Introduction
Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in El Salvador, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With extensive local knowledge and hands-on experience, we handle every aspect 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.
El Salvador’s diverse landscapes—pristine beaches, volcanic mountains, lush forests, and vibrant cityscapes—offer stunning backdrops for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.
Planning a shoot in El Salvador? Hoodlum streamlines the entire production process, managing everything from permits and visas to equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the logistics while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for seamless, professional production support in El Salvador.
Country Overview
El Salvador, a hidden gem in Central America, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for filmmakers. From the rugged volcanic landscapes to the picturesque beaches, colonial towns, and vibrant cities, El Salvador provides a diverse range of locations to suit any film production.
Why Film in El Salvador?
- Diverse landscapes: Volcanoes, beaches, mountains, and forests offer a wide range of cinematic possibilities.
- Rich cultural heritage: Colonial towns, historic sites, and vibrant cities showcase the country’s rich history and culture.
- Modern infrastructure: San Salvador, the capital city, has a well-developed infrastructure, with modern amenities and services.
- Competitive costs: Compared to other Central American countries, El Salvador offers a relatively low cost of production.
- Friendly and welcoming people: Salvadorans are known for their hospitality and warm welcome to visitors.
Types of Productions
- Feature films: Take advantage of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage to create a unique and captivating story.
- Documentaries: Explore El Salvador’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty through documentary filmmaking.
- Commercials: Utilize the country’s modern infrastructure and diverse locations to create visually stunning commercials.
- Photography: Capture the essence of El Salvador’s landscapes, people, and culture through photography.
Main Cities:
- El Salvador’s main cities include:
- San Salvador (capital)
- Santa Ana
- San Miguel
Bordering Countries:
- Guatemala to the west
- Honduras to the northeast
- Pacific Ocean to the south
Language
- Salvadoran Spanish (a dialect of Spanish)
- Náhuat (also known as Pipil), spoken by less than 100 indigenous people in small communities
Currency
United States dollar (USD). Additionally, Bitcoin is recognized as a legal tender in the country.
Best Time to Film
The ideal time to film in this region is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is mild and sunny.
Avoid filming during the rainy season, from May to October, when there is, Heavy rainfall, Flash flooding and High humidity can disrupt filming and make outdoor shoots challenging.
Beaches in El Salvador
El Salvador’s beaches offer an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and dynamic energy, making them ideal for filming. With dramatic coastlines, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters, locations like El Tunco, Punta Roca, and El Zonte provide visually stunning backdrops for any production. These areas are also internationally recognized for their world-class surf, hosting global competitions such as World Surf League events, which bring both excitement and cultural authenticity to the scene. The consistent waves, vibrant beach towns, and breathtaking sunsets create a cinematic atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from high-energy action sequences to serene, scenic shots. Plus, the growing infrastructure to support surf tourism means reliable local services and experienced crews are readily available.
Visa Requirements
Film crews traveling to El Salvador for commercial filming purposes require a Special Temporary Visa.
The visa can be obtained through the Salvadoran Consulate or Embassy in their home country, or upon arrival at the airport.
Visa Application link: https://visaapplicationform.com/el-salvador/
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Health insurance
- Letter from the production company detailing the purpose and duration of the trip
Timings:
2-5 working days, but recommended to apply at least 2 weeks in advance
Cost:
Typically ranges from $30 to $200 USD
Accreditation Requirements
Film crews must obtain accreditation from the Salvadoran Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture.
Required documents:
- Filming permit
- Crew list
- Equipment list
- Passport copies
- Proof of health insurance
- Letter from the production company detailing the purpose and duration of the shoot
Timings:
Typically takes 3-15 working days to process, but recommended to apply at least 15 days prior to the start of filming
Cost:
Approximately $10-$20 USD per crew member
Film Permits
Issued by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and the National Centre of Registries (CNR), in coordination with other relevant authorities. (Official requests must be sent to the Communications Secretariat of the Presidential House. They usually ask for a letter for every permission to film) (Official Communications Office)
- Required documents:
- Simple script
- Filming schedule
- Location list
- Crew and cast list
- Equipment list
- Proof of liability insurance and tax registration
Timings:
Typically takes 5-20 working days to obtain, but recommended to apply at least 30 days prior to the start of filming
Cost:
Film permit costs can range from $100 to $600 per day
Private Film Locations
Hoodlum Film Fixers typically acts as a liaison between the film production team and private film location owners.
Cost:
Determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the specific requirements of the production.
Drone Regulations
Drone operations for film and photography purposes require a permit from the Salvadoran Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). (This is not mandatory in most of the locations. There are restrictions only in military bases and prisons areas)
Required documents:
- Completed application form
- Proof of liability insurance
- Drone registration certificate
- Pilot’s license or certification
- Detailed flight plan with coordinates and altitude
Timings:
Typically takes 7-10 working days to obtain
Cost:
$200-$500 USD
Carnet Requirements
This is a Carnet country.
Film crews must obtain an ATA Carnet from a local issuing association.
Required documents:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- ATA Carnet
- Passport
- Customs declaration form
- Letter from the production company stating the purpose of the visit and the equipment being brought into the country
Timings:
Typically takes around 2-5 working days
Cost:
Typically ranges from $200-$500 USD
Film Incentives
El Salvador offers a film incentive program, “Ley de Fomento a la Industria Cinematográfica”, which provides a rebate of up to 25% of eligible production expenses.
Safety and Security
General Overview
- El Salvador offers a diverse range of locations, from volcanic landscapes and beaches to colonial towns and modern cities.
- Relatively low cost of production, skilled but limited local crew base, and developing film infrastructure.
- Conditions in El Salvador has changed regarding the security aspects and now is much safer and there is no high risk of gang members to the date. As a matter of fact, even the U.S. has removed El Salvador from the list of dangerous countries for travellers. However, we can make a “recommendation list” if travelling to El Salvador and say that it is possible to request accompaniment from the National Civil Police to escort small film crews or those filming in areas previously associated with danger or gang activity.)
