Official information on access and services

Members of the public may access Agency records under certain conditions; non-classified historical records, if older than 20 years, are open for research and on-site consultation.

In accordance with the provisions of the Reading Room Protocol established by the Archives Unit, members of the public may have access – if no restrictive access limitations apply under the information security policy and procedures – to:

• records older than 20 years; and
• records that are less than 20 years old, subject to the approval of the Director General or his/her authorized representatives.

Access to classified records is subject to the Agency’s declassification process. Official Agency information that has already been made available to the general public via official channels is exempted from these rules.

Research guidance

The IAEA Archives offers cost-free research services. To use these services, the completed Research Application Form should state in as much detail as possible the area of research.

Archival records may be consulted by members of the public in the Reading Room of the Archives Unit located at the IAEA Headquarters at the Vienna International Centre (VIC).

Citation and copyright regulations are defined in the Archives’ reading room protocol.

No external loans are allowed.         

Since finding aids are not yet publicly available, researchers are strongly advised to contact the Archives Unit at an early stage of a research project for relevant subject information.

Visitor registration

Due to access restrictions at the VIC, visits are strictly by prior appointment only. All visitors to the building have to undergo security checks and formal registration procedures. A valid photo ID is required. Researchers visiting the Archives are required to submit additional documentation (a completed research form, signed reading room protocol, and letter of support) in order to have their visit approved. This documentation should be submitted at least one month in advance of the proposed visit. We kindly request anyone who wishes to consult archival records to e-mail the Archives’ contact point, in the first instance, with details of their research request and the dates of their planned visit.