Nepal

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Nepal, 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 Nepal

Capital

Kathmandu

Main Cities

Kathmandu / Pokhara / Lalitpur / Bharatpur / Birgunj / Biratnagar / Janakpur

Local Languages

Nepali, also known as Nepalese or Gorkhali

Currency

The local currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Journalist/Film Visa (J-Visa): Required for professional filming, documentaries, news coverage, or media-related work. Tourist Visa with Special Permission: Sometimes allowed if the project is small-scale or for personal/non-commercial purposes, but requires approval from Nepalese authorities.

Required Documents:

Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity).
Completed & Signed Visa Application Form.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of Visa Fee Payment.
Invitation Letter (from a Nepalese sponsor/organization).
Project Proposal (including script, shooting plan, crew list).
Equipment List (detailed inventory of cameras, drones, lighting, sound gear, etc.).
Crew Member Documents (passport copies, IDs, resumes)

Visa Application Process:

Online Application:
Apply through the Nepalese Embassy/Consulate portal: Visa Application Portal
Embassy/Consulate Submission:
If online not possible, submit physically (in person or via mail).
Payment:
Visa fees + equipment import charges (if applicable).
Interview:
May be required for a Journalist/Film Visa.

Processing Time:

7–14 working days.

Cost:

USD $120 (visa fee, excludes equipment fees or special permits).

Accreditation Requirements:

To film in Nepal, international film crews must obtain accreditation from the Nepalese authorities.

Required Documents:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa (Journalist/Film Visa or Tourist Visa with special permission)
Letter of Introduction (from production company or embassy)
Film Proposal (synopsis, shooting locations, and schedule)
Shooting Schedule
Equipment List
Crew List (with passports and roles)
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Payment (accreditation and permit fees)

Processing Time:

Standard Accreditation: 10-14 working days, the typical processing time for most film crews.

Cost:

Approx. $400-$1,600 USD

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Information and Communications (Nepal)

Required Documents:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa (Journalist/Film Visa or Tourist Visa with special permission)
Letter of Introduction (from production company or embassy)
Film Proposal (synopsis, shooting locations, and schedule)
Shooting Schedule
Equipment List
Crew List (with passports and roles)
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Payment (permit fees)

Processing Time:

2–5 working days

Cost:

USD $150

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location scouting and selection
Negotiation with property owner for permission and fees
Signing of Location Agreement contract
Payment of location fees (varies depending on property)
Obtaining Private Property Filming Permit from local authorities
Coordination with liaison officer/local fixer (if required)
Filming schedule and logistics planning

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Residential buildings: NPR 50,000 – 200,000 (~$400–$1,600) per day
Hotels/Resorts: NPR 100,000 – 500,000 (~$800–$4,000) per day
Restaurants/Bars: NPR 20,000 – 100,000 (~$160–$800) per day
Farms/Villages: NPR 10,000 – 50,000 (~$80–$400) per day
Industrial sites: NPR 50,000 – 200,000 (~$400–$1,600) per day
Private Property Filming Permit: NPR 5,000 – 10,000 (~$40–$80)
Local Authority Permit: NPR 5,000 – 20,000 (~$40–$160)
Location Manager/Liaison Officer: NPR 5,000 – 20,000 (~$40–$160) per day
Security/Staffing: NPR 5,000 – 20,000 (~$40–$160) per day
Equipment/Logistics: varies depending on requirements

Drone Regulations:

Permit Requirement – Drone permit mandatory from CAAN
Registration – Register drone with CAAN
Altitude Restriction – Max 400 ft (122 m) above ground level
No-Fly Zones – National parks, military zones, sensitive sites prohibited
Right of Way – Priority to manned aircraft
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) – Must maintain visual contact
Drone Operator – Must hold valid certification/license

Drone Importation Regulations:

Temporary Import Permit – Required for entry
Customs Declaration – Declare drone and accessories
Duty-Free Import – Exempted for filming (with valid permit)
Bond/Security – NPR 50,000 – 200,000 (~$400–$1,600) refundable deposit
Re-Export – Mandatory within 30 days

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

Timing:

3–5 working days

Cost:

Approx. $160 USD

Carnet Status:

General Process for Non-Carnet Countries:

Submit required documents
Pay duties/taxes or deposit (if applicable)
Clear customs before equipment release

Required Documents:

Commercial Invoice – detailed invoice for equipment and goods
Packing List – itemized list of equipment and goods
Certificate of Origin – proof of country of manufacture/origin
Carnet (ATA/TIR) – not applicable for Nepal, but included if used elsewhere
Film Permit – issued by Ministry of Information and Communications
Customs Declaration Form – completed & signed by film crew
Passports – of crew members
Nepalese Visa – valid visa for crew

Issuing Organization:

Nepal Customs Department

Timing:

2–5 hours (at airport customs)

Cost:

Customs Processing Fee: $50–$200 Security Deposit: 10%–50% of equipment value (refundable)

General Overview:

Research and planning – understand local conditions and risks
Hire local fixers/guides for scouting and logistics
Hire security personnel for high-risk locations
Insure equipment against theft, loss, or damage
Establish emergency protocols and evacuation plans
Consult with local experts before pre-production
Provide safety briefings and training for crew
Conduct location scouting and risk assessments
Follow local laws and regulations

Security Requirements:

To be determined when brief is received.

Rebates/Incentives:

No film rebates / incentives

Meet our Local Team

Nepal

Chandan

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Nepal

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

Film Production Services in Nepal

Film Fixers in Nepal: Delivering Trusted Production Support for Complex Field-Based Filming

Nepal has steadily become one of South Asia’s most logistically demanding yet visually…

Introduction

Hoodlum offers specialized film fixer services in Nepal, catering to both local and international productions with a comprehensive range of support, from scouting unique locations to securing permits and managing local talent and crews. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and centuries-old traditions, Nepal provides an exceptional backdrop for films, documentaries, and commercials. Whether you’re shooting in the vibrant heart of Kathmandu or capturing the serene beauty of the Himalayas, Hoodlum guarantees a seamless production journey in this captivating and diverse country.

Let Hoodlum handle the complexities of filming in Nepal. Contact Hoodlum to start your production journey in Nepal.

Filming in Nepal: Country Overview

This region offers a dynamic range of settings for filmmakers, from towering Himalayan peaks to vibrant cities and ancient cultural sites. Known for its rugged mountains, scenic valleys, and rich traditions, Nepal provides diverse backdrops for any type of production.

The capital, Kathmandu, is a bustling mix of ancient temples, markets, and narrow streets, while rural areas offer peaceful landscapes and traditional villages. Whether filming in the high-altitude Himalayas or the serene lowlands, Nepal’s varied geography and culture can bring any story to life.

With affordable production costs and a growing network of local talent and crew, Nepal is an emerging destination for international filmmakers.

Hoodlum Film Fixers Nepal ensures smooth logistics, permits, and expert support to make your production a success in this captivating country.

Bordering Countries:

This region is bordered by China (north) and India (south, east, and west), giving it strategic access to both Himalayan and plains regions.

Major Cities:

Kathmandu: The cultural heart of Nepal with ancient temples and bustling markets.
Pokhara: Known for lakeside views and the Himalayas, ideal for scenic shots.
Lalitpur (Patan): Renowned for its architecture and historic squares.
Bharatpur: Gateway to Chitwan National Park, combining urban access with wildlife.
Birgunj: A vital commercial border city with a unique multicultural mix.
Janakpur: A city of religious significance, vibrant festivals, and cultural storytelling.

Language:

The official language of Nepal is Nepali, also known as Nepalese or Gorkhali.

Currency:

Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Best Time to Film:

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer clear skies and mild weather, ideal for filming.
Summer brings heavy monsoons, challenging for outdoor shoots.
Winter is cold in the mountains but suitable for cultural shoots.

Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements: Filmmakers need a Journalist/Film Visa or Tourist Visa with special permission.

Required Documents:

Passport, visa application, photos, project proposal, equipment list, and invitation letter.

Processing Time:

7-14 working days; cost around $120 USD.

Visa Application Link

Crew Accreditation

International crews must obtain official accreditation.

Documentation:

Passport, letter of introduction, project proposal, shooting schedule, equipment list, and proof of insurance.

Cost:

Ranges from $400 to $1,600 USD, with a processing time of 10-14 working days.

General Film Permit

To film across Nepal, a General Film Permit is required from the Ministry of Information and Communications, processed in 2-5 working days.

Required Documents:

Passport, visa, project synopsis, shooting schedule, insurance, and proof of payment.

Cost:

$150 USD.

Special Permissions for Private Locations and Drones

Private Locations:

Hoodlum manages the process for filming on private properties, including scouting, negotiations, and permits.

Drone Permit:

Managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

Requirements:

Application form, script, shooting schedule, and drone specifications.

Processing Time:

3-5 working days.

Import Regulations:

Includes customs declaration, refundable bond, and re-export within 30 days.

Equipment Customs Clearance

This region is a Carnet country, facilitating temporary equipment import. Required documents include a Carnet, commercial invoice, packing list, and customs declaration. Customs fees range from $50 to $200 USD, and a deposit may be required.

Safety and Security

This region is generally safe for filming, though precautions are advised for remote locations. Hoodlum coordinates schedules and protocols with local authorities and arranges security personnel if needed for challenging sites.

With Hoodlum Film Fixers, you can rely on professional support and expertise, ensuring a successful and efficient production in one of the world’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations.