FAQs
Press and Media
I am a member of the print/electronic press. Do I need a visa to cover a story in the United States?
Yes, you must apply for an “I” visa.
I work for a television station/production company and am going to the United States as part of a crew filming a documentary. What kind of visa do I need?
U.S. law permits journalists and crew members at television stations or production companies who to travel to travel to the United States to film documentaries to enter with “press” or journalist visas (the “I” visa category). See the Embassy web site at http://belgium.usembassy.gov/journalist2.html for specific information on I visas.
Note, however, that the definition of “documentary” is subject to interpretation. Recently a number of applicants have sought to go to the United States to film commercial “reality” television shows. In some instances the State Department has required these applicants to obtain a different category of visa requiring a substantially longer lead time. For this reason we recommend that all applicants who wish to film documentaries of any type to send an email brusselsvisainquiry@state.gov providing a detailed description of the project. A member of our staff will provide information if a visa category exists for your proposed activity.
Inquires of this type should be made at least two months before the intended travel date.