A foreign crew filming in Alaska needs the right US visa (media crews can't work on ESTA or a tourist visa), usually an ATA carnet for the professional gear it brings, and a plan for moving that gear around the state. Renting gear locally takes most of the customs work off the list.
By Brendan Wells · Last checked November 2026 · Part of our Filming in Alaska guide
Which US visa does a foreign film crew need?
For documentaries and news, usually the I visa, the US media visa. It's for representatives of foreign media whose organization has a home office outside the US. According to the State Department, it covers:
staff of foreign media or independent production companies with journalistic credentials, filming a news event or documentary
film productions whose footage informs, reports news or educates, with most of the funding from outside the US
contract journalists whose work isn't "primarily intended for commercial entertainment or advertising"
Media workers can't use the Visa Waiver Program (the ESTA travel authorization) or B visitor visas while working. Crews shooting ads, branded content or entertainment generally don't fit the I visa and may need a different one. The State Department notes that some media work requires a petition-based work visa, such as an H or O visa, filed through US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Every project is different, so confirm the right visa with an immigration attorney before you book flights.
Do we need an ATA carnet for camera gear?
An ATA carnet is an international customs document, often called a passport for goods, that lets you bring professional equipment into a country temporarily without paying import duties. US Customs and Border Protection accepts carnets for professional equipment and names cameras and video equipment among the eligible items.
Get the carnet before you leave, from the issuer in your home country, usually a chamber of commerce.
It's valid for one year from the date it's issued.
Customs checks it each time the gear enters or leaves a country, and everything on the list has to leave with you.
If gear stays behind or a voucher isn't completed, the claim can reach 110% of the import duties and taxes.
Can we drive our gear to Alaska through Canada?
You can, but count the borders. The road route from the Lower 48 leaves the US, crosses British Columbia and Yukon, and enters the US again in Alaska. Canada accepts ATA carnets, and its customs rules use blue transit sheets for goods passing through the country. Tell your carnet issuer the full route so you have sheets for every crossing, and check that every crew member can enter Canada. For most crews, flying gear straight into Anchorage is simpler.
Should we ship gear to Alaska or rent it here?
Getting gear into Anchorage is the easy part. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) ranks first in the US and third in the world for air cargo, according to Airports Council International, and it's within a 9.5-hour flight of about 90% of the industrialized world.
Moving gear around Alaska is harder. Many locations are reached by small plane, where weight limits are strict and every operator sets its own.
We suggest bringing only what's specific to your look and renting the rest. Visiting crews can rent all of our gear: RED cinema cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio, the Black Arm camera truck, snowmobiles, drones and more. See Alaska camera rentals.
Can a foreign crew fly its own drone in Alaska?
Yes, but it takes paperwork and time. The FAA says foreign operators flying commercially in the US need:
A foreign aircraft permit from the US Department of Transportation. Apply at least 15 days ahead; it can take about 30 days.
An FAA remote pilot certificate under Part 107, the FAA's commercial drone rules. The FAA doesn't recognize foreign drone licenses, and the knowledge test is only given at testing centers in the US.
Remote ID, plus a Notice of Identification filed with the FAA for drones registered abroad.
The other options are flying under the direct supervision of a US-certified pilot who can take control at any time, or hiring a local Part 107 pilot with US-registered drones. Either way, drones aren't allowed in national parks.
What should we sort out first?
Visas
Confirm the visa type with an immigration attorney, then apply. Consular wait times vary by country.
Gear list
Decide what you have to bring and what you can rent in Alaska.
Carnet
Order it for the gear you're bringing, with every border on your route.
Drones
Start the DOT permit at least 15 days out, or plan on a local pilot.
Permits and logistics
Locations, land permits, freight and small-plane weights. See Alaska film permits.
Do we need a local fixer in Alaska?
A fixer, a local producer who handles permits, crew and logistics, saves a visiting crew most of the steps above. We've hosted foreign crews many times. In 2024 we hosted Magnéto Presse's French crew in Alaska for Le rêve de Léonard : Les secrets du vol dans la nature (Da Vinci's Dream: The Secrets of Flight), a documentary for France 5, and ran drones, audio and camera on the shoot.
Questions
Can a foreign film crew use ESTA to film in Alaska?
No. The State Department says media workers can't use the Visa Waiver Program or B visitor visas while working. Documentary and news crews usually need an I visa, and other crews should check with an immigration attorney.
Does the US accept ATA carnets for film equipment?
Yes. US Customs and Border Protection accepts carnets for professional equipment, including cameras and video gear. A carnet is valid for one year from the date it's issued.
Can a foreign drone pilot fly commercially in Alaska?
Only with a US Department of Transportation foreign aircraft permit, an FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate and Remote ID. Hiring a local Part 107 pilot is usually faster.
Planning a shoot in Alaska?
Send us your dates, crew list and gear list, and we'll tell you what to bring and what to rent. Start a project or call (907) 521-8133. We reply within one business day.
Sources
US Department of State: Media (I) Visas, checked November 2026
US Customs and Border Protection: ATA Carnet FAQs, modified June 26, 2024
Canada Border Services Agency: Memorandum D8-1-7, Use of ATA Carnets, February 12, 2015
Alaska DOT&PF: ANC ranked first in the US and third globally for cargo, April 17, 2026
FAA: Information for International UAS Operators in the United States, updated December 16, 2024
National Park Service: Uncrewed Aircraft in the National Parks, updated May 22, 2025
