If you’d like to visit someone in a South African correctional centre, follow these steps to prepare:
1. Check visiting details
Visit the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) website for details on:
- The specific facility's visiting hours and security protocols
- Visiting privileges based on the offender’s security classification (minimum, medium, C‑Max, etc.)
- Contact information for that facility.
2. Know the visiting rules
Security classification determines what type of visit you may have:
| Security Level | Visit Type | Duration | Delicacies Allowed | Visitors Allowed | Monthly Visits Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum / Medium | Contact | 45–60 min | Yes (min), No (med) | Up to 2 | 4–5 visits |
| C‑Max / Supermax | Non‑contact | 30 min | No | Up to 2 | 2–3 visits |
3. Bring required documents
- Valid ID or passport,
- Visitor tag (issued on-site),
- If applicable, your receipt (e.g., for meals or donations).
4. Arrive early and follow procedures
- Arrive ahead of time. Late arrivals may be turned away.
- Expect body searches before and after the visit.
- You’ll wait in a designated area until the offender is escorted in. A guard will remind you when your time is ending.
5. During and after the visit
- Visits are monitored and must remain orderly. Misconduct can end the visit early.
- At the end, you will leave everything behind (no items may be taken in or out). Return your visitor tag and retrieve any valuables.
6. Need help or have questions?
- To locate and contact a specific facility, use the “Find a Correctional Facility” tool at DCS.
- Or contact the DCS head office in Pretoria: 012 307 2998 / 012 307 2999
The Department of Correctional Services provides detailed information or updates on the procedures followed when you visit an offender.
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