Nepal

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Nepal, 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 Nepal

Capital

Kathmandu

Main Cities

Kathmandu / Pokhara / Lalitpur / Bharatpur / Birgunj / Biratnagar / Janakpur

Local Languages

Nepali, also known as Nepalese or Gorkhali

Currency

The local currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Climate

Tropical

General Visa Requirements:

Journalist/Film Visa (J-Visa): Required for professional filming, documentaries, news coverage, or media-related work. Tourist Visa with Special Permission: Sometimes allowed if the project is small-scale or for personal/non-commercial purposes, but requires approval from Nepalese authorities.

Required Documents:

Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity).
Completed & Signed Visa Application Form.
Two recent passport-sized photographs.
Proof of Visa Fee Payment.
Invitation Letter (from a Nepalese sponsor/organization).
Project Proposal (including script, shooting plan, crew list).
Equipment List (detailed inventory of cameras, drones, lighting, sound gear, etc.).
Crew Member Documents (passport copies, IDs, resumes)

Visa Application Process:

Online Application:
Apply through the Nepalese Embassy/Consulate portal: Visa Application Portal
Embassy/Consulate Submission:
If online not possible, submit physically (in person or via mail).
Payment:
Visa fees + equipment import charges (if applicable).
Interview:
May be required for a Journalist/Film Visa.

Processing Time:

7–14 working days.

Cost:

USD $120 (visa fee, excludes equipment fees or special permits).

Accreditation Requirements:

To film in Nepal, international film crews must obtain accreditation from the Nepalese authorities.

Required Documents:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa (Journalist/Film Visa or Tourist Visa with special permission)
Letter of Introduction (from production company or embassy)
Film Proposal (synopsis, shooting locations, and schedule)
Shooting Schedule
Equipment List
Crew List (with passports and roles)
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Payment (accreditation and permit fees)

Processing Time:

Standard Accreditation: 10-14 working days, the typical processing time for most film crews.

Cost:

Approx. $400-$1,600 USD

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Information and Communications (Nepal)

Required Documents:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa (Journalist/Film Visa or Tourist Visa with special permission)
Letter of Introduction (from production company or embassy)
Film Proposal (synopsis, shooting locations, and schedule)
Shooting Schedule
Equipment List
Crew List (with passports and roles)
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Payment (permit fees)

Processing Time:

2–5 working days

Cost:

USD $150

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location scouting and selection
Negotiation with property owner for permission and fees
Signing of Location Agreement contract
Payment of location fees (varies depending on property)
Obtaining Private Property Filming Permit from local authorities
Coordination with liaison officer/local fixer (if required)
Filming schedule and logistics planning

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Residential buildings: NPR 50,000 – 200,000 (~$400–$1,600) per day
Hotels/Resorts: NPR 100,000 – 500,000 (~$800–$4,000) per day
Restaurants/Bars: NPR 20,000 – 100,000 (~$160–$800) per day
Farms/Villages: NPR 10,000 – 50,000 (~$80–$400) per day
Industrial sites: NPR 50,000 – 200,000 (~$400–$1,600) per day
Private Property Filming Permit: NPR 5,000 – 10,000 (~$40–$80)
Local Authority Permit: NPR 5,000 – 20,000 (~$40–$160)
Location Manager/Liaison Officer: NPR 5,000 – 20,000 (~$40–$160) per day
Security/Staffing: NPR 5,000 – 20,000 (~$40–$160) per day
Equipment/Logistics: varies depending on requirements

Drone Regulations:

Permit Requirement – Drone permit mandatory from CAAN
Registration – Register drone with CAAN
Altitude Restriction – Max 400 ft (122 m) above ground level
No-Fly Zones – National parks, military zones, sensitive sites prohibited
Right of Way – Priority to manned aircraft
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) – Must maintain visual contact
Drone Operator – Must hold valid certification/license

Drone Importation Regulations:

Temporary Import Permit – Required for entry
Customs Declaration – Declare drone and accessories
Duty-Free Import – Exempted for filming (with valid permit)
Bond/Security – NPR 50,000 – 200,000 (~$400–$1,600) refundable deposit
Re-Export – Mandatory within 30 days

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

Timing:

3–5 working days

Cost:

Approx. $160 USD

Carnet Status:

General Process for Non-Carnet Countries:

Submit required documents
Pay duties/taxes or deposit (if applicable)
Clear customs before equipment release

Required Documents:

Commercial Invoice – detailed invoice for equipment and goods
Packing List – itemized list of equipment and goods
Certificate of Origin – proof of country of manufacture/origin
Carnet (ATA/TIR) – not applicable for Nepal, but included if used elsewhere
Film Permit – issued by Ministry of Information and Communications
Customs Declaration Form – completed & signed by film crew
Passports – of crew members
Nepalese Visa – valid visa for crew

Issuing Organization:

Nepal Customs Department

Timing:

2–5 hours (at airport customs)

Cost:

Customs Processing Fee: $50–$200 Security Deposit: 10%–50% of equipment value (refundable)

General Overview:

Research and planning – understand local conditions and risks
Hire local fixers/guides for scouting and logistics
Hire security personnel for high-risk locations
Insure equipment against theft, loss, or damage
Establish emergency protocols and evacuation plans
Consult with local experts before pre-production
Provide safety briefings and training for crew
Conduct location scouting and risk assessments
Follow local laws and regulations

Security Requirements:

To be determined when brief is received.

Rebates/Incentives:

No film rebates / incentives

Meet our Local Team

Nepal

Chandan

Chandan

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Selected Work by Our Local Partners in Asia

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Services We Provide in Nepal

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

News from the Region

Film Production Services in Nepal

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