JOINING THE FPA
WHO CAN JOIN?
The Foreign Press Association hosts and provides access to security sensitive events. This is why we make sure that all candidates pass a thorough vetting process before they become members of the FPA.
We admit to Full Membership duly accredited professional journalists stationed in the UK working for recognised overseas media outlets. Such professionals must derive no less than 75% of their working income from their work as a journalist. These are the FPA rules
WHAT MEMBERS GET :
ACCREDITATION - As a member of the UK Press Card Authority, the FPA issues its full members with a UK Press Card, which certifies that the carrier is a bona fide journalist and may gain access to a wide variety of events.
ACCESS ALL AREAS - Foreign journalists may gain access to the House of Commons Press Gallery only via the FPA, and must have a valid UK Press Card. Also, foreign correspondents will be plugged into the world of politics, royalty, finance and culture through our regular FPA-Exclusive briefings.
PRESS VISITS - The FPA organizes regular press trips to significant places and institutions. We have established relationships with high level organisations inviting us to national and international press trips.
WORKSHOPS -Every year the FPA co-organises a Whitehall Workshop with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to meet the coms teams of all government departments. It does similar workshops with various other organisations.
BULLETINS - Members receive a weekly bulletin - the FPA Confidential - full of a variety of upcoming briefings and events.
FULL MEMBERSHIP
(annual) - £250
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
(annual) - £250
To qualify for this category, applicants – including freelance journalists - must be able to demonstrate that they work with a foreign newspaper, periodical, news agency, radio or television organisation. At least 75% of their income must be derived from journalism.
Applications must be accompanied by a letter of introduction from the applicant's main employer while freelancers should provide details of publishers and major employers. Two examples of the applicant's most recent work must be included. This option includes a UK Press Card.
We welcome applications for this category from non-journalists, such as press attachés and cultural representatives of foreign (overseas) Embassies, public relations professionals and those whose sphere of interest is related to journalism.
Associate Membership gives a chance to work more closely with the FPA, get to know its members, network with senior correspondents and submit briefing ideas and presentations. This option does not include a UK Press Card.