Film Crew Visa Challenges & HIFA's Ongoing Initiatives
Former Visa Waiver Program and Current Challenges
The Hawaii International Film Association (HIFA) has long supported international television, commercial, and film productions in Hawaiʻi, particularly those originating from Japan, contributing to the growth of Hawaiʻi's film industry and local economy.
The late, great Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaiʻi strongly supported HIFA and was a key driving force behind the establishment of the once-successful HIFA Visa Waiver Pilot Program.
The former HIFA Visa Waiver Pilot Program played an important role in facilitating short-term visits by qualified international production crews and promoting Hawaiʻi as an international filming destination.
However, this special visa waiver program has not been available since 2020.
Challenges with Current I and O Visa Requirements
Today, international production crews must obtain the appropriate U.S. visa or immigration authorization based on their specific filming activities.
The I visa primarily covers qualifying foreign media activities involving news, informational, or educational content. Entertainment programming and commercial productions may not qualify.
The O visa is intended for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. Its eligibility requirements, application costs, and processing times can create significant challenges for short-term production crews.
These restrictions have become major obstacles for international production companies considering filming in Hawaiʻi.
Economic Impact on Hawaiʻi
According to HIFA's historical industry data, between 2015 and 2019, approximately 150–170 Japanese television and commercial productions filmed in Hawaiʻi annually, generating an estimated $8.5–$9.5 million in production-related spending each year.
Since 2020, visa-related restrictions and other challenges have contributed to a substantial decline in international productions, negatively affecting local film professionals, hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses.
Hawaiʻi has also lost valuable international media exposure that previously helped promote the islands as a premier travel destination.
HIFA's Current Initiatives
HIFA continues to engage with U.S. federal officials, Hawaiʻi state government representatives, tourism organizations, and film industry stakeholders to address these challenges and advocate for practical solutions.
Our primary goal is to establish a more efficient and practical visa or entry process for qualified short-term international film and television production crews, particularly those coming from Japan.
While respecting U.S. immigration laws and national security requirements, HIFA remains committed to restoring Hawaiʻi's competitiveness as an international filming destination and supporting local employment, economic growth, and tourism.
Planning to Film in Hawaiʻi?
The former HIFA Visa Waiver Pilot Program is no longer available.
International production companies should verify the appropriate visa and entry requirements before traveling to Hawaiʻi.
HIFA and its member companies can provide information and local production support to help facilitate filming in Hawaiʻi. www.hifa.film