Journo or not journo...?

FotoAdam · Oct 19th, 2009, 22:49

Hi all,

So my first trip to India is now only a couple of months away but there’s one issue that I can’t quite get a resolution on. I am a working photographer and press card carrier and can’t decide whether to apply for a journalist or tourist visa. I will be taking some gear with me (2 camera bodies, 2/3 lenses, a flashgun and a monopod) as I really want shoot as much as I can out there (1 month trip) with the intention of selling some of it on my return.

I have read the other posts on here with regards to what visa to get but having read some info from other sources I am stuck as to which way to go. I have read about an individual who, like me, is a photographer but went over on a tourist visa as he was not doing any formal work. When he arrived at immigration he was questioned as to why he had so much camera gear and forced to change his visa to a journalist visa all of which took a considerable amount of time.

I’m not really going in as a journo as none of the stuff I will be shooting is for commercial/editorial use when I’m there but I am worried that I might come unstuck at some point if I go as a tourist and will end up having to go through some lengthy bureaucratic processes to get things sorted.

The other issue is what do I put down as my occupation on my visa application if I go for the tourist card.

Oh the complexity of travels!! Can anyone advise??!!

FotoAdam · Oct 19th, 2009, 22:53

P.S. I am intending on hiring a guide/driver to take me into a few sensitive areas such as the slums in Mumbai and the like.

Would I be totally out of order in wanting to do this?

machadinha · Oct 20th, 2009, 00:35

If you're not going there on a journalistic assignment, then a journalist is what you'll not be.

It's true it gets complicated these days as in The Netherlands where I live at least you are now asked about employer details.

Stating I was self-employed worked just fine for me earlier this year; it should be added that's what I technically am. Don't know if the same would apply to you. (I'm not in any journalistic business btw.)

Carrying a few cameras or so I can't tell you about; it would seem to me exceptional these days for it (so to carry a couple of gizmos of whatever nature) to raise many eyebrows. (Could lead to import duties questions though if excessive.) But maybe try and not overdo it then.

Nick-H · Oct 20th, 2009, 00:46

I suspect that, in London, you'll be told you have to apply for a journalist visa. They seem to be very fussy with anyone whose job description or employer suggest any connection with media.

You may have to provide a letter from your employer stating that you are not going for work or professional purposes.

Darmabum · Oct 20th, 2009, 01:30

I'd suggest No. Before film became a dinosaur (and they stopped making K-25, 64 and 200) I'd always take two bodies and four lenses and was never questioned. During those days I also brought all my film with me, close to 100 rolls, never had a problem.

nycank · Oct 24th, 2009, 05:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by FotoAdam

I will be taking some gear with me (2 camera bodies, 2/3 lenses, a flashgun and a monopod) as I really want shoot as much as I can out there (1 month trip) with the intention of selling some of it on my return

Commerce seems like a possibility

Apply for a journalist visa to keep everything kosher.

Oct 19th, 2009, 22:49	#1
FotoAdam Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: London Posts: 7	Journo or not journo...? Hi all, So my first trip to India is now only a couple of months away but there’s one issue that I can’t quite get a resolution on. I am a working photographer and press card carrier and can’t decide whether to apply for a journalist or tourist visa. I will be taking some gear with me (2 camera bodies, 2/3 lenses, a flashgun and a monopod) as I really want shoot as much as I can out there (1 month trip) with the intention of selling some of it on my return. I have read the other posts on here with regards to what visa to get but having read some info from other sources I am stuck as to which way to go. I have read about an individual who, like me, is a photographer but went over on a tourist visa as he was not doing any formal work. When he arrived at immigration he was questioned as to why he had so much camera gear and forced to change his visa to a journalist visa all of which took a considerable amount of time. I’m not really going in as a journo as none of the stuff I will be shooting is for commercial/editorial use when I’m there but I am worried that I might come unstuck at some point if I go as a tourist and will end up having to go through some lengthy bureaucratic processes to get things sorted. The other issue is what do I put down as my occupation on my visa application if I go for the tourist card. Oh the complexity of travels!! Can anyone advise??!!

Oct 20th, 2009, 00:35	#3
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,369	If you're not going there on a journalistic assignment, then a journalist is what you'll not be. It's true it gets complicated these days as in The Netherlands where I live at least you are now asked about employer details. Stating I was self-employed worked just fine for me earlier this year; it should be added that's what I technically am. Don't know if the same would apply to you. (I'm not in any journalistic business btw.) Carrying a few cameras or so I can't tell you about; it would seem to me exceptional these days for it (so to carry a couple of gizmos of whatever nature) to raise many eyebrows. (Could lead to import duties questions though if excessive.) But maybe try and not overdo it then. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Oct 20th, 2009, 01:30	#5
Darmabum On the Road, wherever I am Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho . . . now the red-rock plateau of southern Utah Posts: 1,109	I'd suggest No. Before film became a dinosaur (and they stopped making K-25, 64 and 200) I'd always take two bodies and four lenses and was never questioned. During those days I also brought all my film with me, close to 100 rolls, never had a problem. __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

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Oct 19th, 2009, 22:53	#2
FotoAdam Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: London Posts: 7	P.S. I am intending on hiring a guide/driver to take me into a few sensitive areas such as the slums in Mumbai and the like. Would I be totally out of order in wanting to do this?

Oct 20th, 2009, 00:46	#4
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	I suspect that, in London, you'll be told you have to apply for a journalist visa. They seem to be very fussy with anyone whose job description or employer suggest any connection with media. You may have to provide a letter from your employer stating that you are not going for work or professional purposes.