ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXFilming in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 8 months ago - Paul Brooking
Hi, I wonder if anyone has experience of taking DSLR cameras and radio mics into Saudi?
I am working there for a week, shooting at an exhibition but I have read reports about restrictions on bringing in gear (as well as the many restrictions about what you cannot shoot).
It's not a carnet country, so do you get a gear list signed by customs? Do you travel on a visitor visa or do you need something special?
Any clues from a professional would be really appreciated.
Best Paul
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1 year, 8 months ago - Anisa Sabiri
Hi, Paul. I had an experience of taking the Handycam plus one DSLR camera - it seems that on a tourist visa you can bring unprofessionally looking gear into the country without a trouble.
1 year, 8 months ago - Paul Brooking
Thank you Anisa, that's encouraging but I have a case of 2 Canon DSLRs and 3 lenses plus radio mics and I suspect on a tourist visa they may find that suspicious as I'm clearly working.
1 year, 8 months ago - John Lubran
It's been a decade or so since I filmed in Saudi. I've filmed with a crew and lots of equipment in a few despotic authoritarian countries. Unless one has reason to believe that the authorities in such a country may not like you, check where you've left traces. The simplest strategy is to contact their embassy for their rules and get your i's dotted and your t's crossed. Naivety and notions of presumed entitlement can be a problem at best and quite dangerous at worst.
Travelling as a tourist still requires caution. Lightweight cameras that can reasonably be described as a tourist camera are 'probably' OK. Best to carry receipts or evidence of original purchase of kit, both outward and return if not an ATA Carnet.
A lot depends on exactly what you're actually doing. Be ready to explain yourself, before and during visits, with credible detail. If there's nothing that could be construed as political or 'activist' about your visit, being transparent and polite can even get you a document that's helpful. A document that even encourages authorised functionaries to assist in filming in places that are otherwise difficult to do. Such a document can also prevent unwanted behaviour from Police and other empowered entities.
Once I had ticked the right boxes before bringing professional equipment with our three person crew and got through Saudi customs, I found people to be hospitable and friendly.
It's really not rocket science.
1 year, 7 months ago - Paul Brooking
Hi John, thank you for responding. I am making some progress via the organisers of the show in Riyadh, the Embassy not being particularly hopeful so far. I'll get my 'To Whom It May Concern' intro letter drafted in Arabic as well.
1 year, 8 months ago - Chris Chandler
I'd seriously advise against travelling in as a tourist! However for filming in virtually any country, advice and guidance is available from the national film commission. For Saudi, look here: https://abdea.moc.gov.sa/#licenseTypesContainer
Good luck!
Chris Chandler
1 year, 7 months ago - Paul Brooking
Hi Chris, I agree about the Tourist Visa - someone had suggested it but it didn't seem wise. I had been on that website although there's no listing of a licence for anything film related at all, but I'll message them. Many thanks, Paul