Visa and Permit Requirements

The Ministry of Immigration is responsible for the application and processing of Ethiopia film permits. It is not a complicated process, but there is a fair amount of paperwork required. Film Fixers is able to navigate this process on your crews behalf, as we have built strong relationships with the authorities over time. Allow Film Fixers to secure your crews’ Ethiopia film permit, or simply peruse our website for general information. Either way, we’re here to help!

Some permits require permissions from other branches of government in Ethiopia, such as drone permits. These specific permissions will often have additional costs attached to them, however these costs are extremely affordable.

Film Fixers has been through the process of obtaining Ethiopia film permits a number of times, and has a network of support on the ground. This special access makes the process easier, and with fewer complications. Aside from assisting you with your application for Ethiopia film visas and Ethiopia film permits, we can help you with general information on Ethiopia as a location, so give us a call!

Applying for Ethiopian film permits begins in your country of origin, or through Film Fixers, who manages the process directly. We apply with a motivational letter through Ethiopia Immigration that is forwarded by your crew’s embassy. We have found that a specific format for the letter works best, so contact us for more. As with most countries, it is important to keep pushing, and our network knows the drill. The approval is then collected from Immigration in Addis Ababa on arrival, with a small fee attached.

Regional Film Fee: In many cases, there may also be a Regional Film Permit  – again, depending on the region where the production will take place. Again, there is a nominal fee for this Permit, varying depending on the location and nature of filming.

Local Film Fee: And to complicate matters, there may also be an informal fee imposed by the Chief of the local village/community where filming/production will take place! This is a negotiable fee – so be prepared to negotiate!

All crew will need to apply for a Work Visa from the Ethiopian Embassy at origin, and this is separate from the film permit. This formal document needs to be submitted with a passport and a letter of invitation, which we will provide.

There is a fee attached to the visa, and crews should allow for at least 30 days for visa approval.

Crews need a motivational letter for equipment brought into Ethiopia, however this is separate from the Ethiopia film permit.

This letter must detail equipment type, serial numbers and value, as well as a separate list on an official letterhead. Ethiopia has stringent customs protocol, which has more to do with security than anything else. This is why it is important to be thorough with the equipment lists, although the customs process is quite seamless. There is a fee for the process, which includes a fee for the clearing official.

Drones are not permitted in Ethiopia, meaning that the customs process at the airports is extremely stringent. Immigration and customs might search bags several times for drones, however we can always hire local pilots if need be.

The Ministry of Defense will sometimes give approval for drones, but this is very rare. A well-written application is necessary for this to happen, and crews should do this well in advance. We cannot stress enough the value of our network on the ground to push the process, as it has saved us time and money in the past. It isn’t a case of negotiation, it’s a case of who you know!