Applying for a DOI Press Card

Applying for a DOI Press Card

Applying for a DOI Press Card

The Department of Information provides three types of press cards: 

1. Yellow press card for media
2. Green press card for technical persons
3. White temporary media pass

Who can apply:

The following media categories can apply for a press card:

A. Employees of media organisations publishing registered newspapers, magazines or other registered publications
B. Employees of media organisations running registered television or radio stations
C. Freelance journalists, photographers or camera persons
D. Employees of media organisations providing news or current affairs material to be published or broadcast on registered publications or stations
E. Employees of media organisations publishing local online news portals that have been active for six months or longer
F. NEW Freelance journalists, photographers or camera persons
G. Employees of media organisations publishing NEW local online news portals.
H. Local correspondents of foreign media organisations
I. Foreign media on local assignments

How to apply:

1. Print and fill in the application form 

2. Attach a reference letter/s as follows:

Category A and B: A reference letter from the Registered Editor, in terms of the Press Act, stating that you are an employee of the particular media organisation.

Category C: A reference letter from a Registered Editor, in terms of the Press Act, stating that you provide news or current affairs material to be published or broadcast on the registered publication or station.

Category D: A reference letter from a Registered Editor, in terms of the Press Act, stating that your media organisation provides news or current affairs material to be published or broadcast on the registered publication or station; AND a reference letter from the Head of your organisation  stating that you are an employee of the particular media organisation.

Category E: A letter providing information regarding the Registrar, the Registrant and the Administrative Contact of the Domain Name; AND a reference letter from the Registrant of the Domain Name stating that you are an employee of the particular media organisation. 

Category F and G: A temporary media pass will be given for three months. Following this period, a reference letter is to be produced as described in category C and E respectively.

Category H: A reference letter from the editor of the foreign media organisation, stating that you provide news or current affairs material to be published or broadcast on the registered publication or station.

Category I: A reference letter from the editor of your media organisation stating that you are an employee of the particular media organisation carrying out duties in Malta, giving the dates of your assignment. A temporary media pass will be issued for assignments of less than 6 months.

* Reference letters are to be provided in Maltese or in English.

3. Attach two passport- sized photos.

The photos are to be as follows:
• In colour 
• Printed on photo quality paper or sent in jpeg format on accred.doi@gov.mt
• Sized such that the head is between 25 and 35 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. 
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance 
• Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background 
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera 
• With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open 
• Hats, headphones and dark, non-prescription sunglasses are not to be worn in photo

4. Send all of the above to the Department of Information by email on accred.doi@gov.mt or hand them in at 3, Castille Place, Valletta

Please Note:
- The DOI Press Card/Temporary Media Pass is strictly to be used for Government activities only.
- Requests for press cards/temporary media pass should be made at least one week in advance. 
- In case of a lost or stolen card, a replacement card will be issued against a nominal fee of €10.00 (inc. VAT) payable to the Department of Information. 
- If a journalist changes employer, a replacement card will be issued only if the original press card (showing name of previous employer) is returned.
- Press cards are issued on a yearly basis. Press cards expire at the end of each year and a complete application is to be submitted to the department each year.
Holders of press cards do not automatically receive a renewal but must provide a reference letter as proof that they are still employed with and/or provide contributions to a registered media organisation.