Lebanon

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon

Capital

Beirut

Main Cities

Tripoli, Sidon, Zahle, Tyre

Local Languages

Arabic (official), French, English widely used

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Climate

Mediterranean

General Visa Requirements:

Required Documents:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photo
Proof of payment for visa fees (approximately $50–$100)

Visa Application Process:

Visa Application Link
Visa Information for Lebanon

Processing Time:

Visa processing typically takes 15 days but can take up to 30-60 days in rare cases. It’s recommended to apply at least 15 days before travel, but no earlier than 6 months before your planned arrival.

Cost:

$200–$300 (valid for 1–6 months)

Accreditation Requirements:

Submit your application to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism (or the local film commission).
For more information, visit: Lebanese Ministry of Tourism

Required Documents:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Completed and signed visa application form
Recent passport-sized photograph
Proof of payment for visa fees
Travel itinerary (flight details or documents from travel agency)

Processing Time:

Accreditation will be issued within 3-5 working days.

Cost:

Not applicable.

Issuing Organization:

Lebanese Ministry of Tourism Film Commission (LMTC)

Required Documents:

Film permit form
passport copies of crew
insurance proof
script
storyboard
schedule
location list
crew list
equipment list

Processing Time:

3-5 days.

Cost:

$500–$2,000.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Hoodlum negotiates with private owners.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Residential: $500–$2,000 per day
Commercial: $1,000–$5,000 per day
Industrial: $500–$2,000 per day

Drone Regulations:

Register with Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) and Ministry of Defence. Complete permit form, provide proof of address, and submit drone specifications.

Drone Importation Regulations:

N/A

Permit Issuance:

Approval from MoD, registration with LCAA, customs duties (5-10%), and VAT (11%).

Timing:

1-5 days.

Cost:

$500–$1,500.

Carnet Status:

Yes (ATA Carnet required).

Required Documents:

Submit required documents (Carnet, invoices, packing list), pay security deposit, and follow export/re-export guidelines.

Issuing Organization:

Lebanese Customs Administration.

Timing:

24-48 hours.

Cost:

Equipment fees range from 5-15% based on type (camera, lighting, sound).

General Overview:

For general safety, it’s recommended to hire local fixers who can conduct a risk assessment and ensure proper security measures are in place. Health-wise, consult a doctor ahead of your trip to confirm any necessary vaccinations. For security, rely on the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) or consider private security providers such as Blackwater and GardaWorld for additional protection during your shoot.

Security Requirements:

N/A

Rebates/Incentives:

Lebanon offers a film rebate program to international reality TV productions, launched in 2019 to promote the local film industry. Productions can receive a rebate of 15-20% on qualified expenses, with a minimum spend of $200,000 and a maximum rebate of $500,000. Eligible expenses include pre-production, production (crew, equipment, locations), and post-production costs. To qualify, productions must have a minimum 3-day shoot in Lebanon, focus on promoting Lebanese culture or tourism, and submit an application to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism with a detailed budget and production schedule for approval. Rebate disbursement occurs 6-12 months after film completion and final report submission.

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