Box visits (non-contact visits)

A non-contact visit, also known as a box visit, is where you are separated from your visitor by a physical barrier like glass or plastic.

In box visits, no physical contact is allowed. You and your visitor will still be able to see and talk to each other through the glass or plastic.

Important: Everyone inprison has the right to at least one 30-minute box visit (or video visit) per week. This comes from section 47(k) of the Corrections Act 1986 (Vic) and is a right, not a privilege. That means it cannot be taken away as a punishment.

Box visits can be used when the prison decides a contact visit should not go ahead. This can happen for different reasons depending on the procedures at your prison, but common reasons are a change in your security classification since a contact visit booking was made, or if a visitor attends who they think will need to be searched again if they use a bathroom during a contact visit.

Box visits are allowed under section 37 of the Corrections Act 1986 (Vic).

Important: Section 37 says the General Manager of your prison can give orders to visitors when they come to the prison, but only where it is necessary for the management, good order and security of the prison. If a General Manager gives a lawful order and your visitor doesn’t follow it, they could be charged with an offence or receive a fine.