1. General provisions
1.1. The purpose of accreditation for media representatives is as follows:
— to create the necessary conditions for their professional activity;
— to notify them promptly of any events held at the Host City Media Center.
1.2. Media accreditation is in full compliance with the Russian Law on Mass Media and the Rules set out here.
1.3. Personal data will be processed in accordance with Federal Law No. 152-FZ of the Russian Federation.
1.4. Media representatives must ensure that the data in their applications is correct, complete and reliable, as this data will be used, as provided, in automatically issued documentation.
2. Accreditation for media representatives
2.1. Accreditation procedure
Both Russian and foreign media representatives can apply for accreditation at the Host City Media Center subject to the following conditions:
— Russian applicants must represent media outlets registered with the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media, and attach an accreditation letter (request) (sample) from the management;
— Foreign media representatives operating in Russia on a permanent basis must provide proof of accreditation with the Russian Foreign Ministry and attach an accreditation letter (request) (sample) from the management;
— If a foreign media representative does not have accreditation with the Russian Foreign Ministry, the application must include an accreditation letter (request) (sample) from the management;
— Under Russian law, foreign media representatives who are not accredited with the Russian Foreign Ministry shall obtain a proper visa to conduct their professional activity in Russia, regardless of interstate agreements on visa-free travel, and regardless of the individual having a multiple-entry Russian visa. For detailed information, please contact the Russian embassy or consular offices in the country of your residence. Visa applicants must show proof of medical insurance for the entire period of their stay in Russia.
2.2. Application filing and consideration
Media representatives must apply for accreditation on the Host City Media Center's official website media.welcome2020.ru.
All fields in the application must be completed, with particular attention to the following:
— all data must be correct;
— supporting documents and photos must meet the requirements;
— the applicant's data for SMS updates must be correct. Accredited media representatives will receive prompt updates as specified in their application.
There are no restrictions regarding the number of representatives from a media outlet who can participate in the work of the Host City Media Center.
Applications will be accepted via the Host City Media Center's official website between May 11, 2021 and July 12, 2021. Each applicant will receive a response at the email specified in the application.
Accreditation for media representatives is valid throughout the operation of the Host City Media Center subject to its opening hours.
Applicants denied accreditation cannot reapply.
2.3. Accreditation badges for media representatives
Accreditation badges can be collected from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays between June 10, 2021, and July 12, 2021, at 70 Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg.
The opening hours can be found on the Host City Media Center's official website: media.welcome2020.ru.
Accreditation badges will be issued only when the following terms are observed:
— accreditation is confirmed in the Host City Media Center's application database;
— the applicant collects the badge in person and produces the ID specified in the application;
— if collected by a proxy, the proxy must produce their passport and a letter of attorney on the media outlet's letterhead with the signature of the media outlet's head and the company seal (sample);
— foreign media representatives who are not accredited with the Russian Foreign Ministry will only be issued Host City Media Center badges if they can produce a visa corresponding with the purpose of their stay in Russia.
The badges are personalized and may not be passed to other persons. Accredited media representatives must carry their badges at all times and produce them whenever requested by Host City Media Center security or staff.
Lost accreditation badges must be immediately reported, after which they will be cancelled. A duplicate will be issued upon a written request of the holder.
2.4. Access to events
Media representatives must wear personal protective equipment and comply with other public health requirements of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) imposed due to the spread of COVID-19.
Due to the restrictions pertaining to the spread of COVID-19, a limited number of journalists will be allowed at press events.
Accreditation for media representatives is valid throughout the period when the Host City Media Center operates.
Individuals wearing dirty clothes, sportswear, beachwear, sports shoes or beach sandals as well as individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to enter the Host City Media Center.
Accreditation badges do not entitle their holders to attend sport events and other press venues.
Smoking in the Host City Media Center is prohibited.
3. Denied accreditation
The management of the Host City Media Center has the right to reject any application without providing an explanation.
4. Rights and obligations of accredited media representatives
4.1. An accredited media representative may:
— use all the services and facilities designated for journalists;
— receive information on official events (press releases, programs, newsletters, etc.).
4.2. An accredited media representative shall:
— pause (stop) photography, filming or sound recording if requested by the security or staff at the Host City Media Center;
— not distribute any print publications within the Host City Media Center premises without prior approval;
— respect the law and legal interests of event participants and the Host City Media Center staff, as well as observe the general code of ethics while performing their professional duties.
If you would like to receive more information about the operation of the Host City Media Center or have other inquiries, please send an email at [email protected].
