Do I need a visa to film in St Barths?

Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, but visa-free entry does not automatically authorize paid filming activity. Work authorization may still be required depending on nationality, role, and production setup.

Is St Barths part of Schengen?

No. Although St Barths is linked to France, it is outside the Schengen Area for immigration purposes. Customs treatment also has specific overseas-territory considerations under French rules.

Who handles filming permits?

Filming permissions are coordinated through the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy, with added coordination sometimes needed for ports, airports, police, and public-space-sensitive locations.

Yes, but commercial drone filming generally requires prior approval and must comply with French and EU aviation rules. Restrictions apply in crowded, urban, and aviation-sensitive areas.

Does St Barths accept ATA Carnets?

Yes. ATA Carnets are accepted through French customs procedures, but routing and customs handling should be planned carefully, often via the point of entry in the region.

Is St Barths safe for international crews?

Yes. It is generally considered very safe and production-friendly, though island logistics and limited infrastructure capacity make early planning important.

What kinds of projects work best in St Barths?

Luxury commercials, travel content, fashion shoots, hospitality campaigns, premium reality, and yacht or villa-based productions tend to work especially well.

St Barth’s

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in St Barth’s, 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 St Barth’s

Capital

Gustavia.

Main Cities

Gustavia

Local Languages

French, French Creole / patois influences in everyday life.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Climate

Tropical Caribbean climate

General Visa Requirements:

St Barths is an overseas collectivity of France located in the Caribbean. While politically linked to France, St Barths is outside the Schengen Area for immigration purposes. Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia passport holders, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days, depending on nationality. Entry is typically via St Martin, whether Sint Maarten or Saint-Martin, and is subject to local immigration controls. Visitor status does not permit paid work. Filming or paid production activities may require work authorisation and local filming approvals.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Proof of accommodation
Proof of onward or return travel
Production invitation or support letter for work authorisation
Work authorisation application, where applicable
Proof of fee payment
Travel medical insurance, recommended

Visa Application Process:

Official reference: https://www.service-public.fr/

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry is granted on arrival for eligible nationalities. Work authorisation and filming approvals should generally be allowed 2 to 4 weeks, depending on scope and documentation.

Cost:

Visa-free entry applies for many nationalities. Fees for filming permits and work authorisations vary depending on production scope.

Accreditation Requirements:

Foreign cast and crew may require temporary work authorisation for paid filming activities. Productions typically operate through a local St Barths fixer or production service company, or through coordination with local authorities and the French administrative system. Requirements depend on duration of stay, role, and nationality. Early coordination with a local partner is recommended.

Required Documents:

Requirements depend on duration of stay, role, and nationality.

Processing Time:

Requirements depend on duration of stay, role, and nationality.

Cost:

Requirements depend on duration of stay, role, and nationality.

Issuing Organization:

Filming permissions are coordinated through the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy. Depending on the location, additional coordination may also be required with local municipal authorities, police services, and port or airport authorities.

Required Documents:

Production title and synopsis
Producer and director details
Shooting schedule and locations
Cast and crew list
Equipment list
Insurance documentation
Local production partner or fixer details

Processing Time:

Permit timelines vary depending on location and scope. Filming in public areas, beaches, ports, or busy town centres may require additional coordination. Productions should generally allow at least 2 to 3 weeks.

Cost:

Fees vary depending on location, duration, public authority involvement, and any traffic control or police coordination required.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permissions, fees, and timelines are negotiated directly with private property owners. Many locations, including villas, resorts, and beaches, are privately managed and require separate commercial agreements.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs vary depending on the property, duration, and production requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations follow French and EU EASA aviation regulations. Prior authorisation is required for commercial drone filming. Restrictions apply near airports and heliports, urban areas, ports and sensitive infrastructure, as well as crowded beaches and public gatherings.

Drone Importation Regulations:

No specific import permit is typically required for temporary entry. Drones must comply with EU drone regulations and may require operator registration.

Permit Issuance:

The relevant authority is the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC).

Timing:

Applications are reviewed case by case. Productions should generally allow 10 to 15 working days for approval.

Cost:

Fees depend on airspace classification and scope of operation.

Carnet Status:

ATA Carnets are accepted through French customs procedures. Temporary import of professional filming equipment can be handled using an ATA Carnet.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Supporting customs and logistics documentation, where required

Issuing Organization:

Carnets are processed at the point of entry, often via St Martin. A local production partner or customs broker may assist with logistics.

Timing:

Carnet clearance is handled at entry and exit points, with timing depending on shipment size and customs workload.

Cost:

Carnet issuance fees apply in the country of origin. Local handling or logistics fees may apply.

General Overview:

St Barths is generally considered very safe and production-friendly. Standard precautions are recommended in busy tourist areas. The island has limited infrastructure and logistics capacity, so early planning is advised.

Security Requirements:

Apply standard precautions in busy tourist areas
Plan early due to limited infrastructure and logistics capacity

Rebates/Incentives:

St Barths does not currently offer a dedicated local film rebate or incentive programme. Productions may occasionally access French or regional funding structures depending on project structure and co-production status.