Blog · October 2026

Filming permits in Mexico: a practical guide

What permits you need to film in Mexico, who issues them and how much time to plan for.

Who issues filming permits

Mexico has no single national permit. Public streets and plazas are handled by each city government, often through a film commission or the municipal events office. Federal sites such as archaeological zones, national parks, highways and beaches each have their own authority, so one shoot can require several permits.

How much time to plan

For a simple city location, plan at least one to two weeks. Federal locations, closures of streets or drone flights over populated areas can take a month or more. Starting early is the single biggest factor in keeping your schedule.

Private locations

Homes, businesses and private land need a signed location agreement with the owner. It should state dates, hours, areas you can use, how many people and vehicles will be on site and who is responsible for damage.

Drones

Drone flights must respect airspace rules, especially near airports, military areas and crowds. Plan each flight and check restrictions before the shoot day, not on it.

Working with a local producer

A local producer or fixer knows which office to call, what documents each one asks for and how to adapt when something changes. For foreign crews this usually saves more time and money than it costs.