Procedures for Arab and foreign journalists to obtain a press card in Lebanon

Pursuant to decree N⁰ 10493 issued on July 2, 1968 (regulation of the profession of foreign press correspondents in Lebanon), the Ministry of Information would like to inform all the Lebanese, Arab, and foreign journalists, correspondents, and photographers accredited to Arab and foreign media outlets located in Lebanon that they can now obtain a foreign press card from the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center.

To view the required documents, you can visit the Ministry of Information’s website: http://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/

Arab and Foreign journalists on permanent bases are to present themselves in person at the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center with the following documents:

• A recent letter from the media institution (the employer) stating the title and the duration of stay;
• Curriculum vitae (CV);
• Passport copy and a recent passport photo;

This will entitle journalists to legalize their status and obtain a work permit and an annual residency card.

Once all the above documents are obtained, a yearly press card will be issued by the Ministry of Information.

Arab and Foreign journalists on temporary status are to present themselves in person at the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center with the following documents:

• A recent letter from the media institution (the employer) specifying the temporary assignment, purpose, position and duration of stay;
• Press card from the media institution;
• Photocopy of the passport and the visa, as well as two recent passport photos.

Once all the above documents are obtained, a temporary press card will be issued by the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center.

Lebanese journalists working for Arab and Foreign Media are to present themselves in person at the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center with the following documents:

• A recent letter from the Arab media or Foreign media (the employer) specifying the journalist’s title;
• Recent criminal record;
• Certified photocopy of a Lebanese ID;
• Two passport photos;

All the aforementioned applicants are required to fill out a form in person at the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center.

For further information you can email us at mi-pr@hotmail.com or contact us at the following phone numbers 009611343717 – 009611342089.

Kindly note that the press card gives its holder the right to benefit from all the facilities, privileges, and exemptions granted to Lebanese journalists provided that the principle of reciprocity is applied in the country where the represented media institution is located; thus, this condition is deemed applicable unless proven otherwise.

Moreover, the Ministry of Information – Arab and Foreign Press Center should be immediately notified in case of any change or alteration that may occur to the permit on the basis of which the card had been issued to its holder.