Rules for visiting a prisoner

Part of the Prison topic

Understand the rules you must follow when visiting a prisoner in Queensland.

In short

You must follow the rules when visiting a prisoner in a Queensland prison.

These rules apply when you want to:

  • visit a prisoner in person
  • bring a child to visit a prisoner
  • give approved items to a prisoner.

If you don't follow these rules, your visit may be cancelled. Your visiting privileges may be suspended, and you may be charged with a criminal offence.

You must

To comply with the rules in Queensland you must:

  • apply for and book a visit to a prisoner and provide:
    • current personal identification documents (ID) or photocopies of ID certified by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations
    • details of any criminal convictions
  • book your visit in advance during the prison’s nominated booking times
    • See Find a prison and click on the name of the prison to find booking times.
  • follow the dress code, including wearing proper shoes, appropriate coverage and clean clothes in good condition
  • bring approved ID to every visit
  • enrol in the Biometric Identity System
  • comply with security checks, including scans, searches and drug detection
  • supervise children at all times
  • follow all instructions from officers during your visit.

You cannot

To comply with the rules in Queensland you cannot:

  • bring prohibited items into prison, including cigarettes, vapes, lighters, matches or other smoking-related products
  • wear clothing that:
    • is see through or exposes underwear
    • displays racist or derogatory slogans, gang insignias or motorcycle gang colours
    • is excessively torn, stained or dirty
    • steel-capped boots, high heels (over 5cm) or swimwear
  • wear jewellery other than wedding or engagement rings
  • give money, documentation or personal items directly to the prisoner during your visit
  • remove anything from the prison
  • interview or photograph a prisoner or any part of the prison
  • behave inappropriately or break the rules during your visit.

Exceptions and special circumstances

  • You can bring approved items (for example, socks, singlets and underwear for the prisoner), but they must be handed to a Visits Processing Officer with a completed form.
  • Children can visit if:
    • they have an established relationship with the prisoner
    • they can provide one proof of identity document from the approved ID list
    • there are no court orders preventing contact between the prisoner and the child
    • the visit is thought to be in the best interests of the child.

Special conditions may be imposed on the child’s visit, such as being on a non-contact visit.


Managed by: Queensland Corrective Services

Last updated:
4 August 2026