Introduction
At Hoodlum, we provide expert film fixer services in Equatorial Guinea, ensuring seamless production support for international crews. Our experienced team handles all aspects of your shoot, from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.
Equatorial Guinea is an untapped haven for filmmakers seeking exotic locales, rich cultural narratives, and competitive production incentives. Nestled on the western coast of Central Africa, this vibrant nation offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and striking urban landscapes, making it a treasure trove of cinematic possibilities.
As a growing hub for film and TV productions, Equatorial Guinea welcomes international collaborations, providing logistical support and fostering creative partnerships. Its unique blend of African and Spanish colonial heritage creates a captivating backdrop for diverse storytelling, from contemporary dramas and historical epics to reality series that immerse audiences in the essence of this extraordinary land.
With Hoodlum TV’s expertise and proven track record, partnering with Equatorial Guinea unlocks a world of creative potential. From location scouting, visas, permitting, transport, accommodation to navigating local regulations, we ensure your production is seamless, impactful, and unforgettable.
Let Equatorial Guinea be the canvas for your next ground-breaking project.
Country Overview
Bordering Countries:
Bordered by Cameroon to the north, Gabon to the south and east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west.
Main Cities:
Malabo, Bata, Mongomo, Ebebiyín, Acalayong, Anisoc, Luba, and Moka.
Local Languages:
Fang, Bubi, and Benga, although Spanish is the official language.
Local Currency:
Central African CFA franc (XAF)
Climate:
The best time to film in Equatorial Guinea is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. This period offers favourable weather conditions, making it ideal for filming.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements:
Submit the necessary documents and a completed application form through the official website of the Equatorial Guinea government or an authorized visa service provider.
Required Documentation:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Film permit (if applicable)
- Invitation letter
- Proof of payment
- Crew list (if applicable)
- Equipment list
Processing Time:
Typically takes 10-15 working days.
Cost:
The fee for a single-entry visa allowing a 90-day stay is $134.00.
Visa Application Link:
Apply for an Equatorial Guinea Visa
International crew accreditation
General Requirements:
- Register with the local film commission or relevant authorities.
- Obtain a tax identification number (NIF) for the production company.
- Comply with local labor laws and regulations.
- Adhere to local customs, traditions, and environmental regulations.
Required Documentation:
- Film permit
- Letter of intent
- Crew list
- Equipment list
- Passports and visas
- Insurance
- Script and storyboard
- Location permits
- Completed accreditation form
Processing Time:
Typically 10-15 working days.
General Film Permit
Issuing Authority:
The Ministry of Information, Press, and Radio.
Processing Time:
Typically 10-15 working days.
Required Documentation:
- Completed application form
- Script and storyboard
- Location list
- Crew list
- Equipment list
- Proof of insurance
- Letter of intent
- Passports and visas
- Payment receipt
- Local partner documentation
Private Locations
General Process:
- Liaison: Hoodlum acts as the intermediary between the production team and local authorities.
- Location Scouting: Hoodlum identifies and evaluates potential private locations for filming.
Cost:
Accurate cost estimates for private film locations in Equatorial Guinea require submission of a Film Production Synopsis.
Drone Permit Guidelines
Drone Regulations:
To operate drones in Equatorial Guinea, specific regulations must be followed. Permissions must be obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of National Security. Drone flights are strictly prohibited over government buildings, military zones, and sensitive areas. Operators are required to maintain visual contact with the drone, which must not exceed an altitude of 120 meters (394 feet). Additionally, all drones must be registered with the CAA.
Drone Importation Regulations:
- Import License: Importers must obtain an import license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Declaration of Conformity: Importers must provide a Declaration of Conformity, confirming the drone meets Equatorial Guinea’s technical requirements.
Issuing Authorities for Permits:
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA): Issues permits for commercial drone operations.
Ministry of Transport, Technology, and Communications: Issues permits for recreational drone use.
Ministry of National Security: Issues permits for operations in sensitive or restricted areas.
Required Documentation for Drone Importation:
Applications for local drone operations require documentation such as a completed application form, film permit, drone specifications, pilot’s license, insurance certificate, flight plan, risk assessment, letter of intent, crew list, and equipment list. For drone importation, required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, export and import permits, customs declaration, duty and tax payment receipt, insurance certificate, and letter of intent.
Processing Time:
2-4 weeks (10-20 working days).
Equipment customs clearance
Equatorial Guinea is a carnet country, meaning temporary importation of equipment is facilitated through the ATA Carnet system.
Carnet Process:
To bring equipment into Equatorial Guinea under the carnet system, you must first apply for a carnet from your local chamber of commerce or an authorized carnet-issuing organization in your home country. The goods you plan to bring must be itemized, including their value, make, model, and serial numbers. Once the list is prepared, you must pay the required fees and provide a deposit for the carnet.
Required Documentation:
To clear equipment through customs, you must provide a carnet (if applicable), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, film permit, script and storyboard, equipment list, passports, visas, crew list, insurance certificate, and a customs declaration form.
Issuing Authorities:
Equipment customs clearance is managed by the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) (General Directorate of Customs), which oversees customs regulations, and the Agencia de Fronteras y Aduanas (AFAD) (Frontier and Customs Agency), which handles customs operations at borders and airports.
Processing Time and Cost:
The customs clearance process typically takes about 5 working days. Costs range from 5% to 30% of the equipment’s value, depending on the specific circumstances.
Stay Safe, Stay Savvy
Equatorial Guinea is a safe and welcoming country for filmmakers, but every adventure needs a trusty guide. With Hoodlum Film Fixers by your side, you can focus on capturing magic while we handle the rest.