Visiting someone in prison

Prison visits are an important part of helping prisoners to stay in contact with their families and friends.

Booking a visit

The prisoner will have been given a booking reference which they will pass on to you before you book the visit by telephoning the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you have a reference number and would like to book a virtual visit call:

Maghaberry Prison:
- Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
  - phone nidirect on 0300 200 7866 (this number diverts to the booking line)
- Saturday and and Sunday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
  - 02892 614032 or 02892 614029 for domestic bookings
  - 02892 614026 for cash deposits
  - 02892 614062 for legal bookings
Magilligan Prison: 0300 200 7866
Hydebank Wood College: 0300 200 7866

How to arrange a virtual visit

A virtual visit, lasting up to 20 minutes, can be booked by a family member using a personal computer, iPad or smartphone, and through a secure video-link prisoners and their families are able to see and speak with each other.

The person in prison will be given a booking reference which they will pass on to you before you book the visit by telephoning the prison Visits Booking Office.

You will need to provide an email address at the time of the booking to receive a user guide and the instructions for connecting.

This is a new service and during the initial period there may be a significant volume of calls or some unexpected issues. The Prison Service would ask for your patience at this challenging time.

Guide to arranging an online visit
Privacy notice explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Inappropriate behaviour

All virtual visits are supervised and any behaviour, language or actions which are inappropriate will see the virtual visit terminated.

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Visiting someone in prison

Booking a visit

How to arrange a virtual visit

Inappropriate behaviour

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What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment