Diacreatives is equipped with a comprehensive team dedicated to facilitating the acquisition of film permits in Nepal. It is advisable, however, to peruse the detailed guide on securing these permits.

For the procurement of “Filming Permits in Nepal” or any related authorizations that align with your specific needs and filming site, your Nepalese production partner bears the responsibility of keeping you fully apprised of the “Rules & Regulations.” Additionally, they should ensure you are updated on the governmental processes for obtaining film permits.

Film permits in Nepal are broadly divided into two categories:

The initial category is a single-use filming permit, which legally permits filming activities in Nepal. This permit’s applicability is contingent upon the filming location and objectives. The Ministry of Information issues this permit, which costs approximately NRS 15,000, translating to about USD 150 based on the current exchange rate.

The second category includes various specialized filming permits that are regulated by different governmental entities, such as the Home Ministry, Defense Ministry, Aviation Authority, Heritage Authority, Ministry of Tourism, Nepalese Tourism Board, National Park Authority, and Nepal Mountaineering Association.

The specific permits required and their associated costs will vary depending on the unique demands of your film project, including considerations like the chosen locations, higher elevations, and other significant factors that will influence your production’s budget.

Document required for Filming Permits in Nepal

• A notification from the designated local coordinator to the Audio-Visual Section of the Ministry of Information and Communications detailing the intent behind the application for a filming permit.
• A delegation letter from the overseas filmmaker confirms the selection and employment of a local coordinator.
• A filled-out application form.
• The necessary supporting documents for permit evaluation are:
  • Storyboard for television advertisements
  • Documentary treatments
  • Music video themes (concepts) and lyrics
  • Program content specifics and goals
  • Television program presentations.
• A detailed itinerary for the film shoot in Nepal, including precise dates and venues for all production types.
• A roster of foreign film crew members with their passport details, job titles, and dates of entry into Nepal.
• An inventory of equipment along with their values for customs declaration.

Depending on the narrative style, various filming permits may be required. Additionally, different shooting locales necessitate distinct permits. While obtaining the Nepal Filming Permit is compulsory, additional permits should be sought based on the filming location.

Special Film Permits in Nepal

Obtain a National Parks Filming Permit in Nepal: To film wildlife within Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas, obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Information & Communication and the National Park Authority is mandatory. This permit comes with specific requirements, including the assignment of a ranger for on-site assistance during the shoot in national parks. Additionally, a “Liaison Officer” will be designated to represent both ministries as part of the government’s standard procedure.

The base fee for the National Park filming permit is USD 1500, which is set by the government and varies based on the needs of the production. However, there are extra charges, such as the daily payment for the “Liaison Officer,” which are separate from the permit fee and subject to negotiation.

Heritage Sites Filming Access in Nepal: To film in Nepal’s heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath, you need to secure filming permits through the local municipality district office and the “Ministry of Heritage and Maintenance.” These sites typically have their own governing “Board Members,” who may also require separate approvals. The duration of filming permits at these sites usually ranges from 5 to 10 hours, depending on the location, and can be obtained quickly if your production partner has the right connections or prior experience with such sites. It’s crucial that your production partner is well-versed in the local “Do’s & Don’ts” since these locations are often governed by strong unions. Ensuring that no cultural norms or union regulations are violated during filming is essential. The cost of a filming permit is USD 1000 per day, plus a refundable deposit of USD 1200 to the ministry, which will be returned upon your departure.

Public Area Filming Clearance in Nepal: To conduct filming in public spaces under the “Ministry of Information & Communication” in Nepal, you must obtain a National Filming Permit beforehand to ensure exclusive access and avoid disruptions from the public. Should your filming require road closures, especially with a large crew, prior arrangements must be made with both the “Local Administration” and the “Police.” It’s essential to familiarize yourself with all intended filming locations well in advance and to adhere to the established “Rules & Regulations,” which necessitates liaising with the appropriate ministries. The fee for a permit to film in public areas is USD 1500. Effective coordination is crucial when securing public area filming permits in Nepal.

Private Property Filming Coordination in Nepal: For filming at private venues like hotels, cafes, and villas, a local intermediary or production company in Nepal can arrange the details with the property’s owner and notify the “Ministry of Information & Communication” while securing the necessary general permits. The cost will vary based on the property owner’s pricing, and Diacreatives is equipped to manage these negotiations for its clients. It’s important to ensure that all filming activities comply with government regulations, as unauthorized filming of government buildings could lead to complications.

Drone and Aerial Filming Permissions in Nepal: Diacreatives is adept at securing aerial filming permits in Nepal, taking into account the requirements of relevant government departments, protocols, and regulations. Acquiring such permits necessitates the consent of four key ministries based on the filming location: the Ministry of Information & Communication, Home Ministry, Defense Ministry, and Aviation Body.

The process for obtaining aerial permits has become stringent due to past instances of unauthorized filming during the earthquake in April 2015. Consequently, the Nepalese government now enforces strict control over aerial filming permissions.

The time frame to obtain all necessary approvals for aerial permits is typically between 10 to 14 working days.

The base cost for aerial filming permits is USD 600, although this may vary depending on the location, with places like Kathmandu being less expensive compared to Everest or Mustang.

Under the government’s regulations, a liaison officer from each ministry is assigned, with daily wages ranging from USD 80 to USD 200. Nepal Film Production’s extensive network can assist in negotiating these rates on behalf of your production.

Different types of filming permits for different authorities

For different filming locations in Nepal, various authorities provide specific approvals and permits:

• Department of Archaeology: Issues consent for filming in archaeological sites like Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Changunarayan, Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Lumbini, Swayambhunath, etc. A liaison officer from the department is assigned to each project, requiring daily compensation.
• Pashupati Development Fund Office, Gaushala, Kathmandu: Grants permission for projects within the Pashupatinath temple area.
• Sanctuary Fund: Provides consent for filming within the Annapurna Conservation Areas.
• Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation: Approves filming in the regions of upper Mustang and upper Dolpo, with a fee of USD 5000.00 for each location.
• Department of Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu: Offers permits for filming in conservation areas.
• Lumbini Development Fund: Issues approval for filming in Kapilvastu (Lumbini), the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha.

Diacreatives pledges comprehensive support for location scouting based on your project’s needs and ensures thorough coordination with all relevant entities, providing a detailed briefing at the start of the production to enhance the value of your filming project in Nepal.

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