Family & Keeping in Touch

    Inter-Prison Visits Between Two Prisoners

    An inter-prison visit — sometimes called a "transfer visit" or "accumulated visit" — is the arrangement under which two prisoners held in different establishments are brought together to visit each other. Most often it applies to siblings, parents and adult children, or married couples who are both serving sentences.

    Approval is far from automatic. The Ministry of Justice considers each application individually against security, cost, family connection and prisoner conduct. But for the families who do qualify, an inter-prison visit can be the first time loved ones see each other in years.

    This guide explains exactly how the system works, who qualifies, the application process, what to expect on the day, and the realistic chance of approval.

    What Is an Inter-Prison Visit?

    An inter-prison visit is a face-to-face meeting between two prisoners arranged through HMPPS. One prisoner is escorted from their home prison to the other prisoner's establishment for the visit. The visit takes place in the receiving prison's visits hall, often outside normal visiting hours.

    The visit is usually a one-off, lasts up to two hours, and the visiting prisoner returns to their own prison the same day.

    Who Qualifies?

    To be considered, both prisoners must:

  1. Be **immediate family** — siblings, parent and adult child, spouse or civil partner, or in some cases first cousins where there is established close contact.
  2. Have a **continuing close relationship** evidenced by recent letters, visits, phone calls or shared family contact.
  3. Be **on Standard or Enhanced IEP** at the time of application.
  4. Have **no recent serious adjudications** in either establishment.
  5. Not be **co-defendants** in the same case (this is an automatic refusal).
  6. Not be **categorised as posing a joint security risk** if reunited.

    7. Beyond these, factors that strengthen an application:

  7. Both prisoners serving long sentences with limited opportunities for normal family visits.
  8. A bereavement, family crisis or health concern in the wider family.
  9. A child of one prisoner being brought up by the other prisoner's family.

    10. Factors that weaken an application:

  10. Either prisoner being on a closed visits regime.
  11. Either prisoner being in a high-security or restricted unit.
  12. Active intelligence linking the two to coordinated activity.
  13. Recent transfer of either prisoner that has not yet bedded in.

    14. How to Apply

    Applications are made by the prisoners themselves, not by family on the outside. The process:

  14. Either prisoner submits an **App** (request form) to their wing officer asking for an inter-prison visit with the named relative.
  15. The application goes to the prison's **Security Department** for risk assessment.
  16. The receiving prison (the one hosting the visit) is contacted and asked if they will accept.
  17. Both Governors sign off.
  18. **HMPPS Operational Logistics** arranges escort transport.
  19. A date is set, usually 6–12 weeks ahead.

    20. Family on the outside can support the application by writing to both governors evidencing the family relationship and recent contact — letters, photos, phone records. This is particularly helpful where one or both prisoners struggle to articulate the case.

    How Long It Takes

    From the prisoner submitting the App to the visit happening: typically **3 to 6 months**. Some applications take a year. Some are refused after the full process.

    The bottleneck is rarely the security check. It is the escort logistics — finding two officers and a vehicle on a date that works for both prisons.

    What Happens on the Day

  20. The visiting prisoner is woken early and taken to reception.
  21. They are placed in handcuffs and escorted to a HMPPS Cellular Vehicle (the "sweat box").
  22. The journey can take several hours each way.
  23. On arrival at the receiving prison, the visiting prisoner is processed as a temporary inmate.
  24. Both prisoners are brought to the visits hall — often outside normal visiting hours so that staff can supervise closely.
  25. The visit lasts up to two hours, often less.
  26. The visiting prisoner is returned to the vehicle and driven back the same day.

    27. The receiving prisoner is normally not handcuffed during the visit. The visiting prisoner may or may not be, depending on the receiving prison's risk assessment.

    What You Can Talk About

    The same rules apply as for any visit:

  27. No discussion of offences or co-defendants.
  28. No exchange of items.
  29. No physical contact beyond a brief embrace at the start and end (and even that is sometimes denied for visiting prisoners).
  30. No discussion of internal prison matters that could be considered intelligence.

    31. Officers monitor closely throughout. Inter-prison visits are recorded and reviewed.

    Frequency

    For most families, an approved inter-prison visit is a one-off. In exceptional circumstances — terminally ill relative, long sentences with no other contact, major family event — a second visit may be approved.

    Some prisons run reciprocal arrangements where one visit each way is allowed annually for established cases.

    What if the Application Is Refused?

    Refusals can be appealed:

  31. The prisoner submits a **complaint** through the internal complaints procedure (Comp form).
  32. The complaint is reviewed by a senior manager.
  33. If still refused, the prisoner can escalate to the **Prisons and Probation Ombudsman** within three months.

    34. Refusals based on security intelligence are rarely overturned. Refusals based on logistics — "no escort available" — sometimes are, particularly if family pressure or political contact (e.g. an MP letter) is brought to bear.

    Alternatives if Inter-Prison Visits Are Refused

  34. **Letters and EMAP.** Both prisoners can write to each other directly through the inter-prison mail system. Letters are routed through the security teams of both establishments and can take 2–3 weeks.
  35. **Phone calls.** In rare cases, monitored phone calls between two prisoners can be authorised. More common between mother and adult child than between siblings.
  36. **Purple Visits.** Not currently available between two prisoners — both ends of a Purple Visit must be from the community.
  37. **Coordinated family days.** Some families arrange for the same outside relative to attend a family day at one prison and then the other in the same week, carrying photos and updates between them.

    38. Frequently Asked Questions

    Are inter-prison visits free?

    Yes. There is no cost to the family or the prisoners. HMPPS bears the cost of escort and transport.

    Can two co-defendants meet on an inter-prison visit?

    No. Co-defendants in the same case are never permitted to meet, even if they are siblings or married.

    How long does an inter-prison visit last?

    Up to two hours, often less depending on travel logistics and the receiving prison's schedule.

    Can a prisoner be moved temporarily to another prison just for visits?

    No. Inter-prison visits are day-trips only. The visiting prisoner returns to their home prison the same day.

    Will the prisoners be handcuffed during the visit?

    The receiving prisoner is usually not handcuffed during the visit. The visiting prisoner may be unhandcuffed for the visit or remain restrained, depending on risk assessment.

    Can children attend an inter-prison visit?

    Generally no. The visit is between the two prisoners only. Children visit each parent through normal visits arrangements.

    How often can inter-prison visits be granted?

    For most families, a one-off. Exceptional circumstances can lead to repeat visits but this is rare.

    *Last updated: April 2026.*

    More Advice

    What's Prison Like in the UK?

    What Are Prison Showers Like in the UK?

    How to Book a Prison Visit in the UK

    How Much Do Prison Phone Calls Cost in the UK?