Filming in Sierra Leone: Locations, Permits and Arrival Logistics for Crews

Planning a shoot in Sierra Leone? Permits, drones, equipment, locations from rainforest to coast, and how crews land at Freetown airport and cross to Freetown.

Why film in Sierra Leone

Rainforest and river sanctuaries (Tiwai Island, Gola, Outamba-Kilimi), chimpanzee conservation at Tacugama near Freetown, long Atlantic beaches, historic sites such as Bunce Island, and a capital of colonial stilt houses and markets give documentary, wildlife, travel and commercial crews a lot of variety within a small country. See our guide to pygmy hippos and Sierra Leone's wildlife sites.

Permits: what sources say

• General film permit: sources name different authorities (Sierra Leone National Film Commission, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs). Do not assume; confirm directly or via a licensed fixer.
• Crew accreditation: fixer pages list a project proposal, crew list with roles, passport copies and a local partner's support letter; timing 5 to 10 working days.
• Visas for international crews: an invitation letter from a local production company is commonly requested; check the official eVisa portal.
• Drones: regulated; reported to need authorisation from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (about 7 to 14 working days).
• Equipment: reported not to be a Carnet country; plan a temporary import permit and customs declaration.
• Local permissions: for markets and public spaces, local permission on the day matters as much as paperwork.
• Cost: fixer pages quote about US$500 to US$1,500 depending on scale; indicative only.

Local fixers and production-support companies listed online include Sierra Leone Film Fixer, African Fixer, Hoodlum and Emerge Film Solutions. They are independent businesses and we have no relationship with them; check references.

Arrival logistics for crews

1. Cases, tripods and drones arrive at Freetown airport in Lungi: see the Freetown airport guide for immigration, fees and money.
2. To reach Freetown you cross the estuary: water taxi (Sea Coach or Seabird, adult from US$50) or the public ferry. Ask about luggage limits and book space for equipment cases: fares, times and contacts.
3. Boats generally do not run reliably at night, so a late landing usually means a night on the airport side.
4. Stay near the airport the first and last night: Hariom Yogi Guest House, 2.8 km from the terminal, has 24-hour reception and power for charging and offloading, parking, a guest kitchen, free cancellation, and group terms (10% off for 5+ rooms over 3+ nights, one invoice). We have 11 rooms, so ask early. WhatsApp +232 72 120 659.
5. Heading to the beaches or the forest? See Lungi airport to Tokeh Beach and Tiwai Island and the wildlife sites.

Related: hotels near Freetown airport, best time to visit, safety tips.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a permit to film in Sierra Leone?

Yes. Sources agree a permit is needed but disagree on the issuing body: some name the Sierra Leone National Film Commission, others the Ministry of Information and Communications, and some the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Confirm with the authorities, or through a licensed local fixer, before you travel.

Do I need a drone permit?

Yes, drones are regulated. Sources point to the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, with processing reported at about 7 to 14 working days.

Can I bring camera equipment into Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone is reported not to be a Carnet country, so temporary import usually needs a temporary import permit, a customs declaration and possibly a bond or deposit. Check with customs and your fixer.

What does a film permit cost?

Fixer pages quote roughly US$500 to US$1,500 depending on the scale of the production, and 7 to 14 days. These are marketing pages, some years old, so treat the figures as indicative only.

How do crews get from Freetown airport to Freetown with equipment?

Freetown airport is in Lungi, across the water from the city. Crews usually take a water taxi (Sea Coach or Seabird) or the public ferry, so book space for cases in advance, confirm luggage limits, and allow two to three hours. Boats generally do not run reliably at night.

Where can a crew stay near Freetown airport?

On the Lungi side. Hariom Yogi Guest House is about 2.8 km from the airport terminal, with 11 air-conditioned rooms from US$50, 24-hour power, free cancellation and group terms for 5+ rooms over 3+ nights. We are a guest house, not a fixer or production company.