Life in prison: visiting rights, telephone access, receiving money, etc.
Verified 05 February 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
What rights can you enjoy if you are in prison? Even if you are deprived of your liberty, you have the right to receive visits, to communicate with the outside world (by telephone, mail) and to receive money to meet your daily needs. You can also practice cultural and sporting activities and practice your religion. We present you the information to know.
The rights enjoyed by convicted persons are not the same those granted to persons placed in pre-trial detention (called defendant or accused).
These rights are set out in the rules and regulations of each prison. They are taken up in a guide which is handed to you upon your arrival in prison.
Convicted
Every week, you have the possibility to receive 1 visit from:
- A member of your entourage (parent, child, husband, partner of Civil partnerships, partner, friend, etc.)
- Or a person who contributes to your reintegration (for example, a prison visitor).
Every quarter, your loved ones who hold a visiting permit (spouse, entered into a civil partnership partner, common-law partner, children, parents, etc.) can also get a family visiting room or unit of family life.
For this, you and the person who wants to visit you must make a specific request and address it to the head of the penitentiary establishment. Your loved ones must send it by email with acknowledgement of receipt or by post.
Who shall I contact
This request must be made every time you want to see your loved ones in the family visiting room or in a family unit.
FYI
If you are detained in a Organized Crime Unit (QLCO), your loved ones cannot get a family visiting room or a family life unit.
Application for a visiting permit
To visit you in prison, the person who wishes to see you must apply for a visiting permit to the head of the prison in which you are being held.
This request can be made online or by post.
Warning
If your minor child wishes to visit you, he/she must have a visiting permit in his/her name. To obtain this permit itself, he must provide an authorization signed by one of his legal representatives. Legal representatives may also apply for a visiting permit for a minor.
Online
The request is made from an online service:
By post
To obtain a visiting permit, it is necessary to fill out a form:
Application for a visiting permit (prison)
This form must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:
- Document proving his or her kinship or situation (for example, a family record book)
- Photocopy of ID (e.g. passport)
- 2 ID photos less than 3 months old
- Stamped envelope with last name and address.
All these elements must be transmitted to the head of the prison.
Who shall I contact
If you have been involuntarily hospitalized (in place of detention), the person who wishes to visit you must fill out a form:
Application for a visiting permit (prison)
The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Document proving his or her kinship or situation (for example, a family record book)
- Photocopy of ID (e.g. passport)
- 2 ID photos less than 3 months old
- Envelope stamped with last name and address.
These elements must be sent by post:
- To the prefect of the department in which you are hospitalized (or to the police prefect in Paris), if you are in a « traditional » health facility, a military hospital, or a difficult patient unit
- To the head of the penitentiary, if you are hospitalized in a health facility whose security is ensured by the prison administration (for example, inter-regional secure hospital unit - UHSI, specially equipped hospital unit - UHSA, Fresnes national public health facility - EPSNF).
Issuance of visiting permit
As a general rule, you will receive a response within 3 weeks of applying for a permit.
Please note
In the absence of a response within 2 months, the request for a visit permit is considered refused.
If the application is accepted, the head of the prison shall issue a visiting permit permanent or temporary (for a limited number of visits) to the person who applied for this permit.
FYI
In case of obtaining a permanent visiting permit, it is not necessary to reapply for a permit every time since it is valid for the entire period of detention.
In some cases, the head of the establishment may refuse to issue a visiting permit to the applicant. In particular, it may reject the application:
- For reasons of good order or security of the prison
- To prevent the commission of a offense inside the prison
- If you have been sentenced to a ban on contact with certain persons.
The head of the establishment may also refuse to issue a visiting permit to a minor who has witnessed domestic violence for which you were convicted.
The same applies when parental authority you have been removed.
Course of the visit
When a person visits you in prison, they must have an identity document (e.g. passport) and their visiting permit.
Upon arrival at the prison, she must place all the objects she holds and/or brings you (e.g., linen, books, DVDs) in a locker so that they can be checked.
Please note
If the visitor is suspected of having committed a offense near the prison, specially authorized officers may carry out a safety palpation and, if he's okay, a search.
In principle, the visit takes place in a visiting room without glass.
By exception, the corridor can be glazed in one of the following cases:
- If there are serious reasons to fear an incident
- In the event of an incident during a previous visit
- If you or your visitor request it
- If you are detained in a Organized Crime Unit (QLCO).
FYI
If you are detained in a QLCO and the child you (or your Civil partnership, partner or common-law partner) are practicing with parental authority visits you, it takes place in a room without glass, except in case of disciplinary sanction.
During these visits, you and your interlocutor must speak in French, except if the visiting permit provides that your conversations may take place in another language.
Prison guards are not physically present. Nevertheless, they can listen to you and look at you in order to check that the visit is going well.
FYI
Visits may take place without continuous and direct supervision by the prison administration when they take place in the context of a family visiting room or a family life unit (FVU).
Any incident involving a visitor may result in the suspension or revocation of the visitor's permit.
In each prison, telephone booths and telephone points are available in cells, on walkways and in dedicated areas.
When you arrive in detention, you are given a one euro phone card (about 5 minutes of call) to allow you to call the person of your choice.
Subsequently, you must subscribe to a pay phone plan at the prison.
Warning
The use of a personal mobile phone is strictly forbidden.
In principle, the head of the prison authorizes you to call:
- To members of your family
- To other people who can help you prepare for your reintegration (for example, prison visitor).
You also have the possibility to communicate with your lawyer.
FYI
You can also make a video call if you have obtained permission from the prison administration and the person you wish to contact has downloaded a special app.
Your telephone conversations may be listened to, recorded and interrupted by designated prison guards, under the supervision of the head of the prison.
However, your exchanges with your lawyer remain confidential: they cannot be listened to or recorded.
The right to call may be temporarily or permanently withdrawn for a reason related to:
- To the good order and security of the prison
- Or the prevention of new infringements.
As soon as you arrive in prison, mail kit is handed to you. You can find paper, a pen, envelopes and stamps.
Sending letters
You are allowed to write every day and without limitation to the people of your choice.
Each letter you send must mention:
- Your nut number
- Your cell number
- The precise address of the prison in which you are located.
Please note
On the back of the envelope, you must indicate (again) your nut number and your last name.
To have your mail delivered, you can drop it off in the mailboxes in your prison ward.
The letters you send can be read by the prison administration.
When you drop your letter in a mailbox, the envelope containing your mail must therefore be opened unless it is a confidential mail (example: mail addressed to your lawyer, inspector-general of places of deprivation of libertyto a chaplain, to a judge).
Receiving mail
You can receive letters from anyone. Your entourage can also send you packages if the head of the judicial establishment has authorized it.
Please note
Mail sent to you cannot contain money.
The letters you receive can be read by the prison administration.
However, letters received by certain persons (e.g. lawyer, inspector-general of places of deprivation of liberty, a chaplain, a judge) remain confidential.
In prison, he is forbidden have cash, a checkbook or a credit card.
As soon as you arrive, the prison staff will open a nominative account on which you can put money.
From this account, you can receive money and send it to your loved ones.
Receipt of money
You can receive money from:
- People with permanent access rights (e.g. your parents, children, spouse)
- Persons authorized by the head of the penitentiary establishment.
Warning
If you are not allowed to receive money (example: you have committed a disciplinary misconduct), the transfer will be rejected.
Payments of money can be made from the prison administration website or by bank transfer.
Online
Your entourage can send you money from the prison administration portal:
You receive the money a few days after the transfer has been made and validated by the management of registered accounts of the penitentiary establishment.
By transfer
To transfer money to you, your entourage must get the bank identity statement (RIBS) of the management of registered accounts of the prison in which you are being held.
Who shall I contact
In the transfer order, the person who pays you money must mention:
- Your nut number
- Your first and last name.
FYI
This information must be specified in the ‘optional’ or ‘free’ area of the transfer order.
In principle, your account is credited 2 to 4 working days after the transfer.
However, if the information provided is incomplete, false or illegible, the transfer will be rejected and the money will be returned to its issuer.
Send money
From the prison, you can send money:
- To your loved ones
- At the civil party in order to compensate him.
The money has to be sent only by bank transfer.
The procedure to be followed is explained to you upon your arrival in the penitentiary.
In the prison, you can buy:
- Food
- Soft drinks
- Hygiene products
- Cigarettes
- Newspapers
- A radio
- A computer and/or computer equipment (if authorized by the head of the prison).
Please note
If you are detained in a district for combating organized crime, you cannot buy computer hardware.
In some prisons, orders can be made online through a system called digital in custody (NED).
When ordered products (in the canteen or online) are available, they are:
- Directly delivered in cells
- Or to be withdrawn in a specially dedicated counter.
FYI
If you commit a disciplinary misconduct, the Disciplinary Committee may temporarily deprive you of the right to buy or rent products.
Within the prison, you can have access to a reading area (media library) and practice sports and socio-cultural activities.
Warning
If you commit a disciplinary misconduct, the Disciplinary Committee may temporarily deprive you of the right to engage in any of these activities.
Access to the media library
Each prison has a media library.
You can go there without prior registration to access and borrow books (books, newspapers, etc.) on display for free.
Please note
Borrowed books must be treated with the utmost care and must not be lent to other inmates. You must also return them within the time set by the librarian.
At the media library, you can also use your computer to access digital in custody (NED).
From this service you can:
- Consult your registered account to find out what money you have
- Make orders at the canteen
- Make requests to the different prison services
- Take training courses
- Read the prison information.
Exercise of a sporting activity
A program of sports activities is planned in each prison.
You can register for one or more of these activities unless the head of the penitentiary prohibits you for security reasons, disciplinary or in case of medical contraindication.
Registration must be made with a supervisor or sports instructor.
To exercise a sporting activity, you must have a sportswear.
FYI
If you are a minor, sport is included in your schedule.
Participation in a socio-cultural activity
Socio-cultural activities (concerts, film screenings, art workshops, etc.) are organized in each prison.
Your weekly schedule must be adjusted to allow you to participate in these activities.
The Prison Service for Integration and Probation (SPIP) helps you to:
- Know the programming of the organized activities
- Register for activities that interest you.
You have the right to practice your religion in your cell (prayer, wearing religious clothing, etc.) or in worship rooms.
You can also participate in religious services organized within the prison.
If you make a request to the head of the penitentiary, a chaplain can visit you.
Your interviews take place in the visiting room, in a dedicated space or in your cell. They are confidential.
In the canteen you can buy food that is in line with your religious beliefs.
FYI
During religious holidays, your loved ones can send you packages containing food that you have specially ordered.
You can ask the head of the prison to change cells.
Your request can be made in writing or orally, but it must always be argued.
It is possible to request a change of cell in particular in one of the following cases:
- Your cell is unhealthy (example: presence of rats)
- You are subjected to violence by your fellow inmate
- You share your cell with a smoker while you are not smoking.
Your request is processed by a support service that decides on the urgency of the situation.
The head of the prison relies on the response of this service to accept or refuse your request.
In certain circumstances, an inmate (who does not execute a period of safety) can get a permission to go out of prison.
Exceptionally, it can benefit from a escorted exit permit.
In what cases can a temporary absence be granted?
The conditions and means of obtaining temporary absence depend on the reason for which the person wishes to be temporarily released from prison.
FYI
Inmates in a Organized Crime Unit (QLCO) may not be granted a temporary absence if there is a risk of absconding or if the obligations and prohibitions imposed by the judge do not prevent them from coming into contact with a criminal network.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Maintenance of family ties or reintegration into business
A convicted person may be released from prison to maintain ties with relatives, without having to endure the constraints of the visiting room.
It is also authorized to reinsert in the business (e.g. by meeting with recurrence).
The procedure for obtaining a temporary absence depends on the prison in which the person is incarcerated:
General scenario
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
In order to be granted temporary absence, the convicted person must be one the following situations:
- He shall serve a prison sentence of not more than one year
- He can benefit from a parole but, for this, he must first obtain permission to leave
- He's already executed the half his sentence and the remaining to be suffered is less than 3 years prison (for example, a person sentenced to 7 years in prison who has already served 5 years may apply for temporary absence).
FYI
Minors sentenced to a prison sentence of more than 1 year must have served 1/3 of their sentence (e.g. a minor sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment must have spent at least 1 year in prison in order to apply for temporary absence).
Moreover, the convicted person must have the financial means to bear the costs of his stay outside prison.
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
The request for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is a temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts 3 days maximum.
How does the temporary absence work?
The decision granting leave to leave shall indicate the duration of the leave and the place where the convicted person is allowed to go and/or stay. It also specifies whether the convicted person is authorized to drive a vehicle.
Please note
One travel time may be granted, depending on the duration of the journey and the timetable of the means of transport used.
Finally, the decision sets out the obligations and prohibitions to which the convicted person is subject.
Example :
- Do not leave your home or a demarcated area
- Do not go to certain places
- Refrain from entering into contact with certain persons
- Do not go to the bars
- Respond to summonses from the judge or SPIP: titleContent.
Detention center
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
In order to be granted temporary absence, the convicted person must 2 following conditions:
- He must have served at least 1/3 of his sentence (for example, a person sentenced to 3 years' imprisonment must have spent at least 1 year in prison in order to apply for temporary absence)
- He must have the financial means to bear the costs of his stay outside prison.
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
An application for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is a temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts a maximum of 5 days. Once a year, the convicted person may be granted permission of up to 10 days.
How does the temporary absence work?
The decision granting leave to leave shall indicate the duration of the leave and the place where the convicted person is allowed to go and/or stay. It also specifies whether the convicted person is authorized to drive a vehicle.
Please note
One travel time may be granted, depending on the duration of the journey and the timetable of the means of transport used.
Finally, the decision sets out the obligations and prohibitions to which the convicted person is subject.
Example :
- Do not leave your home or a demarcated area
- Do not go to certain places
- Refrain from entering into contact with certain persons
- Do not go to the bars
- Respond to summonses from the judge or SPIP: titleContent.
Important family event
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
In order to be granted temporary absence, the convicted person must complete the 2 following conditions:
- The applicant must demonstrate that the application is justified by the serious illness or death of a member of his or her family or by the birth of his or her child
- She must have been sentenced to 5 years or less in prison or have served half of his sentence (if it is more than 5 years).
Example :
A man sentenced to 4 years in prison can apply for a temporary absence to attend the birth of his child.
A person sentenced to 6 years' imprisonment may apply for temporary leave to visit his or her critically ill mother if he or she has already served 3 years' imprisonment.
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
The request for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is the temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts 3 days maximum.
How does the temporary absence work?
The decision granting leave to leave shall indicate the duration of the leave and the place where the convicted person is allowed to go and/or stay. It also specifies whether the convicted person is authorized to drive a vehicle.
Please note
One travel time may be granted, depending on the duration of the journey and the timetable of the means of transport used.
Finally, the decision sets out the obligations and prohibitions to which the convicted person is subject.
Example :
- Do not leave your home or a demarcated area
- Do not go to certain places
- Refrain from entering into contact with certain persons
- Do not go to the bars
- Respond to summonses from the judge or SPIP: titleContent.
Other
Who can benefit from a temporary absence?
Convicted inmates may be granted temporary absences when they are in one of the following situations:
- He is serving a sentence of up to 5 years in prison
- He was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison but has already served half of that sentence.
He or she must also demonstrate that he or she is seeking temporary absence for one of the following reasons:
- Meeting with a prospective employer or members of a training or educational structure, with a view to parole, of a release under duress, of a sentencing arrangement
- Presentation to the tests of an examination
- Presentation to a healthcare facility
- Outings for the practice of organized cultural or sports activities
- Exercise of the right to vote
- Summons before a court (in the event that the conditions for videoconferencing are not met).
How do I apply for a temporary absence?
The request for temporary absence must specify the dates, places, reasons for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention takes place. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request must be addressed to:
- At the Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The judge makes his decision after examining the situation of the convicted person and obtaining the opinion of the commission for the enforcement of penalties.
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
Please note
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The convict 24 hours to challenge that decision.
How long is the temporary absence valid?
A temporary absence may be granted for one or more temporary absences.
Each outing lasts 1 day maximum.
How does the temporary absence work?
The decision granting leave to leave shall indicate the duration of the leave and the place where the convicted person is allowed to go and/or stay. It also specifies whether the convicted person is authorized to drive a vehicle.
Please note
One travel time may be granted, depending on the duration of the journey and the timetable of the means of transport used.
Finally, the decision sets out the obligations and prohibitions to which the convicted person is subject.
Example :
- Do not leave your home or a demarcated area
- Do not go to certain places
- Refrain from entering into contact with certain persons
- Do not go to the bars
- Respond to summonses from the judge or SPIP: titleContent.
In what cases is an inmate entitled to be escorted out of prison?
An inmate may obtain a escorted exit permit if it justifies an exceptional reason such as:
- Willingness to visit a critically ill relative
- The burial of a loved one
- The birth of his child
- Hearing of the child by a juvenile court
- The presentation to the tests of an examination.
An application for escorted temporary absence must specify the date, place, reason for the requested temporary absence and the prison in which the detention is being carried out. It must also be accompanied by documents justifying the departure (e.g. a certificate of accommodation, a death certificate, etc.).
The request should be addressed to:
- Registry of sentencing judge that follows the adult convict
- Or at the children's judge that follows the juvenile convict.
It may be made by written declaration to the head of the penitentiary establishment (who shall forward it to the competent judge). Otherwise, it may be forwarded to the competent court by letter RAR: titleContent.
Who shall I contact
The competent judge shall make his decision after examining the detainee's situation and obtaining the opinion of the Commission for the Enforcement of Sentences.
This decision determines where the detainee can go and the escort service (police, gendarmerie or prison administration). It also specifies whether the inmate must wear handcuffs (even if the final decision rests with the escort chief).
This decision may be handed over to the detainee or his lawyer. It may also be notified to the inmate through the head of the penitentiary institution.
FYI
The decision of the judge may be the subject of a call in front of chamber for the enforcement of sentences. The inmate has 24 hours to challenge that decision.
Defendant or accused
In principle, you have the possibility to receive the visit:
- A member of your entourage (parents, children, spouse, cohabiting partner, friend, etc.)
- A person who contributes to your reintegration (for example, a prison visitor).
The number of visits to which you are entitled is limited to 3 per week.
The person who wants to see you must apply for a visitor's permit. The magistrate in charge of your case (example: investigating judge) may accept or refuse this request.
Application for a visiting permit
In order for a person to visit you in prison, it is necessary for him to apply for a visiting permit to the judge in charge of your case (example: investigating judge).
Warning
If your minor child wishes to visit you, he/she must have a visiting permit in his/her name. To apply for this permit himself, he must provide an authorization signed by one of his legal representatives.
Legal representatives may also apply for a visiting permit for a minor.
To obtain a visitor's permit, the person who wants to see you must fill out a form:
Application for a visiting permit (prison)
This form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Document proving his or her kinship or situation (for example, a family record book)
- Photocopy of ID (e.g. passport)
- 2 ID photos less than 3 months old
- Envelope stamped with last name and address.
The complete file must be sent to the magistrate in charge of your case (example: investigating judge).
Issuance of visiting permit
The magistrate The person in charge of your case must process the visit permit application within 20 days from the time it was made.
If the application is accepted, the applicant shall issue a visiting permit to the person who requested it.
The permit is sent to him by post. He is valid for as long how long your pre-trial detention.
In certain circumstances, the magistrate may refuse to issue a visiting permit to persons who request it.
This is the case if you have been subject to a communication ban since your arrival in pre-trial detention. In this case, you can not come into contact with the outside during a maximum duration of 20 days.
The issuance of a visiting permit may also be refused if the magistrate has deprived you of the right to receive visits for a fixed period of time and for one for the following reasons:
- Continue correctly the instruction
- Maintaining good order and security in the prison
- Avoid making new ones infringements.
His decision must be reasoned. She is notified to the person who applied for a permit, by any means (e.g. by email) and within a very short period of time.
In order to lodge an appeal, the person whose application has been refused must refer the matter to the President of the Examining Chamber by forwarding to him:
- A written request explaining why you believe the decision is unjustified
- The contested decision.
It has a period of 5 days from its notification.
If his appeal is accepted, the President of the Investigative Chamber will issue him with a visiting permit.
Course of the visit
When a person visits you in prison, they must present an identity document (e.g. passport) and their visiting permit.
Upon arrival at the prison, she must place all the objects she holds and/or brings you (e.g. linen, books, DVDs) in a locker, so that they can be checked.
Please note
If your visitor is suspected of having committed an offense near the prison, specially authorized officers may carry out a safety palpation and, if he's okay, a search.
In principle, the visit takes place in a room without glass.
However, a separation device may be set up in one of the following situations:
- When the magistrate in charge of your case has ordered it
- If there are serious reasons to fear an incident
- In the event of an incident during a previous visit
- If you or your visitor request it
- If you are detained in a Organized Crime Unit (QLCO).
FYI
If you are detained in a QLCO and the child you (or your Civil partnership, partner or common-law partner) are practicing with parental authority visits you, it takes place in a room without glass, except in case of disciplinary sanction.
During these visits, you and your interlocutor must speak in French except if the visiting permit provides that your conversations may take place in another language.
Prison guards are not physically present.
Nevertheless, they can listen to you and look at you to check that the visit is going well.
Warning
Any incident involving a visitor may result in the suspension or revocation of the visitor's permit.
In each prison, telephone booths and telephone points are available in cells, on walkways and in dedicated areas.
When you arrive in detention, you are given a one euro phone card (about 5 minutes of call) to allow you to call the person of your choice.
Thereafter, you must be allowed to call through the magistrate in charge of your file (example: investigating judge).
In certain circumstances, the magistrate may refuse access to a telephone for a specified time.
Authorization to call
The magistrate in charge of your case may issue a decision authorizing you to call:
- To members of your family
- To other people who can help you prepare for your reintegration (for example, prison visitor).
This authorization contains the identity of the people you can call and their phone numbers.
It is valid for as long as your pre-trial detention lasts.
As soon as you have obtained this authorization, you can subscribe pay phone plan at the prison.
Your telephone conversations may be listened to, recorded and interrupted by designated prison guards, under the supervision of the head of the prison.
Please note
You can also call your lawyer. The conversations you have with him are confidential: they cannot be listened to or recorded.
Prohibition of telephoning
At the beginning of your pre-trial detention, the investigating judge may prohibit you from calling.
This prohibition may not last more than 20 days. It is not applicable to communications with your lawyer.
After one month from the start of your pre-trial detention, the judge in charge of your case may also deprive you of the right to call for a period of time determined by him.
His decision must be reasoned. The judge must demonstrate that this prohibition is necessary to:
- The pursuit of the instruction
- Maintaining good order and security in the prison
- Avoid making new ones infringements.
This decision is yours notified by any means (e.g. by letter from the registry of the investigating judge) and within a very short period of time.
To file an appeal, you must inform the President of the Chamber of the investigation to which you are subject by forwarding:
- A written request explaining why you believe the decision is unjustified
- The contested decision.
You have a period of 5 days from its notification.
If your appeal is accepted, the President of the Investigative Chamber gives you permission to call.
As soon as you arrive in prison, mail kit is handed to you. You can find paper, a pen, envelopes and stamps.
Sending letters
You are allowed to write every day and without limitation to the people of your choice.
Each letter you send must mention:
- Your nut number
- Your cell number
- The precise address of the prison in which you are located.
Please note
On the back of the envelope, you must indicate (again) your nut number and your last name.
To have your mail delivered, you can drop it off in the mailboxes in your prison ward.
The letters you send can be read by the prison administration.
When you drop your letter in a mailbox, the envelope containing your mail must therefore be opened unless it is a confidential mail (example: mail addressed to your lawyer, inspector-general of places of deprivation of libertyto a chaplain, to a judge).
Receiving mail
You can receive letters from anyone. Your entourage can also send you packages if the head of the judicial establishment has authorized it.
Please note
Mail sent to you cannot contain money.
The letters you receive can be read by the prison administration.
However, letters received by certain persons (e.g. lawyer, inspector-general of places of deprivation of liberty, a chaplain, a judge) remain confidential.
In prison, he is forbidden have cash, a checkbook or a credit card.
As soon as you arrive, the prison staff will open a nominative account on which you can put money.
From this account, you can receive money and send it to your loved ones.
Receipt of money
You can receive money from:
- People with permanent access rights (e.g. your parents, children, spouse)
- Persons authorized by the head of the penitentiary establishment.
Warning
If you are not allowed to receive money (example: you have committed a disciplinary misconduct), the transfer will be rejected.
Payments of money can be made from the prison administration website or by bank transfer.
Online
Your entourage can send you money from the prison administration portal:
You receive the money a few days after the transfer has been made and validated by the management of registered accounts of the penitentiary establishment.
By transfer
To transfer money to you, your entourage must get the bank identity statement (RIBS) of the management of registered accounts of the prison in which you are being held.
Who shall I contact
In the transfer order, the person who pays you money must mention:
- Your nut number
- Your first and last name.
FYI
This information must be specified in the ‘optional’ or ‘free’ area of the transfer order.
In principle, your account is credited 2 to 4 working days after the transfer.
However, if the information provided is incomplete, false or illegible, the transfer will be rejected and the money will be returned to its issuer.
Send money
From the prison, you can send money:
- To your loved ones
- At the civil party in order to compensate him.
The money has to be sent only by bank transfer.
The procedure to be followed is explained to you upon your arrival in the penitentiary.
In the prison, you can buy:
- Food
- Soft drinks
- Hygiene products
- Cigarettes
- Newspapers
- A radio
- A computer and/or computer equipment (if authorized by the head of the prison).
Please note
If you are detained in a district for combating organized crime, you cannot buy computer hardware.
In some prisons, orders can be made online through a system called digital in custody (NED).
When ordered products (in the canteen or online) are available, they are:
- Directly delivered in cells
- Or to be withdrawn in a specially dedicated counter.
FYI
If you commit a disciplinary misconduct, the Disciplinary Committee may temporarily deprive you of the right to buy or rent products.
Within the prison, you can access a reading area (media library) and practice sports and socio-cultural activities.
Warning
If you commit a disciplinary misconduct, the Disciplinary Committee may temporarily deprive you of the right to engage in any of these activities.
Access to the media library
Each prison has a media library.
You can go there without prior registration to access and borrow books (books, newspapers, etc.) on display for free.
Please note
Borrowed books must be treated with the utmost care and must not be lent to other inmates. You must also return them within the time set by the librarian.
At the media library, you can also use your computer to access digital in custody (NED).
From this service you can:
- Consult your registered account to find out what money you have
- Make orders at the canteen
- Make requests to the different prison services
- Take training courses
- Read the prison information.
Exercise of a sporting activity
A program of sports activities is planned in each prison.
You can register for one or more of these activities unless the head of the penitentiary prohibits you for security reasons, disciplinary or in case of medical contraindication.
Registration must be made with a supervisor or sports instructor.
To exercise a sporting activity, you must have a sportswear.
FYI
If you are a minor, sport is included in your schedule.
Participation in a socio-cultural activity
Socio-cultural activities (concerts, film screenings, art workshops, etc.) are organized in each prison.
Your weekly schedule must be adjusted to allow you to participate in these activities.
The Prison Service for Integration and Probation (SPIP) helps you to:
- Know the programming of the organized activities
- Register for activities that interest you.
You have the right to practice your religion in your cell (prayer, wearing religious clothing, etc.) or in worship rooms.
You can also participate in religious services organized within the prison.
If you make a request to the head of the penitentiary, a chaplain can visit you.
Your interviews take place in the visiting room, in a dedicated space or in your cell. They are confidential.
In the canteen you can buy food that is in line with your religious beliefs.
FYI
During religious holidays, your loved ones can send you packages containing food that you have specially ordered.
You can ask the head of the prison to change cells.
Your request can be made in writing or orally, but it must always be argued.
It is possible to request a change of cell in particular in one of the following cases:
- Your cell is unhealthy (example: presence of rats)
- You are subjected to violence by your fellow inmate
- You share your cell with a smoker while you are not smoking.
Your request is processed by a support service that decides on the urgency of the situation.
The head of the prison relies on the response of this service to accept or refuse your request.
An inmate may be temporarily released from prison if he or she obtains a escorted exit permit.
FYI
This authorization is valid for a single outing.
An escorted temporary absence may be granted to an inmate who has an exceptional reason such as:
- Willingness to visit a critically ill relative
- The burial of a loved one
- The birth of his child
- Hearing of the child by a juvenile court
- The presentation to the tests of an examination.
If the inmate has such a justification, he may apply for an escorted temporary absence from the investigating judge in charge of his case.
This request may be made by written declaration to the head of the prison (who will forward it to the investigating judge). Otherwise, it may be sent directly to the investigating judge by letter RAR: titleContent.
After analyzing the detainee's situation, the investigating judge makes his decision. She is notified to the inmate (or his lawyer) through the head of the penitentiary.
This decision may be appealed to the President of the investigation chamber.
Who shall I contact
On the same subject
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
For more information on your rights in detention
Prison Service for Integration and Probation (Spip)
Rights and duties established by the rules and regulations of each penitentiary institution
Visits in prison
Communications by mail and telephone
Provisional ban on communicating with the outside world for persons in pre-trial detention
Possibility of deprivation of written correspondence in pre-trial detention
Access to socio-cultural, physical and sports activities
Exercise of religion in prison
Permission to release convicted prisoners
Authorization to leave under escort
Organized Crime Ward
Conditions of detention in an organized crime unit
Service Public
Service Public
Service Public
Ministry of Justice