Many people want to visit their relative or friend in prison abroad, while others prefer not to.

Before you go, think about whether:

• your relative or friend will want you to visit
• to take the children or not
• it’s right for you
• you can afford it
• it’s the right time to go

Do you have a valid passport? Do you need to:

• organise childcare?
• go with someone on the trip?
• let your relative or friend in prison know you are coming?
• take your medication with you?
• get permission to visit?
• book a place to stay?

Who can help?

• Prisoners Abroad may have some prison visiting information
• Prisoners Abroad may be able to put you in contact with others who have visited that prison or country
• Prisoners Abroad may be able to offer a contribution towards your trip through our Travel Fund
• The British government travel advice page contains useful information about every country: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 
• Local consular staff may be able to help with visiting arrangements, depending on the country

Before and during your visit:

• check what items you can take on the visit
• confirm your visit, if necessary
• be aware that the visit might affect you emotionally
• prepare some of the things you need to talk about during the visit

After you come back:

• talk to someone about your visit, if that helps
• pass on practical details of your visit to Prisoners Abroad so that we have that information for others

‘I was put in touch with another family member whose son was in the same prison as my son and we made plans to go together; I don’t think I would have been able to do it on my own. I also made a friend and can’t thank Prisoners Abroad enough.’ Mother of a prisoner

If you'd like to talk to us about visiting a relative or friend in prison, or to ask for more information about our Travel Fund, get in touch with us on 0808 172 0098 or email us at [email protected] and someone will get back to you as quickly as they can. 

Next page: What about the children?