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Hello,

Maybe I am somewhat paranoid but I was thinking about this. Some countries have visa restrictions for journalists. I am not a journalist but I sometimes write a blog on my travels where I also describe the countries I visited, their brief history, main political issues, etc. and put in my photos. I sign my blog with my true name and surname. Coming from a small country there are only several other people with the same name+surname combination.

Now, what do you think, is there a possibility that I would at some time be refused entry to some country on the basis that I am a "journalist" because someone at an embassy would google up my name and see my blog with articles (among many other things) on the countries I visited?

Do you know anybody who had any trouble with something like this?

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1

Just to give you an idea what I am talking about this is a travelogue similar to mine that includes some historical/political commentary (although this one is not written by me as I write mine in native language):

http://travel.numud.com/cuba-land-of-the-rapidly-aging-revolution-5

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2

They only care once you got more than a million of likes in facebook.

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3

Ditto T4F.

Tranquilo. Have fun on your trip.

Cheers,
Terry

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4

I've been to a few places and just decided not to write anything too political, while i was in the country. In Turkmenistan it was recommended to not say anything too political either especially in hotels and restaurants. Once I'm out I doubt they'd chase anyone unless it became news somewhere or you had a high profile!

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5

I love it!

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6

You're giving the immigration departments of whatever countries you are thinking of too much credit. They can barely handle all the paperwork they've created with all their bogus visa documentation.

I would imagine putting JOURNALIST on your occupation might get you extra scrutiny that you might not enjoy.

I'd recommend putting something else as your occupation like writer or teacher instead and just avoid the whole thing.

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7

I really think you are paranoid... honestly is anyone, specially the immigration department really looking for bloggers! be realistic. They have a lot more bigger and better things at hand like spotting terrorists & other more dangerous stuff.

If if they were scrutinizing people that closely, I think you may be living a fantasy wired world of hollywood movies like "Minority report " where they are in everyones life including analyzing their thoughts and next moves.

No one has the technology and the world has a lot more serious crime going around that needs to be handled that blogging.

Maybe if you are in North Korea and said you blogged negative about Kim they may throw you in the slammer!

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