Namibia

Namibia Film Commission (NFC)

Visas & Work Permits

Western passport holders travelling as tourists can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.

All foreign crew are required to have temporary work visas to film in Namibia. 

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.

Film Location Permits

Visiting productions must apply for a General Film Permit, from the Namibia Film Commission, at least three weeks prior to arrival.

Once a General Film Permit has been obtained, additional permits will apply for specific locations, b-roll shooting in cities, shoots that require exclusive use of public space, filming in national parks, drone filming and filming with tribes.

An environmental officer is required to be on-set each day of filming in a national park (additional fees apply).

Unauthorised filming of sensitive government areas and public infrastructure is illegal. Penalties may include fines, prison and confiscation of film equipment.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Namibia is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

Namibia’s climate is typical of semi-desert terrain, hot days and cool nights.

The coastal regions are cooled by the cold Benguela Current, bringing fog and rainfall. Temperatures are lower in the central plateau, which is at a higher elevation.

Namibia sees an average of 300 days sunshine per year. The hot, rainy summer months run from October to April. Most rain falls as heavy thunderstorms, filling the dry riverbeds. The dry winter months run from May to September, with warm days and sub-zero nights. Winter is the best time for filming wildlife, as the dry weather forces animals to congregate at watering holes.

Namibia is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed. A minority also practise traditional faiths.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Namibia.

On average, Namibia offers a similar price point to South Africa. Vehicle rental is slightly more expensive. Fuel and crew rates are slightly less expensive.

The need to bring in all key crew and equipment adds to the costs of filming in Namibia.

The standard VAT rate in Namibia at the time of writing is set at 15%.

Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up to date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK does have a trade agreement with this country. Up to date information about UK trade agreements can be found here.