Do I need a permit to film in Ghana?

Yes. National authorization is required and may involve municipal coordination.

Are incentives available?

Ghana offers investment facilitation and developing creative sector incentives.

Can I film at heritage forts and castles?

Yes, but heritage site permissions and protective measures apply.

Is drone filming allowed?

Drone operations require aviation authority approval.

Is Ghana suitable for urban and coastal shoots?

Yes. Accra and coastal regions offer accessible urban and Atlantic environments.

Can international productions import equipment?

Temporary import is supported through structured customs processes and carnet systems.

Ghana

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Ghana, 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 Ghana

Capital

Accra

Main Cities

Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi

Local Languages

Akan/Ewe/Ga/Dagaare/Dagbani/English

Currency

Ghanaian Cedi – GHS

Climate

Tropical Climate

General Visa Requirements:

Ghana is not part of the Schengen Area. Most foreign nationals, including those from the UK, EU member states, United States, Canada, and Australia, require a visa prior to arrival. Visas must generally be obtained through a Ghanaian embassy or consulate before travel. Visa-on-arrival is not standard practice and requires pre-approval in exceptional cases. Visitor status does not permit paid work. Filming and paid production activities require appropriate work authorisation and filming approval.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photographs
Invitation letter or production support letter
Proof of accommodation
Proof of onward or return travel
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
Proof of fee payment
Travel medical insurance (recommended)

Visa Application Process:

Application submitted through Ghanaian embassy or consulate
Supporting documentation required prior to travel
Work authorisation coordinated separately through local production partner

Official reference:
https://mfa.gov.gh/

Processing Time:

Standard visa processing typically 5–15 working days, depending on consulate. Work permits and filming approvals require 3–6 weeks, depending on scope and documentation.

Cost:

Visa fees vary by nationality and processing speed. Work permit and filming fees assessed case-by-case.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign cast and crew require work permits to undertake paid filming activities in Ghana. Productions must operate through a registered Ghanaian production company or local service company or fixer. Work permits are coordinated through the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations. Requirements depend on role, duration, and local skill availability.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Work permit application
Production letter outlining:
- Project overview
- Shooting schedule and locations
- Crew roles
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Equipment list
Insurance documentation

Processing Time:

Typically 3–6 weeks, depending on role and documentation completeness.

Cost:

Varies depending on duration, role, and ministry involvement.

Issuing Organization:

National Film Authority (NFA) – Ghana.

Required Documents:

Production title and synopsis
Full script (may be required)
Producer and director details
Shooting schedule and locations
Cast and crew list including passport details for foreign nationals
Equipment list
Insurance documentation
Local production partner details

Processing Time:

Standard permit timelines vary. Public spaces, government buildings, heritage sites, and drone use require additional coordination. Allow a minimum of 3–6 weeks.

Cost:

Fees vary depending on location, duration, public authority involvement, and security requirements.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permissions, fees, and timelines are negotiated directly with private property owners. Some locations may also require notification to local authorities.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Varies depending on property type and production impact.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations regulated by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Prior authorisation mandatory for all commercial drone filming
Restrictions apply near airports, military installations, government buildings, and densely populated urban areas
Operation without approval may result in confiscation or penalties

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones must be declared on arrival
Prior written approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority required before importation and operation

Permit Issuance:

Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Timing:

Minimum 10–20 working days.
Additional time may be required depending on airspace and location sensitivity.

Cost:

Assessed case-by-case depending on operational scope, duration, and airspace category.

Carnet Status:

Ghana accepts ATA Carnets for temporary importation of professional filming equipment.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet issued in the country of origin
Equipment lists aligned with carnet documentation
Supporting production documentation if requested

Issuing Organization:

Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs Division, coordinated through a local production partner or customs broker where required.

Timing:

Clearance handled at entry points. Timing depends on shipment size and inspection requirements.

Cost:

ATA Carnet issuance fees apply in the country of origin. Local customs handling or brokerage fees may apply.

General Overview:

Ghana is generally considered stable and production-friendly, with established support infrastructure in major cities.

Security Requirements:

Standard precautions recommended in urban areas
Additional coordination may be required for large public shoots
Police presence may be required for road closures or crowd control
Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for entry

Rebates/Incentives:

Ghana does not currently operate a formal national cash rebate programme comparable to European or island incentive models.

Available Support

Location facilitation through the National Film Authority
Production support services
Government coordination for approved productions
Industry networking support

Eligibility

International productions working through a Ghanaian-registered production company

Notes

Visa approval, work permits, filming permits, and drone approvals operate independently
Work permits must be secured prior to filming
Equipment documentation must align with customs requirements
Drone approval must be obtained before importation
Yellow Fever vaccination requirements must be met before entry