Do tourists need a permit to film holiday videos?

Personal, non-commercial filming with handheld equipment generally does not need a permit. Once you sell the footage, use a crew or disrupt the public, you do.

Do I need a permit to film on private property?

You need the property owner's written permission rather than a municipal permit, unless the shoot spills onto public roads or pavements.

Can I film at a national park?

Yes, with a SANParks filming permit, applied for well in advance and priced separately from any city permit.

Municipal Permits

Filming Permit in South Africa

In plain English

A filming permit is written permission to shoot film, video or photography for commercial purposes in a public place or on public land. In South Africa there is no single national film permit: you apply to the city film office (such as the Cape Town Film Permit Office or the Johannesburg Film Office), to the provincial nature conservation body for reserves, or to the landowner for private property.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Production companies, advertising agencies, students making commercial content, news crews using equipment beyond handheld cameras in controlled spaces, drone operators, and anyone whose shoot affects the public — road closures, parking, generators, lighting or crowds.

When is it required

Before any commercial shoot on public land, roads, beaches, parks or buildings owned by the state. Small shoots with a handheld camera and no impact on the public are often exempt in some cities, but always confirm with the film office first.

Eligibility

A registered production entity or a named responsible individual
Public liability insurance (usually at least R5 million, check the city's requirement)
A detailed shoot plan: dates, times, locations, crew size, equipment, stunts or special effects
CAA approval and a licensed operator if drones are involved

Documents you need before applying

Completed application form from the relevant film office
Public liability insurance certificate
Location list with dates and times
Traffic management plan if roads or parking are affected
Drone licence and flight approval where applicable
Letters of consent from affected residents or businesses for sensitive areas

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Identify the right authority
City land goes to the city film office; national parks to SANParks; provincial reserves to bodies like CapeNature or Ezemvelo; harbours to Transnet; and private property to the owner. One shoot can need several permits.
2
Submit the application early
Cape Town and Johannesburg ask for at least 5 to 10 working days for straightforward shoots, longer for road closures or stunts. Late applications can be refused outright.
3
Pay the tariff
Fees depend on crew size, location and impact. Students and low-budget productions often qualify for reduced tariffs — ask when you apply.
4
Carry the permit on set
Metro police, traffic officers and rangers can ask to see it. Shooting without one can shut the production down and lead to fines or confiscated footage time.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The film office of the city or province where you are shooting, or the managing authority of the specific site.

Fees

Varies widely by city and impact — from a few hundred rand for a small low-impact shoot to thousands per day for road closures. Student discounts are common.

Processing time

5–10 working days for standard shoots; several weeks where roads, stunts or sensitive sites are involved.

Validity

The specific dates and times listed in the permit.

Renewal

A new application is required for each shoot period.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming one city permit covers national parks or beaches managed by another authority
Forgetting that drones need separate CAA approval
Applying too late for a shoot that needs road closures