Dress code for visitors (Annex H)
Updated 30 May 2023
Applies to England and Wales
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/management-of-security-at-visits-policy-framework-closed-estate/dress-code-for-visitors-annex-h
Below is Annex H, part of the HMPPS policy, Management of security at visits Policy Framework: Open estate
All visitors to prisons must adhere to a strict dress code.
Prisons will have the below list on display in visits areas for visitors and prisoners to view. This information should also be made available to visitors when booking visits, to avoid having to cancel visits on arrival due to inappropriate dress.
The below list is an example and not exhaustive. Establishments may add or remove items to this list, in accordance with local assessments and what is deemed necessary and proportionate in that establishment.
Staff working in visits should recognise the diversity of cultures and religions of their social and legal visitors, therefore a sensitive approach should be adopted when this affects dress and appearance.
It is up to prison staff to make decisions and judgements as to when clothing is inappropriate. When making these decisions, staff will always consider decency and diversity.
You may be asked to adjust clothing or wear alternative clothing if available. As a last resort your visit may be cancelled if the dress code cannot be followed.
The following items of clothing should not be worn:
- Hats, scarves or head coverings which are not worn on religious grounds
- Jackets or coats, hoodies or gloves
- Inappropriately damaged clothing
- Metal hair accessories
- Steel toe capped shoes/boots or cycle/motorcycle shoes
- Non-prescription glasses i.e. sunglasses
- See-through / revealing clothing
- Ripped Jeans
- Items of clothing that display offensive abusive or insulting words or gestures
- Mini or very short skirts/dresses unless worn with leggings
- Shorts which are shorter than mid thigh to knee length
- Visible or exposed underwear
- Smart watches
Prisons can download the template for printing and display purposes here.