Filming in Trinidad & Tobago: A Complete Guide to Incentives, Permits & Production Support

Film Rebate Overview

Trinidad and Tobago offers an attractive film rebate incentive for foreign productions that meet specific criteria. The incentive provides a 35% cash rebate on local expenditures for scripted projects, with an additional 20% rebate for local labor costs. This makes it a great option for production companies looking to reduce costs while filming in the Caribbean.

Key Details of the Rebate

Rebate Rate:

• 35% on local production expenditures.
• Additional 20% rebate for local labor costs.

Minimum Spend:

$100,000 per project.

Annual Cap:

$8 million per project.

Eligible Projects:

Scripted projects (including feature films, TV shows, and other types of scripted content).

Local Crew & Equipment:

Essential crew and equipment for productions are often sourced from nearby Caracas, Venezuela, where Atlas Film Fixers operates a satellite office.

Eligibility:

To qualify for the rebate, productions must meet the minimum spend requirement, and the expenses must be directly related to the production activities in Trinidad and Tobago. The rebate is designed to incentivize spending on local goods, services, and labor, fostering economic growth within the country’s film industry.

Application Process:

Atlas Film Fixers can assist foreign producers with the application process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and maximizing the potential savings.

If you’re considering shooting in Trinidad and Tobago, this rebate is a fantastic opportunity to significantly reduce your production budget while enjoying the region’s stunning locations and vibrant culture.

Country Overview

Trinidad and Tobago has established a robust film incentive program aimed at attracting both local and international productions. This program provides cash rebates on qualifying expenditures, making the islands an attractive destination for filmmakers looking for diverse locations and a supportive production environment.

Main Cities:

Port of Spain (Capital), San Fernando, Chaguanas, Arima, Tunapuna

Bordering Countries:

Island nation in the southern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela, northwest of Guyana. Shares maritime borders but has no land borders.

Local Languages:

English, Trinidadian Creole (Patois), Tobagonian Creole, Hindi, French Creole (Patois), Spanish

Local Currency:

Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)

Weather / Seasons:

Best filming period are Dry season (January–May)

Features:

Plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor shoots

Visa Requirements

General Requirements

Visit the Trinidad and Tobago Immigration Division

Required Documentation

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Completed online application form
• Proof of visa fee payment
• Invitation letter or confirmation from a local production company/festival organizer
• Proof of film project concept and itinerary
• List of equipment and crew members

Processing Time:

3–5 working days

Cost:

 $84.39 USD

International Crew Accreditation

General Requirements

• Visit the TTFC website
• Complete the Film Crew Accreditation Form
• Upload necessary documents
• Required Documentation
• Passport / ID (Driver’s License or National ID)
• Proof of film project concept and itinerary
• Crew and cast list
• Equipment list
• Insurance certificate

Processing Time:

1–4 weeks

Cost:

USD $150–$375

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization:

Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC)

Processing Time:

5–10 working days

Required Documentation

• Completed Film Crew Accreditation Form
• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• ID (Driver’s License or National ID)
• Proof of film project concept and itinerary
• Crew and cast list
• Equipment list
• Insurance certificate (public liability and equipment)
• Payment receipt for accreditation fee

Cost:

$75–$225

Private Locations

Key responsibilities:

• Location scouting and management
• Negotiating fees with property owners
• Cost Factors
• Location owner’s discretion
• Production budget and reputation
• Popularity and demand for the location
• Time constraints and scheduling

Drone Permit

Regulations

• Permit required from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA)
• Operator must have a Remote Pilot License issued by TTCAA
• Drone Importation Regulations
• TTCAA approval required for importation
• Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) approval needed for drones with wireless communication equipment
• Issuing Authorities
• TTCAA (General drone regulations)
• TTFC (Film-related drone operations)

Required Documentation

For local drone operations:

• Completed Drone Permit Application Form (TTCAA)
• Drone specifications
• Proof of ownership or rental agreement
• Remote Pilot License (for commercial operations)
• Liability insurance certificate (min. TT$1 million coverage)
• Film Permit Application Form (TTFC)
• Script and storyboard
• Location permit (from relevant authorities)
• Proof of payment (permit fees)

For drone importation:

• Commercial invoice detailing drone specifications and value
• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
• Certificate of origin
• Customs Declaration Form (C82)

Processing Time:

10–21 working days

Cost:

USD $75–$150

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is Trinidad & Tobago a Carnet Country? Yes

Process for Carnet Country

• Obtain a Carnet document from the issuing authority
• List goods (e.g., film equipment) with values
• Pay security deposit and fees
• Present Carnet to customs upon arrival
• Use goods for intended purpose (filming)
• Re-export goods within Carnet validity (typically 12 months)
• Obtain discharge certificate from customs upon re-export

Required Documentation

• Detailed inventory
• Proof of ownership or rental
• Insurance certificate
• ID and business registration
• Security deposit

Issuing Organization:

Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division

Processing Time:

2–5 working days

Cost Factors

• Type and value of equipment
• Complexity of clearance
• Customs broker fees
• Duties and taxes

Safety & Security

General Overview:

Trinidad and Tobago is generally a safe and welcoming destination for international film crews.

Security Requirements:

Local Fixer/Coordinator: Experienced professional to facilitate logistics and security. Private Security Guards: For equipment and location security. Contact Atlas Film Fixers today to film in this region.