Cuba

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Cuba, 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 Cuba

Capital

Havana

Main Cities

Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguín, Santa Clara, Guantánamo

Local Languages

Spanish (official)

Currency

Cuban Peso (CUP), Convertible Peso (CUC – phased out but still referenced)

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Foreign film crews must ensure proper visa/immigration status for filming in Cuba, which typically involves working visas or special authorisations beyond standard tourist entry. U.S. nationals may face additional restrictions due to the U.S. sanctions regime.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with sufficient validity.
Visa/entry permit appropriate for commercial/production activities (not tourist visas).
Crew list with names, roles, nationalities and arrival/departure dates.
Letter of intent or production company introduction with project details (for filming visa/permit application).
For U.S. nationals: Compliance with U.S. OFAC licensing regulations for commercial filming in Cuba.

Visa Application Process:

Submit required documentation well in advance; visiting media production permits should be submitted at least 10 working days before arrival.
Feature-film/commercial productions should allow 3–5 weeks or more for permit and visa processing, depending on script, locations, and equipment.
Work with a local Cuban production company/fixer to coordinate clearance.

Processing Time:

Processing typically ranges from about three weeks for simple media visits to several weeks or months for larger commercial productions.

Cost:

Visa fees are not publicly standardised, and Cuba currently offers no formal film tax rebates or incentives.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign crew may need official accreditation along with production or work visas.

Required Documents:

Letter of intent with project details.
Full crew list with passport details.
Detailed equipment list with serial numbers and values.
Script/treatment and shooting schedule.

Processing Time:

Work permits often take three to five weeks and can take longer for complex shoots.

Cost:

Fees for accreditation are not publicly listed, and local fixer fees typically apply.

Issuing Organization:

Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematográfica (ICAIC). A filming permit is required for public areas, heritage sites, and controlled zones.

Required Documents:

Letter of intent, script/treatment, shooting schedule, and estimated time in-country.
Location list with dates/times.
Equipment list, especially for drones and wireless gear.
Crew list.
Additional permits for restricted or heritage sites.

Processing Time:

Film permits usually require at least 10 working days and longer for complex operations such as drones or aerial filming.

Cost:

Permit fees vary by location and project scale and are not published consistently.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Prime or restricted locations require additional permissions negotiated with local authorities.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs vary by location, and approvals may require extended lead time, so early planning is advised.

Drone Regulations:

Aerial filming is tightly regulated and requires aviation authority approval.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones and wireless gear require prior authorisation and may need additional customs clearance.

Permit Issuance:

Instituto de Aeronáutica Civil de Cuba (IACC).

Timing:

Approvals for complex aerial setups can take months

Cost:

Costs are not standardised.

Carnet Status:

Cuba accepts ATA Carnet.

Required Documents:

Detailed equipment list with serial numbers and values.
Temporary import permit or customs manifest.
Insurance and export plan.

Issuing Organization:

Aduana General de la República de Cuba (AGRC).

Timing:

Customs clearance may take several working days, and wireless gear may face extra scrutiny.

Cost:

Duties or bonds may apply if not cleared as temporary imports.

General Overview:

Cuba offers rich, visually compelling locations and an established film tradition through ICAIC, but operates within a strict regulatory environment, including content oversight to protect national image. Infrastructure can be limited outside major centres.