Tanzania has been a popular destination for filmmakers for many decades. From major Hollywood productions like Hatari starring John Wayne (1962) to frequent National Geographic documentaries, film crews continue to visit the country to capture its remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
The country offers unique locations that attract not only filmmakers, but also scientists, anthropologists, and geologists. Some of Tanzania’s most notable highlights include Lake Tanganyika, Mount Kilimanjaro, endangered wildlife species, the annual Great Migration, the Hadzabe Tribe, the Maasai community, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, and many other extraordinary natural and cultural attractions.
However, it is important to understand that professional filming in Tanzania requires official government approval and additional fees. Please note that the information below applies only to mainland Tanzania. If you plan to film in Zanzibar, a separate permit will be required.
The key factor is whether the filming is considered professional. If you are filming strictly for personal use, you are generally allowed to take as many photos and videos as you wish.
Filming that usually does not require a permit includes:
Amateur or personal filming
Photos or videos taken using a personal camera or mobile phone
GoPro footage captured for personal use
Keep in mind that “professional” does not always mean “commercial.” Even if your project is for an NGO or a personal initiative, you may still need a permit if you are using advanced equipment beyond basic amateur cameras.
A permit is required if:
Your project is commissioned or contracted by a company or organization
You are a journalist using photos or videos for professional purposes
You are using professional cameras or equipment that requires setup
You plan to use a drone at any point (even for personal use), as drones always require special authorization
Required Permits for Filming in Tanzania
This is the main permit and must be obtained first. Without this approval, you will not be eligible to apply for additional filming permits.
Fees
All filmmakers must pay a USD 1,000 fee to the Tanzania Film Board.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before filming begins, and processing can take 2–3 months, so early submission is strongly recommended.
If you need faster processing, expedited service is available. For USD 3,000, permits can be processed within 7 days.
Required Information
To avoid delays, the application should include:
Names of all crew members
Film synopsis
Names of Tanzanian nationals to be interviewed or featured
Filming locations
Estimated filming dates
Visa Requirements
Film crew members are not allowed to enter Tanzania on a tourist visa. Instead, they must apply for a Business Visa, which allows a stay of up to three months. A business visa requires an official invitation letter from a registered host organization in Tanzania.
Permit Validity
Once issued, the permit is valid for three months. Filming must be completed within this period, otherwise a new permit must be requested.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted to the Tanzania Film Board in Dar es Salaam.
For those unfamiliar with the process, a local company such as Wild and Nature Safaris can assist in obtaining permits and handling the documentation.
Since 2021, Wild and Nature Safaris has processed over fifty filming applications and has supported projects for Red Bull, National Geographic Russia, journalists, commercial photo shoots, and other media organizations.
Embassy Endorsement
Application forms must be endorsed by your country’s Tanzanian Embassy. If there is no Tanzanian Embassy in your country, you must submit the application through the embassy responsible for your region (often located in a neighboring country).
Film Copy Requirement
Once filming is completed, filmmakers must provide a free copy of the final film to the Tanzania Film Board.
If filming takes place inside Tanzania’s national parks, a permit from TANAPA is also required.
Please note that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not managed by TANAPA, and therefore requires separate permission.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted at the TANAPA headquarters in Arusha, along with an approved Tanzania Film Board permit.
Filming Fees (charged per day)
Until June 30, 2022, the daily rates were:
USD 300 per day for Serengeti National Park
USD 180 per day for Gombe and Mahale National Parks
USD 250 per day for all other parks
An additional 18% VAT applies.
These fees include camping and conservation charges, meaning there are no additional costs for overnight stays inside the parks.
Payments are made through an online system after TANAPA approves the project.
Since Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Ngorongoro Crater fall under NCAA management, filming in this region requires a separate NCAA permit.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted to the NCAA office in Arusha, along with the approved Tanzania Film Board permit.
Fees
Filming costs USD 300 per day, including camping and guiding services. However, crater service fees and motor vehicle fees are not included.
Film Copy Requirement
After completion, filmmakers must provide a free copy of the film to the NCAA.
Bringing Filming Equipment into Tanzania
Many filming crews overlook the challenges of importing professional equipment into Tanzania, which can lead to serious delays at customs.
To prevent duty-free resale of equipment, Tanzania uses a bond system. Upon entry, film crews must leave a security deposit equal to 100% of the equipment’s market value. This deposit is returned when the crew exits the country and proves the equipment is leaving with them.
Although the refund process is usually smooth, it is recommended to work with a reliable local company to avoid delays or misunderstandings with customs officials.
Wild and Nature Safaris can assist with customs processes and bond arrangements.
Alternatively, crews may hire a licensed customs broker, but brokers typically charge 10% of the equipment value, meaning you may not recover the full deposit.
To make the process easier, it is strongly recommended to prepare a detailed equipment list including:
Market value
Serial numbers
Full description of each item
This preparation can save significant time, money, and stress.
Filming with Drones (UAVs) in Tanzania
Drone use in Tanzania is strictly regulated. Every drone project must receive approval from multiple authorities, regardless of drone size.
Drone Importation
If the required permits are not presented upon arrival, customs officials will confiscate the drone.
Before applying for drone authorization, the crew must first obtain a filming permit from the Tanzania Film Board.
Applications must be submitted to the TCAA office in Dar es Salaam, including an application form and cover letter.
Required information includes:
Drone type and serial number
Pilot license or certificate issued by the relevant national authority
Pilot CV
A permit from the Ministry of Defense is also mandatory. Applications must be sent to the Ministry in Dodoma.
The Ministry will assign a military officer to accompany the crew throughout the project to ensure drones are not flown in restricted areas. The filming crew is responsible for covering the officer’s travel costs, accommodation, and meals.
If drone filming is planned inside national parks, special authorization is required from TANAPA and/or NCAA. This approval is granted only after obtaining permits from:
Tanzania Film Board
TCAA
Ministry of Defense
Additional filming fees may also apply.
In national parks, drones must fly above a minimum altitude to prevent disturbing wildlife. This rule applies across safari parks and all Kilimanjaro trekking routes.
Why Are Drones So Heavily Regulated?
Drone regulations are strict mainly because Tanzania has sensitive military installations and important infrastructure that must remain protected.
Important Considerations When Filming in Tanzania
Always Ask Permission Before Photographing or Interviewing People
Tanzania is culturally diverse and socially conservative. Many communities are cautious about being photographed, especially without consent. For respectful and ethical filming, always ask for permission before taking photos or videos of individuals.
When filming or photographing minors, you must receive permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Restricted Locations and Individuals
Filming is prohibited in certain areas, including:
Military bases
Police stations
Government facilities
Critical infrastructure sites
Banks and other restricted institutions
The East African Court of Human Rights in Arusha
You should also avoid filming:
Members of the Tanzania People’s Defense Force
Police officers
Government officials
Religious leaders
unless you have official permission.
Filming Minors
Filming or interviewing children is only permitted when explicit consent is provided by a parent or legal custodian (such as a school director or guardian).
Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations — including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
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