Filming Cuba: What you need to know in 2023
Can Americans film in Cuba?
Yes, Americans can film in Cuba, but they need to follow certain regulations and restrictions. Under the current US embargo on Cuba, most types of commercial activity, including filming, are prohibited without a license from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). However, certain categories of travel, such as journalism or professional research, may qualify for a general license.
What do you need to film in Cuba?
To film in Cuba, you need:
- A permit from the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Arts and Industry (ICAIC), especially for commercial filming. Any other authorized government film agency would also work.
- To comply with regulations related to your country of origin and the nature of your project.
- Legal and travel advice before filming in Cuba.
- Respect for the privacy and cultural norms of local people.
- Awareness that policies related to filming in Cuba may change.
Film Commission Cuba
The “Cuba Film Commission” is a group of organizations dedicated to serving the film industry in Cuba. Before the creation of the RECAC (Registro del Creador Audiovisual) in 2018ish Independent Filmmakers were basically doing Guerrilla Filming in Cuba. To film in Cuba there are no incentives other than the wonderful people, a unique country, and the guarantee that you will be changed for life. This is a magical place, also plan B is often better than plan A. “Oh shit!” days could come in pairs, and we do our best to avoid them, but please, DON’T TRY TO MAKE LOGIC.
The Cuba Film Commission DOES NOT EXIST. I will repeat it below.
Filming in Cuba FAQs
The answer is NO! The Cuba Film Commission -sort of- is a group of organizations dedicated to the development of the independent film industry in Cuba. Obviously, “Film Commission Cuba” is just a low-hanging fruit top-level domain that someone of course grabbed.
This depends on the kind of work you want to do. If you’re coming as a Journalist it needs at least 3 weeks. You must submit a “treatment” or a storyline and interview request list to the Press Attache’ at your country’s Cuban Embassy
For feature films, you must first provide your Local Producer with a script. Authorities will review if the film is fit to be shot in Cuba. Then your girl/guy in Cuba will endeavor a process I like to call “The pursuit of happiness” because let’s be honest, he has to chase that rabbit down many holes.
It would be safe to say that 3-5 weeks for easy things. I once spent 8 months chasing Aerial Permits in Cuba, but this was for a helicopter with a 12K 3 camera rig, an IMAX film.
Yes! For the most part, once you have a Journalist Visa or D-6 Visa -the same thing-, you can shoot pretty much anywhere outside. Some, and I should say most, protected areas require special permits.
Yes! And a plane, and a boat too. Cuba is open to all this stuff, big boats, small planes, helicopters, whatever vehicle you wish to bring, it is possible. Of course, you better hire someone with stamina for that job. This is tiring and honestly can happen faster than you think. In the case of an executive flight, we can get you that permit in a couple of days. Maybe even a same-day flight permit to Cuba.
NO! Hard NO! Yet, you can balance that with lots and lots of savings if you plan right. Cuba is a broke country, so the economy doesn’t allow for tax incentives. There is a recommendation under evaluation where the Cuban institutions will pay the local crew. This is something I suggested in a meeting with top-level guys in these places, but it may or may not happen. It would be some sort of tax break, a dream yet.
General Film Commission Requirements in Cuba
- An LoI with the company details, together with a script, storyboard, or treatment of the project.
- The estimated time for your production in Cuba. Is much better if you provide exact dates.
- A rough budget and itemized expenses for the shoot in Cuba.
- Permits will be denied if the script is offensive to the people of Cuba.
Immigration Requirements in Cuba
- Your institution of choice must be notified of the travel dates for all crew. You must submit passport copies and biographies to the embassy. CUBA FIXER can assist in obtaining visa waivers, visas, or work permits, of course with the support of one of those institutions. For more details on Cuba visa requirements, please give us a call, send a message, or email us.
- This depends in great measure on what institution is handling your visas and permits. The International Press Center (CPI) in Havana is the one institution that works very differently, they grant more freedom for Documentary filmmaking. ICAIC, RTV, Casa Productora ICRT, and other small government agencies get you inside the country on a tourist visa and then change it to a Temporary Working Visa in Cuba. When you arrive with a D-6 Visa journalist visa, you must register at the CPI and get your press pass, there’s a 1500 CUP fee involved, about 12 USD, which used to be 60 CUC (60 bucks).
Cuba Customs Requirements
- Every piece of equipment to be imported must be accounted for. For wireless microphones, wireless video transmitters, and wireless radios and earpieces there is a very detailed process involved, it can’t be avoided. Administrative fees are required for imports. If you plan to leave gear behind such as hard drives or any other piece of equipment, there may be an import tax involved.
- It is good practice to name your fixer and the institution you’re working within the Air Waybills
- Make sure to insure (this is punny) your gear with an insurance company that covers Cuba. Keep your hard drives with you in your carry-on bag and avoid cargo, either in or out of the country.
Photo Credit: Dean Freeman
Conclusions: No Film Commission in Cuba
Cuba is a wonderful place, but it’s a pain when it comes to permits and regulations. This country needs a facelift for filming procedures. Please let us know if you have any more questions or suggestions. I always forget something, but that’s what the call button is for. Call us, it’s free!
You can leave comments requesting more info, send us a message, or email us. We’re here to help. If you think this info is relevant and useful you can share it with your buddies. I honestly rather have you hire me for your next shoot, but if that doesn’t happen we can still grab coffee when you’re in Cuba and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Journalist Visa Application Form (European Citizens)
Download the Journalist Visa Application Form for (European Citizens) in PDF format.
