Equatorial Guinea

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Equatorial Guinea, 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 Equatorial Guinea

Capital

Malabo

Main Cities

Malabo, Bata, Mongomo, Ebebiyín, Acalayong, Anisoc, Luba, and Moka

Local Languages

Fang, Bubi, Benga, Spanish

Currency

Central African CFA franc (XAF)

Climate

Tropical Climate

General Visa 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 Documents:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Film permit (if applicable)
Invitation letter
Proof of payment
Crew list (if applicable)
Equipment list

Visa Application Process:

Visa Application Link:
Apply for an Equatorial Guinea Visa

Processing Time:

Typically takes 10-15 working days.

Cost:

The fee for a single-entry visa allowing a 90-day stay is $134.00.

Accreditation 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 Documents:

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.

Cost:

The cost of a film permit is often not available prior to finalizing the production schedule because it depends on several variable factors. Location-specific requirements play a major role, as each site may have unique conditions, restrictions, or ownership considerations that influence pricing. Permits are also customized to the production’s needs, with elements such as crew size, equipment, stunts, or road closures affecting the final cost. Additionally, regulatory factors such as local laws, municipal fees, environmental requirements, and applicable taxes can impact the amount charged. In some cases, permit costs may also be negotiated directly with authorities on a case-by-case basis, meaning the final figure can only be determined once all production details are confirmed.

Issuing Organization:

The Ministry of Information, Press, and Radio.

Required Documents:

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

Processing Time:

Typically 10-15 working days.

Cost:

To provide accurate costs for private film locations in Equatorial Guinea, a Film Production Synopsis is required.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Liaison: Hoodlum acts as the intermediary between the production team and local authorities.
Location Scouting: Hoodlum identifies and evaluates potential private locations for filming.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Accurate cost estimates for private film locations in Equatorial Guinea require submission of a Film Production Synopsis.

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.

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.

Permit Issuance:

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.

Timing:

2-4 weeks (10-20 working days).

Cost:

$120

Carnet Status:

Equatorial Guinea is a carnet country, meaning temporary importation of equipment is facilitated through the ATA Carnet system. 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 Documents:

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 Organization:

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.

Timing:

The customs clearance process typically takes about 5 working days.

Cost:

Costs range from 5% to 30% of the equipment’s value, depending on the specific circumstances.

General Overview:

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.