Under the City of Cape Town’s Filming By-law, filming is permitted when authorised through a City-issued film permit. This permit grants filmmakers the legal right to use designated public or private locations for filming. The permit clearly outlines the conditions and responsibilities applicable to filming activities, ensuring that productions operate lawfully, safely, and with minimal disruption to the public.
Purpose-built facilities, as defined in the Filming By-law, are exempt from these permitting requirements, unless the film activities spill outside of the erf boundaries or there is a need for City Services.
Download the full Filming By-law, 2024 as refer to Schedule 1.
A film permit is required for all film-related activity, including:
A film permit is not needed when filming:
The City of Cape Town Film Permit Office (CTFPO) provides permission for filming in Cape Town and can also advise when permissions are needed from other authorities.
The City’s online application system is easy and efficient:
To apply for a permit using the city’s online film permit system, click here or contact:
film.permit@capetown.gov.za
+27 (0)21 417 4025
Film Permit Office operating hours:
There are several regulatory bodies in Cape Town that you need to apply for a film permission, see details below:
Email: Khumbulani.Tshabalala@sanparks.org
Email: filmshoots@tablemountain.net
Email: filmshoots@waterfront.co.za
Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government
Email: Jerome Harry Jerome.Harry@westerncape.gov.za / Mzwandile Velebayi mzwandile.velebayi@westerncape.gov.za / Tracy Davids tracy.davids@westerncape.gov.za
Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government
Email: Tal.activitypermits@westerncape.gov.za | Jose Lombard Jose.Lombard@westerncape.gov.za
Email: Matshidisho Malatji OCPermits@dffe.gov.za
Email: locations@permitz.co.za
Email: Annaline Arendse Annaline.arendse@airports.co.za
Email: Phelokazi.Qwase@prasa.com
Email: josia.ngonyamo@transnet.net | goodman.bartan@transnet.net
The City requires all production companies to have a valid public liability insurance.
Film permit conditions are the specific rules, requirements, and limitations that the City (or permitting authority) sets out in your film permit.
Here’s what film permit conditions usually cover:
Yes. The permit officer needs to verify that any new requirements, such as changes to location use, road closures, or special equipment are properly authorised and that the filming permit covers the changes, ensuring all necessary permissions are in place.
You should review the filming conditions for your chosen location and inform your film permit officer about the types of props you plan to use. Be specific about the materials and the nature of the props.
Please note that certain biodiversity-sensitive or conservation areas have strict regulations in place to protect the environment.
No, film permits are non-transferable.
Yes, Productions must provide proper notice to all residents and businesses directly affected by filming activities, including parking, base camps, and catering areas. The notification must include:
Yes, on condition that the film company has a valid film permit.
The film production company will notify abutted or affected areas by signed written notice.
Yes, the film company needs to apply for a permit through the City’s Film Permit Office.
Any road closure or obstruction must be applied for through the City of Cape Town’s Film Permitting Office, and all approvals will form part of the issued permit.
You may email your objections to the City’s Film Permit Office on film.permit@capetown.gov.za
The Film Permit Office is not allowed to share permit information with residents or businesses due to POPIA laws, however the production company must have copies of the permit on set and will provide the permit on request.
Please contact the City’s Film Permit Officer film.permit@capetown.gov.za
Note: While filming is underway, residents and businesses are asked to cooperate with the approved permit conditions to ensure a smooth process. This includes observing any temporary parking or access restrictions, keeping public areas clear for production activity, and communicating any concerns directly with the production’s location manager.
