Honduras

Introduction

Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Honduras, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With deep local knowledge and hands-on experience, we manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Honduras offers a variety of stunning backdrops, including lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant cities—perfect for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Honduras? Hoodlum ensures a seamless production process, managing all logistics, including permits, visas, equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Honduras.

Country Overview:

Located in the heart of Central America, Honduras is bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, with coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country is known for its lush rainforests, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant indigenous cultures. Its capital, Tegucigalpa, serves as the political and economic center, while the northern city of San Pedro Sula is a major industrial hub.

Honduras boasts rich biodiversity and natural beauty, including the Bay Islands, a popular destination for scuba diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Agriculture, manufacturing, and remittances from abroad play key roles in the economy. While the country faces challenges related to poverty and governance, it is also focusing on sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and infrastructure to drive growth.

Main Cities:

Tegucigalpa (capital), San Pedro Sula, Choloma, La Ceiba, El Progreso

Bordering Countries:

Guatemala (west), El Salvador (southwest), Nicaragua (east and southeast)

Local Languages:

Spanish (official), indigenous languages, and English (particularly in the Bay Islands)

Local Currency:

Honduran lempira (HNL), with US dollars widely accepted

Weather/Seasons:

Best Time to Film: Dry season (December to May) – generally sunny and dry

Not Ideal for Filming: Rainy season (June to November) – heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and tropical storms can disrupt filming

Visa Requirements

General Requirements

Film crews visiting Honduras typically need a tourist card, which can be obtained upon arrival. A special permit or visa may also be required based on the specific needs of the project.

Required Documentation

• Valid passport
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of financial resources
• Letter explaining the purpose of the trip
• Documentation related to the film project, including a script and location permits

Processing Time

Tourist visa: Typically, 3-5 business days

Business or special permit visa: Around 7-10 business days or more

Cost

Tourist visa: $30-$100 USD

Business or special permit visa: $100-$500 USD (depending on the type of visa and duration of stay)

Visa Application Link

For more details on visa applications, visit Honduras eVisa.

International Crew Accreditation

General Accreditation Requirements

Film crew members need to provide documentation, including:

• Passport
• Proof of medical insurance
• Letter from the production company confirming their role and duration of stay in Honduras

Required Documentation for Application

To apply for crew accreditation, film crew members must submit:

• Valid passport and ID
• Proof of medical insurance
• Letter from the production company
• Completed accreditation application form

Processing Time

Crew accreditation typically takes 2-5 business days to process. However, additional documentation may extend this timeline.

Cost

Cost of crew accreditation is generally free or minimal, with administrative fees ranging from $10-$50 USD per person.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization

Film permits in Honduras are issued by the Instituto Hondureño de Turismo (IHT), in coordination with other relevant government agencies and local authorities.

Processing Time

The processing time for a film permit is typically 7-14 business days, but it may take longer if additional documentation or approvals are needed.

Required Documentation for Application

To apply for a film permit, producers must submit:

• Script and storyboard
• Location list and shooting schedule
• Crew list and equipment list
• Proof of liability insurance
• Completed permit application form

Cost

The cost of a film permit in Honduras is generally free or minimal, ranging from $0-$50 USD per person. Additional administrative or processing fees may apply.Bottom of Form

Private Locations in Honduras

General Process

Hoodlum Film Fixers in Honduras plays a crucial role in securing private film locations. They are responsible for:

• Negotiating with property owners
• Obtaining necessary permits
• Coordinating logistics, this ensures that the filming process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Cost

The cost of a private film location is negotiated based on the production’s specific needs, as detailed in the production synopsis. Prices will vary depending on the location and the arrangements made with the property owner or manager.

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations

Authorization required:

Drone operations for film and commercial purposes need prior approval from the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Compliance:

Operators must follow safety guidelines, including obtaining liability insurance, respecting restricted airspace, and adhering to other aviation safety rules.

Drone Importation Regulations

The importation of drones into Honduras requires a permit from the CAA and must comply with customs regulations, such as:

• Payment of duties and taxes
• Declaration of the drone’s value and intended use

Issuing Organization

Drone permits are issued by the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), also known as the Autoridad de Aviación Civil (AAC).

Required Information / Documentation for Local Drone Permit

To apply for a local drone permit, operators typically need to provide:

• Completed permit application form
• Proof of liability insurance
• Drone registration documents
• Pilot certification
• Flight plan detailing coordinates, altitude, and other relevant information

Required Information / Documentation for Drone Importation

To import a drone into Honduras, operators typically need to provide:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of origin
• Proof of payment of duties and taxes
• Detailed description of the drone (make, model, serial number)

Timing

The processing time for a drone permit in Honduras is typically 3-5 business days. However, depending on the complexity of the application and the CAA’s workload, it can take up to 10-15 business days.

Cost

The cost of a drone permit in Honduras generally ranges between $200-$500 USD, depending on the type of permit, its duration, and the specific requirements of the project.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is it a Carnet country?

No, Honduras is not a Carnet country, meaning the ATA Carnet cannot be used for temporary importation of goods.

General Process for Non-Carnet Country

For non-Carnet countries like Honduras, the process for temporarily importing film equipment involves:

• Obtaining a temporary importation permit
• Paying a bond or deposit
• Providing a detailed inventory of the equipment
• Ensuring that the equipment is re-exported within the designated timeframe.

Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance

When arriving in Honduras, film crews will need to present:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Detailed equipment list
• Letter explaining the purpose of the shoot and the intended duration of stay

Issuing Organization

Customs clearance in Honduras is issued by the Honduran Customs Authority, also known as the Dirección Ejecutiva de Ingresos (DEI).

Timings

The customs clearance process typically takes 2-5 working days, but it could extend to 7-10 working days, depending on:

• The complexity of the shipment
• The accuracy of the documentation
• The workload of the DEI

Cost

The cost for customs clearance typically ranges between $200-$500 USD. Additional fees may apply if a customs broker or agent is used, with their fee typically being 1-2% of the shipment’s value.

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives in Honduras

Honduras offers a Film Rebate Incentive. The Film Incentives Law, established by the Honduran government in 2017, aims to attract and promote film production in the country, offering financial incentives for eligible film productions.

Safety & Security

Type of Security Required

Given the high crime rates in some areas of Honduras, it is strongly advised for film crews to hire armed security personnel for the duration of their stay. This typically involves:

• Off-duty police officers or
• Private security companies to provide 24/7 protection for the crew, equipment, and locations.