historically not overcrowded, we now see more and more Category C prisons running overcrowded regimes.

Category D: Category D prisons offer open conditions and house those who can be reasonably trusted not to try to escape. Prisoners in Category D prisons will be given Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL) to work in the community or go on home leave, usually returning to the prison in the early evening. The majority of Category D prisoners will be towards the end of their sentence, and their period in open conditions is preparing them for their eventual release. Category D prisons tend not to be overcrowded.

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