What filming doesn't require a permit
The key here is ‘professional’. If the intent of the film is for personal use, then you should be fine to take as many photos and videos as you can!
Filming that does not require special permits:
Amateur or personal films
Photos or videos made on your private video camera or mobile phone
GoPro Cameras that are for your own personal
What filming requires a permit
You should remember, however, that professional does not, in essence, mean “commercial”. It means everything filmed with use of more than the ordinary amateur cameras. Even if you are filming for an NGO or for fun, but use large cameras, a permit will be required.
If you are a professional photographer, film maker, videographer or documentary-maker or journalist, then please read the following information carefully.
If your project is commissioned or contracted by another company
If you are a journalist and intend to use photos or videos as part of your work
If your project requires large cameras and equipment that must be set up in advance
If you are intending to film with the use of a drone at any point (including for amatuer or personal use), you will need a special permit.
Tanzania Film Board
This is the most important permit, and one which you must get first. It is only after receiving this permission that you will be eligible to be granted other permits.
Fees paid
All filmmakers must pay a fee of $1000 USD to the Tanzania Film Board.
The permit application must be submitted 30 days before the start of filming, and the processing may take up to 2-3 months. So make sure to file your application in advance.
If you need to expedite this process, it is possible. For $3000 USD, the application will be processed in as little as 7 days.
What information is necessary to get this permit
Provide all the necessary information when completing your permit application, to ensure you are granted permission and to avoid any delays. This information includes the following:
Names of all crew members
Synopsis of the film
Names of any Tanzanian nationals you intend to use or interview in the film
Locations where you plan to shoot
Estimated dates of filming
Further, you must ensure that all crew members are able to travel to Tanzania. Being part of a film crew means that you are not able to enter Tanzania on a tourist visa, but instead you should come on a Business Visa, which allows visa holders to remain in Tanzania for 3 months. A Business Visa always requires an invitation from a registered host organization in Tanzania.
Validity of the Tanzania Censorship Board filming permit
Once the permit is issued, it will be valid for three months. It is necessary for you to complete all filming during this time-period, or re-apply for another permit.
How to get it
Applications should be submitted to the Tanzania Film Board in Dar es Salaam, the nation’s largest commercial city.
Many non-Tanzanians are not familiar with Dar es Salaam, as it is a big city. If you feel uncomfortable about dealing with this process and obtaining all necessary permits, Altezza Travel can help.
Since 2014 we have helped many organizations to get these permits, having processed over fifty applications in total. Our team is aware of all the pitfalls and intricacies of the procedure, and since we are based in Tanzania, our associates can secure the permit quickly and with no hassle. We have successfully received permits for the Red Bull projects, National Geographic Russia, various commercial photoshoots, journalists and other media projects.
Application forms should be endorsed by your country’s Tanzanian Embassy. If you do not have a Tanzanian Embassy in your country, then choose the Embassy that covers your country (usually found in a neighboring nation) to complete this application.
Copy of the film to be provided
All filmmakers should provide a free copy of the film to the Tanzania Film Board after the filming is completed.
Filming Permit from Ngorongoro Conservation Authority
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including Ngorongoro Crater are not under TANAPA. Therefore, filming activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation area require a filming permit from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority. Please ensure you apply for this permit for any filming in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
How to get it
Apply to the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority, located in Arusha, and present the approved permit from Tanzania Film Board.
Fees payable
$300 USD per day is required for filming in Ngorongoro. The amount is inclusive of the camping and guiding. However, it does not include crater service and motor vehicle fees.
Copy of the film to be presented
All filmmakers should provide a free copy of the film to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority after the filming is completed.
Filming Permit from Tanzania National Parks Authority
Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Please note that Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not a national park and needs a different permission provided by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
How to get it
You must apply to the Tanzania National Parks Authority headquarters in Arusha. Permit from Tanzania Filming Board should be presented at the time of application.
Fees paid
Until June 30, 2022 TANAPA filming fees are charged per day, and currently stand at:
$300 USD per day for Serengeti National Park
$180 USD per day for Gombe and Mahale Parks
$250 USD per day for all other parks.
Please note that further 18% VAT will be added to these amounts.
The filming fees also include camping and conservation fees, which make up the largest portion of all park fees. This means you will not be charged any additional fees for overnight stays in the parks.
Fees are paid once the TANAPA approves the filming project. The payment is done through a special online system.
