IFJ International Press Card (IPC)
It gets you wherever the story takes you
An instantly and internationally recognisable professional identification. The International Press Card (IPC) is recognised the world over and is the only press pass endorsed by national journalists' groups in more than 130 countries.
The world's oldest and most reputable identification for working journalists across the globe. The IPC was launched at the IFJ World Congress in Dijon in 1927. It 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.
An acknowledgment of your commitment to ethical standards and IFJ's Code of Ethics. The IPC lists the IFJ Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists adopted in 1954 and amended in 1986 which ethical principles are widely recognised.
A symbol of solidarity between media professionals. IPC card holders belong to the IFJ family. The IPC connects journalists globally and ensures that IFJ affiliated organisations extend to the IPC bearer assistance and courtesy in the performance of her/his mission.
A guarantee for IFJ assistance across the globe. Journalists travelling in conflict zones have testified to the benefits of the IPC . It has helped many journalists get out of tricky situations in dealing with soldiers, police or officials.
A door opener. The IPC facilitates access 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 IPC in many countries will help journalists gain privileged access to media events - this is never guaranteed, but the card gives journalists a better chance of success than any other international accreditation.
An admission into the fellowship of the IFJ global journalists' community. The IFJ provides support and services to press card holders, including access to 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Who can apply?
- Who cannot apply?
- Who supports the IPC?
The IPC has for 80 years been issued by the world's largest network of journalists groups - see the full list on the IFJ's membership roll. Whenever a 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 IPC holders.
- What makes the IFJ Press Card professional?
Simply, the IPC is a statement of commitment by the holder to the IFJ's Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists, the world's most recognisable set of principles and standards for the conduct of journalism.
- What is the length of validity of the IPC and how much does it cost?
The card is valid for two years and is available to the members of national associations and unions of journalists in over 130 countries at a fee. Please contact your union directly to find out the price.
- How do I get one?
Journalists can apply for cards through national organisations of journalists.
Importantly, the IFJ card is not issued without verification of the applicant's status as a working journalist.
TIPS for promoting the card
- Put the IFJ Press Card photos on your website and any other communications you carry out. Download Press Card photos HERE
- Create a link on your website from the Press Card photo to the information on the IFJ website on how to get an IFJ Press Card: http://www.ifj.org/press-card/
- Create an advertisement for your publication. See an example
here
Benefits for you: This will make your members aware of the press card and the support it offers them.
Benefits for IFJ: This will allow us to reach out to more journalists to advise them on the wide ranging benefits of the card and the assistance it provides and to encourage them to apply for one.
Beware of expensive imitations - none of which are endorsed by the world's journalism network. There are some organisations issuing cards to make money, but who represent virtually no-one, do not engage in any effective international representation of journalists and cannot provide back-up to protect journalists who get into trouble.
*Warning: A group calling itself the World Chinese Journalists Association is running a scam selling fake IFJ Press Cards. They have no association with the IFJ. Their cards are not authentic and they are illegally trading on the IFJ name. Do not buy their press cards.
The International Federation of Journalists will never ask you to send in money or fill in online forms for its Press Cards. Please do not respond to such requests in the hope of receiving IFJ Press Cards. IFJ Press Cards are issued to bona fide journalists by our affiliates only.
