Guatemala

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala

Capital

Guatemala City

Main Cities

Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Flores (Petén), Quetzaltenango (Xela), Puerto San José / Pacific Coast

Local Languages

Spanish, 20+ Mayan languages

Currency

Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Guatemala allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days for many nationalities, including travelers from the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most Latin American countries. Productions should coordinate entry requirements with both Guatemalan Immigration and the Guatemala Film Commission to ensure compliance with current filming regulations.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Entry form (if required)
Accommodation and flight information
Film Commission registration
Equipment manifest for customs
Full crew list

Visa Application Process:

Visa-free travelers simply enter on arrival. Productions must register with the Guatemala Film Commission before filming, and any required visa or entry documentation should be coordinated through the official immigration portal.

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry is granted immediately upon arrival for eligible nationalities. Film permits issued through the Film Commission typically take between five and ten business days to process.

Cost:

Entry is generally free of charge for visa-exempt travelers. Film permit fees vary widely depending on municipality and specific filming locations.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign productions must complete registration with the Guatemala Film Commission before any filming activities take place. A registered local fixer or line producer is required to submit permits, coordinate customs procedures, secure access to protected areas, and manage communication with municipal and cultural authorities.

Required Documents:

Script or treatment
Filming schedule
Crew list with passport copies
Gear list with serial numbers
Insurance documentation
Risk and safety plan
Location permissions
Archaeology permits for Maya sites

Processing Time:

Standard accreditation approvals take approximately five to ten business days. Productions filming in archaeological zones should allow ten to twenty days due to additional governmental review.

Cost:

Accreditation costs vary depending on the type and scale of production, the level of government involvement, and any protection measures required at specific sites.

Issuing Organization:

Film permits in Guatemala are issued by the Guatemala Film Commission.

Required Documents:

Script or treatment
Storyboards (optional)
Full filming schedule
List of locations with permissions
Insurance certificates
Equipment inventory
Aerial, marine, or stunt plans
Archaeology permits for sites such as Tikal and Yaxhá

Processing Time:

Standard film permits are processed within five to ten business days. Filming in protected cultural or natural zones, including national parks or archaeological sites, may require up to twenty days for approval.

Cost:

Permit fees vary based on the municipality, whether the area is a national park or archaeological zone, crew size, equipment needs, drone usage, and whether the production is commercial or documentary.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Filming on private property requires written consent from the owner, negotiation of usage fees, adherence to cultural and environmental regulations, and local fixer oversight to manage contracts and legal compliance.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs for private locations vary depending on the property's age, heritage status, size, exclusivity, and any preparation or restoration required by the production.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations in Guatemala are overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), which regulates all aerial filming activities.

Drone Importation Regulations:

All drones must be declared upon arrival in Guatemala. Temporary import approval requires detailed equipment lists, and certain zones—particularly archaeological sites and national parks—require dual authorization from both DGAC and the Ministry of Culture.

Permit Issuance:

Drone permits are issued by the DGAC, the national civil aviation authority.

Timing:

Drone permits generally require seven to twelve business days to process, depending on operational zones and permit volume.

Cost:

Standard drone permit processing fees typically range between $20 and $40 USD, with additional charges possible for protected or sensitive areas.

Carnet Status:

Guatemala does not participate in the ATA Carnet system and therefore requires alternative temporary import procedures.

Required Documents:

Passports
Travel itinerary
Complete equipment list with values
Production registration confirmation
Customs broker forms

Issuing Organization:

Equipment clearance is overseen by the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT).

Timing:

With pre-approval, temporary importation can be completed within one to two days. Without pre-approval, customs clearance may require three to five days.

Cost:

Customs clearance typically involves broker fees only, with no import duties charged as long as all equipment is re-exported.

General Overview:

Guatemala offers a safe and structured filming environment when productions collaborate with licensed local professionals. Frequently used and secure regions include Antigua Guatemala, the Lake Atitlán area, Flores and the Petén region, and modern districts of Guatemala City. Environmental and logistical risks include volcanic activity, dense jungle terrain, challenging rural roads, and heavy rainfall during the wet season.

Security Requirements:

Productions should work with licensed local fixers, employ certified guides for jungle or volcano shoots, follow all regulations at archaeological sites, secure equipment during transport, use local police or private security when needed, and coordinate with municipalities for filming in public spaces.

Rebates/Incentives:

Guatemala does not currently offer financial film rebates or tax credits. However, productions may benefit from government facilitation, assistance with cultural institutions, location support, and tourism partnerships coordinated through the Guatemala Film Commission.

Meet our Local Team

Guatamala

Josue

Gautamala

Juan

Client Brief

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

Services We Provide in Guatemala

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

News from the Region

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Introduction

Hoodlum provides exceptional film fixer services in Guatemala, offering complete production support for international film and television crews. With our extensive local knowledge and hands-on experience, we manage every element of your shoot—from obtaining permits and assisting with visas to location scouting, sourcing crew, renting equipment, handling customs, arranging transportation, organizing accommodation, and supporting post-production.

Guatemala’s stunning and varied landscapes—from lush rainforests and ancient ruins to volcanic mountains and vibrant colonial cities—serve as the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Guatemala? Hoodlum takes care of the logistics, ensuring smooth operations from securing permits and visas to coordinating equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us handle the details while you focus on making your creative vision a reality. Contact us today for seamless, expert production support in Guatemala.

Country Overview

This region offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences, making it an attractive location for filmmakers. Here’s an overview of filming in Guatemala:

Diverse Landscapes – Guatemala boasts a variety of landscapes, including volcanic highlands, tropical rainforests, and Pacific coastlines.
Rich Cultural Heritage – A mix of Mayan, Spanish, and African influences provides unique backdrops and storytelling opportunities.
Friendly and Welcoming People – Guatemalans are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature.
Relatively Low Costs – Guatemala offers more affordable filming costs compared to other Central American countries.
Government Support – The Guatemalan government provides tax incentives and streamlined permitting processes to support film productions.
Language Considerations – Spanish is the predominant language, though many Guatemalans speak some English. Hiring local translators may be necessary.

Major Cities

This region is home to several major cities, including:

Guatemala City
Quetzaltenango
Escuintla
Zacapa
Jalapa
Mazatenango
Antigua Guatemala
Panajachel
Chichicastenango
Flores
San Pedro La Laguna
Cobán

Borders and Language

This region shares borders with:

Mexico
Belize
Honduras
El Salvador

The official language is Spanish, but 23 Mayan languages, Garífuna, and Xinca are also spoken, making a total of 26 languages in the country.

Currency

The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), with an exchange rate of approximately 7.6 GTQ per 1 US$.

Climate

Spring (March to May) – Mild temperatures (70-80°F/21-27°C) with minimal rainfall.
Summer (June to August) – Warm (80-90°F/27-32°C) with increased humidity and heavy rains.
Autumn (September to November) – Comfortable (70-80°F/21-27°C) with decreasing humidity.
Winter (December to February) – Cooler (60-70°F/16-21°C) with minimal rainfall.

Popular Filming Locations

Antigua – A colonial city with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Lake Atitlán – A picturesque lake surrounded by three volcanic peaks and traditional Mayan villages.
Tikal National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the largest and most impressive Mayan archaeological sites.
Pacific Coast – A scenic coastline with black sand beaches, volcanic rocks, and vibrant surf towns.

Film-Friendly Services

Local Fixers and Production Companies – Many local companies offer fixer services, equipment rental, and production support.
Equipment Rental – Film equipment is available for rent in Guatemala City and Antigua.
Crew and Talent – Guatemala has a growing film industry with skilled local crew members and talent.

Permits and Regulations

Film Permits – Required for filming in public spaces, national parks, and archaeological sites.
Customs Regulations – Temporary importation of film equipment is allowed but subject to regulations and permits.
Tax Incentives – Available for productions that hire local crew members and use local services.

General Requirements for Filming

Visa Application

Apply via the Guatemalan Immigration Authority’s website under “Visa de Trabajo” (Work Visa) for film activities.

Required Documentation:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Letter from production company detailing purpose, locations, and crew members
Proof of payment for visa fee ($50-$100)
Health insurance (advised but not obligatory)
Equipment and materials list
Tax payment proof (if applicable)

Specific Film Crew Requirements

Film Permit Application – Obtainable from the Guatemalan Institute of Cinema (ICINE) or Ministry of Culture.
Script and Storyboard – Rough copies are acceptable.
Shooting Schedule – Dates, times, and locations must be included.
Crew and Equipment List – Passports, positions, and serial numbers.
Liability Insurance – Recommended but not mandatory.
Environmental Impact Assessment – Required for filming in protected areas.

Timing and Costs

Visa Application: 5-10 business days, $50-$150
Provisional Import Document: Apply at least one month in advance
Film Permit: Free but requires a registration process

Accreditation and Permits

ICINE Registration:

Not required

Accreditation Fee:

Not applicable

Permit Authorities:

Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes – Cultural or historical locations
Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo – Tourist areas
ICINE – Potential registration requirements

Temporary Film Gear Import Regulations

Guatemala is a carnet country, meaning film gear can be temporarily imported without duties under the ATA Carnet System. Importation is regulated by the Guatemalan Customs Authority (SAT):

Carnet Requirements:

Apply for an ATA Carnet through the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce or a local customs broker.

Temporary Import Regulations:

Obtain a Temporary Import Permit from the Guatemalan Customs Authority.
Provide a detailed inventory of film equipment, including serial numbers, descriptions, and values.
Attach a commercial invoice listing the equipment’s value, weight, and dimensions.
Declare equipment at customs upon arrival and departure.
Ensure all equipment is re-exported within the authorized timeframe (6-12 months).
Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or confiscation of equipment.

Additional Considerations

Insurance – Recommended for equipment loss, theft, or damage.
Customs Broker – Hiring a local broker is advised for smoother importation.
Local Fixer/Production Company – Partnering with local professionals ensures compliance with regulations.
Planning Ahead – Allow sufficient time for carnet application and import permits.

Conclusion

Guatemala offers a unique and diverse range of filming locations, a rich cultural heritage, and a relatively low-cost environment. While some logistical challenges exist, the country’s supportive government policies, experienced film industry professionals, and stunning backdrops make it an increasingly popular filming destination for international productions.

For further assistance, connect with our local experts to ensure a smooth production process in Guatemala.