Security requirements for filming may include hiring local security personnel, obtaining police permits, and potentially armed guards, especially for filming.
Bishkek
Osh and Naryn
Kyrgyz, a Turkic language, and Russian is also widely spoken and has official status.
Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS).
Tropical Climate
E-Visa Application Portal
https://evisa.e-gov.kg/
To film in Kyrgyzstan, film crews typically need to obtain accreditation through the State Agency for Cinematography, registering their production and obtaining necessary permits, while also ensuring their director or key personnel meet specific requirements or have relevant experience.
For a film permit in Kyrgyzstan, the required documentation typically includes the film script, project description, detailed shooting schedule, location details, list of crew and cast, and sometimes a letter of guarantee or proof of insurance.
In Kyrgyzstan, film permits are typically issued by the State Agency for Cinematography, under the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy, or other relevant authorities depending on the specific requirements.
State Agency for Cinematography (Kyrgyzstan)
http://www.kyrgyzcinema.com/
Our local Fixer plays a key role in securing permissions to film at private locations, such as homes, businesses, and estates. This involves negotiating with property owners, obtaining the necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
The cost of filming at a private location cannot be determined until the production schedule is provided.
Commercial drone use, including for film production, requires a permit.
Importing drones into Kyrgyzstan is subject to customs regulations, which may include duties or taxes.
Drone permits are issued by the State Service of Aviation (Directorate of Aviation), though additional clearances may be required depending on the project’s scope and location.
Directorate of Civil Aviation – Kyrgyzstan
https://caa.gov.kg/
UAV Coach – Kyrgyzstan Drone Laws
https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-kyrgyzstan/
(Simplified drone law summary for filmmakers.)
Drone import and operation permits take 5 to 15 working days to process. Applying 1 to 2 months in advance is recommended.
Permit costs are not fixed and may vary based on drone weight (particularly for units over 1 kg) and intended use.
Yes, Kyrgyzstan accepts the ATA Carnet, which allows for the temporary import of professional equipment without paying duties or taxes, under certain conditions.
Productions using an ATA Carnet must present the document to customs officials upon both entry and exit. Proper stamping and documentation ensure smooth clearance and avoid extra charges.
The State Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan oversees all import and export procedures.
Security requirements for filming may include hiring local security personnel, obtaining police permits, and potentially armed guards, especially for filming.
Security requirements for filming may include hiring local security personnel, obtaining police permits, and potentially armed guards, especially for filming.
15–20% rebate on eligible in-country production expenses for both international and local filmmakers, as part of its initiative to position itself as a key filming destination in Central Asia.
Kyrgysztan
Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.
Production Support Kyrgyzstan is essential for international productions entering one of Central Asia’s…
Kyrgyzstan is defined by elevation. More than ninety percent of the country lies…
Kyrgyzstan offers one of Central Asia’s most visually striking and environmentally distinctive filming…
Hoodlum delivers exceptional local fixer services in Kyrgyzstan, offering vital in-country production support for international film and television crews. Backed by deep regional expertise and hands-on industry know-how, our team facilitates every stage of your shoot—from pinpointing striking locations and securing official permits to assembling trusted local crew and sourcing equipment—ensuring your production unfolds smoothly and without delay.
With its sweeping mountain ranges, remote steppe landscapes, vibrant markets, and authentic village life, Kyrgyzstan presents an extraordinary canvas for feature films, documentaries, TV series, commercials, and still photography. The country’s raw, unspoiled beauty and cultural depth provide filmmakers with fresh and distinctive visual opportunities.
Bringing your production to Kyrgyzstan? Trust Hoodlum’s seasoned local fixers to manage every logistic—from permissions and scouting to transport and post-production resources—while you concentrate on telling your story. Reach out to Hoodlum to discover how we can transform your Kyrgyzstan shoot into a streamlined and successful production.
Kyrgyzstan, set along the historic Silk Road in Central Asia, is a land of striking contrasts where snow-capped peaks rise above sweeping grasslands and deep alpine lakes.
Among the most sought-after locations are the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, the surreal red rock formations of Skazka (Fairy Tale Canyon), and the vast, shimmering expanse of Issyk-Kul Lake—one of the world’s largest alpine lakes. Bishkek, the capital, provides a blend of Soviet-era architecture and modern cityscapes, while the stone caravanserai of Tash Rabat and the ancient towns of Osh and Naryn unveil the country’s deep historical roots.
With its welcoming communities, and political stability, Kyrgyzstan is perfectly suited for features, documentaries, TV series, and commercial shoots. From rugged mountain passes to remote steppe villages, the country’s dramatic and varied settings offer filmmakers an extraordinary visual palette rarely found elsewhere.
Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east.
Kyrgyz, a Turkic language, and Russian is also widely spoken and has official status.
Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS).
The ideal filming period is from May to October, when weather conditions are dry, clear, and accessible for most locations, including mountains, lakes, and rural areas.
Spring and summer offer lush scenery and open high-altitude routes, while autumn brings rich golden landscapes. Winter (November to April) is cold with heavy snow, limiting access but suitable for productions.
General Entry Requirements
Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan, which can be easily obtained online via the official e-visa portal. A valid passport, recent passport photo, and payment of the visa fee are required.
Required Documentation
E-Visa Application Portal
https://evisa.e-gov.kg/
General Accreditation Requirements
Foreign film crews are required to obtain accreditation through Kyrgyzstan’s State Agency for Cinematography. This process involves registering the production and securing the appropriate filming permits. Directors, producers, or key personnel may need to provide proof of relevant professional experience.
Required Documentation
Processing Time
Processing of film permits typically takes 1 to 3 months. Applying well in advance is strongly recommended.
Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy
https://minkultur.gov.kg/
(For official oversight on film policy, permits, and cultural matters.)
Cost
Accreditation fees depend on the size, scope, and nature of the production. Exact costs should be verified with the State Agency for Cinematography at the time of application.
Issuing Organisation
Film permits in Kyrgyzstan are generally issued by the State Agency for Cinematography, operating under the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy. Depending on the nature of the project, additional approvals from other local authorities may be required.
Processing Time
Permit processing typically takes 1 to 3 months. However, applying 3 to 6 months in advance is strongly advised to allow for any unforeseen delays.
Cost
Permit fees vary based on the production’s size, scope, and prior accreditations. Exact costs should be confirmed with the issuing authority during the application process.
State Agency for Cinematography (Kyrgyzstan)
http://www.kyrgyzcinema.com/
General Process
Our local Fixer plays a key role in securing permissions to film at private locations, such as homes, businesses, and estates. This involves negotiating with property owners, obtaining the necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Cost
The cost of filming at a private location cannot be determined until the production schedule is provided.
Drone Regulations
Commercial drone use, including for film production, requires a permit.
Drone Importation Regulations
Importing drones into Kyrgyzstan is subject to customs regulations, which may include duties or taxes.
Issuing Authority
Drone permits are issued by the State Service of Aviation (Directorate of Aviation), though additional clearances may be required depending on the project’s scope and location.
Required Documentation for Local Drone Permit
Processing Time
Drone import and operation permits take 5 to 15 working days to process. Applying 1 to 2 months in advance is recommended.
Cost
Permit costs are not fixed and may vary based on drone weight (particularly for units over 1 kg) and intended use.
Directorate of Civil Aviation – Kyrgyzstan
https://caa.gov.kg/
UAV Coach – Kyrgyzstan Drone Laws
https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-kyrgyzstan/
(Simplified drone law summary for filmmakers.)
Carnet Status
Yes, Kyrgyzstan accepts the ATA Carnet, which allows for the temporary import of professional equipment without paying duties or taxes, under certain conditions.
Process for Carnet Holders
Productions using an ATA Carnet must present the document to customs officials upon both entry and exit. Proper stamping and documentation ensure smooth clearance and avoid extra charges.
Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Issuing Authority
The State Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan oversees all import and export procedures.
Cost
Customs clearance fees can range from 5% to 20% of the declared value of the goods, with potential additional costs for customs brokerage, paperwork processing, and related services.
15–20% rebate on eligible in-country production expenses for both international and local filmmakers, as part of its initiative to position itself as a key filming destination in Central Asia.
Security requirements for filming may include hiring local security personnel, obtaining police permits, and potentially armed guards, especially for filming.
Dmitry Hoodlum
Kyrgyzstan
Complete our short brief and we will swiftly get back to you !
