Do I need a permit to film in Kenya?

Yes. National filming permits are required, with additional approvals often needed for wildlife reserves, protected areas, aerial filming, or public disruption.

Is Kenya suitable for wildlife productions?

Yes. Kenya is one of the strongest wildlife filming destinations in the world, but shoots must comply with conservation regulations, ranger supervision, and ecological safeguards.

Can international productions bring equipment into Kenya?

Yes. Temporary import is supported through carnet or structured customs workflows, but documentation accuracy and timing are important.

Can drone filming be approved in Kenya?

Yes. Drone use requires aviation authorization, and restrictions are tighter in wildlife or protected areas.

Why use a local fixer in Kenya?

A local fixer helps with permits, wildlife authority coordination, county approvals, customs, logistics, and field problem-solving across very different filming environments.

Is Kenya good for coastal filming as well as safari work?

Yes. Kenya offers both wildlife ecosystems and Indian Ocean coastal environments, making it especially valuable for productions needing multiple African looks in one jurisdiction.

Kenya

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Kenya, 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 Kenya

Capital

Nairobi

Main Cities

Nairobi / Mombasa / Nakuru / Eldoret

Local Languages

English/Swahili

Currency

Kenyan Shilling

Climate

Hot & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

General Visa Requirements All international film and television crew entering Kenya for professional filming purposes must apply for a Business eVisa. Tourist visas are not appropriate for professional filming activities. Visas must be obtained before travel, as visa on arrival is no longer available. Applications are submitted via the official Kenya eVisa platform, and each crew member must apply individually. A Letter of Invitation from the local production partner is required.

Required Documents:

Passport scan (minimum 6 months validity, at least 1 blank page)
Passport-style profile photograph
Letter of Invitation
Accommodation confirmation (hotel or Booking.com confirmation acceptable)
Travel itinerary (arrival and departure details)

Visa Application Process:

Online submission via official Kenya eVisa portal
Individual application per crew member
Invitation letter required

Official portal:
https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

Processing Time:

3 business days May take up to 5 business days

Cost:

USD 50 (single-entry Business Visa)

Accreditation Requirements:

All foreign film crew must hold a Special Pass, which is a temporary work permit issued by the Department of Immigration. It is mandatory for any professional filming activity. The Special Pass is tied to the General Film Permit, and both must be applied for together.

Required Documents:

Approved General Film Permit
Passport scan
Passport-style profile photograph
CV, Resume, Portfolio, or IMDb link
Estimated arrival and departure dates
Letter confirming role on the production

Processing Time:

2–4 weeks Minimum recommended allowance: 3 weeks

Cost:

USD 240 per crew member Valid for 30 days

Issuing Organization:

Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB)

Required Documents:

Full cast and crew list with passport scans
Exact filming dates
Detailed filming locations
Script, treatment, synopsis, or outline

Processing Time:

2–5 working days once documentation is complete If combined with Special Pass applications, timelines align with Immigration processing (2–4 weeks)

Cost:

Documentaries, TV Commercials & Photography USD 60 base fee USD 10 per filming day Feature Films & TV Series USD 150 base fee USD 10 per filming day

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Locations are proposed by a location scout. Negotiations are conducted directly with property owners or managers. A standard location agreement is signed with the owner. Additional approvals may be required for sensitive locations, hotels, or businesses.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location rental fee
Location manager or liaison fee
Security or overtime charges
All costs are confirmed once locations are approved.

Drone Regulations:

Governed by Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020
Drone importation possible with 2–3 months advance notice
Process is complex and time-consuming
Strongly recommended to use locally licensed drone operators

Drone Importation Regulations:

Managed through licensed drone companies
Advance coordination required

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of Kenya (via licensed operators)

Timing:

Minimum 2 months

Cost:

Drone permit (local operator): USD 200 (estimate)
Excludes drone rental and operator fees

Carnet Status:

Kenya is not a Carnet country.

Required Documents:

Approved General Film Permit
Equipment list with serial numbers and values
Crew photos (for baggage hall identification)

Issuing Organization:

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

Timing:

With advance preparation, clearance typically takes under 10 minutes. Unlicensed drones will not be cleared.

Cost:

Customs Bond: USD 300 (non-refundable) Clearing Agent: USD 450 per clearance Total: USD 750 per clearance In some cases, a 50% equipment value deposit may be required instead of full import duties.

General Overview:

Kenya is generally a safe filming destination. Higher-risk areas include regions near the Somalia border and certain coastal and north-eastern areas. Safety assessments are conducted case-by-case.

Security Requirements:

No security required for low-risk controlled environments
Private Close Protection Officers recommended for busy public filming
Police presence may be required for:
- High-profile public spaces
- Sensitive locations
- Large crowd scenes

Medical Considerations