International film productions should consider robust security protocols, including armed escorts, thorough risk assessments, secure lodging, armoured vehicles, and close protection officers, to effectively manage potential risks.
Damascus
Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia
Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic
Syrian Pound (SYP)
Arid and semi-arid
Film crews must obtain accreditation from the Syrian Ministry of Information before filming. This process involves submitting an application, providing the necessary documentation, and receiving official approval from the Ministry.
Film permits in Syria are issued by the Syrian Ministry of Information, specifically through its Audiovisual Department.
Obtaining a film permit generally takes 4–6 weeks. However, the timeline may vary depending on the project’s scope and the Ministry’s approval process.
Securing a private filming location in Syria involves the Fixer acting as an intermediary between the film crew and the property owner. The Fixer will negotiate terms, obtain necessary permits, and ensure all local regulations are followed to facilitate a smooth filming process.
The cost for using a private location is negotiated directly between the Fixer and the property owner. This negotiation typically begins once the film production team submits a detailed schedule, including specific filming dates and times.
Film crews in Syria must obtain a special permit from the Syrian Ministry of Defense to operate drones for filming purposes. They must also comply with strict regulations and guidelines set by the Ministry.
Film crews importing drones into Syria must secure a special permit from the Syrian Customs Authority and the Ministry of Telecommunications. Additionally, they must declare the drone’s specifications, value, and intended purpose.
The Syrian Ministry of Defence, through the General Authority for Civil Aviation, is responsible for issuing drone permits in Syria.
Drone permit processing in Syria typically takes 2-4 weeks, though this may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the approval process.
Drone permit costs in Syria generally range from $500 to $2,000 USD, depending on the type of permit, duration of filming, and location.
Yes, Syria is a Carnet country.
General Process for Carnet Country
Film crews can obtain an ATA Carnet from their home country, which they present to customs upon arrival. This allows for duty-free and tax-free temporary importation of film equipment, including drones.
The Syrian Customs Authority, under the Syrian Ministry of Finance, handles customs clearance for film crews in Syria.
International film productions should consider robust security protocols, including armed escorts, thorough risk assessments, secure lodging, armoured vehicles, and close protection officers, to effectively manage potential risks.
International film productions should consider robust security protocols, including armed escorts, thorough risk assessments, secure lodging, armoured vehicles, and close protection officers, to effectively manage potential risks.
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Hoodlum provides professional film fixer services in Syria, delivering vital support to international film production teams. Leveraging extensive local expertise and on-the-ground experience, we specialize in securing permits, scouting unique locations, and assembling skilled local crews to ensure your production runs effortlessly from start to finish.
Syria, with its extraordinary blend of ancient cities, dramatic ruins, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a one-of-a-kind setting for film productions. From the ancient ruins of Palmyra to the bustling souks of Damascus and the scenic countryside, Syria presents a wealth of visually striking locations ideal for commercials, feature films, TV series, reality shows, or documentaries.
Planning to film in Syria? Hoodlum will take care of every detail—from obtaining permits to finding the perfect locations—allowing you to focus solely on bringing your creative vision to life. Reach us here to discover how we can help make your Syrian film production a seamless success.
This region is a realm of profound heritage and staggering visual allure, offers filmmakers an unmatched palette of cinematic locations. From the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Palmyra, an ancient trade hub framed by the Syrian Desert’s golden sands, to the labyrinthine alleys of Aleppo’s Old City, steeped in centuries of history, every corner of Syria tells a story. The striking landscapes of the Euphrates Valley, the basalt plateaus of the Jebel Druze, and the awe-inspiring Krak des Chevaliers fortress perched atop a hill create visually arresting backdrops for any narrative.
For productions seeking urban vibrancy, Damascus, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, offers a mesmerizing blend of antiquity and modernity with its ornate souks, ancient mosques, and bustling courtyards. Beyond the cities, the rugged coastal cliffs near Tartus, the serene Al-Assad Lake, and the dramatic vistas of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains provide extraordinary filming opportunities.
At Hoodlum, we thrive on navigating the intricacies of filming in this region. Our meticulous team handles every facet of your production—acquiring permits, scouting hidden gems, coordinating skilled local crews, and ensuring seamless logistics—all while respecting the region’s cultural and historical significance.
This region shares its borders with Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, Lebanon to the west, and Israel to the southwest.
The main cities in Syria are Damascus (the capital), Aleppo, Homs, Latakia, and Hama.
The official language of Syria is Modern Standard Arabic.
The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP).
The optimal time to film in Syria is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is temperate and conducive to outdoor shoots, allowing for seamless exploration of the country’s rich historical landmarks and diverse natural settings. Filming is less advisable in the summer (June to August) due to intense heat, in winter (December to February) due to chilly, rainy conditions, and during Ramadan or public holidays, which can present logistical challenges and restrictions.
General Requirements:
Film crews planning to visit Syria must secure a special filming permit from the Syrian Ministry of Information in addition to obtaining a standard visa. Visas can be acquired through the Syrian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Required Information/Documentation:
Applicants must provide the following:
Timings:
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks due to the need for multiple approvals, including clearance from the Ministry of Information.
Cost:
Visa fees range from $33 to $100 USD, depending on the type and duration. Additional charges may apply for expedited processing or special filming permits.
Film crews must obtain accreditation from the Syrian Ministry of Information before filming. This process involves submitting an application, providing the necessary documentation, and receiving official approval from the Ministry.
Required Information/Documentation for Application:
Timings:
Accreditation processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. However, timelines may vary based on the complexity of the project and the Ministry’s approval process.
Cost:
Accreditation fees range from $500 to $2,000 USD, influenced by factors such as the project type, duration, and scope.
Issuing Authority
Film permits in Syria are issued by the Syrian Ministry of Information, specifically through its Audiovisual Department.
Processing Timelines
Obtaining a film permit generally takes 4–6 weeks. However, the timeline may vary depending on the project’s scope and the Ministry’s approval process.
Required Documentation for Application
Applicants must provide:
Cost
Film permit fees typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 USD, depending on factors such as the project’s type, filming locations, and duration.
General Process
Securing a private filming location in Syria involves the Fixer acting as an intermediary between the film crew and the property owner. The Fixer will negotiate terms, obtain necessary permits, and ensure all local regulations are followed to facilitate a smooth filming process.
Cost
The cost for using a private location is negotiated directly between the Fixer and the property owner. This negotiation typically begins once the film production team submits a detailed schedule, including specific filming dates and times.
Drone Regulations
Film crews in Syria must obtain a special permit from the Syrian Ministry of Defense to operate drones for filming purposes. They must also comply with strict regulations and guidelines set by the Ministry.
Drone Importation Regulations
Film crews importing drones into Syria must secure a special permit from the Syrian Customs Authority and the Ministry of Telecommunications. Additionally, they must declare the drone’s specifications, value, and intended purpose.
Issuing Organization
The Syrian Ministry of Defence, through the General Authority for Civil Aviation, is responsible for issuing drone permits in Syria.
Required Information / Documentation for Local Drone Permit
Required Information / Documentation for Drone Importation
Timings
Drone permit processing in Syria typically takes 2-4 weeks, though this may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the approval process.
Cost
Drone permit costs in Syria generally range from $500 to $2,000 USD, depending on the type of permit, duration of filming, and location.
Is it a Carnet Country?
Yes, Syria is a Carnet country.
General Process for Carnet Country
Film crews can obtain an ATA Carnet from their home country, which they present to customs upon arrival. This allows for duty-free and tax-free temporary importation of film equipment, including drones.
Required Information / Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Issuing Organization for Customs Clearance
The Syrian Customs Authority, under the Syrian Ministry of Finance, handles customs clearance for film crews in Syria.
Timings
Customs clearance for film crews typically takes 2-5 working days, depending on factors such as shipment complexity and documentation accuracy.
Cost
The cost of customs clearance ranges from $200 to $1,000 USD, depending on the type and value of equipment, shipment complexity, and whether a customs broker or agent is used.
Type of Security Required
International film productions should consider robust security protocols, including armed escorts, thorough risk assessments, secure lodging, armoured vehicles, and close protection officers, to effectively manage potential risks.