Foreign Media Visas

Last Updated on 09/19/2009

Representatives of the foreign media traveling to the United States on assignment, or engaged in filming a news event or documentary, require a non-immigrant visa under the I visa category. They are not eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program or on visitor or business visas. Those who attempt to do so may be denied admission to the United States by immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Representatives of the foreign media include, but are not limited to, members of the press, radio, or film whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, video tape editors and persons in similar occupations.

Journalists applying for I visas should contact the Embassy's Press and Information Office first. Please phone 475-4766 for further information on how to obtain a foreign media visa.

Important: Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies traveling to the U.S. on assignment must be under contract to a media organization and should hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic association.

Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies must submit a letter from the organization commissioning the work which gives the following information: name; title and description of the program being filmed; period of time required for filming in the U.S. and duration of contract, as well as press card/credentials.

Note: Individuals and/or companies commissioned to work on film projects of a commercial or entertainment value, require the appropriate work visas (O, P or H) which will involve obtaining employment authorization from the office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for a visa at this Embassy. 

For information on general documents needed to apply for a visa, please visit our Application Procedures page.