Film Visa: Visa for shooting Feature Films Consular Services

Film Visa: Visa for shooting Feature Films

Film Visa will be issued for shooting of feature film/reality TV show and/or commercial TV serials. The proposals regarding the shooting of a feature film or television/cinema and reality TV show/commercial TV serial will be processed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,Govt. Of India, New Delhi. 

Requirements for Film Visa : the team may be allowed to shoot a feature film wholly or partially, subject to the following condition:

  • Four copies (04) of the detailed shooting script in case of feature film and detailed concept in case of TV show/TV serials, details of visiting film crew and location of film shooting shall be submitted by the team to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) for scrutiny and clearance.
  • Copies can either be forwarded directly to Ministry of I&B or through CGI, New York.
  • I&B Ministry may levy a fee for scrutiny of the application.
  • Prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs will be necessary only in respect of cases where shooting is to be done in sensitive/restricted areas in India.
  • The film has to be shot according to the script, as approved by the Govt. of India. In case any material deviation is considered necessary, prior permission of the Govt. of India has to be obtained.
  • I&B Ministry will attach a Liaison Officer to assist the shooting team.
  • The complete film must be shown to a Representative of the Govt. of India, in India or abroad (i.e. Consulate General of India, New York) before its actual release anywhere in the world.
  • A letter of intent regarding the shooting of the film in India, mentioning the production schedule or the dates of shooting particulars of the cast and crew coming to India for purpose of shoot/production, chosen location and list of filming equipment that is being brought into India.
  • The maximum duration of the visa will be for one year period with multiple entry facility.
  • The international cast and crew coming to India on a Film visa for the film shoot shall be employed by the company seeking permission to shoot the film and the company shall take the responsibility for the cast and crew coming to India for filming.
  • On receipt of clearance from Ministry of I&B, Visa application may then be submitted to VFS. The approval from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, should be attached with the visa application

Note: Feature films/Reality shows/Commercial TV serials: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India is the nodal ministry to process requests for a shooting of feature films, reality TV shows and Commercial TV serials in India. For further information, please contact: Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting at jsfilms.inb@nic.in or fax to +91-11-23387823.