Filming Permits in Nepal

Any international production filming in Nepal  documentary, commercial, feature film, or online series needs a film permit issued by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) before shooting can begin. Foreign crews cannot apply directly; the application must go through a licensed local coordinator, which is where Fixer In Nepal comes in.

Below is exactly what the process involves, what it costs, how long it takes, and what additional permits your specific locations may require.

Do You Need a Film Permit to Shoot in Nepal?

Yes. Any commercial or non-personal filming in Nepal whether it’s a feature film, documentary, travel show, music video, or branded content llegally requires government authorization. Filming without a permit can result in equipment confiscation, fines, or a shutdown of the shoot, even for a scene already in progress.

Personal travel videos or non-commercial tourist footage generally fall outside this requirement, but anything intended for broadcast, distribution, or commercial use needs sign-off.

Who Issues the Film Permit in Nepal?

The general film permit is issued by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT). Depending on where you shoot, you may also need clearance from:

• Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) — for national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves (Sagarmatha, Chitwan, Annapurna, and 18 others)
• Department of Archaeology (DoA) — for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and monuments (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changu Narayan, Lumbini)
• Local police / municipal authority — for public streets and open areas
• Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) — for drone and aerial filming

A single international shoot often needs two or three of these permits at once, which is why timeline planning matters.

Documents Required for a Nepal Film Permit

To apply, you’ll need to prepare:

1. A letter from the production company appointing a licensed local coordinator/fixer
2. A letter from the local coordinator to MoCIT requesting the permit
3. Script or synopsis of the project
4. Detailed shooting schedule and list of locations
5. Full crew list with passport copies
6. Equipment list (including any drones or specialized gear)
7. Application form with the applicable processing fee

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is the most common reason applications get delayed this is the part where a local coordinator’s experience matters most.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Film Permit in Nepal?

The general MoCIT film permit typically takes 5–10 working days once a complete application is submitted. Location-specific permits add time on top of this:

Because these can often be processed in parallel rather than one after another, submitting everything as early as possible  ideally 4–6 weeks before your shoot date — avoids last-minute bottlenecks.

Film Permit Cost in Nepal

Fees vary by production scale, number of locations, crew size, and whether drones or restricted areas are involved. As a general guide:

• General film permit fees are set by MoCIT and scale with production type (documentary vs. commercial vs. feature film)
• National park entry and filming fees are charged per park and per day
• Heritage site filming fees vary by monument and duration on-site
• Drone permits carry a separate CAAN fee in addition to the film permit

Because fee schedules change and depend on your specific shoot, we provide an itemized cost estimate during consultation rather than a flat number  this avoids surprises once you’re on the ground.

Filming in National Parks and Protected Areas

Nepal has 20 national parks and conservation areas, including Sagarmatha (Everest) and Annapurna Conservation Area. Filming inside any of them requires a separate permit from the DNPWC, on top of the general film permit. Conditions typically include:

• Restrictions on wildlife disturbance and drone altitude
• Mandatory local guide/liaison presence
• Daily filming fees paid at the park office

Filming at Heritage and Religious Sites

Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO sites — Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath — require approval from the Department of Archaeology. Because these are active religious and cultural sites, permits can include restrictions on equipment size, crowd interaction, and filming during ceremonies, and can be revoked if the production is deemed disrespectful to local customs.

Drone Filming Permits in Nepal

Aerial filming requires separate clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, in addition to your general film permit. This covers drone registration, flight zone approval, and altitude restrictions  particularly strict near airports, restricted military zones, and certain religious sites. Drone applications should be filed as early as possible, since CAAN clearance is often the longest lead-time item in the whole process.

Do You Need a Liaison Officer?

Yes international productions are required to have a government-appointed liaison officer present during filming. The liaison officer coordinates between your crew and local authorities and helps resolve on-the-ground issues (access, permissions, disputes) in real time. Your local coordinator arranges this as part of the permit process.

How Fixer In Nepal Handles Your Film Permit

• Full application management — from MoCIT submission to follow-up, so you’re not navigating government offices yourself
• Documentation support — we prepare and review scripts, schedules, crew lists, and equipment lists before submission to avoid rejections
• Location-specific permits — national park, heritage site, and restricted-area approvals handled in parallel where possible
• Drone & equipment clearance — coordinated with CAAN and customs, including ATA Carnet guidance for imported gear
• Liaison officer coordination — arranged and briefed ahead of your shoot dates
• Transparent cost breakdown — an itemized quote before you commit, no hidden fees

FAQs

How long does a film permit in Nepal take to process?

The general MoCIT permit usually takes 5–10 working days. Add extra time for national park, heritage site, or drone approvals, which can run concurrently if submitted early.

Can a foreign production company apply for a film permit directly?

No. International productions must apply through a licensed local coordinator or fixer, who submits the application to MoCIT on their behalf.

Do I need a permit for a small crew or solo documentary shoot?

Yes, if the footage is for commercial use, broadcast, or public distribution — crew size doesn’t exempt a production from the permit requirement.

Is a separate permit needed to fly a drone in Nepal?

Yes. Drone filming requires clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal in addition to the standard film permit, and it typically has the longest processing time of any approval.

What happens if I film without a permit?

Authorities can stop the shoot, confiscate equipment, and fine the production. It can also jeopardize future filming applications in Nepal.

How far in advance should I apply?

4–6 weeks before your shoot date is a safe window, especially if your locations include national parks, heritage sites, or drone filming.

Start Your Nepal Film Permit Application

Tell us your shoot dates, locations, and equipment list, and we’ll handle the government approvals while you focus on the production itself.