A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Bahrain
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Bahrain: What You Need to Know
International filmmakers must have mandatory, advance permits from Bahrain’s Ministry of Information before they can film in the country.
This typically takes up to two weeks to process, with costs for general permits ranging from 200–250 BHD ($530–$670).
Though the process is generally hassle-free, the applications themselves require several documents. These are:
- Project brief
- Full shooting schedule
- List of crew members and ID copies
- Equipment list
- Insurance certificate
To film in private venues such as hotel complexes, you’ll need to negotiate directly with the venue owners. While it’s no problem to film in most public areas, places such as security sites and military installations are prohibited from being filmed. It’s also unlawful to film people without their consent.
Timing Your Bahrain Film Production around the Weather
With its desert climate, Bahrain gets sunny weather all year round, which means that you can film with comfort during most of the year. However, as the months of June, July, and August tend to be very hot, we advise against scheduling your shoot for then.
It’s also a good idea to avoid Ramadan if possible, as most people will be busy with families and many businesses run with reduced hours. Additionally, the holy month finishes with the Eid al-Fitr celebration when the whole country halts so as to enjoy the festivities and spend time with families.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You can easily hire the equipment you need in Bahrain, but it is often cheaper to get your kit through customs. As your film fixer, we’ll submit your kit list when we apply for your film permits, which will aid the customs pre-clearance.
Bringing your own drone may be tricky, and you might not be granted approval. However, we will do our best to get it through. If not, we can organize a local drone operator, though local licensed drone operators tend to be very expensive.
Bahrain also has many fluent English speakers workign in the film industry, so you won’t have trouble finding a crew with English-speakign proficcieny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No, Bahrain is not an ATA Carnet country, so we will need to have all relevant paperwork in place for customs clearance and to guarantee filming kit entry.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, Bahrain is very safe for you and your film team.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You will only need a tourist visa to film in the country. This will be issued to you on arrival.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you must partner with a local film company that will apply for your film permit for you.
Do I need a permit for drones?
A drone permit is essential, and, if you do need it, we’ll apply for it along with your general filming permit. We recommend that you work with a local licensed drone operator, as to get permissions for international crews to fly their own drones can be problematic and will take much longer to be approved.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Currently there is no tax exemption program for international film productions in Bahrain.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
This is a possibility, though it will likely require additional special permit applications.
Working with Fixer Bahrain
Partnering with us for your video project in Bahrain will ensure an efficient, professional production. As a member of Storytailors, we’ve provided production support services for several media and film clients in Bahrain and across the Persian Gulf. These include the BBC Top Gear TV show, Formula One, Adidas, UNESCO, and Kabrita. Get in touch and let’s discuss how we can help.
