Filming in Ethiopia

Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film/photography production support or shooting crew in Ethiopia? Contact us here for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project. Film Fixer Ethiopia we are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly and services including information on different film locations in Ethiopia, Ethiopia filming permits when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.

Ethiopia Film Locations

Ethiopia is a country situated in the Horn of Africa it is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley. Ethiopia is best known for its archaeological findings dating back over 3 million years, it’s a place of ancient culture and among its important sites and the major filming location is the Lalibela with its rock-cut Christian churches from the 12th–13th centuries. We can find other major Film Locations in different regions which include Addis Ababa, Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Dire Dawa, Gambela, Harari, Oromia, Somali, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, Tigray, and Sidama.

filming locations are categorized in national parks, cities & towns, reserves, lakes.

National Parks; Omo National Park, Maze National Park, Alatish National Park, Geraille National Park.

Cities & Towns; Harare City, Gondar City, Jimma City, Babille Town, Awasa City, Adama Town.

Reserves; Chelbi Wildlife Reserve, Tama Wildlife Reserve.

Lakes; Lake Chamo, Lake Abbe.

Requirements and permissions to film in Ethiopia

For filming in Ethiopia, there are no specific set fees. They often require donations for local help for local film fixer to help you all through during your shoot in Ethiopia. Some regional governments will charge location fees. Most times, our fixer will need to travel to negotiate location fees in person. National parks fees are quite high, especially if filming aerial shots. Aerial filming in Ethiopia requires the pilot to have a flight permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. Please contact us for more information on filming in specific locations in Ethiopia.

A foreigner wishing to shoot films in Ethiopia is required by law to apply to the office of Government Communication Affairs Office Foreign Media Accreditation not later than ten (10) days prior to the day on which he/she is due to commence filming if you don’t want to hustle contact us and we help you all through securing a filming permit in Ethiopia. The application shall contain the purpose and title of the film, the duration of the shooting and the exact location where it takes place, and the total production cost of the film, and the portion that will be used within Ethiopia.

The applicant should submit together with his application the following documents:

A copy of the film script along with its synopsis for feature films or synopsis for documentary films.
In case they portray an Ethiopian personality in the film as a character, a copy of a document of no objection from such person or his heirs, certified by an organ legally empowered to approve contracts and documents.
In case of a co-production by an Ethiopian and a foreigner, an agreement showing the responsibilities and liabilities of each party.
The nationality of the filming crew, the passport number, the country issuing the passport, their permanent and temporary addresses, and other information as required by the Office.
The Applicant should also attach on the application, The name of the company, The name, the passport number and the nationality of the filming crew, The purpose and title of the film, the Duration of the shooting, and the exact location where it takes place, The production cost of the film and Name and Telephone of the contact person or organization in Ethiopia

They require the applicant to submit together with his application the following documents.

A copy of the film script along with its synopsis for feature films or synopsis for documentary films.
A list of equipment necessary for shooting film, in 3 copies.
One passport size photograph at arrival

A foreigner applying for shooting film in Ethiopia should also pay to the Office a permit fee, where an applicant wishes to use an aircraft for shooting a film; he should get a flight permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. Contact us here for more information on aerial filming in Ethiopia.

Note

The permit and letter to the customs shall be issued immediately when the film crew members appear in person and sign an undertaking to adhere to the conditions of the permit and respect the laws of the country. Contact us here to help you secure a filming permit for Ethiopia, fees will be determined based on your filming location.

On top of the above you will need to cover accommodation, visa, and work permits, transport, and others for a successful shoot in Ethiopia as below;

Ethiopia Work permits and Visa Advice

You will need to purchase a tourist visa or a business visa. Many film crews prefer getting their visas before they come to Ethiopia this is the best way and you can get the e-visa through https://www.evisa.gov.et/ Also depending o your country of origin you can as well get a visa upon arrival at any entry point and in this case, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport upon paying either US$52 for a single-entry visa with validity up to 30 days or US$72 for a single-entry visa with validity up to 90 days and you will get it immediately. Contact a consulate near you or us here for more information about the Visa application for Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Vehicle Hire Services

We will help you organize transport for film crews to film in Ethiopia depending on their interest, budget, and the nature of roads in such selected locations to film in the park. We recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled. We also organize both charter and scheduled air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce the number of drive hours to the Park. Contact us here.

Film Fixers in Ethiopia

All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of Ethiopia and are thus conversant with the local situations and are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on the ground. These work as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Ethiopia.

Where to stay during filming in Ethiopia

Lodge options to stay in during filming in Ethiopia range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. Hotel options in Addis Ababa include Capital Hotel and Spa, Ramada Addis Ababa, Best Western plus Addis Ababa, and Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Contact us here for reservation and booking details.

What is the best time to film in Ethiopia?

Filming in Ethiopia is done throughout the year and the best time is during the months of October to May which is relatively dry than March April to September.

Why use Film crew fixers?

Film Crew Fixers is a local fixer company in East Africa. We assist filming companies and Production agencies in Ethiopia. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies in Ethiopia to make sure that accreditation and filming permits for filming in Ethiopia are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Ethiopia.