Visiting an Immigration Detention Facility

Arranging your visit

You are encouraged to arrange your visit to an immigration detention centre at least 24 hours in advance, wherever possible.

Conditions of entry

You must:

• complete a visits application form for each visit
  See: Visits Application Form  (30KB PDF file)
• read and sign the Visitors Rights and Responsibilities form and bring this form to the centre the first time you visit
  See: Visitors Rights and Responsibilities form (40KB PDF file)
• have the consent of the person in detention they wish to visit
• follow the directions of staff at all times
• not bring items into the centre that are not permitted
• prove their identity by producing required identification
• undergo screening processes prior to entry
• wear a visitor’s wristband, or other form of visitor identification, at all times while in the centre.
  See: Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about visiting

Official visits

If you are visiting in an official capacity you should contact the department.
Email: Detention.Visits@immi.gov.au
Telephone: (02) 6264 2708

If possible this should be done at least one (1) week prior to your intended visit so appropriate arrangements can be made. 

You are an official visitor if, for example, you are a member of one of the following organisations:

• the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
• the Commonwealth Ombudsman
• embassies and consulates, and foreign government representatives
• international agencies
• Members of Parliament
• representatives of government agencies and official delegations
• media representatives.

Visitor requirements

Information is available based upon what category of visitor you are.

• Legal Representatives and Migration Agents
• Consular Officials
• Religious Representatives
• Volunteers and Community Groups

For further information on immigration detention facilities, including addresses and visiting hours.
See: Location of Operational Facilities