The 2025 "India Made Easy" Guide to Film Permits, Visas & Carnets

From a UK Team That Has Navigated It All. (Yes, It's Dry, But This Is the Page That Will Save Your Production.)

Let's be honest. This is the page you've been dreading.

India is a mind-bogglingly diverse and creatively inspiring place to film. But it is also a place of mind-numbing, complex, and occasionally contradictory paperwork.

And here’s the critical part other fixers won't tell you: getting this wrong isn't just a headache. It's a major financial and legal risk. We're talking police enquiries, problems with unions (mainly Mumbai), significant delays, or your key crew being held up at immigration and customs. Knowing the rules is half the battle. Enforcing them on a chaotic set is the other half. Our Fixers know this.

As UK nationals running a production company in India, we don't just see this as a bureaucratic checklist; we see it as a critical legal and financial liability. We've written this guide to give you the honest, unvarnished truth.

For full technical details an expanded version of this guide is available as a free downloadable e-book here.

The Big Question: "How Long Does This All Take?"

The short, unhelpful answer is: "It depends."

The better, more honest answer is: "Longer than you think."

For any major shoot, you must secure your national permits before you can even apply for your crew's visas. Depending on which country you're applying in, and the content of your application, you should allow anywhere from 3-12 weeks from your first application to your crew stepping on the plane.

The timeline graphic below illustrates a best-case scenario. If your application clashes with a major festival like Diwali, or you need to film in a restricted area, add several more weeks to your schedule.

You can find a high-resolution version that’s easy to zoom in on by clicking on the image below.

The Great Visa Divide: Are You an 'F' or a 'J'?

This is the single most important part of this guide.

Officially, filming any content on a Tourist or Business Visa is illegal. Our job as your risk-mitigation partner is to give you this honest assessment. We will always manage the 100% compliant, "by-the-book" route first.

To film legally, your entire crew must have one of two specific visa types, which depend on your project.

1. The 'J' (Journalist) Visa: For Documentary, Commercials & Corporates

This is the "journalist" route. Your application is routed through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) via the Indian Consulate or High Commission in your home country. The MEA is essentially vetting your intent.

Who it's for: Documentaries, TV Commercials, Photo Shoots, and Corporate Videos.
The Catch: 'J' Visas are typically single-entry and valid for only 1-3 months. They cannot be extended.

The 'Gotchas': Contentious Content & Restricted Areas

Both ministries will "scrutinise" your script and synopsis. What do they consider "contentious"? The classic unholy trinity: religion, politics, poverty, or (in their words) "anything that shows India in a bad light".

If your project touches these, or lists any Restricted Areas, your application will be referred to Delhi for a much, much longer review. We're talking 10 weeks or more.

If Aerial filming is mentioned on the application documents this will also have a drastic effect on the processing time.

The Customs Conundrum: ATA Carnet vs. The 'Free' (and Stressful) Letter

First, why bring your own gear at all? Because renting equipment in India always comes with additional, non-optional crew or attendants (we call them "obligatory crew"). This can rapidly expand your crew size and budget and, in reality, if you want to rent your gear in India, unavoidable.

There are some things you absolutely must not bring with you (unless you like prison food) all Drones, Long Range Walkies, and Satellite Phones are strictly prohibited for foreigners traveling into India. The good news is that we have talented DGCA qualified, and properly insured, drone pilots to solve that problem and satisfy strict guidelines from foreign broadcasters.

For a lean, Western-style shoot, bringing most of your own core equipment is often smarter. You have two ways to get it in.

1. The 'I-Like-Control' Option: ATA Carnet

This is the international passport for your gear. You pay a specialist agent in your home country for a bond, which guarantees you'll take the equipment home.

The Good: You are in control. You acquire it before you leave.
The Bad: It's expensive, and only 11 major airports in India (like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore) can process them.

2. The 'I-Like-Free' Option: Customs Facilitation Letter

As part of your visa application, you can request a "Customs Facilitation Letter" from the Indian government.

The Good: It's 100% free and can be used at any international airport you specify in your application.
The Bad: You are completely reliant on Indian bureaucracy to issue it. These letters are routinely issued at the last possible minute, which is fantastic for your pre-departure stress levels. You also must carry blank, signed letterhead with you, as customs officials have been known to ask for a new, handwritten undertaking "according to their whims". (We're not joking).

The Final Step: Navigating the Local Permit Labyrinth

This is the hurdle that trips up most productions.

Your national 'F' or 'J' visa permission is not a permit to film. It's effectively just permission to apply for local permits. You still need separate permits from every local authority, railway, state, and monument you want to shoot at.

Simple permits (streets, markets) take approximately 3 weeks.
Complex permits (heritage monuments, national parks, railways, airports) can take 1-2 months.

This is where a deeply-networked local Producer or Fixer is non-negotiable. You cannot do this from your desk in London or LA.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel: India’s NEW 40% Cash Rebate

After all that, here is the reward. Yes, you read that correctly: up to 40% cash rebate on your Qualifying Production Expenditure (QPE) in India.

This is a game-changer, and it's run by the same India Cine Hub that manages 'F' Visas. Here are the basics:

Who Can Apply? You must apply via an eligible Indian partner (like us).

What's the Minimum Spend?

For Feature Films/Series: Rs 30 million (approx. $338k).
For Documentaries: No minimum spend!

How the 40% Breaks Down:

30% (Base Rebate)
+ 5% (Bonus for employing at least 15% Indian labour).
+ 5% (Bonus for "Significant Indian Content" - i.e., portraying India positively).

How to Apply (The Simple Version):

Interim Approval: You apply before you start shooting.
Final Approval: You apply within 90 days of finishing your shoot.
Disbursement: You get paid.

(More on our film incentives page and in our downloadable guide)

Feeling Overwhelmed? That's Why We're Here.

This guide proves that permissions in India aren't just paperwork; they're a high-stakes legal minefield.

As a UK-owned and operated company, we are your risk-mitigation partner. We’ve navigated this process for clients like the BBC, Netflix, and HBO, and we're here to do it for you. We handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on the creative.

Contact us for a free consultation. We are happy to answer your questions and help with your enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions: Permits, Visas, and Regulatory Compliance

Q1: What is the critical difference between a 'J' Visa and an 'F' Visa for filming in India?

A: The distinction between a 'J' (Journalist) and 'F' (Film) visa is the single most critical compliance factor for filming in India. Applying for the wrong category can lead to rejection or deportation.

'J' Visa (Journalist Visa): This is mandatory for Documentaries, TV Commercials, Corporate Videos, Stills Shoots, and Music Videos. These applications are vetted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) via applications made at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. They are typically single-entry visas valid for a duration of 3 months.
'F' Visa (Film Visa): This is mandatory for Feature Films, Reality TV, and Scripted TV/Web Series. These applications are processed through the India Cine Hub (ICH) in India and vetted by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB). 'F' Visas are generally more flexible, potentially valid for up to 1 year with multiple entry privileges. GFS Strategy: We assess your script and content type immediately to determine the correct visa route, ensuring 100% compliance with Indian immigration laws.

Q2: How long does it realistically take to get a filming permit in India?

A: Permit timelines are not uniform; they vary strictly by production type and location.

Documentaries & Commercials (J-Visa route): Assuming your production doesn't contain any contentious 'Red-Flag' content, i.e. Politics, Religion, 'Anything that shows India in a bad light', Wildlife & National Parks, and Restricted Area Locations, the process typically requires 3 to 4 weeks for approval as your application can be cleared locally at your Indian embassy or consulate. If your application includes any Red Flags it will be referred to the XP Division (External Publicity) at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi (MEA) - allow 10 to 12 weeks for approval. A potential 'gotcha' is that once the NoC (No Objection Certificate/Permit) is issued everyone travelling will need to go in person to a visa processing centre to apply for their J-Visas it then takes 5 to 10 working days for your passport to be returned with the visa inside.
Feature Films & Reality TV (F-Visa route): The ICH and MIB clearance process generally takes 3 weeks depending on the sensitivity of the script. This is what they say, 'On submission of all requisite documents, your permission to shoot will normally not take more than three weeks to process. In cases where consultation from Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs is required, you would need to allow more time to process your application.' Further consultation is triggered by broadly the same Red Flags as mentioned above for Documentary applications. When the MIB issue your NoC you can then go in person to apply for the F-Visa in your home country via designated visa processing centers. The process takes 5 to 10 working days.
Restricted Areas: Shoots in border regions (Jammu & Kashmir, North East India, Rajasthan border districts) or tribal areas require additional security vetting by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This creates a mandatory buffer of 4 to 8 weeks on top of standard timelines.
Local Permits: Once the national permit is granted, simple local permissions suck as streets and markets require an additional 2 to 3 weeks. More complicated locations which fall under heavier bureaucracy such as ASI monuments, railways, and airports take a minimum of 1 month but preferably more time to allow a buffer. GFS executes these local applications concurrently with national processes wherever possible to minimize lead time.

Q3: Can foreign crews legally fly drones in India?

A: Yes, but it is strictly regulated and direct operation by foreign nationals is generally prohibited. Foreigners cannot directly register drones in India to obtain the necessary Unique Identification Number (UIN). It's also worth noting that bringing a drone of any size through Customs into India by a foreign national is strictly prohibited and is considered a serious offence.

The Compliant Solution: You must hire a DGCA qualified local Indian drone operator to fly a drone that has Unique Identification Number (UIN) and drone insurance linked to that UIN.
Clearance Process: All flights require specific aerial photography clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) via the Digital Sky Platform.
Basic Rules: Drones cannot be flown more than 400 feet vertically. Drones cannot be flown in areas specified as “No Fly Zones”, which include areas near airports, international borders, Vijay Chowk in Delhi, State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals, strategic locations, and military installations.
GFS Recommendation: We strongly advise against bringing your own drone hardware, as it is likely to be confiscated at customs. GFS provides licensed, fully equipped local drone teams who hold all necessary pre-clearances, saving you months of bureaucratic processing.

Q4: Is a script review mandatory for all productions?

A: Yes, the Government of India requires a review of the narrative content.

For Fiction/Reality: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) requires a detailed script and synopsis to ensure the content does not defame the country, affect public order, or touch on sensitive geopolitical issues.
For Documentaries: A detailed synopsis is one of the many documents required by the MEA.
GFS Role: We guide you through the entire applications process including "sanitizing" and formatting these synopses for bureaucratic submission. We know how to present your project to avoid unnecessary or inadvertent "red flags" (e.g., framing poverty or politics in specific ways) while preserving your creative intent and without misleading the government.

Q5: What other documents are usually required for MEA and MIB applications?

A: This can vary but we recommend that the following are prepared and submitted in addition to the Synopsis or Script to avoid potentially serious delays. All documents should be on company letterhead and signed. We always collaborate with our clients to ensure that these are correctly formatted and that no essential info is missing.

Application form: For F-Visas this is completed online via the ICH site and for J-Visas you can download one from the MEA website or ask us to send you one.
Undertaking: J-Visas only - these can be downloaded from the MEA website web site or ask us to send you one.
Company Profile: A brief description of the company, its work, and history. We often write these by looking at our clients 'About Us' page and IMDB listings.
Presenter/Leading Actor Profiles: A brief bio of those in front of camera.
Schedule Mentioning Locations: A complete schedule for the production showing the locations covered. The primary functions of this document are to check for Restricted Areas and to allow your locations to be listed on your permit. The date window (start to end) will also be derived from the schedule and printed on your permit. In the case of F-Visas this can have a bearing on the duration of visa issued.
Crew List: A list of everyone traveling for the shoot including their full names, designation, nationality, date of birth, passport number, date of issue, and date of expiry. This list is linked to your application and referred to when you apply for your visas.
Equipment List: Only needs to be accurate if you are intending to apply for a government issued Customs Facilitation Letter. If you are using a Carnet you should still submit a list but it's really just a box tick. It should include your port of entry and exit along with flight details.
No Objection Letter: For MIB, F-Visa applications only - In case any living personality is portrayed in the film as a Character, we suggest that you share the script with that personality or his/her legal heirs, before applying for permission, and obtain a 'No Objection Letter'. This letter will expedite the clearance of your application, and also guard against the possibility of any defamation or libel suits.
Co-Production: For MIB, F-Visa applications only - If you propose to shoot your film as an international co-production under an official treaty, a copy of the agreement between the foreign producer and the Indian producer indicating the role of each party, financial commitments, responsibilities and liabilities etc., in accordance with the respective co-production agreement, must be uploaded.
Synopsis or Script: The most important document. It's used to vet the content of your film for Red Flags as mentioned above.

Q6: What are the restrictions on filming in Protected or Restricted Areas (PAP/RAP)?

A: India designates certain border regions and tribal areas as Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) zones. These include parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Requirement: Filming here requires a Special Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Foreign Crew Restrictions: In some specific RAP zones, foreign crew members may be entirely restricted from entering, or may be allowed only in limited numbers.
Strategy: GFS advises "lookalike" location doubles in non-restricted zones to avoid these delays. If the specific location is non-negotiable, we manage the rigorous MHA application process.

This information is correct at the time of writing in August 2025.

Please note Goa Film Services Pvt Ltd is not involved in the process of assessment of visa applications, or their grant or refusal. The assessment of visa and film permission applications is carried out by the High Commission of India or its Consulates, and the grant or refusal of India visas and film permissions is at their sole discretion.

The processing times for visas and film permission applications are estimates only. These are based on information and previous experience of the Indian High Commission, Consulates, and Ministries.

The processing of your application is subject to the procedures and timescales of the Indian High Commission, Consulates, and Ministries over which we have no control.