Virtual visits will be similar to other video conference technology you may have used and should provide a similar experience.

The virtual visit is booked for a set time and you need to be logged in and connected before the allocated Virtual Visit start time. You will then be held in a virtual waiting room until the other person connects to the visit.

Please note that:

  1. Only the person who booked the visit should be on screen at the start of the visit in order to confirm identity.
  2. The individual who booked the visit must be on screen at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Virtual visits are being delivered in partnership with UniLink, the same company that operates the Email A Prisoner scheme. Visitors needs to register with UniLink in order to book a virtual visit. Visitors can register for an Email a Prisoner (EMAP) account.

    Please note:

    1. Only those visitors who are on the prisoners visit list will be able to book a virtual visit.
    2. You must be over the age of 16 to book a visit

  • Any web enabled device with a camera, speaker and microphone is able to access the service. To ensure quality of the virtual visit, it is recommended that you have an internet connection speed of at least 3mbps.

  • Registration is a short process, taking approximately 5 -10 minutes and requires you to input some basic details.

    Verification of account should usually be completed within 1 working day.

    Please note that you will be required to provide proof of identity. This can be any of the following; Driving licence, Passport, Citizens card or National Entitlement (Saltire) Card. The proof of identity will be photographed and uploaded to the system.

  • Visits must be booked 3 days in advance. Once verified as an approved visitor, the prison establishment will offer you a visit date and time. Allocation will be on a first come, first served basis and within the entitlements provided.

  • Video visits will last for 30 minutes.

    You need to be logged in and connected before the allocated Virtual Visit start time.

    The time of the visit will be shown in a countdown clock on the screen. Five minutes before the end and every following minute thereafter, there will be an alarm sound. The system automatically cuts off at the end of the allocated time.

  • There is no monetary charge for this service. However you should be aware that to use virtual visits, you will need a device with an internet connection. This will use data for the period of the virtual visit. One 30 min virtual visit will use approximately 500mb of data if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. 

    You should also be aware that this may impact on your data plan allowances depending on the device you use, for example if you are on a Pay-As-You-Go mobile phone package. To reduce the risk of unexpected charges, connect to Wi-Fi if at all possible.