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International press card: working as a journalist abroad

There is no global press card that every country must recognise. Journalists working abroad use either the IFJ International Press Card, issued through national unions such as the NUJ, or an English-language association card such as the FJA press card – always combined with local accreditation and the right visa.

The FJA press card is designed for cross-border use: English text, an international layout, a personal card number and a QR code that anyone in any country can scan to check it. This page explains what that is worth abroad, where its limits are and how it compares with the IFJ card.

Apply for your press card Compare with the IFJ card

FJA international press card with English text and QR verification, sample data

What an international press card does

It is a recognisable, checkable identity – not a passport for journalism.

Where it helps abroad

Identifying yourself to press offices, venues and event organisers
Supporting accreditation requests for international events and trade fairs
Showing police and officials quickly that you are working as press
Giving interviewees a way to verify who you are

What it cannot do

Replace a work or media visa where one is required
Replace national accreditation for foreign correspondents
Guarantee access to government buildings, courts or conflict zones
Protect you from local laws on filming, drones or privacy

IFJ International Press Card vs FJA press card

The IFJ card is the oldest international press card. It is only available through member unions.

	IFJ International Press Card	FJA press card
Issued by	National unions affiliated to the IFJ; in the UK only the NUJ	Freelance Journalists Association
Who can get it	Members of IFJ-affiliated unions who are working journalists	Adults (18+) who work journalistically on a regular basis
Validity	Two years	12, 24 or 36 months
Cost	Fee set by the union, on top of membership	€95, €150 or €180; no membership
Verification	Through the issuing union	QR code and online verification page

Source: International Federation of Journalists, October 2026.

If you are an NUJ member who travels for work, the IFJ card is worth considering. If you are not in a union, or you work part-time or online, the FJA card gives you an international ID without a membership. See also press card comparison UK.

Visas and accreditation abroad

Paperwork matters more than plastic.

Media visas

Some countries require a specific visa for journalistic work. The United States, for example, has a Media (I) visa for representatives of foreign media travelling temporarily to work in their profession. Check the rules of the country you are visiting with its embassy before you travel – a press card does not replace a visa.

Local accreditation

Many governments accredit foreign correspondents, and major events run their own media centres. Apply early, include your commission and your portfolio, and bring your press card as additional proof. Guide: press accreditation.

Staying safe when reporting abroad

A card can help – or attract attention. Use it with judgement.

In stable countries a visible press card usually helps. In tense situations it can make you a target, so decide case by case whether to show it. Tell your editor or a trusted contact where you are, carry copies of your documents, and check foreign travel advice before you go – for UK nationals the FCDO foreign travel advice lists entry requirements and local risks. For hostile environments, specialist safety training and insurance are more important than any ID.

Our national press card websites

Working in another European country? The FJA family of national associations offers local information in the local language.

Germany – Presseausweis beantragen (DVFJ)

Austria – Presseausweis Österreich

Switzerland – Presseausweis Schweiz

Netherlands and Belgium – Perskaart aanvragen

France – Carte de presse

Italy – Tessera di giornalista

Spain – Carnet de prensa

Sweden – Presskort

Denmark – Pressekort

Press cards in other English-speaking countries

Each country has its own system – and in most of them, no single official card.

In the United States there is no national press card; credentials are issued by individual institutions, and New York City issues its own free press card to people who have published at least six items in the previous 24 months – the city also states that you do not need a press card to gather news there. In Ireland, the NUJ issues its own press card, as there is no gatekeeper system. Elsewhere, unions and employers issue cards under their own rules. The FJA card is available to applicants in any of these countries, provided they meet our requirements.

Press card guides by country

Planning to report in Europe? Each country guide explains who issues national press cards, how accreditation works there and how the FJA card fits in.

United Kingdom: Press card in the UK – UK Press Card scheme, gatekeepers and alternatives.

Press card in Albania
Press card in Andorra
Press card in Austria
Press card in Belarus
Press card in Belgium
Press card in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Press card in Bulgaria
Press card in Croatia
Press card in Cyprus
Press card in Czech Republic
Press card in Denmark
Press card in Estonia
Press card in Finland
Press card in France
Press card in Germany
Press card in Greece
Press card in Hungary
Press card in Iceland
Press card in Ireland
Press card in Italy
Press card in Kosovo
Press card in Latvia
Press card in Liechtenstein
Press card in Lithuania
Press card in Luxembourg
Press card in Malta
Press card in Moldova
Press card in Monaco
Press card in Montenegro
Press card in Netherlands
Press card in Norway
Press card in Poland
Press card in Portugal
Press card in Romania
Press card in San Marino
Press card in Serbia
Press card in Slovakia
Press card in Slovenia
Press card in Spain
Press card in Sweden
Press card in Switzerland

Country guides are general information and were last reviewed in October 2026. National rules change; always check with the organiser or authority in the country you are travelling to.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an official international press card?

No single card is recognised worldwide by law. The IFJ International Press Card is the best known, issued through national unions; association cards such as the FJA card are another option.

How do I get an international press card in the UK?

The IFJ card is available in the UK only through the NUJ, for members. Alternatively, you can apply for the English-language FJA press card online without membership.

Is the FJA press card valid abroad?

The card is valid for its printed period wherever you are. Whether officials or organisers accept it is their decision; recognition is not guaranteed in any country.

Do I need a visa to work as a journalist abroad?

Often yes. The United States, for example, has a Media (I) visa for foreign media representatives. Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit.

Should I always show my press card abroad?

Not always. In most situations it helps, but in hostile environments it can draw unwanted attention. Decide based on local conditions and travel advice.

Can I get the FJA press card if I live outside the UK?

Yes. We post worldwide: free within the EU and €6.99 to the UK and other countries.

How long is the IFJ card valid?

According to the IFJ, two years from issue.

Which languages are on the FJA press card?

The card is in English; field labels also appear in French and Spanish.

Can I use an international press card in the USA?

Yes, as an independent press ID. It does not replace US credentials such as the New York City press card or congressional gallery accreditation. See press credentials in the USA for how US credentials work.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.