|
|
|
 Travel Writers' Resources | June 2008 
New Visa/Work Authorization Information for Journalists
 Panafrican Press Association
go to original
Dear Journalists:
We understand that some of you have received conflicting information regarding visas from various Mexican embassies around the world, and have experienced some frustration in your visa application efforts. We have been in touch with Mexican immigration authorities, and we take this opportunity to share the following information with you.
Some of the instructions given in this email are different from those given to you in previous emails and/or information previously posted to the conference website, so we ask you to please read this email carefully and thoroughly. We apologize for any confusion caused, and undertake to provide you with any new information as and when it becomes available from Mexican immigration.
ALL JOURNALISTS MUST HAVE AN ENTRY VISA AND/OR WORK AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER MEXICO
Please note: In this document, the term journalist refers to writers, editors, camerapersons, photographers and related production personnel working for a media outlet (including print, TV, radio and online publications or shows), as well as individuals performing similar duties on behalf of a community-based organization or publication (such as an website or newsletter). This does not include Public Relations professionals.
Regardless of your country of origin, all journalists require a work authorization (called FM3) in order to report from Mexico. In addition, citizens of certain countries will also require an entry visa in order to enter the country.
Citizens of countries that do not normally require entry visas for Mexico (for example, USA): You do not need an entry visa, but you must have the FM3 work authorization, which allows you to work in Mexico as a media correspondent.
Citizens from countries that do normally require a visa to enter Mexico (for example, Nigeria): You require an entry visa and an FM3 work authorization.
For a full list of countries that do not require entry visas, please visit our website at this link: http://www.aids2008.org/subpage.aspx?pageId=381
Both the entry visa and the FM3 work authorization can be obtained at your nearest Mexican Embassy. A list of Mexican embassies may be found here: http://www.aids2008.org/admin/images/upload/Mexican%20Embassies%20and%20Consulates.pdf In addition, please visit the visa information page on the AIDS 2008 website for further information: http://www.aids2008.org/subpage.aspx?pageId=381
COST OF VISAS AND WORK AUTHORIZATIONS
Please note that entry visas are issued at no cost to journalists attending the International AIDS Conference. However, FM3 work authorizations are charged, in some embassies and consulates, at a rate of USD 90 - 100 (depends on embassy and rate of exchange).
EMBASSIES’ ACCESS TO REGISTRATION INFORMATION
ach embassy has access to our registration system and will check that you have in fact been granted media accreditation to attend the conference.
Our registration system is an online system, which is downloaded every few days by Mexican immigration authorities; it is not accessed "live" by immigration. This means that you should allow at least eight working days between the time you received a letter of invitation and when you approach the embassy for the necessary travel documents.
Please be sure to include all the necessary documents with your visa application.
The list of required documents is here
This document has been updated recently to reflect new information received from the Mexican immigration authorities. Please review it carefully.
WHEN TO APPLY FOR YOUR VISA
1 June was the date by which the Mexican authorities were able to guarantee that your visa/FM3 application would be approved in time to travel to Mexico. In practice, some embassies have taken much less time to process visa/FM3 applications. However, because we cannot guarantee that the process will be swift, we must emphasize the need for you to contact your nearest embassy in the next few days to initiate the application process as soon as possible.
IF THERE IS NO MEXICAN EMBASSY IN YOUR COUNTRY
Unfortunately, all visa/FM3 applicants must appear in person at their nearest Mexican embassy to obtain the necessary entry and work visas. This means you will have to travel to another country if there is no Mexican embassy in your country of residence.
LETTER OF INVITATION
All journalists will require a letter of invitation from the conference in order to apply for their entry and/or FM3 authorizations. These letters may be downloaded off your conference profile, only after you have received email confirmation of your approved registration. Please note that you must leave an eight working day delay between when you request your letter of invitation and when you approach the embassy/consulate. This will ensure that your information has been verified by the Mexican authorities.
VISA-RELATED CONTACT
Should you have any visa-related questions or concerns, or experience any problems when applying for your visa, kindly email visa@aids2008.org. Please do not copy, email or phone conference media staff about visa-related issues. We are in close contact with the visa staff and will be aware of any problems you are experiencing.
Thank you for your continued interest in attending the conference.
Warm wishes
Karen Bennett
Senior Communications Manager: International AIDS Conference |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us