Rwanda is a small but yet interesting film location in East Africa. Filming opportunities in Rwanda range from Cultural experiences to game & wildlife Filming in her key national Parks; Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. However, it is important to remember that individuals and or production companies with the intention to Film anything in Rwanda must primarily first ensure they have all the relevant permits & permission prior to the beginning of the shoot. Realm Africa Safaris™ can assist you to secure all Rwanda filming permits & permissions.
What is there to Film in Rwanda? what to film in Rwanda
Requirements for filming in Rwanda – Permits & Permissions
Generally speaking, there are two very important filming Permits and permissions primarily required for any crew or individuals to film in Rwanda.
- Press Accreditation for each crew member.
- Location Filming Permit.
Press Accreditation to film in Rwanda
Production companies and individuals including freelance filmmakers intending to film in Rwanda must each apply and secure a Rwanda Filming permit/Press Accreditation from the Rwanda Media High Council prior to arrival into Uganda for your shoot. The process of application for Press accreditation in Rwanda is bureaucratic and can at time be a frustrating one – we recommend allowing ample time for us to assist with securing your Press accreditation.
How to apply for Press Accreditation In Rwanda
Fill in the Rwanda Press Accreditation Application Form here and also attach the following;
- Official letter requesting for accreditation addressed to the Executive Secretary;
- Two (2) coloured passport size photographs.
- A copy of the passport.
- A copy of a visa except for journalists from countries that benefit from the visa waiver e.g. journalists from the East African Community Member States, United States of America, COMESA Member states, etc;
- A copy of a press card from your country of origin.
- A receipt of payment from Rwanda Revenue Authority.
- List of Filming Equipment & Kits to be used for your shoot.
Press Accreditation Fees in Rwanda
A foreign Journalist requesting an accreditation card shall pay as follows to Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA):
- USD30 press Accreditation card valid 01 – 15 days.
- USD50 press Accreditation card valid 15 Days – 01 month/30 Days.
- USD100 press Accreditation card valid 01 – 03 months.
- USD200 press Accreditation card valid 03 – 06 months.
- USD300 press Accreditation card valid 06 Months – 01year/12 Months.
*The rates mentioned above should only be treated as a guide – as they can change from time to time.
Location Filming Permits
Depending on where you intend to film in Rwanda, location permits might be a requirement. For Instance, if you intend to film gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, then you have got to apply for a location permit to film in Volcanoes National Park from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)the body mandated by the government to oversee the day to day management Of the National Parks of Rwanda.
Filming gorillas in Rwanda costs $5000(per group) plus a security deposit of USD2000 refundable only if two (02) copies of your film are returned to RDB), Plus Rwanda gorilla permit fees of USD1,500 per person per day spent filming gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
For other locations – Not national parks, there might be fees charged or the location might be free of charge especially if they think your film will attract more production companies to the location.
Whatever the case – paid or free filming Location, Realm Africa Safaris will assist you through the entire process including negotiating the best deals for your shoot.
Best time to film in Rwanda
The best time to film in Rwanda is in the drier months of June to September. The dry season allows for cast & crew to uninterruptedly film without interferences from rain.
