Obtaining the IFJ International Press Card from Malta

Journalists on the move need to have instantly recognisable accreditation and that is best provided by the International Press Card of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), recognised the world over and the only press pass endorsed by national journalists' groups in more than 120 countries.

The IFJ Press Card is world's oldest and mostreputable accreditation and provides instant confirmation that the bearer is a working journalist. It is only issued to genuine journalists who are committed to ethical standards and solidarity between media professionals.

Who Supports the IFJ Press Card?
The IFJ Card has for 60 years been issued by the world's largest network of journalists groups - see the full list on the IFJ's membership roll. Whenever an IFJ Press Card holder is travelling they can rely on the IFJ network to provide assistance. In most countries, the support and recognition provided to national journalists will be available to IFJ International Press Card holders.

What make the IFJ Press Card professional?
Simply, the IFJ Card is a statement of commitment by the holder to the IFJ's Code of Ethics, the world's most recognisable set of principles and standards for the conduct of journalism.

What are the advantages of carrying the IFJ Card?
Journalists travelling in conflict zones have testified to the benefits of the IFJ Press Card. It has helped many journalists get out of tricky situations in dealing with soldiers, police or officials. It opens doors to officials meetings. Holders can take advantage of the IFJ's official recognition within the European Union and within the agencies of the United Nations.

Not least, the IFJ Press Card in many countries will help journalists gain privileged access to media events - this is never guaranteed, but the IFJ Card gives journalists a better chance of success than any other international accreditation.

The IFJ provides support and services to press card holders, including access to the work of the International News Safety Institute, which campaigns for journalists' safety worldwide and the IFEX network which is a coalition of press freedom and journalists' groups that monitors the state of press freedom the world over. Regular bulletins from the IFJ and updates on actions in defence of journalists are available to all card holders.

Do I have to pay for the card?
The IFJ International Press Card, which is valid for two years, is available to the members of national associations and unions of journalists in 120 countries at a fee. In Malta, the IFJ Press Card is available only through the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), the sole local affiliate of the IFJ and the EFJ.

How do I get one?
Journalists can apply for cards through national organisations of journalists.
In Malta, the IFJ Press Card can be obtained through the IGM at a cost of €30, which covers the costs of obtaining the card from abroad and processing it locally. Only paid-up IGM members can obtain the IFJ Press Card.

Please contact the IGM on institute.of.maltese.journalists@gmail.com to get one now!

Importantly, the IFJ card is not issued without verification of the applicant's status as a working journalist.