Do I need a permit to film in Egypt?

Yes. Filming requires government approval, particularly for heritage sites and public locations.

Can I film at the Pyramids or historic temples?

Yes, but special heritage permissions and strict oversight apply.

Are incentives available?

Investment and rebate programs may apply depending on project size and local spend.

Is drone filming allowed?

Drone use is heavily regulated and requires prior aviation and security approval.

Are there restrictions in Cairo?

Urban filming may require police coordination and municipal approvals depending on scale.

Can international crews import equipment easily?

Temporary import is supported through carnet systems and structured customs procedures.

Egypt

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Egypt, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Egypt

Capital

Cairo

Main Cities

Cairo, Alexandria, Giza

Local Languages

Modern Standard Arabic, with Egyptian Arabic

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Climate

Mild & Sunny

General Visa Requirements:

International crew travelling to Egypt for filming should apply for a Business Visa. Tourist visas are not valid for filming, media, or production work. The visa must be obtained before travel, either through the eVisa system or via an embassy. Each crew member must apply individually, and the entry visa does not replace filming permits or security clearance.

Required Documents:

Passport with at least 6 months’ validity
Passport photo
Letter of Invitation from the local production partner
Accommodation confirmation
Travel itinerary
Purpose of travel must state filming, media, or production

Visa Application Process:

Application via Egypt eVisa portal or Egyptian embassy
Purpose of travel must clearly state filming, media, or production activity
Each crew member applies individually

Official portal:
https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg

Processing Time:

Processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on nationality

Cost:

The visa fee is approximately USD 25 to USD 60.

Accreditation Requirements:

Egypt does not generally require a separate traditional work permit for international film crew. In practice, work authorisation is tied to the approved film permit process, and all crew members must be cleared by the relevant authorities as part of that approval.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Full script
Shooting schedule
Location list
Cast and crew details
Production company information
Equipment list
Sample footage, if required

Processing Time:

Aligned with film permit and security clearance timelines. Minimum 4–6 weeks.

Cost:

Included within overall film permit and approval structure.

Issuing Organization:

Filming in Egypt is highly regulated and must be coordinated through approved authorities and a licensed local production partner. Relevant authorities may include the Egyptian Media Authority, General Intelligence & Security Services, Ministry of Interior, and, where applicable, the Ministry of Defence. A licensed local production company must act as sponsor.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Full script
Shooting schedule
Location list
Cast and crew details
Production company information
Equipment list
Sample footage, if required

Processing Time:

Film permit processing should be allowed a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. This can take longer depending on the complexity of the production and the security review process.

Cost:

Permit costs are project-specific and depend on the type of production, locations, equipment, and security requirements.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

All filming locations in Egypt require approval. Additional permissions may also be needed for archaeological sites, religious locations, government buildings, and military-controlled areas. Private location access should therefore be planned together with the local production partner and permit strategy.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location-related costs may include government fees, site supervision charges, and security fees.

Drone Regulations:

Independent drone use is strictly prohibited in Egypt. Drones cannot be imported or privately operated, and unauthorised drones may be permanently confiscated. The only authorised drone operator is a military-affiliated company, with no exceptions indicated in the source notes. Drone footage is also subject to intelligence review before release.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Private drone importation is not allowed
Unauthorised drones may be confiscated permanently
All aerial filming must be arranged through approved providers only

Permit Issuance:

Aerial filming must be managed through the approved military-affiliated operator and relevant authorities overseeing security and intelligence review.

Timing:

Requirements and timings are handled through approved providers only.

Cost:

Costs are quoted on a case-by-case basis, and no private drone permits are issued.

Carnet Status:

Egypt accepts ATA Carnet, and it is strongly recommended for temporary import of production equipment.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Film permit
Equipment list
Passport copies
Bank bond, if required

Issuing Organization:

The relevant authority is the Egyptian Customs Authority.

Timing:

With an ATA Carnet, customs clearance may take same day to 1 day. Without a carnet, delays are likely.

Cost:

Costs may include carnet processing charges and local handling fees. Equipment rental pricing is generally more competitive for longer rental periods.

General Overview:

Egypt can be workable for film production when all permits are properly secured, but it is a tightly controlled environment. Security presence is common, and filming without permits is strongly discouraged.