A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Egypt
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Egypt: What You Need to Know
Filming in Egypt requires a bit of planning ahead, but the process is relatively easy once you know the steps. All international crew members must first obtain International Crew Accreditation from the Egyptian State Information Service (SIS), which also handles filming permits.
Permits are required for filming in any public location, and although private indoor filming can sometimes proceed without one, it’s officially still required. The application process typically takes between six to eight weeks, so it’s best to start early.
When applying, you’ll be asked to submit the following:
- You final script
- A shooting schedule with location details
- Full crew and cast lists
- An equipment inventory.
Requests to film in certain locations may involve submission of extra information. Furthermore, if you want to film at Egypt’s many historic or culturally significant sites, such as anicent temples or pyramids, you will likely need addiitonal permits and location fees.
Drone filming also needs prior approval from the Egyptian Armed Forces, so plan accordingly.
Finally, make sure that all crew members have valid visas before they arrive in the country. In most cases, these can generally be obtained at the airport.
Timing Your Egypt Film Production around the Weather
When it comes to filming in Egypt, timing can make a big difference. The country enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round, but the summer months of June, July, and August can be extremely hot. Temperatures often exceed 40°C, which can limit movement and shorten your daily shooting schedule.
We recommend choosing February and March to film in as these months offer milder and more comfortable weather conditions. That said, these are the months of Ramadan, and many skilled film crews will already be booked for local Ramadan TV series. With this in mind, if you want to film during this period, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you can get the best film teams available.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Renting film equipment in Egypt makes more sense than importing it into the country. Even with the right paperwork, shipping your own equipment may involve delays in customs, not to mention additional fees. Additionally, Egypt has a well-established film industry, so finding the latest top equipment will not be a difficulty, and it’s likely to be cheaper when compared to many western countries.
There are also many fluent English speaking crew members working in Egypt, most of whom have had a lot of experience working on international predications. An English-speaking crew may charge slightly higher fees but it’s worth it in the long-run as it’ll help your shoot run more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No, it’s not. You’ll need a general filming permit and supporting paperwork issued by a local production company to bring your filming equipment through customs.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, Egypt is generally safe for film crews. However, we strongly recommended that you work with a local fixer like Fixer Egypt who knows which areas are best to film in and which to avoid. Having a local on your team also helps prevent issues such as being overcharged or pressured into unnecessary payments. While petty theft is rare, some crews report being approached by persistent vendors, but a local fixer can easily help you manage these interruptions.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You simply need a tourist visa, which most citizens from other countries can get upon arrival.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes you will need a local production company to help you get permits and visas. While international companies can t apply directly for filming permits, having a local partner on the ground will greatly speed up the process and ensure easier communication with the authorities.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes. Along with general filming permits, you’ll need a specific drone permit. This can take up to one extra month to process. The only officially authorized drone service provider in Egypt is operated by the military. That said, there are several freelance drone operators who work “off radar”. They can sometimes fly over privately owned areas if you provide them with the exact GPS coordinates to ensure they’re flying in a safe area.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
No, Egypt currently does not offer any cash rebates or tax exemptions for foreign film productions.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Filming in national parks is possible, but you will need to highlight which park in your permit application. Even still, depending on the particular location and the nature of your project, you may not get approval.
Working with Fixer Egypt
As a go-to film fixer company in Egypt, we have an extensive portfolio, which includes working with many global brands and media platforms. Recent projects include managing field production, transportation and drone operation for the British-Malaysian stand-up comedian’s Total War Guide to Defending Egypt, sourcing local crew and permits, and handling logistics for Cisco Dawit Birhanu, and managing permits, translation services, and local production for the African Climate Reality Project.