Filming In Kenya
Kenya as a destination offers amazing filming opportunities for both individuals and companies looking for spectacular places for that unique shot.
Filming In Kenya just like all the other filming destinations that we fix, requires permits and permissions. these must be secured before the start of the filming.
What permits & Permissions do I need to film In Kenya? This depends on what you intend to film In Kenya. However, we will go through all the necessary permits & permissions needed when Filming In Kenya.
Kenya Filming Licence/Permit Application
In order to obtain a Kenya Filming Permit, one must write an application letter requesting for the permit, accompanied with a completely filled out Kenya film licence form (click the link to download), application form which must be accompanied and a detailed copy of the screenplay, a synopsis and a shooting schedule (film Itinerary). These should all be sent to the Film Licensing Officer, Kenya Film Commission – KFC.
**Filming permit for features, documentaries, short films, music videos, corporate videos and commercials are issued within few days of application. while applications for TV Series and full-length feature films are processed might take a long time though under 7 days.
Film Crew Special Passes
After you have applied for a film license through your local film agent, the next step is acquiring short term work permit for your foreign crew herein referred to as ‘Special Passes’. The passes are issued by the immigration department and allow you to work in the country for a period for which your filming licence is Valid.
You will also need a Kenya visa to enter the country which you can apply for through the Kenyan Embassy in your country or at the passport control in Nairobi when you land (** try to do this at home).
Documents required for application to film In Kenya
- Formal letter of application.
- Application form duly completed – copy to be attached.
- List of foreign crewmembers, giving names, nationalities, passport numbers and date of expiry of passports.
- Script and synopsis or storyboard.
- List of equipment to be imported for shooting purposes, including the value of each piece of equipment, etc.
Fees and Associated costs to filming in Kenya.
Kenya Film Permit fees in Kshs. (Payable to KFC)
- Documentaries; short dramas; short features …….…………. Kshs. 5,000 (US$50).
- Full-Length feature film; TV Series …. …. …. …. …. …. ….. Kshs.15,000 (US$150).
- Filming fees per day …. …. …. …. … …. …. …. …. ………. Kshs. 1,000 (US$10).
*All price conversions in USD are approximate figures and could be affected by prevailing forex rates at the time of application.
Liaison Officer’s service charges:
The Ministry charges Ksh. 400 (approx. US$5) per day to cover Liaison Officer’s services provided by a government Liaison Officer, to be attached to the crew all throughout the shoot.
Other charges:
- Each visitor is required to pay Ksh. 2,000 (US$20) to the Department of Immigration Services for a special pass before engaging in any film shooting. The crew may, however, arrive in Kenya on a visitor’s pass while the filming special pass is being processed. ** We recommend travelling after all paperwork has been arranged.
- For all filming Equipment, a nominal non-refundable fee of 1% of the value of the equipment or Kshs 30,000 (approx. US$300) payable to the Customs Department on presentation of a film license.
The following charges apply for any filming in Kenya National Parks:
- Ksh. 8, 000 (US$80) for five (5) people for one (1) week or part thereof.
- Ksh. 12, 000 (US$115) for six (6) – ten (10) people for one (1) week or part thereof.
- Ksh. 20, 000 (US$200) for more than ten (10) people for one (1) week or part thereof.
