Is African Fixer a film production company in Maldives?

African Fixer is a film and stills production services company and fixer in Maldives, providing line producers, local crew, permits and full production support for international productions.

Do I need a permit for film, video or stills production in Maldives?

Yes. Film, video and stills production in Maldives requires official permits. African Fixer secures film permits, location permits and drone permits so your shoot stays compliant.

What production services does African Fixer offer in Maldives?

Film and location permits, local film crew and line producers, film equipment and camera hire, location scouting and filming locations, customs and carnet clearance, visas and crew work permits, casting of models, actors and cast, production vehicles, drone operators, art department and security in Maldives.

Can African Fixer help international producers and production companies film in Maldives?

Yes. We support international producers, directors, photographers and production companies with end to end production services and on the ground coordination across Maldives.

Maldives

Filming in Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is an independent island country in the Indian Ocean, made up of a collection of 1,000 islands, of which 200 are inhabited. The rest are privately owned and boast some of the most sought-after resorts in the world.

Maldives

Why Film in Maldives?

The Maldives is a year-round filming destination, with each season offering distinct advantages depending on your project needs. The dry season (December to April) provides sunny weather, calm seas, and clear skies, while the rainy season (May to October) offers dramatic skies and intense weather patterns, ideal for a moody or adventurous atmosphere. November and April provide the clearest water and optimal visibility for stunning underwater shots. For surfing scenes, the best months are June to August, offering perfect waves and prime conditions.

Top Filming Locations

Visa Requirements

A business visa is required for film crew members traveling to the Maldives. A film permit must be obtained before a visa is granted.

Required Documentation

A scanned copy of the passport, a passport photo adhering to strict Maldivian standards, and a CV or biopage for each crew member are required. Applicants must also provide their email and telephone number, employer details and occupation, a completed visa declaration form, and proof of mandatory health insurance coverage. Additional documents may be requested depending on the specifics of the visa application.
Timings

Visa applications typically take 7 working days, provided all documents are in order. Applications can only be submitted after receiving the filming permit.
Cost

The total cost for the business visa is $100 USD ($50 for the visa and $50 for mandatory health insurance).

Private Locations

African Fixer Maldives will work with the private property owner to negotiate the terms for filming at the private location.

Cost

African Fixer and the private property owner will discuss and agree upon the cost for using the location.

General Film Permit

The National Centre for Arts (NCA) is responsible for issuing film permits. The application process takes approximately 10 working days.

Drone Permit

Drones are permitted in the Maldives; however, they must comply with strict customs clearance regulations. Additionally, operators may need to obtain special permits depending on the location and purpose of use. To ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to check with local authorities in advance and adhere to all applicable guidelines.

Equipment Customs Clearance

The Maldives is not a Carnet country.

Clearance Process

A detailed equipment list, including serial numbers, manufacturing location, weight, and other relevant details, must be provided.
Issuing Organization

Maldives Customs handles equipment clearance.
Timings

1 to 3 working daysProcessing takes a minimum of 10 working days.
Cost

A base fee of $150, plus customs agent and application fees, ranging between $100 and $200 depending on equipment value.

Safety and Security

The Maldives is a generally safe destination; however filmmakers must be mindful of cultural sensitivities, particularly on local islands where filming content featuring revealing attire may be restricted. Approval from the Maldives Film Board is required to ensure compliance with local regulations and cultural norms. Standard security is recommended to ensure smooth filming operations.