Somaliland

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Somaliland, 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 Somaliland

Capital

Hargeisa

Main Cities

Berbera, Burao, Gabiley, Borama

Local Languages

Somali (official) and Arabic

Currency

Somaliland Shilling (SLSH)

Climate

2 Seasons - Dry Season & Rainy Season

General Visa Requirements:

Somalia is not part of the Schengen Area, and most foreign nationals require a visa before travel. In some cases, visa on arrival may be available at major airports such as Mogadishu, but this generally depends on prior arrangements through a sponsoring organisation. Length of stay is determined by immigration authorities on arrival. Visitor status does not permit paid work, and filming or paid production activity requires government authorisation and local coordination.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity recommended
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photograph
Invitation or sponsorship letter
Proof of accommodation
Proof of onward or return travel
Production support letter or local partner confirmation
Proof of fee payment
Travel medical insurance, strongly recommended

Visa Application Process:

Visa applications can be submitted through the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the embassy.

Processing Time:

Visa processing times vary depending on the embassy or relevant authority. For filming approvals and work authorisation, productions should allow several weeks or longer depending on project scope and security considerations.

Cost:

Visa and permit fees vary depending on nationality and duration.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign cast and crew require government authorisation to undertake filming activities in Somalia. Productions typically need to work through a local Somali partner, organisation, or fixer, together with coordination across relevant government ministries. Requirements depend heavily on filming location, subject matter, and security considerations, so advance coordination is essential.

Required Documents:

Letter from the foreign organization, listing crew members and their profiles
Resume for each crew member
Passport copy
Passport-sized photo

Processing Time:

Up to 10 working days.

Cost:

$150 per crew member.

Issuing Organization:

There is no single centralised film commission in Somalia. Filming approvals are generally coordinated through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, local administrative authorities, and security agencies where applicable. A local production partner or fixer typically facilitates the process.

Required Documents:

Production title and synopsis
Detailed description of project scope
Producer and director details
Shooting schedule and locations
Cast and crew list, including passport details
Equipment list
Insurance details
Local partner or fixer information

Processing Time:

Permit timelines vary widely depending on location, subject matter, and security assessment. Productions should allow extended lead time for approvals.

Cost:

Fees are assessed case by case depending on the production scope and the logistical support required.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permissions, fees, and timelines for private locations are generally negotiated directly with property owners. Community and local authority consent may also be required depending on the location.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location costs are negotiated case by case.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations require explicit government and aviation authority approval in Somalia. Drone use is often highly restricted because of security considerations, and unauthorised drone use may result in confiscation or legal penalties.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones must be declared on arrival. Importing drones without prior authorisation is strongly discouraged.

Permit Issuance:

The relevant aviation authority is the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), and additional approvals may also be required from security authorities.

Timing:

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Cost:

Productions should allow extended lead time, and fees depend on the operational scope and security review.

Carnet Status:

Somalia does not reliably operate ATA Carnet procedures.

Required Documents:

Detailed equipment lists
Customs declarations
Coordination with local authorities or a customs broker
Deposits or temporary import duties may apply

Issuing Organization:

Somaliland Customs Authority

Timing:

Clearance timelines may vary significantly depending on the entry point and any inspection requirements.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on shipment size and the duration of temporary import.

General Overview:

Somalia presents significant security and operational challenges, and conditions vary greatly by region. Productions should carry out comprehensive risk assessments and security planning before travel and during production.

Security Requirements:

Work with experienced local fixers
Use professional security advisors
Monitor government travel advisories
Maintain flexible production planning

Rebates/Incentives:

Somalia does not currently operate a formal national film incentive or rebate programme.

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Services We Provide in Somaliland

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

News from the Region

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Introduction

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services with a strong presence in Somaliland, providing critical support to international production teams. With deep local expertise and hands-on experience, we specialize in location scouting, permit acquisition, and sourcing local crews, ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Somaliland, with its stunning landscapes, historic urban centers, and unique cultural heritage, provides filmmakers with a rare opportunity to capture authenticity and originality. Whether working on a commercial, feature film, TV series, or documentary, Hoodlum’s experienced team on the ground is your reliable partner in navigating the logistics of film production.

Planning to film in Somaliland? Let Hoodlum manage every aspect of your production—from securing necessary permits to finding the most remarkable locations—so you can focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact Hoodlum today to learn how we can make your Somaliland film production a success.

Country Overview

Located in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland offers an intriguing mix of landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Although not officially recognized as an independent nation, Somaliland is a peaceful and stable region with unique access to dramatic coastlines, vast deserts, and vibrant urban centers, making it a perfect backdrop for filmmakers in search of authenticity.

From its beautiful coastline along the Gulf of Aden to its rugged mountain ranges and historical sites, Somaliland offers stunning and diverse settings for international film and TV productions.

Hoodlum Film Fixers ensures your production runs efficiently, handling all logistics so that you can focus on capturing your vision in this extraordinary location.

Bordering Countries:

Somaliland borders Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, and Somalia to the east. To the north, it faces the Gulf of Aden.

Main Cities:

Hargeisa, Berbera, Burao, Gabiley, and Borama.

Local Languages:

Somali (official) and Arabic.

Local Currency:

Somaliland Shilling (SLSH).

Climate:

Somaliland experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season generally lasts from October to March, while the rainy season occurs between April and September, with the heaviest rains in April and May.

Visa Requirements

General Requirements:

Visas are required for foreign nationals, and they can be obtained on arrival or through the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Visa Application Link:

Visa applications can be submitted through the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the embassy.

Application Requirements:

Completed visa application form
Passport for stamping
Two passport-sized photos
Flight itinerary and hotel booking or invitation letter

Visa Application Link

Processing Time:

Available on arrival or in a few working days if done in advance.

Cost:

Approximately $75 per crew member (cash).

International crew accreditation

General Requirements:

All foreign crew must be accredited with the Somaliland Ministry of Information.

Required Documentation:

Letter from the foreign organization, listing crew members and their profiles
Resume for each crew member
Passport copy
Passport-sized photo

Timing:

Up to 10 working days.

Cost:

$150 per crew member.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Information.

Timings:

7–10 working days.

Required Documentation:

A letter from the foreign organization listing crew members
The organization’s valid license
Personal profiles of crew members, passport copies, and passport-sized photos

Cost:

Approximately $1,000–$1,500 depending on the project.

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations:

Drone usage is allowed in Somaliland with restrictions. The operation must be coordinated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and it is advised to avoid flying near airports, government buildings, or military installations.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone registration certificate
Commercial invoice, air waybill/bill of lading
Customs declaration form, certificate of origin, and insurance certificate
Drone operator permit and flight plan

Timings:

Approximately 5–7 business days.

Cost:

$300–$500 depending on the drone specifications.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Status:

Somaliland is not a carnet country.

General Process:

Upon arrival, production teams must provide a detailed list of equipment being imported. The equipment will be cleared through customs with the help of a local clearing agent to avoid paying customs duties.

Required Documentation:

A full list of equipment, including make, model, serial number, and value

Customs clearance application

Issuing Organization:

Somaliland Customs Authority

Timings:

1–2 working days.

Cost:

Customs clearance fees vary, with an estimated cost of $100 for clearing agents.

Safety and Security

Filming in Somaliland is generally safe, with the region experiencing more stability compared to other areas in the Horn of Africa. However, as with any international filming location, it is essential to take proper security precautions. Working with experienced local partners like Hoodlum Film Fixers ensures that your production team stays informed and protected while navigating the region’s logistics. Always check current security advisories and ensure local regulations are followed to maintain a smooth filming experience.