Category: Film Permit

FILM VISA IN NEPAL

Posted on by userktmfilms

Contact- Email:  Info@kathmandufilms.com

Mob- +977 9851354619

Obtaining a film visa in Nepal is essential for foreign filmmakers planning to shoot a film or documentary in the country. Here’s a blog post discussing the process of obtaining a film visa in Nepal:

Film Visa Process in Nepal

Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities make it a popular destination for filmmakers from around the world. Whether you’re shooting a feature film, documentary, or commercial, obtaining a film visa is an essential step in the filmmaking process. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating the film visa process in Nepal.

  1. Understanding the Film Visa

A film visa is a special category of visa issued to foreign filmmakers and their crew members for the purpose of shooting a film or documentary in Nepal. This visa allows filmmakers to enter the country, conduct filming activities, and engage in related production work for the duration of their stay. It is important to note that standard tourist visas do not permit filmmaking activities, so it is necessary to apply for a film visa specifically.

  1. Application Process

The application process for a film visa in Nepal typically involves several steps. Filmmakers must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Information and Communications or the Department of Tourism, depending on the nature of their project. Once approval is obtained, filmmakers can apply for a film visa through the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate. The application may require various documents, including a letter of invitation from a Nepali production company or sponsor, a shooting schedule, a list of crew members, and proof of financial solvency.

  1. Duration and Extension

Film visas in Nepal are usually issued for the duration of the filming project, as specified in the approved shooting schedule. However, extensions may be granted in certain circumstances, such as delays due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in the production timeline. Filmmakers should communicate with the relevant authorities and seek approval for any necessary visa extensions well in advance to avoid any disruptions to their filming activities.

  1. Permit Requirements

In addition to the film visa, filmmakers may need to obtain various permits and permissions for filming in specific locations within Nepal. This may include permits from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation for filming in protected areas, permits from local authorities for filming in municipalities and rural areas, and permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal for aerial filming using drones or helicopters. It is essential to research and obtain all necessary permits before commencing filming to ensure compliance with local regulations.

  1. Working with Local Partners

Navigating the film visa process in Nepal can be complex, especially for foreign filmmakers unfamiliar with the country’s regulations and procedures. Working with local partners, such as production companies, fixers, or legal advisors, can help streamline the visa application process and ensure compliance with local laws. Local partners can provide valuable assistance in obtaining approvals, securing permits, and navigating any challenges that may arise during filming.

Obtaining a film visa in Nepal is a crucial step for foreign filmmakers planning to shoot a film or documentary in the country. By understanding the application process, adhering to permit requirements, and working with local partners, filmmakers can ensure a smooth and successful filming experience in Nepal, capturing the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness on camera for audiences around the world to enjoy.

 

How to apply For film permit & Location Permit in Nepal?

Posted on by userktmfilms

If you are considering producing a feature film, short film, documentary, or advertisement in Nepal, it is recommended that you finalize the shooting locations after completing the pre-production phase. This is because the process of obtaining a film permit in Nepal involves the submission of specific documents and may take between 7 to 21 working days, depending on the script and drone type being used. The following steps and required documents must be prepared to apply for a film permit

  1. Letter from Local Coordinator: A letter from the assigned local coordinator must be prepared to inform the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications about the purpose of the application for a shooting permit.
  2. Authorization Letter: An authorization letter must be provided by the foreign filmmaker, indicating their selection and employment of a local coordinator.
  3. Application Form: An application form as prescribed by the rules must be completed, affixing a Nepali postal stamp amounting to NPR 50.
  4. Documents: Supporting documents are also required to be submitted to facilitate permit consideration, including the script of the filming story
  • storyboard for TV commercials
  • synopsis for documentaries
  • theme (concept) and lyrics for music videos
  • details of the content and objectives of the program presentation for TV programs.
  1. Crew member details: Details of the crew members, including name list, passport numbers, positions, and arrival dates of the foreign film crew with bio-data, must also be provided.
  2. Itenary: A schedule of filming in Nepal, specifying exact dates and locations, must be prepared and submitted.
  3. Equipment list: An equipment list with values for custom clearance must also be included in the application

Once the application is submitted, the Ministry of Information and Communications may require the submission of consent letters from concerned organizations 

  • Consent letters of concerned organizations:
  • Consent Letter of Department of Archaeology if filming in archaeological places like Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Changunarayan, Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Swayambhunath, etc.; 
  • Consent Letter of Pashupati Development Fund Office, Gaushala, Kathmandu if filming in the Pashupatinath temple area; 
  • Consent letter of Sanctuary Fund if filming in Annapurna Conservation Areas; 
  • Consent letter of Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation if filming is to be done in upper Mustang and upper Dolpa (fees is US $5000.00 per each place); 
  • Consent letter of Department of Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu if filming in conservation areas; 
  • Consent letter of Lumbini Development Fund if filming in Kapilvastu (Lumbini), the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Please note that location charges may apply depending on the location where the filmmaker intends to shoot.

Note: LOCATION CHARGES may apply depending upon the location where the filmmaker is going to shoot.

It is important to note that all location scouting, hiring, and film permit processes will be facilitated by the local coordinator or local filming company in Nepal. If you are planning to shoot in Nepal, please connect with a Nepal producer at the following email address: info@kathmandufilms.com.

How To Get Filming Permits in Nepal

Posted on by userktmfilms

Yearly many filmmakers flock to Nepal due to the versatility the country offers in terms of landscape and culture. However, wishing to just film in Nepal is not enough, since a lot these shots are captures in heritage sites, and showcase the life of Nepalese people, the Government of Nepalkeeps a watchful eye. Making sure filming permits are issued and used when required.

Therefore, here are a few things related to receiving filming permits in Nepal that you need to understand

 

How We Play A Part

Government of Nepal – the Ministry of Information and Communications provides foreign film shooting permits in Nepal. The tedious paperwork and documents will be processed by Kathmandu Films for you. We help your crew to not just obtain film permits, but also give you advice on tax payment and customs clearance.

 

Your Content Matters

Before you request for a permit, it is to be made sure that your film does not demean Nepal or Nepali people’s values or cultures in any way. The Ministry of Information and Communication grants the permit for the shooting of any kind of TV commercials, documentaries, music videos, feature films, and other films that do not spread unfavorable messages about the country.

 

What You Can Expect To happen

The filming permit comes with a government-assigned Liaison Officer, who’ll remain with the filming team for the entirety of the shoot and will monitor all filming activities. He ensures that the filming is not impacting the environment, the society or the people in any negative way. The liaison officer holds full authority to suspend all filming activities if s/he thinks it is unlawful or is impacting the country and its image in any negative way.

 

The Documents required for Filming Permits

The documents needed to process the permit are:

● A Letter made by the assigned local coordinator informing the Audio-Visual Section, Ministry of Information and Communications of the purpose of applying for the shooting permit.

● An assignment letter made by the foreign filmmaker showing that they have already chosen and hired a local co-ordinator.

● An application form.

● Supporting documents needed for permit consideration:
○ Storyboard for TV commercials
○ Treatment for documentaries
○ Theme (concept) and Lyrics for music videos
○ Details of content and objectives of the programme
○ Presentation for TV programmes.

● A schedule of filming in Nepal specifying exact dates and locations (for all types of productions).

● Name-list, passport numbers, positions and arrival dates of all foreign film crews.

● Equipment list with values for custom clearance.

Based on type of storytelling there are different types of filming permits you may need. Moreover, Different filming locations require different types of filming permits. While the Nepal Filming Permit is mandatory, other permits are supposed to be requested depending upon the location of the shoot.

 

There different types of filming permits in Nepal include:

● Nepal Filming Permit (mandatory)
This is a one-time permit, which is mandatory regardless of where your location is in the country. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

● National Parks Filming Permit
Nepal has a total of 20 national parks and conservation area that require a separate filming permit and some amount to be paid as filming charge in the location.

● Heritage Areas Filming Permit
Filming in cultural heritage areas like temples, monuments and other figures need to be endorsed by the municipality or the district office. However, the permit can be suspended
anytime should the officers feel the film is rendering harm to the cultural heritage.

● Public Area Filming Permit
Public area filming permit is endorsed by the local police authority as long as no harm is being done to the public.

● Private Property Filming Permit
Filming in privately owned properties like hotels and restaurants, cafes, recreational halls, movie halls etc needs to have the permit from the owner himself.

 

 

Permits in Nepal

Posted on by userktmfilms

Filmmakers wishing to be able to film in Nepal need to have the filming permits first. And where you do get that, you ask?

Government of Nepal – the Ministry of Information and Communications provides foreign film shooting permits in Nepal, of which all the papers and documents will be processed and easily available to you by Kathmandu Films. We help your crew to not just obtain film permits, but also give you advice on tax payment and customs clearance.

Before you request for a permit, it is to be made sure that your film doesn’t demean Nepal or Nepali people’s values or cultures in any way.

The Ministry of Information and Communication grants the permit for the shooting of any kind of TV commercials, documentaries, music videos, feature films, and other films that do not spread unfavorable messages about Nepal.

The filming permit comes with a government-assigned Liaison Officer, who’ll remain with the filming team for the entirety of the shoot and will monitor all filming activities. He ensures that the filming is not impacting the environment, the society or the people in any negative way. The liaison officer holds full authority to suspend all filming activities if s/he thinks it is unlawful or is impacting the country and its image in any negative way.

 

Documents required for Filming Permits

The documents needed to process the permit are:
  • A Letter made by the assigned local coordinator informing the Audio-Visual Section, Ministry of Information and Communications of the purpose of applying for the shooting permit.
  • An assignment letter made by the foreign filmmaker showing that they have already chosen and hired a local coordinator.
  • An application form.
  • Supporting documents needed for permit consideration:
  • Storyboard for TV commercials
  • Treatment for documentaries
  • Theme (concept) and Lyrics for music videos
    • Details of content and objectives of the programme
    • Presentation for TV programmes.
  • A schedule of filming in Nepal specifying exact dates and locations (for all types of productions).
  • Name-list, passport numbers, positions and arrival dates of all foreign film crews.
  • Equipment list with values for custom clearance.

 

Different types of filming permits in Nepal

Different filming locations require different types of filming permits. While the Nepal Filming Permit is mandatory, other permits are supposed to be requested depending upon the location of the shoot.

  • Nepal Filming Permit (mandatory)

This is a one-time permit, which is mandatory regardless of where your location is in the country. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

  • National Parks Filming Permit

Nepal has a total of 20 national parks and conservation area that require a separate filming permit and some amount to be paid as filming charge in the location.

  • Heritage Areas Filming Permit

Filming in cultural heritage areas like temples, monuments and other figures need to be endorsed by the municipality or the district office. However, the permit can be suspended anytime should the officers feel the film is rendering harm to the cultural heritage.

  • Public Area Filming Permit

Public area filming permit is endorsed by the local police authority as long as no harm is being done to the public.

  • Private Property Filming Permit

Filming in privately owned properties like hotels and restaurants, cafes, recreational halls, movie halls etc needs to have the permit from the owner himself.