Armenia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Armenia, 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 Armenia

Capital

Yerevan.

Main Cities

Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Vagharshapat.

Local Languages

Armenian (official); Russian widely spoken.

Currency

Armenian Dram (AMD).

Climate

Continental

General Visa Requirements:

A work or film visa is required for individuals who stay and work in Armenia for more than 120 days. This is commonly referred to as a Film Visa (Visa de Tournage).

Required Documents:

Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Completed visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of payment of visa fees
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Film project and objectives
- Locations and shooting schedule
- List of crew members and equipment
Authorization from the Ministry of Culture, if applicable
Invitation letter from a local partner or sponsor, if applicable
Proof of health insurance

Visa Application Process:

Official e-Visa Portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): https://evisa.mfa.am/

Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Armenia: https://www.mfa.am/

Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports: https://escs.am/

Processing Time:

Visa processing generally takes 5 to 10 working days.

Cost:

Visa costs generally range from USD 40 to USD 60.

Accreditation Requirements:

International crew may require accreditation depending on the nature of the production and whether journalistic or media activity is involved. Where applicable, crews may need an International Press Card and press accreditation issued by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to any required film permit.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Completed accreditation application form via the MFA platform
Proof of health insurance
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Film project and objectives
- Locations and shooting schedule
- List of crew members and equipment

Processing Time:

Accreditation processing generally takes 15 to 20 working days.

Cost:

Accreditation costs generally range from USD 200 to USD 400.

Issuing Organization:

Armenia does not currently have a centralized film permitting authority. Film permits are generally issued by local municipalities or relevant government institutions depending on the location and content of the shoot. New regulations are reportedly under discussion and may be introduced in the future.

Required Documents:

Completed film permit application form
Script and storyboard
Synopsis of 1 to 2 pages
Production schedule and shooting timeline
List of crew members and their roles
List of equipment and materials
Proof of insurance for equipment and crew
Proof of project financing

Processing Time:

Film permit processing generally takes 10 to 15 working days.

Cost:

Non-refundable film permit fees generally range from USD 390 to USD 700.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations generally require direct negotiation with property owners or, in some cases, municipalities. The usual process includes location research, site visits, visual assessment, and preparation of location reports or recommendations.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location permit fees generally range from USD 50 to USD 200, depending on the property and agreement terms.

Drone Regulations:

Armenia does not yet have a fully unified drone permitting framework for film crews. Restrictions are enforced based on location and purpose. Strategic or sensitive sites should be avoided, including airports, military bases, borders, government buildings, and private properties. Some locations may automatically restrict signal or require advance authorization. Liability insurance is strongly recommended, and privacy laws must be respected.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone importation may require supporting customs and technical documentation depending on the shipment and use case.

Permit Issuance:

The issuing and oversight authority is the Armenian Civil Aviation Committee (CAC).

Website: https://www.caa.am/

Timing:

Processing generally takes 14 to 30 working days, approximately 3 to 6 weeks.

Cost:

No official fee stated

Carnet Status:

Armenia is not an ATA Carnet country. Equipment declarations may be requested, but this is assessed case by case and is not always obligatory.

Required Documents:

Detailed equipment list, valued and signed
Passports of crew members
Business or work visa, if applicable
Commercial invoice, if applicable
Proof of insurance
Letter of introduction outlining project details

Issuing Organization:

The State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia (SRC) is the relevant customs authority. Equipment is usually declared at airport customs control points.

Website: https://www.src.am/