COVID-safe in-person visits

It is vital that all visitors adhere to the COVID-19 visit rules to shield themselves, inmates and our staff from being exposed to, getting infected or re-infected with COVID-19.

COVID-19 remains a serious health risk, particularly for those who are vulnerable and for those who have previously been infected with COVID-19. Corrective Services NSW continues to have a variety of risk management measures in place to decrease the chance of COVID-19 entering our centres. 

Visitor updates

Masks no longer required 

From 9 September 2023 visitors and inmates will no longer be required to wear masks during in-person social visits at NSW correctional centres.

Note: The requirement to wear a mask and/or participate in RAS testing as a condition of entry into a NSW correctional centre may be may be reinstated at any time. Refusing to comply with any visit requirements will result in the visitor being denied entry to the correctional centre.

For operational reasons, some centres might cancel their visits at short notice, or might not operate visits. We encourage all our visitors to contact the centre they intend to visit prior to travel to confirm the visit, and for advice on your arrival time.

Removal of RAS testing

Visitors aged 5 years and above will no longer be required Rapid Antigen Screening (RAS) test as a condition of entry to a correctional centre in NSW for the purpose of a social visit.

Note: RAS testing of visitors may be reinstated at any time. Failure to submit to a RAS test where required, will result in the visitor being denied entry to the correctional centre.

We will continue to review visit conditions in consultation with NSW Health. If no issues are identified, we will seek approval to move to less restrictive conditions. 

In-person visits

The safety of our staff and inmates remains our top priority. Correctional facilities are particularly vulnerable environments, and we all need to work together to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our centres. 

All visitors must comply with safety measures, including screening, and hygiene practices.

Visit restrictions

• A maximum of 6 visitors per inmate, including children of any age. A maximum of 4 adult visitors permitted and visitors under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Permissible contact between visitors and inmates may now return to pre-COVID settings as per normal visits Local Operating Procedures.
• Visits will run for a maximum of 60 minutes and must be pre-booked.
• Members from the same household visiting the same inmate are not required to socially distance. Families are encouraged to maintain personal space from other groups. Children should be supervised by the parent/carer/inmate throughout the visit. 

Hygiene requirements

• The visits area will be cleaned before and after each visit session, with a focus on commonly touched surfaces.
• Hand hygiene will be available in the form of hand sanitiser upon entry and exit for visitors. Visitors and inmates must sanitise or wash hands prior to the start of the visit and at the end of the visit.

COVID symptoms and close contacts

You will not be able to have an in-person visit at a NSW correctional centre if you:

• have COVID-19 symptoms
• are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
• are a COVID-19 close contact (live with or have spent a long time with a COVID-19 positive person). Note: Close contacts are not permitted to visit a correctional centre for 7 full days from the time of their last exposure. Please refer to the NSW Health website to determine your contact risk status.

Resources

• Screening questions
• Latest COVID news and case location update

Frequently asked questions for visitors

Who does COVID-safe in-person visits apply to?

• COVID-safe procedures apply to all in-person visitors.
• Legal and professional visitors must comply with the same entry requirements and local mitigations strategies regarding PPE, social distancing, and box visits as per CSNSW staff.
• Bookings for these visits should be made through existing procedures.

COVID-safety measures 

What safety measures apply to visits?

The safety measures on this page, including visit restrictions; Rapid Antigen Screening testing; mask and hygiene requirements; food, drink and playground areas; and encouraged vaccination, are in place to keep staff, inmates and visitors safe.

What happens if I ignore the safety measures?

These measures are in place to protect you, your loved one and our staff.

Failure to comply with the safety measures and instructions from staff may result in your visit being terminated and a potential ban may be put in place for a period to ensure the safety of staff and inmates can be maintained.

Are there limits to the number of people who can attend a visit?

Yes, 6 people can attend a visit.  A maximum of 4 adult visitors are permitted, and visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Screening requirements

What is involved in the visitor screening process?

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our correctional centres, we will be screening visitors before the normal visit processing occurs.

• This means you will be asked to verify your current health.
• You will also be required to sanitise your hands before entering the centre.

These measures are to identify any potential risks and to keep everyone safe.

Full body x-ray scanning has been introduced in a number of NSW correctional centres. Visitors attending a correctional centre may be required to undergo full body x-ray scanning

How long will the screening process take?

Prior to the date of your visit, please contact the correctional centre you are visiting for advice on your arrival time. 

What if the person I am visiting with fails to meet the screening criteria, can the visit still go ahead with one visitor?

No. Unfortunately, neither of you will be permitted to visit and you will need to reschedule.

Visit bookings

How can I book an in-person visit?

Visits can be booked over the phone by contacting the correctional centre directly: Contact a correctional centre or online via Just Connect.

How do I make a video visit booking?

Find more information about booking video visits online. Alternatively, video visits can be booked during normal visit booking times by contacting the correctional centre directly by telephone.

Video visits

Will inmates still have access to video visits?

Yes. As the risk of COVID-19 remains very real and we understand not everyone will meet the in-person visit requirements we will still be providing video visits. 

More information

For more information about COVID-Safe visits:

• Email: GeneralEnquiries_CSNSW@justice.nsw.gov.au 
• Phone (02) 8346 1300 from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
• View the latest case locations in NSW or NSW Health for the latest statistics and advice.