Who we help
- Production companies and broadcasters filming overseas
- Documentary and factual crews
- Commercial and advertising shoots
- Freelance camera operators, sound recordists and producers
Which visa does your team need?
| Visa | Usually used for |
|---|---|
| Media or journalist visa | Filming, reporting and documentary work in countries that have a specific media visa |
| Business visa | Recces, location scouting and production meetings, where the country allows it |
| Work visa or permit | Longer shoots or productions using local crew and facilities |
Rules differ by country and by the traveller's nationality. We confirm the right visa for each trip before anything is submitted.
Why filming trips need extra planning
Some countries will not issue a media visa until the production has filming permission from a government office or film commission. That can add weeks, so it pays to start early.
Entering on a tourist visa to film can lead to equipment being held, footage being confiscated or crew being removed. We make sure everyone travels on the right visa for the job.
Taking camera equipment abroad
Professional kit may need customs paperwork as well as visas. Many UK productions use an ATA Carnet, issued by UK chambers of commerce, to take equipment in and out of a country temporarily. We can point you in the right direction alongside the visas.
Documents often needed
- Passports for every crew member, with enough validity
- Crew list with names, roles and passport details
- Letter from the production company describing the project, dates and locations
- Filming permission or a letter from a local fixer or film commission, where needed
- Equipment list
We give you an exact checklist for each destination and traveller.
How we help
- Confirm the right visa for each destination and each traveller
- Prepare forms and check invitation and support letters before submission
- Arrange document legalisation in-house when a country asks for it
- Handle group applications with one point of contact for your team
- Keep you updated until passports are back with you
Common questions
Can my crew film on a tourist visa?
Usually not. Many countries require a media or journalist visa for any filming for broadcast or commercial use. We check the rules for each destination.
How early should we apply?
As early as possible. Where filming permission is needed first, the whole process can take several weeks.
Can you handle a whole crew at once?
Yes. Send us the crew list and travel dates and we'll manage every application together.