Ethiopia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Ethiopia, 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 Ethiopia

Capital

Addis Ababa

Main Cities

Mek’ele, Dire Dawa

Local Languages

Amharic; Somali; Afar; Oromo; Tigrigna

Currency

Ethiopian Birr

Climate

Mild and Temperate

General Visa Requirements:

Crew members should travel with passports valid for at least 6 months. A letter from the production company or employer confirming the purpose of travel is typically required. Ethiopia offers both an e-visa option and visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Required Documents:

Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Passport photos, if applying on arrival or through an embassy

Visa Application Process:

E-visa portal: https://www.evisa.gov.et

Processing Time:

E-visa processing typically takes around 3 working days. Visa on arrival is issued at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Cost:

Single-entry visas for 30 to 90 days typically cost around USD 50 to USD 100.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign media and documentary crews are required to obtain accreditation before filming. This is generally handled through the Government Communication Service (GCS), also referred to as the Ministry of Government Communication.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Equipment list
Crew CVs or resumes

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 to 3 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Approximately USD 300 to 500.

Issuing Organization:

General filming permissions are issued by the Ethiopian Government Communication Service (GCS). Depending on the filming location, additional approvals may also be required from regional authorities.

Required Documents:

Project synopsis
Crew passports
Letter from production company or employer
Shooting schedule and locations
Equipment list

Processing Time:

Approximately 2 to 4 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Fees vary depending on the scope and nature of the project and are usually assessed case by case.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private filming locations require permission from property owners and, in some cases, local authorities. Cultural and religious sites may require additional approvals.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location costs are negotiated case by case.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use is strictly regulated in Ethiopia, and both importation and operation require prior approval. Unauthorized drone use may result in confiscation or penalties. Restricted zones include urban centres, government sites, and border areas.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Importing drones requires prior approval. Local drone availability is limited, so importing equipment is generally recommended for professional productions.

Permit Issuance:

Drone permits are handled by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA).

Timing:

Approximately 2 to 3 weeks minimum.

Cost:

Approximately USD 300 to 600.

Carnet Status:

Ethiopia does not accept ATA Carnets. Productions must instead arrange a temporary import permit for professional equipment. It is strongly recommended to work with a local fixer or production service company to manage the import process.

Required Documents:

Equipment kit list
Serial numbers
Purchase or replacement value

Issuing Organization:

The relevant authority is the Ethiopian Customs Commission.

Timing:

Typically 1 to 3 days, although timing can vary.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on the import arrangement. Recommended contingency budget: Approximately USD 500 to 1,500

General Overview:

Ethiopia is generally safe for filming in major areas, but security conditions vary significantly by region. Careful planning is essential, especially for productions operating outside major urban centres.

Security Requirements:

Security personnel may be required depending on the filming location
Security needs increase for sensitive projects or remote areas
Travel permits may be required for certain regions
Risk assessment and location scouting are essential where regional instability may affect operations