Foreign crews who arrive without the right paperwork can be stopped mid-shoot. A tourist visa is not meant for professional filming. Getting the filming permit in Bangladesh right is the first job of any shoot — and the one most often left too late.
The layers of permission
- Filming permission for foreign productions — usually coordinated through the Ministry of Information. It requires a synopsis, crew list, equipment list, schedule and locations.
- The right visa — journalist or media visas for professional crews, applied for with the supporting documents.
- Location-level approvals — for example the Forest Department in the Sundarbans, port and river authorities, local administration, and private owners.
- Drone clearance — aerial work has its own rules. I am an authorised drone operator, which simplifies aerial coverage outside restricted zones.
How I help
- Explain which permissions apply to your story and locations.
- Prepare a clear document checklist and help you draft synopsis and schedules in the format officials expect.
- Coordinate local letters, introductions and location approvals.
- Plan timelines with realistic lead time — permission often takes several weeks.
Honest note: government requirements change and approval is never automatic. I don't promise guaranteed permits — I promise accurate guidance, early preparation and constant follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Can we film on a tourist visa?
Professional filming by a foreign crew is not intended to happen on a tourist visa. Plan for the appropriate media or journalist visa and filming permission.
How long does filming permission take?
Often several weeks, depending on the subject and locations. Sensitive topics and areas take longer, so contact me as early as possible.
Do I need permission to film in the Sundarbans?
Yes. The Sundarbans is a protected forest and needs Forest Department permission in addition to your general filming permission.