Who has this right and to which information does it apply?

In principle, all information held in a recorded form by public bodies can be accessed under access to information laws, unless the information or documents requested fall under the exceptions established in the access to information law.

The right of access to information is a fundamental human right and therefore it’s a right of everyone, regardless of nationality or any other condition. There is also no need to justify your interest in the information nor to answer questions about the reason for asking for the information, nor do you have to give detailed answers to questions about who you are or what you will do with the information.

To file a request is simple and there are not many formalities. In most cases you can file your request either in writing or orally, and in case you file them in writing you can do it also by email. Your request should be as specific as possible. In most cases it is not necessary to identify a specific document by any formal reference. In the first requests you send, it's a good idea to keep the requests relatively simple and clear. That way you have a better chance of getting a quick answer and you can always make follow-up requests.

You should be able get access to the information in different formats (inspection of originals, copies, DVDs, CDs, etc.) In almost all cases you can ask for a specific format and you have a right to receive the information in that format, unless it is impossible or too expensive.

Countries have different time frames for answering requests, for notifications of extensions or issuing refusals, which go from as soon as possible to 1 month. Because the right to information is a human right, requests must be answered rapidly. The law might permit extensions of up to one month in case of complex requests. The public body should always notify of any delay and reasons should be given.

You have a right to appeal if you don't get the information. There are normally at least three stages of appeal. First, appeal to the body which refused to give the information or which failed to answer. The second stage of appeal is either to the courts or, if your country has one, to the information commissioner. Third, access to information cases can be taken to international human rights courts; this is a time consuming process but results in rulings which help protect the right globally.