Do international productions require permits to film in Zambia?

Yes. Professional productions require permits, particularly when filming in public spaces, conservation areas, or involving wildlife.

How long does it take to secure filming approvals?

Timelines vary depending on project scope and locations, but approvals are generally manageable when applications are prepared correctly.

Is Zambia suitable for large international crews?

Yes. Zambia regularly hosts international productions and can support crews of varying sizes with appropriate planning.

Can productions film in national parks and protected areas?

Yes, though filming is subject to additional guidelines and approvals to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Is Zambia considered a safe filming destination?

With proper planning, risk management, and local coordination, productions can operate safely and effectively.

Zambia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Zambia, 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 Zambia

Capital

Lusaka

Main Cities

Ndola, Kitwe, Kafue, Mazabuka, Kasama, Mongu, Mansa, Kabwe

Local Languages

Bemba (spoken by 35% of the population), Nyanja or Chewa (20%), Tonga (12%) and Lozi (6%).

Currency

Zambian Kwacha

Climate

Sub-tropical climate

General Visa Requirements:

Zambia has lifted visa restrictions for citizens of 53 countries (effective 2025) as part of a broader initiative to promote tourism and investment. Nationals from South Africa, the UK, the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, and most Commonwealth nations can now enter visa-free for short-term visits, including business and media travel. For other nationalities, a Visa on Arrival or eVisa is available. Film and media crews entering under Hoodlum’s umbrella should ensure their visit purpose is clearly declared as “media/press work” (not tourism) on arrival or during eVisa application.

Required Documents:

For film or media crews, Zambia’s immigration authorities typically require:

Passport copy (valid for 6+ months with at least 2 blank pages).
Invitation letter from Hoodlum or the local Zambian production partner, stating purpose and duration of filming.
Accommodation details (hotel or host address).
Flight itinerary / return ticket.
Crew list with positions and passport numbers.
Press accreditation (for international media) — arranged locally through the Ministry of Information and Media.

Visa Application Process:

Determine eligibility: Check if your nationality is visa-exempt.

If not, apply for an eVisa through https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.

Select visa type:

Business or Visitor Visa for short film shoots (under 30 days).
Work Permit / Press Accreditation if the project involves commercial or broadcast filming.

Submit application:

Upload all required documents (passport, photo, invitation, flight details).
Payment made online via the eVisa portal.
Receive approval letter (usually by email).
Stamp visa on arrival at Lusaka or Livingstone International Airport.

Apply for you Zambia visa using this link: https://www.zambianimmigration.org

Processing Time:

Visa-free or Visa on Arrival: Immediate entry at border. eVisa: Typically 3–5 working days after submission. Press Accreditation / Work Permit: 5–10 working days through the Ministry of Information (processed locally).

Cost:

Visa on Arrival: USD $50 (single entry). eVisa: USD $50–$80 depending on type (single/multiple). Press Accreditation / Work Permit: USD $50 per person Visa-exempt nationalities: No fee.

Accreditation Requirements:

All foreign crew members must be accredited with ZANIS (Zambia National Information Services).

Required Documents:

Each crew member must complete the press accreditation form and submit four passport-sized photos. Additionally, an official letter from the organization the crew is representing should be provided, detailing the purpose of their mission in Zambia, the entry and exit dates, and ports of entry and exit. Upon approval, a temporary import permit will be issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority. This permit ensures that no duty is paid on any equipment brought into the country and must be presented upon entry and exit.

Processing Time:

The accreditation process typically takes up to 10 working days.

Cost:

N/A

Issuing Organization:

All foreign film crews intending to shoot in Zambia must obtain press accreditation, which also serves as the general filming permit. This authorization is issued by the Zambia Ministry of Information and Media through the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).

Required Documents:

To obtain Press Accreditation (which serves as the film permit), the following must be submitted to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) under the Ministry of Information and Media:

Passport copy (data page) of each crew member
Two (2) passport-sized photographs per applicant
Letter of assignment or introduction letter from the production company, outlining the project purpose, duration, and intended locations
Project synopsis (brief summary of content being filmed)
Crew list with each member’s name, nationality, and role
Proposed filming schedule (dates of entry, shooting period, and departure)
List of filming locations (cities, towns, or sites where filming will take place)
Equipment list, especially if bringing gear from outside Zambia
Contact details for local partner or fixer (Hoodlum/Zambia representative)

Processing Time:

The Ethiopian Media Authority typically issues the General Film Permit within five to seven working days.

Cost:

Press accreditation covers the general filming permissions, cost varies depending on the specific locations/sites of filming.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location Permits

While press accreditation (issued by ZANIS under the Ministry of Information and Media) covers general filming permission, certain specific locations in Zambia require separate permits from the relevant authorities. These are usually coordinated after the general film permit has been issued.

Issuing Organization

Types of Location Permits & Authorities

National Parks & Wildlife Areas: Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW)

Required for: Filming in game reserves, conservation areas, or safari lodges within park boundaries

Heritage, Cultural & Archaeological Sites: National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC)

Required for: Filming at historical monuments, cultural sites, museums, or ruins (for example, Victoria Falls heritage area, Shiwa Ng’andu)

Private Property / Institutions: Property owner or management body

Required for: Filming inside hotels, lodges, farms, factories, or private estates

Urban or Public Spaces (streets, markets, government buildings): Local municipal council

Required for: Street filming, market scenes, or any activity affecting traffic or public movement

Important Notes

The ZANIS accreditation must be approved before any location-specific permits can be issued.

Required Documents

See above press accreditation

Processing Time:

National Parks & Wildlife Areas: 5–10 working days
Heritage, Cultural & Archaeological Sites: 5–7 working days
Private Property / Institutions
Urban or Public Spaces: 3–5 working days

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

We will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best terms.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use for filming in Zambia is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zambia (CAAZ). Any foreign crew intending to operate a drone must apply for prior authorization before bringing the equipment into the country. This permit is separate from the general press accreditation or film permit issued by ZANIS.

Drone Importation Regulations:

All drones entering Zambia for professional filming or commercial use must be declared to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zambia (CAAZ) and Zambia Revenue Authority (Customs) upon arrival. The country has strict rules on the importation and use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially for foreign operators.

Temporary Importation: Foreign productions are allowed to bring drones into Zambia under a temporary import arrangement. This process must be supported by prior drone authorization from CAAZ.

To avoid seizure or fines at the airport, the following must be in place before entry:

Approved drone permit from CAAZ
Equipment list matching the declared customs documents
Proof of ownership or rental agreement for the drone
Serial numbers of the drone and batteries clearly listed
Contact information for the local representative or fixer (Hoodlum Zambia)

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of Zambia (CAAZ)

Timing:

5 and 10 working days

Cost:

Vary depending on scope of operation

Carnet Status:

Zambia is not a Carnet country.

For non-Carnet countries, once the accreditation application is approved and based on the equipment list, the Zambia Revenue Authority will issue a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). This permit must be presented upon entry and exit, ensuring that no duty is charged on the equipment the crew brings into the country.

Required Documents:

A list of equipment that the crew intends to bring into Zambia. This should indicate the following: Make, model and Serial numbers, Values for each, Total value issuing Authority Customs.

Issuing Organization:

Zambia Customs is responsible for issuing the clearance.

Timing:

5-7 working days

Cost:

Not available.

General Overview:

Filming in Zambia is generally safe and straightforward when managed with basic precautions. Crews should use vetted airport transfers, avoid walking at night, and keep permits or accreditation copies on hand while originals stay with the local fixer. Equipment must never be left unattended, and vehicles should remain locked during load-ins and travel. For intercity trips, avoid night driving and travel in convoy if possible, as rural roads are unlit and wildlife may cross.

Filming inside national parks requires approval from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and all drone use must be pre-authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zambia (CAAZ).

Working with Hoodlum ensures safe logistics, location coordination, and local authority liaison. By following local guidance, carrying the proper permits, and observing safety practices, international film crews can operate securely and efficiently in Zambia.

Medical considerations:

Basic health precautions, malaria prevention, yellow fever vaccination if applicable, and first-aid readiness, are essential.