Kuwait

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Kuwait, 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 Kuwait

Capital

Kuwait City

Main Cities

Hawalli, Al Ahmadi, Farwaniya

Local Languages

Arabic (official), English commonly used

Currency

Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

Climate

Desert

General Visa Requirements:

To enter Kuwait, visitors must obtain a visa in advance through the online application system.

Required Documents:

Application form
Scanned copy of your passport
Recent profile photo
Booking confirmation of accommodation
Any additional documents based on the country of origin

Visa Application Process:

Not available.

Processing Time:

Visa applications are typically processed within 5 working days.

Cost:

The visa fee is a maximum of 30 KWD (approximately $100). GCC residents may have reduced fees.

Accreditation Requirements:

All foreign crew members must obtain a temporary work permit to work in Kuwait.

Required Documents:

General filming permit
Recent profile photo
CV/Resume/Portfolio/IMDB link
Scanned copy of your passport
Estimated arrival and departure dates

Processing Time:

Accreditation typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Cost:

The accreditation fee is $180 per crew member, valid for 30 days.

Issuing Organization:

The general film permit is issued by the Ministry of Information in Kuwait.

Required Documents:

A letter from the local production company
List of foreign crew and cast with passport scans
Exact filming dates
Filming locations
Script/Treatment/Synopsis/Outlin

Processing Time:

Permits are usually processed within 3 to 4 working days.

Cost:

General filming permit: $1,500 Location fees: starting from $400 per location

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Our team will scout locations tailored to your project brief. Once a location is chosen, we will negotiate a standard location agreement with the owner to ensure a smooth filming process.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

The cost for private locations is project-specific, and we will collaborate with you to find options that fit your budget.

Drone Regulations:

Importing drones is subject to regulations, and advance notice of 2-3 months is required. Local professional drone operators can be arranged.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Local Drone Application: Operators must apply for personal annual licenses.
Drone Importation Application: We partner with licensed drone companies for this service.

Permit Issuance:

Drone permits are issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Timing:

Permit processing takes approximately 2 months.

Cost:

Varies depending on the drone’s make, specifications, payload capacity, and number of drones.

Carnet Status:

Kuwait is not a Carnet country.

Customs Clearance Process

Kuwait uses a “non-refundable bond” system for equipment clearance:

Equipment bond: 1% of the total equipment value (capped at $300)
Clearing agent fee: $450 per clearance (includes meeting the crew at the baggage hall)