Guidelines for filming Documentaries in India

• Home
• Guidelines for filming Documentaries in India

Foreign Audio Visual Agencies

Foreign Audio Visual Agencies intending to shoot documentary films/AV commercials should apply to VFS with the completed application form and signed undertaking (placed below) to be forwarded to Embassy. Once the proposal is approved, the Indian missions abroad will issue Journalist visa for travel to India for filming.

Documentary filming is not permissible on other types of visas (e.g. tourist/business visas). Import of only filming equipment is facilitated upon issue of the clearance.

Application for filming Documentaries/Commercials in India

• Title of the Film:
• Producer of the Film:
  (a) Organization:
  (b) Contact Details:
• Details of Representative in India, if any:
  (a) Organization/Representative
  (b) Contact Details:
• Documentaries made earlier by applicant:
  (Attach separate sheet, if required)
• Any documentary filmed in India:
  If yes, details thereof (Attach separate sheet, if required):
• Has applicant ever refused permission for filming in India?
• Is any pre-filming visit intended:
  (a) If so, itinerary thereof:
• Is the documentary for public broadcast?
  If so, on which network/channel:

Please Attach The Following:

• Undertaking (as per form provided)
• Synopsis of the documentary
• Exact locations with dates for filming
• List of cinematic equipment to be used
• List/full details of crew members

Undertaking A

• With reference to my/our application to make a documentary film in India. I/We hereby undertake to abide by the regulations of the Government of India governing the making of such films.


• I / We agree to attachment of a liaison Officer during the entire duration of filming in India If the Government of India or a State Government finds it essential to appoint such a liaison Officer. In the event of a Liaison Officer being appointed. I /We agree to meet the expenses for the travel and stay of the Liaison Officer concerned.


• I/We agree that where archaeological monuments are concerned. We would furnish the application in the required proforma with script / synopsis of the subject and content of the film and further that the decision of the Archaeological Survey of India on the filming of such monument will be final. I/ We further agree that the team will follow the advice of the appropriate officer of the Archaeological Survey of India office nearby or on the spot.


• I/we also agree to show the film to a representative of the Government of India, If so required , at least two weeks before final telecasting /screening , and furnish in advance a full translation , In English , of the commentary where required . I/We further agree to work constructively with the Government of India representatives to remove deviations. If any, from the approved treatment/ Script of the film and thereby achieve a balanced and accurate exposition of the theme.

Undertaking B

With reference to my/our application to make a documentary film in India. I/We hereby undertake to abide by the regulations of the Government of India governing the making of such films.

1. I / We will obtain prior permission of the local authorities, Railways / Port / Airport Authorities concerned, wherever necessary.

2.  I/We agree that No civil Vulnerable Areas / Vulnerable Points and restricted / protected / prohibited areas will be covered during the course of shooting.

3. There will be no deviation from the original synopsis / programme submitted to Embassy

4. A copy of the documentary will be provided to Embassy of India Spain which will preview the final film before screening / telecast and any omissions / alternations suggested by them will be binding on the Producers.

5. I/we will take prior permission from the Archaeological Survey of India, on payment of the prescribed fee, if shooting involves any protected Monument Forts etc. under the ASI. The application to ASI for such permit is to be made directly by the Producers or their representatives in India, if any.