Film permits in Egypt
Every foreign production filming in Egypt needs permits. Here is how the process works today, what to prepare, and how we keep it moving.
Who issues filming permits
Since 20 November 2025, the Egypt Film Commission (EFC), a division of Egyptian Media Production City, regulates all foreign film and television production in Egypt. Permits, script approvals and equipment customs go through its online Single Digital Window.
What to prepare
Script or treatment, shooting dates, a location list, the crew list with passport details, and the equipment list. Add any special requests from the start: drones, helicopters, heritage sites, night work, road closures or animals.
Timeline
EFC quotes about 14 days for script approval and 10 to 30 days for shooting permits. In our experience, once prep and first approvals are in, the remaining permits are often ready in about a week. Plan for the longer end if you need heritage sites or aerial work.
Heritage sites, drones and aerial filming
Archaeological sites such as the Giza Plateau and Luxor temples need additional approvals and often have fixed time windows. Drone and helicopter shots have their own permits. We plan these early so they do not hold up the rest of the schedule.
How Filmedia handles it
We prepare the file with you, submit and follow it daily, coordinate customs for your equipment and keep you updated on every approval. You always know where each permit stands.
Shot in Egypt by Filmedia
From first email to wrap.
- 01You send
The brief
Script or treatment, dates, the look you want and crew size. We reply within 24 hours with location ideas and a first budget range.
- 02We scout
Recce & budget
Photo and video recce of the shortlist, then we lock schedule and budget with you, line by line.
- 03We clear
Permits & customs
We file the filming permits, often about a week once prep and first approvals are in, clear your equipment through customs and hire crew and fixers.
- 04We shoot
Shoot & wrap
Daily reports to your office during the shoot. After wrap we close permits, returns and paperwork.
Have dates and a script? Send them today. We reply within 24 hours.
Send your brief ↗FAQ
Who issues film permits in Egypt?+
The Egypt Film Commission (EFC), part of Egyptian Media Production City, through its Single Digital Window.
How long do film permits take in Egypt?+
EFC quotes 10 to 30 days, after script approval. Once prep and first approvals are in, the rest is often ready in about a week.
Do I need a permit for a small crew or a photo shoot?+
Yes. Commercial filming and photography by foreign crews needs permits, even with a small crew.
Can you get drone permits in Egypt?+
Yes, drone and helicopter filming are permitted through EFC with their own approvals. Request them from the start.
Shoot something like this in Egypt.
We reply within 24 hours. Permits are often ready in about a week once prep and first approvals are in.