The letter of introduction is the document required in every case in a foreign media member's press card application - on a permanent assignment and on a temporary one alike.
Who Issues It?
Subparagraph (c) of Art. 9/1 of the Press Card Regulation gives the address exactly: the letter of introduction obtained from the embassy, legation or consulate in Turkey of the country where the head office of the organisation they belong to is located.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Which country | The country where the organisation's head office is located |
| Which representation | That country's embassy, legation or consulate in Turkey |
| When it is required | On both permanent and temporary assignments |
With Which Documents?
The first paragraph of Art. 40 lists five documents, and the letter of introduction is in subparagraph (c). The second paragraph narrows the list for those on a temporary assignment but keeps the letter on it:
| Document | Permanent duty | Temporary duty |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment and service-fee document | Required | - |
| Press member visa / work visa | Required | - |
| Letter of introduction | Required | Required |
| Passport photocopy | Required | Required |
| Passport photograph | Required | Required |
| Period of duty and field of work | - | Required |
Its Counterpart in the Law
Additional Art. 4 of Law No. 5187 requires the same document: a press card may be issued by the Directorate, having regard also to the principle of reciprocity, to foreign media members requesting one who document that they have been assigned by a media outlet, hold a work permit under Law No. 6735, and present the letter of introduction obtained from the embassy, legation or consulate in Turkey of the country where the head office of the organisation they belong to is located.
A Similar Document for Turkish Citizens Abroad
A similar confirmation mechanism exists for a different group. Art. 13/4: a free press card may be issued to Turkish citizen journalists working as freelance journalists abroad without being attached to any media outlet, where their situation is confirmed by the embassy or consulate in the country concerned.
Art. 28/5 sets up the same structure for Turkish press members resident abroad: the application papers and a letter stating that their situation has been confirmed by the embassy or consulate general in the country of residence are sent to the Directorate.
| Who | Who confirms | Document |
|---|---|---|
| A foreign media member | The representation in Turkey of the country where the organisation's head office is located | A letter of introduction |
| A Turkish citizen doing freelance journalism abroad | The Turkish embassy or consulate in the country concerned | A confirmation |
| A Turkish press member resident abroad | The Turkish embassy or consulate general in the country of residence | A confirmation letter |
Preparing the Document
- Establish in which country your organisation's head office is located.
- Apply to that country's embassy, legation or consulate in Turkey.
- Make sure the letter confirms that you act on behalf of the organisation.
- Because it is required on a temporary assignment too, a current letter may be needed for each assignment.
- Upload it with the other four documents to the electronic application form (Art. 40).
Summary
- The letter of introduction is obtained from the embassy, legation or consulate in Turkey of the country where the head office of the organisation is located.
- It is required on both permanent and temporary assignments.
- What is decisive is not the journalist's citizenship but the location of the organisation's head office.