Honduras

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Honduras, 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 Honduras

Capital

Tegucigalpa

Main Cities

Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Choloma, El Progreso

Local Languages

Spanish, Garifuna, Miskito, English

Currency

Honduran Lempira (HNL)

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Many nationalities, including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Latin America, may enter Honduras visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement. A valid passport, onward travel, and accommodation details are generally required. Film productions should coordinate in advance with the relevant authorities, as filming activities may require additional registrations and approvals depending on the region and location type.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed entry form
Flight itinerary and accommodation details
Production registration details (as required per location)
Full crew list
Equipment manifest for customs clearance

Visa Application Process:

Eligible visitors receive visa-free entry upon arrival. Film productions should register or notify relevant municipal authorities and coordinate filming permissions through a licensed local fixer or production partner, particularly when filming in protected areas, cultural sites, or using drones.

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry is granted on arrival, while filming permit approvals typically take an average of five to ten business days.

Cost:

A modest tourist entry fee may apply at the border depending on nationality and entry point, while film permit fees vary based on municipality and protected-area requirements.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign crews must register production details with the relevant authorities, and a licensed Honduran fixer or producer is typically required to submit permits, secure protected-area access, manage customs clearance, and liaise with municipalities, national parks, and police where needed.

Required Documents:

Script or treatment
Filming schedule
Crew list with passport copies
Equipment list with serial numbers
Insurance documentation
Marine and jungle safety plans (if applicable)
Location permissions
Archaeological permits for heritage sites such as Copán

Processing Time:

Standard approvals generally take five to ten business days, while archaeological zones and national parks may require ten to twenty business days depending on site sensitivity and oversight requirements.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on production scale, protected-area access, municipal involvement, and special circumstances such as marine work, aerial filming, stunts, or night shoots.

Issuing Organization:

Honduras does not have one centralized national permitting body for all filming, and approvals are typically coordinated through municipal authorities and relevant national institutions depending on the location, including tourism and cultural/heritage bodies for protected and archaeological sites.

Required Documents:

Script or treatment
Storyboards (optional)
Filming schedule
Location list with permissions
Insurance documentation
Equipment list
Aerial, marine, or stunt plans
Archaeology permits where required

Processing Time:

Film permit processing typically takes five to ten business days for standard areas, while protected, cultural, and archaeological locations can take up to twenty days.

Cost:

Permit fees depend on the municipality, location type, crew size, local authority requirements, and the use of drones or specialized equipment.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Filming on private property requires written permission from the owner, negotiation of rates, compliance with local and environmental laws, and fixer oversight to manage agreements and approvals.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Private location fees vary widely based on exclusivity, property type, access requirements, preparation needs, and seasonal demand in coastal tourism areas.

Drone Regulations:

Drone use in Honduras is regulated and requires prior approval, particularly when operating near populated areas, airports, marine zones, and archaeological or protected sites.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones must be declared on arrival, and pre-submitted gear lists are recommended for temporary import clearance. Additional permissions may be required for marine and archaeological locations.

Permit Issuance:

Drone permits are issued through the national civil aviation authority, typically coordinated through the fixer alongside filming permissions.

Timing:

Drone permits are generally processed within five to ten business days.

Cost:

Drone permit fees are typically in the range of USD 20 to USD 40 depending on drone class and operational area.

Carnet Status:

Honduras does not accept ATA Carnets, and filming equipment must be brought in under temporary import procedures.

Required Documents:

Passports
Travel itinerary
Complete equipment manifest
Production registration confirmation
Customs broker forms

Issuing Organization:

Equipment customs clearance is handled by Honduras Customs and is typically facilitated by a licensed customs broker with fixer coordination.

Timing:

With pre-approval, customs clearance generally takes one to two days, while without pre-approval the process may take three to five days.

Cost:

Broker fees vary, and no duties are charged provided all equipment is re-exported.

General Overview:

Honduras can be a safe filming destination when working with licensed fixers and coordinating with local authorities. Well-developed areas for productions include the Bay Islands, Copán Ruinas, La Ceiba, the Pico Bonito region, and modern districts of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Key operational risks include mountain terrain, tropical storms during the wet season, strong coastal currents, rural road conditions, and wildlife exposure in rainforest zones.

Security Requirements:

Work with registered fixers and vetted local crew
Use certified marine and dive operators for ocean shoots
Hire professional jungle guides for inland filming
Follow all archaeological and protected-site regulations
Coordinate with municipalities and local police for public-area filming
Keep equipment secured during transport and storage

Rebates/Incentives:

Honduras does not currently offer formal film rebates or tax incentives. Productions may still benefit from facilitation support, location assistance, and partnerships through tourism bodies and local municipalities depending on the project scope.