1. Immediate Steps: The Prerequisites (MIN & VIN)

You cannot simply show up at a correctional centre in NSW. Before you even attempt to book a slot, you must navigate the visitor database.

Step A: Get the Master Index Number (MIN)

Every inmate in NSW is assigned a Master Index Number (MIN). This is their unique ID for the duration of their time in the system.

• How to get it: Ask the inmate during a phone call or check their legal paperwork.

• Why you need it: You cannot book a visit or deposit money into their account without this number.

Step B: Get on the Authorised Visitor List

You must be approved by Corrective Services NSW before you can prison visits in NSW. The inmate must initiate this process.

1. The inmate provides your name and date of birth to the grim/welfare officer.

2. A security check is conducted.

3. Once approved, you are added to their Authorised Visitor List.

Step C: Get Your Visitor Index Number (VIN)

Once authorized, you will be assigned your own Visitor Index Number (VIN). This acts as your user ID for the booking systems.

• Tip: Keep your VIN safe. You will need it for every future booking and for biometric enrolment.

Need Urgent Access? If you are struggling to see a loved one who has just been arrested, they may need a legal visit rather than a social one. Contact My Criminal Lawyers 24/7 for immediate advice.

2. How to Book a Visit: Just Connect vs. GEO Group

Booking a prison visit in NSW depends entirely on which facility the inmate is housed in. There are two main systems.

System 1: Just Connect (Government Run Centres)

For the majority of jails (e.g., Silverwater, Goulburn, Long Bay), you must use the Just Connect online portal.

• Registration: You must register via email to access the Just Connect system.

• Booking Window: Visits usually open for booking on Monday mornings for the following week.

• Cut-off Times: Bookings generally close 1-2 days before the visit date.

• Cancellations: If you cannot attend, you must cancel. Failure to do so can result in a ban from future bookings.

System 2: Private Correctional Centres (GEO Group & MTC)

Some prisons in NSW are privately managed and do not use Just Connect.

• Parklea Correctional Centre (MTC-Broadspectrum): Requires booking via their specific phone line or website.

• Junee & Clarence Correctional Centres (GEO Group): These often have their own specific booking portals or phone lines.

Important Note: Always check the specific correctional centre’s website page 24 hours before your visit. Lockdowns can happen instantly, cancelling all social visits.

3. Strict Entry Requirements: 100 Points of ID

When you arrive for your prison visits in NSW, you must prove who you are. NSW Correctional Centres are incredibly strict—if you forget one document, you will be turned away.

Adult visitors must provide 100 points of identification.

Crucial Rule: The name on your ID must exactly match the name on the booking and the Authorised Visitor List.

4. Biometric Enrolment: The Scan Process

For security during prison visits in NSW, most maximum and medium-security facilities utilize Biometric Enrolment. This links your physical identity to your Visitor Index Number (VIN).

• Iris Scanning: A camera scans your eye (iris) to create a unique digital map.

• Fingerprinting: Digital fingerprint scans are taken.

• The Process: On your very first prison visits in NSW, arrive at least 45–60 minutes early. You will need to have your photo taken, and your biometrics recorded before you are allowed into the visit area.

Is it safe? Yes. The data is encrypted and stored securely by Corrective Services NSW solely for identification purposes.

5. The Dress Code: What You Can and Cannot Wear

This is the most common reason visits are denied during prison visits in NSW. The Corrective Services NSW dress code is strictly enforced to prevent visitors from being mistaken for inmates and to maintain decency standards.