Introduction
Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Botswana, providing invaluable support to international film production teams. With deep local knowledge and extensive experience, we specialize in location scouting, obtaining permits, and assembling skilled local crews to ensure your project flows seamlessly from start to finish.
Botswana, with its unique combination of vast deserts, lush wetlands, and wildlife-rich landscapes, offers an extraordinary backdrop for a wide range of film productions. Whether you’re working on a commercial, feature film, TV series, reality TV, or documentary, Hoodlum’s professional team on the ground will ensure smooth and efficient production logistics every step of the way.
Planning to film in Botswana? Let Hoodlum handle all the details—from securing the necessary permits to scouting the perfect filming locations—so you can focus on turning your creative vision into reality. Contact Hoodlum today to discover how we can support your successful film production in Botswana.
Country Overview
This is a land of unparalleled diversity and captivating landscapes. From the surreal, white expanse of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the lush, wildlife-abundant Okavango Delta, Botswana’s unique environments provide an array of remarkable settings. The country’s dramatic wilderness, punctuated by the towering dunes of the Kalahari Desert, the striking red cliffs of Tsodilo Hills, and the tranquil waters of the Chobe River, offers filmmakers an extraordinary canvas.
Whether you seek vast, open savannahs or dense, pristine wetlands, Botswana’s landscapes are ready to frame your narrative. Let Hoodlum handle all the intricate logistics, location scouting, and local coordination to ensure your production thrives in this exceptional destination.
Bordering Countries:
Southern Africa: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia
Main Cities:
Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane, Maun, Mahalapye, Palapye, Lobatse
Local Languages:
English, Setswana, Ikalanga
Local Currency:
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Climate:
The summer season runs from November to March, bringing high temperatures and occasional rain that can briefly cool the weather.
- Autumn, from April to May, offers moderate temperatures (15-31°C), making it a pleasant time to visit.
- Winter, from April to early September, is dry and semi-arid, with warm days but very cold nights, sometimes near freezing.
- Spring begins in August, with temperatures rising during the hot, dry months of September, October, and November until the rains return.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements
Citizens from Commonwealth countries generally do not require a visa to enter Botswana, except for those from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Visa-free entry is also available for SADC residents, most European countries, the USA, Canada, and others.
Required Documentation
A certified copy of your passport, including the page with personal details and a validity period of at least six months.
Processing Time
Visa processing can take up to 14 days.
Cost
- Single entry (1 month): BWP 300 or USD 30
- Multiple entry (5 years): BWP 500 or USD 50
General Film Permit
Issuing Organisation
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation, and Tourism.
Processing Time
Applications may take up to 30 days for approval.
Required Documentation
- Applicant’s passport copy
- Passport copies for international and local crew
- Invitation letter from the Botswana host/organisation, detailing the purpose of filming
- Completed film permit application form
- Film script or synopsis
- Filming schedule with dates
- A brief explaining how the local crew will benefit from the production
Cost
BWP 10,000
Issuing Authority
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation, and Tourism.
Private Locations
General Process
Letter from the host granting permission to film at the location, including the purpose of the filming.
Drone Permit
Drone Regulations (Importation and Operation)
Drones are allowed in Botswana but must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB).
Drone Importation Regulations
Drones can be brought into this region, provided they are registered with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Issuing Authority
Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB)
Required Documentation for Local Drone Permit
- Certified passport copies of the applicant
- Fingerprint clearance from Botswana Police Services
- Completed application form from CAAB
For Drone Importation
- Copy of passport
- Fingerprint clearance from Botswana Police Services
- Payment: BWP500 (Commercial) / BWP250 (Private)
- Completed vetting forms (DIS form) at CAAB
- Copy of RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) user manual available at CAAB offices
- Authorization letter from the property owner (for commercial operations)
Processing Time
The application process typically takes up to 14 working days.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet Country?
Yes, Botswana is a Carnet country.
General Process for Carnet Country
- While Botswana is a Carnet country, the process for importing film equipment follows standard importation procedures.
- A detailed list of film equipment and their individual values must be provided.
- Customs agents are available at major entry points to process importation documents.
- A 14% fee of the equipment’s value is charged for temporary importation, refundable upon exiting Botswana through the same port.
Required Information / Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
- List of film equipment and values
- Customs clearance documents prepared by agents
- Passports of the applicant(s)
Issuing Authority
Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS)
Processing Time
Typically 1 day
Cost
14% of the equipment’s value (refundable upon exit)
Agent’s Fees: BWP1500
Safety and Security
General Overview
Botswana is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa.
Type of Security Required
Generally, no security is required, though crews may choose to arrange security at their discretion.
