Filming in Kenya: The Complete Guide to Permits, Visas & Production Support
Quick Answer
Kenya doesn’t offer a cash rebate or tax incentive, but it remains one of East Africa’s most established filming destinations — home to the Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, and a coastline stretching from Mombasa to Lamu, backed by an experienced production industry and a well-documented permitting process. Every foreign crew needs a General Film Permit from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), a Special Pass (temporary work permit) for each crew member, and an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival and its older eVisa system in January 2024, so all crew must secure entry approval before they fly.
| Filming in Kenya at a glance | Details |
| Cash rebate or tax incentive | None currently available |
| Film permit authority | Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) |
| General Film Permit fee (documentaries/TV commercials/photography) | $50–60 base + $10 per filming day |
| General Film Permit fee (features/TV series) | $150 base + $10 per filming day |
| Permit processing time | Typically 2–5 working days |
| Entry requirement | eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — visa-on-arrival ended January 2024 |
| eTA cost | ~$30 (official government fee); confirm current production-specific rate |
| Special Pass (work permit) cost | ~$180 per crew member, valid 30 days |
| Special Pass processing | 2–4 weeks |
| ATA Carnet accepted | No — Kenya uses a non-refundable customs bond system instead |
| Equipment bond | 1% of equipment value, capped at $300 |
| Clearing agent fee | ~$450 per clearance |
| Drone permit authority | Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) |
| Drone import lead time | 2–3 months advance notice recommended |
Note: Kenya replaced its old visa-on-arrival and eVisa system with a mandatory eTA in January 2024 — if you’ve filmed in Kenya before that date, the entry process has changed. Always confirm current fees and processing times with KFCB or a local production partner before finalizing a shoot.
Does Kenya Offer a Film Rebate?
No. As of mid-2026, Kenya does not have a formal cash rebate or tax incentive program for international film productions, though KFCB has discussed reducing its own licensing fees to make the country more cost-competitive against markets like South Africa. What Kenya offers instead is an established production ecosystem — experienced local crew, a wide range of dramatically different locations within relatively short travel distances, and a permitting process that, while multi-step, is well documented and predictable once you know the sequence.
Kenya Filming Information
Bordering countries: Ethiopia (north), Somalia (east), South Sudan (northwest), Tanzania (south), Uganda (west).
Main filming cities:
- Nairobi — the capital and economic hub, offering urban settings and production infrastructure
- Mombasa — a historic coastal city and port, gateway to the Indian Ocean
- Nakuru — set in the Rift Valley, known for its lake and wildlife
- Eldoret — a western Kenya hub for agriculture and commerce
Languages: English (official), Swahili (national language, widely spoken).
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Climate: Kenya’s equatorial location means a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity. There are two rainy seasons — the “long rains” (March–May) and “short rains” (October–December) — and two dry seasons (June–September and January–February). Temperatures generally range from 20–30°C (68–86°F) year-round.
Visa Requirements: The eTA System
This is one of the most important recent changes for productions planning a Kenya shoot. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival and its previous eVisa system entirely in January 2024, replacing both with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that must be approved before boarding a flight to Kenya — airlines will deny boarding without it.
For professional film and TV crew specifically:
- A Business eTA is required — tourist-category applications are not appropriate for professional filming activity
- Each crew member must apply individually online through the official eTA portal
- Required documents: an invitation letter from your local production partner, a recent passport-style profile photo, a scanned passport copy (minimum 6 months validity, at least one blank page), and accommodation confirmation (even a standard booking confirmation is generally accepted)
- Processing time: typically 24–72 hours for the standard eTA, though production-specific applications processed through a local partner may take a few business days longer — apply well in advance regardless
- Cost: the standard government eTA fee is approximately $30; confirm the current total cost with your production partner, since additional service or documentation fees may apply depending on how the application is filed
Apply well ahead of travel — with no visa-on-arrival fallback, any crew member without an approved eTA will be denied boarding at their home airport, not just at the Kenyan border.
International Crew Accreditation: The Special Pass
Beyond entry approval, all foreign crew members require a Special Pass — a temporary work permit — to legally work on a Kenyan production.
Required documents:
- The General Film Permit (see below)
- A recent profile photo
- CV/résumé/portfolio or IMDB link
- A scanned passport copy
- Estimated arrival and departure dates
Processing time: typically 2–4 weeks — this is the longest lead-time item in the whole process, so it should be one of the first things a production initiates.
Cost: approximately $180 per crew member, valid for 30 days.
The Special Pass is tied to the General Film Permit application, so the two are generally submitted together, with overall timing driven by the longer immigration processing window.
General Film Permit
Issuing organization: the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), which authorizes all professional filming activity in the country, including on private property (subject to separate property permissions).
Required documents:
- List of foreign crew and cast with passport scans
- Exact filming dates
- Filming locations
- Script, treatment, synopsis, or outline
Processing time: typically 2–5 working days once documentation is complete, with KFCB citing even faster turnaround (24–72 hours, or as little as 10–25 minutes for short productions) for straightforward applications under its own service charter.
Cost:
- Documentaries, TV commercials, photography: approximately $50–60 base rate + $10 per filming day
- Feature films & TV series: $150 base rate + $10 per filming day
(KFCB has periodically reviewed and adjusted its fee structure, so confirm the current base rate before budgeting.)
Private Locations
Location scouting is typically handled by a local production partner or fixer, who provides options based on the production’s specific brief. Once a location is selected, a standard location agreement is put in place. Costs are project-specific and negotiated based on the location and production needs — there’s no fixed national location fee schedule.
Drone Filming Regulations
Drone operations are regulated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
- Drone importation: requires significant advance notice — plan for 2–3 months lead time. Given this, many productions choose to work with already-licensed local professional drone operators rather than importing their own equipment
- Local drone application: operators apply directly for personal annual licenses
- Drone importation application: typically handled in partnership with licensed drone import companies
- Processing time: approximately 2 months
- Cost: varies depending on drone specifications and quantity — no fixed published fee
- Drones must be declared to customs on arrival and accompanied by relevant KCAA approvals; unlicensed or undeclared drones will not be cleared
Equipment Customs Clearance
Kenya is not an ATA Carnet country. Instead, equipment clearance runs through a non-refundable bond system administered by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
- Equipment bond: 1% of total equipment value, capped at $300 (KRA’s own guidance also cites a KES 30,000 minimum, whichever is higher)
- Clearing agent fee: approximately $450 per clearance, which typically includes meeting the crew at the baggage hall
- Required documents: the General Film Permit, a full equipment list with values and serial numbers, and crew photos for identification
- Issuing authority: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Timing: with pre-prepared paperwork, crews typically spend under 10 minutes at customs
- Important: do not attempt to bring in unlicensed drones or unauthorized equipment — this can result in confiscation and production delays
Safety & Security
Kenya is generally a safe filming destination, though security needs vary meaningfully by region:
- Low-risk areas: many established filming locations require no additional security beyond standard production precautions
- Elevated-risk areas: Private Close Protection Officers (CPOs) are recommended in some regions
- High-risk areas: heavily armed police escorts are necessary in specific areas, including regions near the Somalia border
- A local security assessment as part of pre-production planning is the most reliable way to determine what level of protection your specific locations require
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kenya have a film tax rebate?
No. Kenya does not currently offer a cash rebate or tax incentive for international film productions.
Do I need a visa to film in Kenya?
Yes — specifically an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) under a Business category, applied for online before travel. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival and its older eVisa system in January 2024, so approval must be secured before boarding your flight.
What’s the difference between the eTA and the Special Pass?
The eTA is entry authorization to travel to Kenya at all. The Special Pass is a separate temporary work permit required for any foreign crew member actually working on a production once in the country — you need both.
How long does it take to get a filming permit in Kenya?
The General Film Permit from KFCB typically takes 2–5 working days. The Special Pass, which is tied to it, takes considerably longer — generally 2–4 weeks — so start that process early.
Does Kenya accept ATA Carnets for film equipment?
No. Kenya uses a non-refundable bond system instead — an equipment bond of 1% of value (capped at $300) plus a clearing agent fee of around $450 per clearance, processed through the Kenya Revenue Authority.
How long does it take to get a drone permit in Kenya?
Drone importation requires significant lead time — plan for 2–3 months. Many productions instead work with already-licensed local drone operators to avoid the import timeline entirely.
Is Kenya safe for international film productions?
Generally yes, though security needs vary by region — from no additional requirements in established filming areas to armed police escorts in higher-risk regions, particularly near the Somalia border.
Key Official & Reference Links
- Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB)
- Kenya Film Commission
- Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — official portal
- Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Why Work with Atlas Film Fixers?
- Expert Navigation of Permits & Regulations — we handle the paperwork for eTAs, Special Passes, and General Film Permits, ensuring a seamless application process
- Efficient Location Scouting — tailored location options that fit your production’s needs, from Nairobi’s skyline to the Maasai Mara
- Reliable Local Partnerships — trusted professionals, from licensed drone operators to security teams, for high-quality on-the-ground service
- Seamless Logistics & Customs Handling — we streamline customs bond clearance, equipment importation, and on-ground production support
For further assistance with filming in Kenya, contact Atlas Film Fixers to ensure a seamless production experience!
Figures in this guide (permit fees, eTA costs, processing times) reflect the most current publicly available information as of mid-2026, but Kenya’s visa system changed significantly in 2024 and fees are periodically reviewed by KFCB. Always confirm current requirements directly with KFCB, the official eTA portal, or a local production services partner before finalizing a production budget or schedule. This guide is for informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for official government guidance or legal/immigration advice.
