Antigua & Barbuda

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Antigua & Barbuda, 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 Antigua & Barbuda

Capital

St. John’s

Main Cities

St. John’s, All Saints, Liberta, Codrington

Local Languages

English (official), Antiguan Creole

Currency

Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Climate

Tropical maritime

General Visa Requirements:

Antigua & Barbuda is not part of the Schengen Area. Many nationalities, including those from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, can enter visa-free for short stays, typically for tourism or business visits. Length of stay is determined by Immigration on arrival. Visitor status does not permit paid work. Filming activities generally require filming approval and production authorization from the relevant authorities.

Required Documents:

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Production support letter or invitation (for filming activity)

Visa Application Process:

Official reference:
https://ab.gov.ag/

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is present.

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry: granted on arrival for eligible nationalities Visa-required nationalities: processing time varies depending on the embassy

Cost:

Visa fees vary depending on nationality and visa type.

Accreditation Requirements:

International productions typically require filming approval coordinated through:

  • Antigua & Barbuda Department of Culture
  • Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

Applications are generally submitted with support from a local production partner or fixer.

Required Documents:

  • Passport copies for crew members
  • Production synopsis or treatment
  • Shooting schedule
  • List of filming locations
  • Equipment list

Processing Time:

Approximately 2–4 weeks.

Cost:

Accreditation and processing fees vary depending on production scale.

Issuing Organization:

Film permits are typically issued by:

  • Antigua & Barbuda Department of Culture
  • Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

Additional approvals may be required from:

  • Municipal authorities
  • National parks authorities
  • Local government departments depending on the location.

Required Documents:

  • Production synopsis or treatment
  • Shooting schedule
  • Crew list and job titles
  • Equipment list
  • Location details

Processing Time:

Allow 2–4 weeks for permit processing.

Cost:

Permit fees are not publicly standardised and depend on the production’s size, duration, locations, and equipment.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations are negotiated directly with property owners, typically coordinated by a local fixer or production partner.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location fees vary depending on:

  • property type
  • duration of filming
  • production scale

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations are regulated and require prior authorization.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones must be declared on arrival and may require additional approvals before operation.

Permit Issuance:

Antigua & Barbuda Civil Aviation Authority (ABCAA)

Timing:

Allow 1–2 weeks.

Cost:

Permit fees vary depending on usage and filming location.

Carnet Status:

Antigua & Barbuda accepts ATA Carnets for temporary duty-free import of film equipment.

Required Documents:

Temporary import of professional filming equipment typically requires:

  • ATA Carnet (recommended)
  • Equipment list
  • Production documentation

Equipment must be declared at customs on arrival.

Issuing Organization:

Antigua & Barbuda Customs and Excise Division

Timing:

Typically 1–3 working days, depending on inspection procedures.

Cost:

Customs handling fees may apply if equipment is imported without a carnet.

General Overview:

Antigua & Barbuda is generally considered a safe filming destination, particularly in established tourism areas.

Production Considerations

Working with local fixers and production partners is recommended for permits, logistics, and location coordination.

Security Requirements:

Security arrangements may be required depending on:

  • filming location

  • equipment value

  • production scale

Emergency Services

Emergency and medical services are available in major towns and tourist areas.

Rebates/Incentives:

The country currently offers no significant tax rebates or financial incentives for foreign film or television productions.

Meet our Local Team

Antigua & Barbuda

Sana

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Selected Work by Our Local Partners in The Caribbean
Play Video
Play Video

Services We Provide in Antigua & Barbuda

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits