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.

Meet our Local Team

Honduras

Franco

Client Brief

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Services We Provide in Honduras

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

Introduction

Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Honduras, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With deep local knowledge and hands-on experience, we manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Honduras offers a variety of stunning backdrops, including lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant cities—perfect for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Honduras? Hoodlum ensures a seamless production process, managing all logistics, including permits, visas, equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Honduras.

Country Overview:

Located in the heart of Central America, Honduras is bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, with coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country is known for its lush rainforests, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant indigenous cultures. Its capital, Tegucigalpa, serves as the political and economic center, while the northern city of San Pedro Sula is a major industrial hub.

Honduras boasts rich biodiversity and natural beauty, including the Bay Islands, a popular destination for scuba diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances from abroad play key roles in the economy. While the country faces challenges related to poverty and governance, it is also focusing on sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and infrastructure to drive growth.

Main Cities:

Tegucigalpa (capital), San Pedro Sula, Choloma, La Ceiba, El Progreso

Bordering Countries:

Guatemala (west), El Salvador (southwest), Nicaragua (east and southeast)

Local Languages:

Spanish (official), indigenous languages, and English (particularly in the Bay Islands)

Local Currency:

Honduran lempira (HNL), with US dollars widely accepted

Weather/Seasons:

Best Time to Film: Dry season (December to May) – generally sunny and dry

Not Ideal for Filming: Rainy season (June to November) – heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and tropical storms can disrupt filming

Visa Requirements

General Requirements

Film crews visiting Honduras typically need a tourist card, which can be obtained upon arrival. A special permit or visa may also be required based on the specific needs of the project.

Required Documentation

Valid passport
Proof of onward travel
Proof of financial resources
Letter explaining the purpose of the trip
Documentation related to the film project, including a script and location permits

Processing Time

Tourist visa: Typically, 3-5 business days

Business or special permit visa: Around 7-10 business days or more

Cost

Tourist visa: $30-$100 USD

Business or special permit visa: $100-$500 USD (depending on the type of visa and duration of stay)

Visa Application Link

For more details on visa applications, visit Honduras eVisa.

International Crew Accreditation

General Accreditation Requirements

Film crew members need to provide documentation, including:

Passport
Proof of medical insurance
Letter from the production company confirming their role and duration of stay in Honduras

Required Documentation for Application

To apply for crew accreditation, film crew members must submit:

Valid passport and ID
Proof of medical insurance
Letter from the production company
Completed accreditation application form

Processing Time

Crew accreditation typically takes 2-5 business days to process. However, additional documentation may extend this timeline.

Cost

Cost of crew accreditation is generally free or minimal, with administrative fees ranging from $10-$50 USD per person.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization

Film permits in Honduras are issued by the Instituto Hondureño de Turismo (IHT), in coordination with other relevant government agencies and local authorities.

Processing Time

The processing time for a film permit is typically 7-14 business days, but it may take longer if additional documentation or approvals are needed.

Required Documentation for Application

To apply for a film permit, producers must submit:

Script and storyboard
Location list and shooting schedule
Crew list and equipment list
Proof of liability insurance
Completed permit application form

Cost

The cost of a film permit in Honduras is generally free or minimal, ranging from $0-$50 USD per person. Additional administrative or processing fees may apply.Bottom of Form

Private Locations in Honduras

General Process

Hoodlum Film Fixers in Honduras plays a crucial role in securing private film locations. They are responsible for:

Negotiating with property owners
Obtaining necessary permits
Coordinating logistics, this ensures that the filming process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Cost

The cost of a private film location is negotiated based on the production’s specific needs, as detailed in the production synopsis. Prices will vary depending on the location and the arrangements made with the property owner or manager.

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations

Authorization required:

Drone operations for film and commercial purposes need prior approval from the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Compliance:

Operators must follow safety guidelines, including obtaining liability insurance, respecting restricted airspace, and adhering to other aviation safety rules.

Drone Importation Regulations

The importation of drones into Honduras requires a permit from the CAA and must comply with customs regulations, such as:

Payment of duties and taxes
Declaration of the drone’s value and intended use

Issuing Organization

Drone permits are issued by the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), also known as the Autoridad de Aviación Civil (AAC).

Required Information / Documentation for Local Drone Permit

To apply for a local drone permit, operators typically need to provide:

Completed permit application form
Proof of liability insurance
Drone registration documents
Pilot certification
Flight plan detailing coordinates, altitude, and other relevant information

Required Information / Documentation for Drone Importation

To import a drone into Honduras, operators typically need to provide:

Commercial invoice
Bill of lading
Certificate of origin
Proof of payment of duties and taxes
Detailed description of the drone (make, model, serial number)

Timing

The processing time for a drone permit in Honduras is typically 3-5 business days. However, depending on the complexity of the application and the CAA’s workload, it can take up to 10-15 business days.

Cost

The cost of a drone permit in Honduras generally ranges between $200-$500 USD, depending on the type of permit, its duration, and the specific requirements of the project.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is it a Carnet country?

No, Honduras is not a Carnet country, meaning the ATA Carnet cannot be used for temporary importation of goods.

General Process for Non-Carnet Country

For non-Carnet countries like Honduras, the process for temporarily importing film equipment involves:

Obtaining a temporary importation permit
Paying a bond or deposit
Providing a detailed inventory of the equipment
Ensuring that the equipment is re-exported within the designated timeframe.

Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance

When arriving in Honduras, film crews will need to present:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Certificate of origin
Detailed equipment list
Letter explaining the purpose of the shoot and the intended duration of stay

Issuing Organization

Customs clearance in Honduras is issued by the Honduran Customs Authority, also known as the Dirección Ejecutiva de Ingresos (DEI).

Timings

The customs clearance process typically takes 2-5 working days, but it could extend to 7-10 working days, depending on:

The complexity of the shipment
The accuracy of the documentation
The workload of the DEI

Cost

The cost for customs clearance typically ranges between $200-$500 USD. Additional fees may apply if a customs broker or agent is used, with their fee typically being 1-2% of the shipment’s value.

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives in Honduras

Honduras offers a Film Rebate Incentive. The Film Incentives Law, established by the Honduran government in 2017, aims to attract and promote film production in the country, offering financial incentives for eligible film productions.

Safety & Security

Type of Security Required

Given the high crime rates in some areas of Honduras, it is strongly advised for film crews to hire armed security personnel for the duration of their stay. This typically involves:

Off-duty police officers or
Private security companies to provide 24/7 protection for the crew, equipment, and locations.