Introduction
Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Comoros and Mayotte, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With deep local knowledge and hands-on experience, we manage 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.
The islands of Comoros and Mayotte boast breathtaking landscapes—turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and vibrant coastal villages—making them ideal locations for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.
Planning a shoot in Comoros or Mayotte? Hoodlum ensures a seamless production process, handling all logistics, including permits, visas, equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Comoros and Mayotte.
Main Cities
The Comoros and Mayotte is an archipelago island nation off the coast of East Africa. The main cities include:
- Moroni (the capital)
- Fomboni
- Mutsamudu
- Domoni
- Itsandra
Bordering Countries
As an island nation, the Comoros and Mayotte does not share land borders with any other countries. However, it is located nearby:
- Mozambique
- Tanzania
- Madagascar
Local Languages
The official languages of the Comoros are:
- Comorian (a Bantu language)
- French
- Arabic Comorian is the most widely spoken local language.
Local Currency
The local currency of the Comoros and Mayotte is the Comorian franc (KMF).
Weather / Seasons
Best time to film:
The dry season from May to October is the ideal time for filming, with generally sunny and dry weather, perfect for outdoor shoots.
Wet season:
From November to April, the region experiences heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high humidity, which makes it less suitable for outdoor filming.
Visa Requirements for Filmmakers
General Requirement
Visitors, including filmmakers, typically require a visa to enter the Comoros and Mayotte, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance from a Comorian embassy or consulate.
Requirements include a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and payment of a visa fee.
Required Information / Documentation for Application
Filmmakers applying for a visa need to submit the following:
- Valid passport
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of vaccination
- Letter of intent
- Copy of the film script
- List of equipment and crew members
Processing Time
Typically takes 3-7 working days to process the visa.
Cost
Visa fees range from $50 – $100 USD.
Visa Application Link
For more information on applying, visit: Comoros Visa Information
International Crew Accreditation
General Accreditation Requirements
Film crew accreditation is required in Comoros. This involves registering with the Comorian Ministry of Communication, Culture, Youth, and Sports and obtaining a permit.
The accreditation process typically takes around 2-5 working days.
Required Information / Documentation for Application
To apply for crew accreditation, required documentation typically includes:
- Copy of the film script
- Detailed shooting schedule
- List of crew members with roles and passport details
- Proof of liability insurance and equipment insurance
Processing Time
Accreditation typically takes around 2-5 working days to process.
Cost
The cost for crew accreditation is $20 – $50 USD per crew member.
General Film Permit in Comoros
Issuing Organization
The organization responsible for issuing film permits in the Comoros and Mayotte is the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture, Arts, and Civic Education. However, this information may be subject to change, so it’s recommended to verify the details on the Comorian government’s official website or by contacting the Ministry directly for the most current information.
Timings
It typically takes 2-4 weeks to process the film permit application.
Required Information / Documentation for Application
To apply for a film permit in the Comores, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Copy of your passport
- Detailed film script
- Film synopsis
- Filming schedule
- Proof of payment for the permit fee
Cost
The cost of a film permit in the Comores is approximately $372 USD (around 1,600 Comorian francs).
Private Locations
General Process
Hoodlum Film Fixers in the Comores is responsible for securing private film locations, including obtaining permission from property owners, negotiating fees, and coordinating the logistics for filming.
Cost
The cost of securing a private film location in the Comores can only be confirmed after receiving the production schedule. Location fees are typically calculated based on the specific requirements and duration of the shoot.
Drone Permit
Drone Regulations
In the Comores, drone operations require authorization from the Comorian Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA). Specific rules apply to recreational, commercial, and surveillance drone operations.
Drone Importation Regulations
Drone importation is regulated by the Comorian Customs Authority. A license is required, along with the payment of duties and taxes. Certain types of drones and equipment may have restrictions.
Issuing Organization
Drone permits in the Comores are issued by the Agence Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ANAC), the national civil aviation authority responsible for regulating drone operations.
Required Documentation for Local Drone Application
To operate a drone locally, applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Proof of identity
- Proof of ownership or rental agreement
- Certificate of registration issued by ANAC
Required Documentation for Drone Importation
For importing a drone, applicants must provide:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Technical datasheet with drone specifications
Timings
The permit application process typically takes 2-4 weeks (14-28 days).
Cost
The cost of obtaining a drone permit or importing a drone is between 500-1,250 USD.
Equipment Customs Clearance in Comoros
Is it a Carnet Country?
No, the Comores is not a Carnet country.
General Process for Non-Carnet Countries
In non-Carnet countries like the Comores, a Temporary Import Bond (TIB) or bank guarantee is typically required. This involves lodging a security deposit or bond with the customs authority to ensure the re-exportation of temporarily imported goods.
Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Film crews arriving in the Comores need to present:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Detailed equipment list with serial numbers
- Letter of authorization from the Ministry of Communication and Culture
Issuing Organization
The Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD) is responsible for issuing customs clearance in the Comores.
Timings
The customs clearance process typically takes 2-5 working days.
Cost
The cost of customs clearance is about 5-10% of the total value of the goods being imported, plus a fixed fee of approximately 5,000-10,000 KMF (around 12-25 USD).
Film Rebates and Tax Incentives
Currently, the Comores does not offer any film rebate or tax incentive programs for foreign film productions.
Safety & Security
General Country Overview
The Comores offers unique and unspoiled filming locations, including volcanic landscapes, tropical forests, and pristine beaches. However, infrastructure and logistical support are limited, so careful planning and coordination are required for filming.
Type of Security Required
Film productions in the Comoros typically need to arrange private security. This may involve hiring local security personnel or bringing in a foreign security team, as local police may not provide sufficient support.