Journalist Visa

Who can apply?

Journalist Visa, Visa for filming/producing documentaries in India

Journalist Visa is issued to professional journalists, photographers, film producers/directors (other than commercial films), a representative of radio or television organisation, travel writers/photographers etc. travelling to India for work-related purposes. A correspondent, columnist, cartoonist, editor or professional journalist working for an association/company engaged in production or broadcast of audio news or audio visual news or current Affairs programme through print media, electronic or any other form should apply for Journalist Visa for travel to India. Journalists visiting India for any other purpose like tourism should also apply for Journalist Visa.

For details on documentary filming please refer to www.mea.gov.in/documentary-filming-in-india.htm

• One printed copy of the online visa application form duly signed on both pages.
• One recent photograph as per photo specifications
• Original passport with at least two blank pages and minimum 6 months validity
• Copy of profile page of passport. If applicant is holding dual/multiple nationality, copy of profile page of all passports
• Copy of Hong Kong/Macau ID for residents and copy of valid HK/Macau visa for non residents
• Sponsorship letter from the media house in Hong kong/Macau giving purpose and details of visit. In case applicant is Freelancer,  accreditation letter from the local Journalist Association.
• A letter of invitation from an Indian company/sponsor (wherever applicable)
• Declaration in respect of equipment being carried, if any
• Declaration in respect of engaging an Indian liaison officer (wherever applicable)
• Journalists, editors, writers, publishers, etc. who are visiting India for purposes like tourism are requested to provide an undertaking from self and employers that they would not engage in any journalistic or reporting activities during their visit to India
• Self undertaking as per Form-II regarding use of satellite phone
• General self undertaking as per Form-III

Additional Important information regarding Journalist Visa:

• The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureau, so that they could be given necessary assistance in various matters including planning their itineraries.
• There is no requirement for accreditation for journalists on brief professional visits to India, but temporary accreditation may be extended for journalists from reputed media organizations, if so requested by them. However, all journalists on long-term assignment in India are obliged to apply compulsorily for accreditation with Press Information Bureau (PIB). This can only be done after arrival in India.
• Journalist visas are extendable after arrival in India, for representatives of established media organizations, on the basis of letters of nomination specifying the duration of assignment and provided they hold valid PIB accreditation. Extensions are issued for up to one year at a time. Visa extensions are issued by the nearest FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in the city where the journalist is based.
• For details on documentary filming please refer to www.mea.gov.in/documentary-filming-in-india.htm.