19 December 2020

NMA Secures Travel Exemption For Journalists

The NMA secured with DCMS last week a quarantine exemption for UK journalists and other essential news media workers who need to travel abroad for work assignments.

The exemption came into effect in England on Saturday 21 November 2020.

Lynne Anderson, NMA deputy chief executive, said: “Protecting free movement of journalists abroad during a pandemic is of vital importance.

“With people living under restrictions and in confinement across the world, there is a greater need and reliance for trusted, reliable news and information to keep the public informed of Covid-19.

“Therefore it is imperative that UK journalists are able to carry out their role overseas without restriction.”

This exemption applies to:

  • UK journalists (a person who has been issued with a UK Press Card such as reporters, photographers, videographers and other editorial staff) who need to be able to work in the UK on their return from overseas travel
  • International journalists (a person who has been issued with an International Press Card) who need to travel to the UK on work assignments

To be considered eligible, qualifying individuals must:

  • Hold a valid UK Press Card issued by a gatekeeper under the scheme managed by the UK Press Card Authority. Gatekeepers are listed here or
  • Hold a valid International Press Card issued by a national organisation under the scheme managed by the International Federation of Journalists.

Confirmation of such accreditation may be requested at various points of your journey. Qualifying individuals must also be travelling for a purpose which is essential to their work as a journalist.

If you qualify for a travel quarantine exemption, you still need to follow the same health guidance and national restrictions as people who live in the UK. Check the guidance for:

You will need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to the UK. You will not need to self-isolate when travelling within the UK for essential work purposes, however you should self-isolate at all other times.

When travelling you should carry a UK Press Card or International Press Card and a letter from your employer or commissioning editor which includes:

  • your personal details, such as name and address
  • contact details for your employer or commissioning editor
  • confirmation that you are travelling to or from the UK in the course of your work as a journalist

If you would like to apply for an NMA press card, please contact Laura Skerrett.

All usual immigration requirements for entering and working in the UK still apply. This guidance does not supersede specific guidance for those who are clinically vulnerable.