Ministry Of Justice
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Book and plan your visit to Isis
Now that regular COVID testing of people in the wider community has ended, you are no longer required to take a COVID test before coming to see someone for a visit, although we would still encourage you to do so.
We will continue to run social visits whilst it is safe to do so.
Visiting rules may change if there is an outbreak within the prison, this may include bringing back testing before visits for a short time to protect you, the person you are visiting and staff.
If you are unable to visit someone in prison you can still keep in touch.
You can also contact the Prisoners Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003. You will not be able to book a visit using this number.
Book and plan your visit to Isis
To visit someone in Isis you must:
- be on that persons visitor list
- book your visit in advance
- have the required ID with you when you go
At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit. With each visiting order, 3 adults (aged 10 and over) and 3 children (aged 9 and under) can visit.
Prisoners can have 2 or 3 visits a month, depending on privileges.
Help with the cost of your visit
If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit, including:
- travel to Isis
- somewhere to stay overnight
- meals
Any help given might not cover the full cost of your travel.
How to book family and friends visits
Isis is running a limited visits schedule. Visits are also happening differently than normal, observing strict guidelines, which must be followed.
Visits are only booked by prisoners via digital application on CMS computer.
Visiting times:
- Monday to Thursday: 2:30pm to 4:30pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 2:30pm to 4pm
How to book legal and professional visits
Legal visits are available on:
*Monday to Thursday: 2:30pm to 3:30pm and 3:45pm to 4:45pm
You can book a legal visit by emailing legalvisitsisis@justice.gov.uk
Or you can call: 0203 356 4030 / 0203 356 4034
Getting to Isis
The closest railway station is Plumstead, and DLR station is Woolwich Arsenal.
Local buses are 244 and 380.
To plan your journey by public transport:
There is a visitor car park, including spaces for Blue Badge holders.
Entering Isis
All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.
All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.
Isis has a strict dress code policy which means visitors should dress in a family-friendly way. You may be turned away if you are wearing items like vests, low-cut tops, high-cut shorts or dresses, ripped jeans, hats, scarves, gloves, bandanas, high heeled shoes, metal toe cap boots, see through clothing, excessively large metal hair accessories, non-prescription glasses i.e. sunglasses, items of clothing that display offensive abusive orinsulting words or gestures, shorts which are shorter than mid thigh to knee length, excessively revealing, i.e. very shortskirts/dresses, see through tops, visible or exposed underwear (with exception of brassier straps in the shoulder area), ripped clothing where the rips are in the torso, buttocks area or crotch/groin area or less than5 inches away from the crotch/groin or buttocks area, helmets of any kind (except medical issue), smart watches of any kind including fitness trackers, footwear with plastic or metal tags that resemble property tags, steel toe capped shoes/boots or cycle/motorcycle shoes, football shirts or anything with offensive patterns or slogans. Call the visits booking line if you have any questions about the dress code.
An adult visitor is allowed to take in a maximum of 20 in coins. Two or more visitors can take 40 in coins.
There are strict controls on what you can take into Isis. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.
You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.
Visiting facilities
There is a visitors centre run by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) charity. Family and friends can relax, buy refreshments during weekdays and get advice and support from the staff.
Email: isis@prisonadvice.org.uk
Telephone: 020 3356 4324
Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:00pm
Sunday, midday to 5:00pm
Find out about call charges
The childrens play area and a snack bar are currently closed.
Family days
Isis aims to provide 4 family days a year: Easter, Summer Holidays, October half-term and Christmas holidays.
These will be divided by one family visit per residential unit.
Keep in touch with someone at Isis
There are several ways you can keep in touch with someone during their time at Isis.
Phone calls
Prisoners have phones in their rooms so they are able to call you. They have to buy phone credits to do this.
They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.
You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service.
Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.
You can send emails to someone in Isis using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at Isis.
Secure video calls
Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends will need to download the Prison Video app, create an account, register all visitors and add the prisoner to their contact list.
Letters
You can write at any time.
Include the persons name and prisoner number on the envelope.
If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Isis.
All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.
Send money and gifts
You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison.
You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:
- are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
- do not have a debit card
This will allow you to send money by post.
Gifts and parcels
People in Isis are given a list of approved items that can be sent to them as gifts. Contact Isis for more information on whats allowed.
In the first 28 days, men can apply to get a clothing parcel handed in. They can apply for another after 6 months. Parcels can be handed in at visits.