Advice for media workers

Media workers can include journalists, reporters, videographers and others who work for media organizations. The definition of a media worker can differ from one country to another. Some countries may not consider people who independently report on current affairs, such as bloggers, as media workers.

If you are a Canadian travelling outside Canada for media work, prepare in advance.

Before you travel

• Follow these tips to help you stay healthy while travelling outside Canada.
• Read our Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination. There may be advice relevant to media workers.
• Stay connected to Canada wherever you are through our smart travel tools. Subscribe to our daily Travel updates to receive email notifications of changes to our Travel Advice and Advisories.
• Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service so we can notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.  
• Ensure you have the contact information for the Canadian government office abroad closest to your destination.
• Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance coverage.

Entry and exit requirements, visas, accreditations and permits, travel documents and more

• Make sure you carry all of the valid travel documents you may need at your destination, including your passport and any visas, permits and accreditations.
  • Read more about travel documents
  • Check the Entry/exit requirements for your destination in our Travel Advice and Advisories
  • Contact your destination’s embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada

• Find out if you need official press credentials. You may have to register with local authorities or a local press organization before entering the country. If you violate local laws, you may be refused access to the country, deported or imprisoned - even if you have the proper entry visa.

• Find out if there are specific rules about importing and using electronics and security equipment.
  • Cameras, computers, video equipment, protective vests, helmets, satellite phones or other equipment may be restricted or may require authorization.
• Find out if there are specific rules about photographing or filming people and places.
  • You may need a permit to photograph or film people or facilities. You may be prohibited from photographing or filming certain areas or people.
  • Some not-well-marked areas may be off limits for photography and videography. Check local rules to avoid complications. Your equipment could be confiscated, and you could be detained or arrested.

Additional information

Visas

• We can’t obtain visas, accreditations or permits or intervene on your behalf if you do not meet the entry requirements of your destination country.
• Some countries may not allow media workers, including journalists, to enter on a tourist visa, even if they are not travelling in their professional capacity. More information about visas.

Dual citizenship

• If you are a dual citizen and plan to travel to your other country of citizenship, we may have limited capacity to offer you consular services.  Additionally, you may need to use a passport issued by the government of your other country of citizenship. You will still need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight back to Canada. Make sure you carry both passports when you travel. For more information on dual citizenship, visit Travelling as a dual citizen.  

Safety and security

• In some countries, writing on blogs or social media about political matters, particularly by dual-nationals, could be considered unacceptable political activity. You may be detained or arrested. 

• The Government of Canada cannot guarantee the safety and security of Canadians outside Canada, including that of media workers.

Local laws

• While in a foreign country, you are subject to local laws. We cannot ask local authorities to give you special treatment or to exempt you from the due process of local law.

Assistance abroad

• If you need assistance while you are outside Canada, contact the closest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate or reach us at our  Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.