Afghanistan

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Afghanistan, 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 Afghanistan

Capital

Kabul

Main Cities

Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif

Local Languages

Pashto and Dari

Currency

Afghan Afghani (AFN).

Climate

Hot & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

Foreign film crews require a Journalist Visa and, in many cases, a work permit to film inside Afghanistan. These are obtained through the Afghan Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country, or through a local sponsor/production company with approval from the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture. Hoodlum will advise on the correct visa type based on your project scope.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity
Completed visa application form (in Arabic – Hoodlum can assist)
Two recent passport photographs
Detailed itinerary and shooting schedule
Proof of financial support
Purpose-of-visit letter describing the film project
Sponsorship letter from the Ministry of Information and Culture or a registered Afghan company
Press card and confirmation of the intended work in Afghanistan

Visa Application Process:

Applications are submitted through the Afghan Embassy/Consulate or via the official e-visa website. Hoodlum assists with selecting the correct visa, translating required documents into Arabic, and preparing sponsorship letters. In limited cases, certain visas may be granted on arrival, but this is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the discretion of immigration officers.

Processing Time:

Standard visas generally take around one week, though longer for complex or group applications.

Cost:

Visa fees are typically USD $300–$500 per crew member.

Accreditation Requirements:

Afghanistan does not use a standalone crew accreditation system, but foreign film crews must comply with a combined process involving visa approval, filming permissions, work permits, and registration with the Ministry of Information and Culture.

Required Documents:

Completed accreditation form
Letter of introduction from the production company
Full crew list with names and roles
Proof of liability insurance
Passports for all crew
Copy of the film’s script and storyboard
Sponsorship documentation from an Afghan partner or Hoodlum

Processing Time:

Accreditation and permit processing generally takes around 7–10 working days once all required documents are submitted.

Cost:

There is no separate accreditation fee; costs are tied to visa fees, fixer fees, and film-permit fees.

Issuing Organization:

Film-shooting permission is included within the work-permit process and is overseen by the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture.

Required Documents:

All requirements are integrated into the work-permit/visa package (project documentation, crew list, schedules, insurance, etc.).

Processing Time:

Film-permit approval is included within the overall work-permit timeline.

Cost:

The film-permit cost is included in the work-permit/visa process.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations are arranged through a local fixer who negotiates directly with property owners, secures permissions, handles local approvals, and ensures safe and smooth access. Logistics, local sensitivities, and security assessments are essential for all private-location filming.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location costs cannot be confirmed until the production’s script, bio, and detailed requirements are reviewed, as fees depend on the type of location, owner conditions, and security/logistics needed.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations are tightly restricted. All aerial filming requires prior authorisation from the Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the National Security Council. Foreign drone operators must also comply with communication and import regulations overseen by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Commercial invoice
Bill of lading/air waybill
Certificate of origin
Full technical specification of the drone
Authorisation letter from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Permit Issuance:

The Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, specifically the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, is responsible for issuing drone permits in Afghanistan.

Timing:

Drone-operation and import permits typically take 1–2 weeks after submission of all documents.

Cost:

Drone-permit costs generally range from USD $500–$2,000, with additional customs fees and regulatory charges depending on the type of drone and operation.

Carnet Status:

Afghanistan is not an ATA Carnet country. Crews are strongly encouraged to rent local equipment wherever possible to avoid customs complications.

Required Documents:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Certificate of origin
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Customs declaration form
Permit from the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture

Issuing Organization:

Customs processing is handled by the Afghanistan Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance.

Timing:

Customs clearance typically takes around 3–5 working days.

Cost:

Temporary import of equipment usually requires a cash deposit or bank guarantee of around 2.5%–10% of the equipment value, refundable upon export if all procedures are followed correctly.

General Overview:

Afghanistan offers a visually powerful and culturally rich filming environment, with landscapes and stories untouched by mainstream cinema. However, it is also one of the most sensitive and security-dependent filming destinations in the world. Stability varies between regions, and all productions must factor in security, logistics, and local support.

Security Requirements:

Productions should hire experienced and armed security personnel, ideally former military or police, and work closely with local authorities and security specialists. Detailed risk assessments, secure transport, and controlled movement are essential. A professional local fixer is mandatory for safe and legally compliant production.