Do I need a permit?
The short answer is: it depends on where you are shooting and the scale of your production. As a general rule:
Private property shoots with the landowner's permission require no government permit, though written consent from the property owner is strongly recommended for your production records.
Public locations — including beaches, parks, roads, government buildings, and heritage sites — require a permit from the relevant authority. Barbados has a clearly defined permitting process and most permits can be obtained within a few days with the right documentation.
Commercial productions, music videos, feature films, and television productions shooting on public land should always obtain a permit regardless of crew size. Even small crews shooting on public beaches or streets are advised to carry documentation to avoid disruption on set.
Key permitting authorities
Depending on your shooting locations, you may need to liaise with one or more of the following:
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI)
The primary body for facilitating film productions in Barbados. BTMI actively supports international and regional productions and can assist with location approvals, government liaisons, and introductions to local service providers. Productions are encouraged to register with BTMI early in pre-production.
Website: barbados.org
National Conservation Commission (NCC)
Manages all national parks, public beaches, and green spaces in Barbados. Any production shooting on a public beach, in a park, or at an NCC-managed facility requires written approval from the NCC. Applications should be submitted at least 5–7 working days in advance.
Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF)
Required for any production that involves road closures, traffic management, chase sequences, the use of firearms or weapons props, or large crowd scenes on public roads. Police escorts and on-set officers can also be arranged through the RBPF for an associated fee.
Barbados National Trust
Manages historic sites, plantation houses, and heritage properties across the island. Productions wishing to shoot at any Trust-managed property must apply directly to the Trust and comply with their specific conditions of use, which may include restrictions on equipment, crew size, and shoot times.
Ministry of Transport & Works
Required for any production involving road closures, the placement of production vehicles on public roads, or infrastructure that affects traffic flow.
Private landowners & estate managers
For villa shoots, private beaches, plantation estates, and residential properties, all permissions must be obtained directly from the owner or their appointed manager. Screen Barbados can connect you with property owners and location scouts — use the Locations directory to identify sites and submit an enquiry through the platform.
Drone filming
Drone operations in Barbados are regulated by the Barbados Civil Aviation Department (BCAD). All commercial drone operations require prior approval. Key requirements include:
- Drone operator must hold a valid Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent qualification
- BCAD approval must be obtained before any commercial aerial filming
- Flights over populated areas, near airports, and above certain altitudes require additional clearance
- The Civil Aviation Act governs all unmanned aircraft operations in Barbados
Contact the Barbados Civil Aviation Department directly to begin the approval process well in advance of your shoot dates. Screen Barbados maintains a directory of certified local drone operators who are familiar with BCAD requirements — see the Crew directory under Drone Operator.
Customs & equipment importation
Productions bringing significant amounts of equipment into Barbados should be aware of the following:
A Carnet (ATA Carnet) is strongly recommended for all productions importing professional film and television equipment. The Carnet is an international customs document that allows temporary importation of equipment without paying import duties, provided the equipment is re-exported within the agreed timeframe.
Productions without a Carnet may be required to pay a temporary importation bond or duty deposit at the port of entry, which is refunded on re-export. Work with a local customs broker to ensure smooth clearance — BFTA can provide referrals on request.
Equipment hired locally through Screen Barbados suppliers (see the Equipment directory) bypasses importation entirely and is often the most cost-effective and logistically simple option for productions.
Talent & crew work permits
International cast and crew working in Barbados on a paid basis may require a work permit issued by the Barbados Immigration Department. Requirements vary depending on nationality, the length of the shoot, and the nature of the work.
Productions are strongly advised to begin the work permit process as early as possible — a minimum of 4–6 weeks before the shoot start date is recommended. BFTA can advise on current requirements and connect you with local immigration attorneys who specialise in production-related permits.
Hiring local Barbadian crew and talent through Screen Barbados significantly reduces the volume of work permits required and supports the local industry — a factor that may also be considered favourably by permitting authorities.
Firearms, weapons & special effects
The use of firearms, replica weapons, pyrotechnics, or special effects on set in Barbados requires advance approval from the Royal Barbados Police Force and in some cases the Ministry of Home Affairs. These approvals must be secured well in advance of the shoot. Work with your local production coordinator to manage this process — see the Crew directory for experienced Production Coordinators based in Barbados.