SHOOTING PERMITS IN NEPAL

Contact- Email:  [email protected]

Mob- +977 9851354619

Securing shooting permits in Nepal is essential for filmmakers planning to shoot in various locations across the country. Here’s a blog post discussing the process of obtaining shooting permits in Nepal:

Shooting Permits in Nepal

Nepal’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and stunning vistas make it a sought-after destination for filmmakers seeking to capture breathtaking scenes on camera. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, Nepal offers a wealth of filming locations that provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of cinematic projects. However, obtaining the necessary shooting permits is essential for filmmakers to ensure compliance with local regulations and to facilitate a smooth filming process. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating shooting permits in Nepal.

  1. Understanding Permit Requirements

Before commencing filming in Nepal, filmmakers must obtain the appropriate permits from the relevant authorities. The specific permits required will depend on the locations chosen for filming, the nature of the project, and other factors such as the use of drones or special equipment. Common types of permits include:

  • Location permits: Required for filming in specific areas, including national parks, heritage sites, and public spaces.
  • Drone permits: Required for aerial filming using drones, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
  • Crew permits: Required for foreign crew members working in Nepal, issued by the Department of Immigration.
  1. Identifying Permitting Authorities

Different types of shooting permits in Nepal are issued by different authorities. For example:

  • The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation issues permits for filming in national parks and conservation areas.
  • The Department of Archaeology issues permits for filming at heritage sites, monuments, and archaeological sites.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal issues permits for aerial filming using drones.

It’s essential for filmmakers to identify the relevant permitting authorities for their specific filming locations and activities and to follow the required procedures for obtaining permits.

  1. Application Process

The application process for shooting permits in Nepal typically involves submitting a formal request to the relevant permitting authority, along with supporting documents such as:

  • A detailed shooting schedule
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of payment of applicable fees
  • Any other required documentation specified by the permitting authority

Filmmakers should allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the volume of permit requests.

  1. Working with Local Fixers

Navigating the permit application process in Nepal can be challenging for foreign filmmakers, particularly those who are unfamiliar with local regulations and procedures. Working with local fixers or production companies with experience in obtaining shooting permits can help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary permits are obtained in a timely manner. Local fixers can also provide valuable insights into local regulations, assist with communication with permitting authorities, and help navigate any challenges that may arise during the permit application process.

  1. Compliance and Responsibility

Once shooting permits have been obtained, it’s essential for filmmakers to comply with all permit conditions and regulations while filming in Nepal. This includes adhering to specified shooting schedules, respecting local customs and traditions, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the safety of crew members and the public. Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring that their filming activities are conducted in accordance with the terms of their permits and local laws and regulations.

Securing shooting permits in Nepal is a crucial step for filmmakers planning to capture the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture on camera. By understanding permit requirements, identifying relevant permitting authorities, following the application process, working with local fixers, and ensuring compliance with permit conditions, filmmakers can navigate the permit process successfully and enjoy a smooth and successful filming experience in Nepal.

Lights, camera, permit – let the filmmaking adventure begin in the heart of the Himalayas!

 

How To Get Filming Permits in Nepal

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

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.