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Managing Australia's Borders

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Immigration Detention Facilities

Why do we encourage you to arrange your visit before prior to arrival?

Pre-arranging your visit will help us ensure that:

  • the person is informed that you wish to visit
  • the person in detention will be available at the time of your visit
  • you know the visiting hours
  • we can inform you of roles and responsibilities before your visit
  • you can save time by completing your visits forms before you arrive
  • any items for which you need approval to bring into a centre can be assessed before you arrive.

If prior notice of your visit is not possible, every effort will be made to accommodate your visit, subject to the availability of the person you wish to visit.

Do I need to provide identification?

Yes. If you are over the age of 18 you must provide:

  • one item of identification with a photograph such as a drivers licence, a valid passport, a professional or student identification

or

  • two items of identification without photographs such as a credit card, council rates bill, telephone bill or another utility bill.

If you are under the age of 18 and accompanied by a parent or guardian, you may be admitted without producing proof of identity.

If you are under the age of 18 and not accompanied by a parent or guardian, you may be admitted subject to producing proof of identity.

Will I need to undergo security screening?

All visitors are asked to undergo security screening to ensure that no items that might compromise welfare, safety and security can be brought into a centre. The procedures are similar to those used at airports and may include the use of:

  • hand-held scanners (also known as 'wands')
  • walk-through devices
  • x-ray equipment

You may be asked to remove an external item of clothing, such as a jacket, shoes or a hat or items from your pockets or bag. You may ask for this to be done in a private area.

You do not have to undergo security screening or explain your reason(s) for refusal. However, officers reserve the right to deny you entry, particularly if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you may possess an item not permitted in the centre.

What happens if I am refused entry to a centre?

If you are refused entry to a centre, the reasons will be explained to you and you may respond. Detention services officers will assist you if you wish to lodge a complaint.

What items cannot be brought into immigration detention facilities?

Certain items cannot be brought into immigration detention facilities. Items that cannot be brought into immigration detention centres include:

  • items that are illegal in the Australian community
  • items that present a risk to the health of detainees, visitors or staff
  • items that present a risk to privacy, safety or security
  • items that may be offensive to others.

Can I bring food into a centre?

Yes, although uncooked meat, fish and eggs are generally not allowed for health reasons unless you have prior approval by the Centre Executive. Only reasonable amounts of food for people in detention to cook or consume can be brought into the centre.

Can I temporarily store items that are not permitted in a centre?

Yes. Items not permitted in a centre may be stored in secure lockers during your visit. Items that are illegal in the Australian community will be reported to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

See: Items Not Permitted in Immigration Detention Facilities

As centres have limited facilities to store property, people in detention are only able to keep a limited amount of items with them. People in immigration detention are already provided with a range of personal items including bedding, soap and shampoo.

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