To request authorization to film foreign works on national territory the petitioner must present the following documents to the Ministry of Culture’s Film Office (in Spanish):

• Written request addressed to the Ministry of Culture’s Film Office (Dirección de Cinematografía del Ministerio de Cultura) signed by the producer.
  
  
• Synopsis of the project.
  
  
• Summary of the producer(s)’ biography.
  
  
• Data fact sheet for the work in question.
  
  
• List of persons entering the country for the purpose of filming, listing their identification documents and the functions they will fulfill during filming of the work.
  
  
• Information regarding Colombian artistic and technical personnel scheduled to intervene in filming, when applicable.
  
  
• Estimate of financial resources to be invested in filming on Colombian territory.
  
  
• Places and dates foreseen for shooting.
  
  

The authorization to film does not replace or constitute permits or authorizations required by other competent authorities regarding immigration, visas, incoming funds or investments, and others.

The authorization, or if applicable, the denial of it, shall be issued within the maximum term of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the request.

In the event of receipt of an application without the necessary requirements, the correspondent will be informed within a maximum term of ten (10) days from submission.

These must be obtained from authorities in the city or municipality where taping or filming takes place.  Some of these cities have their own regulations that must be respected.  We recommend producers and directors contact the Film Commission in Bogotá to find out about these regulations.

Any person or company wishing to bring animals, animal species products, or biological veterinary products into the country for an audiovisual production must obtain an Andean Zoosanitary Import Document (Documento Zoosanitario Andino de Importación in Spanish) from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario).  Certain products are exempt from this requirement.  Consult the Colombian Agricultural Institute’s import/export guide for animals, vegetables and agricultural products. mayor información >>

To film, tape or take photographs in nationally protected areas, a request must be filed with the head office of the Special Administrative Unit of the National Natural Park System and the following steps must be taken:

A request must be filed at the Environmental Window  at Carrera 10 No. 20-30, Mezzanine Level, Bogotá and include the following information:

• The conservation unit or area where the project will take place

• The place or sector where filming will take place

• The type of product being made (documentary, chronicle, research, scenes for series, television soap opera, etc.)

• Name, identification, nationality, residence, address, telephone, fax and function of the person responsible for the group and of all others coming into the park

• Date of entry and exit

• Type of technical equipment to be used

• Day and time of filming

• Number and type of vehicles (motorcycle, automobile, truck, taxi, bus, official mini-bus, tourist mini-bus, boat, etc.)

A certificate of incorporation and legal representation is required, depending on whether the petitioner is a corporation or company.

When acting on behalf of a third party the power of attorney or authorization must be attached.

Self-payment form must be filled out.

Receipt of payment corresponding to evaluation and follow-up of project must be presented at the Environmental Window at Carrera 10 No. 20-30, Mezzanine Level, Bogotá.

Once a permit is issued the corresponding cost must be deposited; this cost varies depending on project’s duration.

For more information please contact: atencionusuario@parquesnacionales.gov.co.

Note: Correspondence and requests exchanged by email does not mean the permit process is underway.