Filmmakers are traveling to Nepal more often in an effort to document the country’s varied beauties on video because of its stunning landscapes, lively cultures, and intricate legacy. Nepal provides an incredible and culturally engaging cinematic canvas, ranging from the towering Himalayan peaks to the vibrant markets of Kathmandu. But it’s important to know the nuances of getting filming permits before you start your cinematic adventure in this Himalayan paradise.
We delve into the complex processes and regulations that filmmakers must adhere to in order to secure the necessary permits for their productions in Nepal in this extensive blog post. This post will attempt to erase any confusion regarding the permit acquiring procedure, whether you are an experienced filmmaker or a beginner hoping to capture Nepal’s charm on camera. It offers insightful analysis, practical tips, and a comprehensive guide to ensure a seamless and legal filming experience in this enchanted country.
Types of Filming Permits in Nepal
In Nepal, filmmakers encounter a number of permits for specific locations and contexts. Understanding the details of these permits is essential for a seamless filming experience. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of filming permits in Nepal:
Nepal Filming Permit (mandatory)
- A fundamental, one-time permit is mandated irrespective of the filming location within the country.
- Issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications, serving as the cornerstone of the permitting process.
National Parks Filming Permit
- Essential for filmmakers venturing into Nepal’s 20 national parks and conservation areas.
- Requires a separate filming permit, accompanied by a designated filming charge for the specific location.
Heritage Areas Filming Permit
- Vital for filming in cultural heritage areas, encompassing temples, monuments, and other historical sites.
- Requires endorsement from the municipality or district office, with the caveat that the permit may be suspended if deemed detrimental to cultural heritage.
Public Area Filming Permit
- Endorsed by local police authorities, this permit is necessary for filming in public spaces.
- Approval is granted contingent upon ensuring no harm is inflicted upon the public or public property.
Private Property Filming Permit
- Required for filming within privately owned establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, recreational halls, and movie theaters.
- Obtained directly from the property owner, ensuring a legal and cooperative filming environment.
How to Obtain a Filming Permit in Nepal?
Let’s figure out the enticing process of getting a filming permit in this Himalayan paradise before you start rolling those cameras.
The bottom line is that foreign individuals or an entity of filmmakers are not eligible to complete this permit independently. Securing a filming permit in Nepal demands a meticulous approach, especially for foreign individuals or entities aspiring to capture the nation’s cinematic allure. Independent application by foreigners is not an option under Nepalese law, mandating engagement with a local representative. This representative, typically a local company, assumes a pivotal role in facilitating the entire permit application and shooting process. What’s your first assignment? Find a local business to serve as your official ally throughout the permit quest.
What does the Local Company Do?
This local company shoulders the responsibility of meticulously preparing all requisite documents integral to the permit application. These documents undergo scrutiny by various government entities, culminating in submission to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT). MCIT is a crucial authority vested with the final decision on filming permits.
Depending on where you want to film, you will need a number of letters of approval from various government departments. For example, Department of Archaeology permission is needed if your cinematic idea involves World Heritage Sites. Similarly, when filming inside National Parks, obtaining separate letters of consent becomes crucial.
Necessary Documents to Obtain Filming Permit in Nepal
Before entrusting a local agency with the complex documentation required to get filming permissions in Nepal, filmmakers should familiarize themselves with the required paperwork. This speeds up the entire process of obtaining a permit in addition to facilitating smooth cooperation with the local representative. This is an exhaustive list of the necessary paperwork:
- Letter of Appointment: A formal letter from the filmmaker designating a local agency as the official coordinator and representative.
- Agency Correspondence: A letter from the chosen local agency addressed to the Ministry of Information and Communications.
- Application Form: A completed application form accompanied by a postal stamp fee of Rs 50.
- Film Synopsis: A detailed synopsis of the film, offering a comprehensive overview of the cinematic narrative.
- Music List: If music is utilized in the film, a list detailing the compositions used.
- Crew Details: A list of crew members along with their passport details.
- Travel Documentation: Arrival tickets for all crew members.
- Accommodation Reservations: Confirmed reservations for accommodations arranged for the entire crew.
- Filming Schedule: A complete planned schedule outlining exact dates and locations for filming in Nepal.
- Equipment Inventory: A comprehensive list of filming equipment with corresponding values for customs clearance purposes.
Special Approvals
- Approval issued by the Department of Archaeology for filming in World Heritage Sites.
- Approval from the Pashupatinath Development Fund Office for filming in Pashupatinath Temple.
- Approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation for filming in Conservation Areas.
- Approval from the Ministry of Culture Tourism & Civil Aviation for filming in Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo (USD 5000 for each area).
- Approval from the Lumbini Development Fund for filming in Kapilvastu and Lumbini.
Things to Consider with Filming Permits in Nepal
- Permit Validity – Filming permits are valid for one year, providing a time-bound window for cinematic endeavors.
- Feature Film License Duration – The license for a feature film extends its validity to three years, affording an extended timeframe for comprehensive production.
- Life Insurance for Liaison Officer – Life insurance for the designated liaison officer is mandatory, with a minimum coverage of NPR 300,000.
- Compensation for Liaison Officer Injuries: In the unfortunate event of accidents leading to injuries of the liaison officer, compensation of up to NPR 200,000 is expected to be paid.
- Public Screening Permissions: Foreign film producers planning public screenings must seek prior permission from the nearest Nepali Embassy. A royalty payment of NPR 150,000 is also mandatory.
- Submission of Film Copy: Foreign film producers are obligated to submit a complimentary copy of their production to the Ministry.
- Mandatory Presence of Liaison Officer: The designated liaison officer must be present during the entire shooting process. This is to ensure effective communication and adherence to regulations.
- Mountain Region Filming Requirements: For shooting in mountain regions, filmmakers are responsible for providing necessary clothing, and medical facilities, and covering any air transportation costs for the liaison officer.
Cost of Obtaining a Filming Permit in Nepal
Basic Application and General Filming Permit
- The Ministry of Information and Communication charges USD 150 for the basic application and general filming permits.
- Additional charges, such as traveling expenses, basic lawyer fees, and printing costs, are applicable and vary.
Specific Permit Charges
- Each additional permit, such as National Parks, Heritage Areas, Public Areas, and Private Property, comes with its own set of charges payable to the respective authorities.
Cost of Filming Permits in Nepal
- Detailed information on the specific costs associated with each type of permit is crucial and should be factored into the budgeting process.
Validity Period
- The duration of filming or production details is clarified during the permit application process. This period is contingent on the preferences and requirements of the foreign film crew.
- Each filming permit, including the basic and general permits, has a fixed validity period.
Application Processing Time
- While the duration of the permit’s validity is established in advance, filmmakers should plan for an average processing time of 15-20 working days.
- Advanced preparation is essential to ensure a smooth application process and timely acquisition of permits.
UAV Filming Permit in Nepal/ Drone Filming
It is certainly a difficult task, requiring a significant amount of time, effort, and resources, to film in Nepal’s breathtaking but difficult terrain. The employment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones presents a practical solution to these problems and a set of unique rules that must be followed. A closer look at the particular requirements governing permissions for UAV filming is provided below:
Prerequisite Filming Permit
- Before venturing into UAV filming, filmmakers must have obtained their standard filming permit, as detailed in the preceding procedures.
- The procedures and associated costs for the filming permit, outlined previously, serve as a foundational requirement.
UAV Pilot License
- An essential condition for UAV filming is the possession of a valid UAV pilot license.
- This additional credential ensures that operators are well-versed in the safe and responsible use of drones.
Exemption for UAVs Under 2kg
- UAVs weighing less than 2kg enjoy an exemption from the requirement of a separate permit when flown on private land.
- This leniency simplifies the process for smaller drones, eliminating the need for additional permissions.
Special Permission for Heavier UAVs
- UAVs exceeding the 2kg threshold require special permission for flying, even on private land.
- Failure to obtain this specific permission may result in substantial fines, emphasizing the importance of adherence to regulations.
Documents Required for UAV Filming Permit in Nepal
Your agency will play a pivotal role in assembling and submitting the following crucial documents for permit clearance to the Ministry of Information and Communication:
- Filming Permit: The foundational document detailing the overarching permissions for the filming project.
- Approval from Ministry of Information and Culture: Official approval from the Ministry of Information and Culture, signifying regulatory consent for the UAV filming endeavor.
- Approval from Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation: Authorization from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, underscoring compliance with cultural and aviation regulations.
- Approval from Defence Ministry: Endorsement from the Defence Ministry, a critical component ensuring national security considerations are addressed.
- Approval from Home Ministry: Official approval from the Home Ministry, contributes to the comprehensive clearance process.
- Approval from Other Ministries and Departments: Any additional approvals required from other relevant ministries and departments involved in the UAV filming project.
- Approval from Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN): Regulatory approval from CAAN, ensures adherence to aviation safety standards.
- UAV Pilot License: The license of the UAV operator, attesting to their competency in safely operating unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Passport and Valid Visa of Drone Operator: Essential identification documents for the UAV operator, validating their legal presence in Nepal.
- Clear Map of Flying Area: A detailed map specifying the flying area, complete with latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Specifications of the UAV: Technical specifications of the UAV, providing a comprehensive overview of its capabilities.
- Letter of Commitment: A formal commitment letter pledging to adhere to the conditions outlined in point 3 of the UAV Flying Work Procedure 2072 BS.
- Filming Itinerary: An itinerary detailing dates, times, and locations of the planned filming activities, aiding in logistical coordination.
