Dear Journalists 
 
We understand that some of you have received conflicting information regarding
visas from various Mexican embassies around the world, and have experienced
some frustration in your visa application efforts. We have been in touch with
Mexican immigration authorities, and we take this opportunity to share the
following information with you.   
   
Some of the instructions given in this email are different from those given to you
in previous emails and/or information previously posted to the conference
website, so we ask you to please read this email carefully and thoroughly. We
apologize for any confusion caused, and undertake to provide you with any new
information as and when it becomes available from Mexican immigration.   
   
ALL JOURNALISTS MUST HAVE AN ENTRY VISA AND/OR WORK
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER MEXICO     

Please note: In this document, the term journalist refers to writers, editors,
camerapersons, photographers and related production personnel working for a
media outlet (including print, TV, radio and online publications or shows), as well
as individuals performing similar duties on behalf of a community-based
organization or publication (such as an website or newsletter).  This does not
include Public Relations professionals.   
   
Regardless of your country of origin, all journalists require a work authorization
(called FM3) in order to report from Mexico. In addition, citizens of certain
countries will also require an entry visa in order to enter the country.   
   
Citizens of countries that do not normally require entry visas for Mexico (for
example, USA): You do not need an entry visa, but you must have the FM3 work
authorization, which allows you to work in Mexico as a media correspondent.   
   
Citizens from countries that do normally require a visa to enter Mexico (for
example, Nigeria): You require an entry visa and an FM3 work authorization.   
   
For a full list of countries that do not require entry visas, please visit our website
at this link:   
http://www.aids2008.org/subpage.aspx?pageId=381    
   
Both the entry visa and the FM3 work authorization can be obtained at your
nearest Mexican Embassy. A list of Mexican embassies may be found here:   
http://www.aids2008.org/admin/images/upload/Mexican%20Embassies%20and%20Consulates.pdf
   
In addition, please visit the visa information page on the AIDS 2008 website for
further information:   
http://www.aids2008.org/subpage.aspx?pageId=381  
 
COST OF VISAS AND WORK AUTHORIZATIONS   
   
Please note that entry visas are issued at no cost to journalists attending the
International AIDS Conference. However, FM3 work authorizations are charged,
in some embassies and consulates, at a rate of USD 90 - 100 (depends on
embassy and rate of exchange).   
   
EMBASSIES’ ACCESS TO REGISTRATION INFORMATION 
   
Each embassy has access to our registration system and will check that you
have in fact been granted media accreditation to attend the conference.   
   
Our registration system is an online system, which is downloaded every few days
by Mexican immigration authorities; it is not accessed "live" by immigration. This
means that you should allow at least eight working days between the time you
received a letter of invitation and when you approach the embassy for the
necessary travel documents.   
   
Please be sure to include all the necessary documents with your visa application.
The list of required documents is here :   
http://www.aids2008.org/admin/images/upload/Visa%20Procedures%20for%20Journalists.pdf   
   
This document has been updated recently to reflect new information received
from the Mexican immigration authorities. Please review it carefully.   
 
WHEN TO APPLY FOR YOUR VISA   
   
1 June was the date by which the Mexican authorities were able to guarantee
that your visa/FM3 application would be approved in time to travel to Mexico. In
practice, some embassies have taken much less time to process visa/FM3
applications. However, because we cannot guarantee that the process will be
swift, we must emphasize the need for you to contact your nearest embassy in
the next few days to initiate the application process as soon as possible.   
 
IF THERE IS NO MEXICAN EMBASSY IN YOUR COUNTRY   
   
Unfortunately, all visa/FM3 applicants must appear in person at their nearest
Mexican embassy to obtain the necessary entry and work visas. This means you
will have to travel to another country if there is no Mexican embassy in your
country of residence.   
   
LETTER OF INVITATION   
   
All journalists will require a letter of invitation from the conference in order to
apply for their entry and/or FM3 authorizations. These letters may be
downloaded off your conference profile, only after you have received email
confirmation of your approved registration. Please note that you must leave an
eight working day delay between when you request your letter of invitation and
when you approach the embassy/consulate. This will ensure that your
information has been verified by the Mexican authorities.   
   
VISA-RELATED CONTACT   
   
Should you have any visa-related questions or concerns, or experience any
problems when applying for your visa, kindly email visa@aids2008.org. Please
do not copy, email or phone conference media staff about visa-related issues.
We are in close contact with the visa staff and will be aware of any problems you
are experiencing. 
   
Thank you for your continued interest in attending the conference.   
 
Warm wishes 
Karen Bennett   
Senior Communications Manager: International AIDS Conference