i. Applying for and changing Certificate for Permanent Office of Foreign Media Organization

The head of the newly established permanent office shall, within 7 working days from the date of his arrival in China, register with the International Press Center (IPC) of Foreign Ministry by presenting his passport for the issue of the Certificate for Permanent Office of Foreign Media Organization in China.

For permanent offices of foreign media organizations based in Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shenyang, the head shall register with the Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangdong and Liaoning people’s governments’ FAOs respectively by presenting his passport for the issue of the Certificate for Permanent Office of Foreign Media Organization in China within 7 working days from the date of his arrival.

Where the permanent office of a foreign media organization intends to change its name, place of residence, etc., it shall submit a written application signed by a principal officer in charge of the headquarters of the media organization to the Information Department for approval. Upon approval, he then shall update the Certificate for Permanent Office of Foreign Media Organization in China with relevant department.

The permanent office of a foreign media organization based in Beijing shall notify the Information Department in writing of the change of its head, office address, etc. within 7 working days after the change is made. Thosed based in Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shenyang shall notify in writing the local FAOs of the change of its head, office address, etc. within 7 working days after the change is made.

ii. Applying for a Press Card (R)

Foreign journalists who have been approved to be based in Beijing shall take their passports to apply for Press Card (R) at the IPC within 7 working days upon their arrival in China. They will be asked to fill out 2 copies of application form, provide information such as home and office addresses, contact details, and submit 3 recent passport photos (3.7cm×5cm with a blue background). They may pick up the Press Card (R) (IC card) issued by the Information Department at the IPC in 3 working days.

Foreign journalists to be based in Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou or Shenyang should register at the Shanghai, Chongqing FAOs and Guangdong, Liaoning FAOs respectively within 7 working days after their arrival.

Agency Address Telephone Fax Office Hours

Press and Cultural Division of Shanghai FAO

1418, Nanjing Xilu, Shanghai

021－62565900,62158269

021-62562522

Monday to Friday: 9:00am-11:30am 1:30pm-5:30pm

Press and Cultural Division of Chongqing FAO

33, Sixinlu, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

023－63850983,63850986

023-63852544

Monday to Friday: 9:00am-11:30am, 1:30pm-5:00pm

Press Division of Guangdong FAO

45, Shamian Dajie, Guangzhou

020－81219593,81218947

020-81218402

Monday to Friday: 9:00am-11:30am, 2:30pm-5:00pm

Protocol and Press Division of Liaoning FAO

45-2 Beiling Dajie, Huanggu District, Shenyang

024-86892754

024-86892754

Monday to Friday: 8:30am-11:00am, 1:30pm-4:00pm

The Press Card (R) is the bearer’s ID card and identification for conducting news coverage and other reporting activities within the territory of China. Please carry it with you and keep it properly. Please present it for verification when conducting news coverage and reporting activities. When conducting interviews or traveling, resident foreign journalists are kindly requested to carry valid IDs with them, including the Press Card (R) and passport.

Chief journalists of permanent offices based in Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shenyang are encouraged to come to Beijing to meet their desk officer of the Information Department within 60 days of their arrival in China.