From Saturday 9 April 2022, face-to-face domestic visits will return for prisoners and their visitors who have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Visit bookings will commence from Monday 4 April, with one adult visitor per prisoner each visit.
All visitors will need to provide proof of vaccination to attend a face-to-face visit.
Visitors will be provided a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) upon arrival, which they must undertake and return a negative result prior to entry to the visit.
Please ensure your arrival allows adequate time to undertake a RAT process (minimum 15 minutes) and visit registration.
Due to the high percentage of COVID cases among children in the community and difficulties in administering a RAT to young children, face-to-face visits are paused for anyone under 18 years. However we will look to permit entry to children very soon.
Domestic visits will continue to be facilitated virtually (via Zoom) for all prisoners, including un-vaccinated prisoners and/or those with un-vaccinated visitors.
Face-to-face visits will not be permitted for prisoners who are in their 14-day quarantine behind the door.
NO PROOF – NO ENTRY
Proof of vaccination includes:
- COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate on the Express Plus Medicare app or Medicare online account linked to myGov app/website, preferably printed
- Immunisation history statement on the Individual Healthcare Identifier service via myGov app, preferably printed.
Find out how to get proof of vaccination on the Services Australia website.
All prisoners and visitors must wear a surgical mask and maintain 1.5 metres social distancing at all times during the visit.
If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath or generally unwell, please do not attend a correctional facility.
Domestic visits are an important tool to prisoners in maintaining ties and relationship with their loved ones.
The careful easing of restrictions coupled with our strong protective safety measures will protect all prisoners, their families, friends and our staff as some current restrictions in South Australia are eased.
The health and safety of our staff, prisoners, families, and the community remain our top priority.
DCS has developed a COVID-19 Response Plan to drive our response to manage COVID within our prisons.
Visit requirements may change depending on the risk in the community and the vaccination rate at each prison.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates when available.
Who does this apply to?
This applies to all visitors:
- Family and friends
What are other ways I can contact a prisoner?
Prisoners have access to telephone facilities and are encouraged to stay in contact with family and friends.
You can also contact a prisoner by writing to them:
- Prisoner name, ID number, and location if known
Department for Correctional Services
GPO Box 1747, Adelaide SA 5001.
More information
See COVID-19: Video visits for domestic visitors for further information.
See restrictions that apply for the recommencement of face-to-face visits.