The policy of National Park Service (NPS) is to allow filming, photography, and recordings when it is consistent with the protection and public enjoyment of park resources. These activities may not harm natural, cultural, wilderness, or recreational resources and cannot conflict with the public's normal use and enjoyment of the park.
Do I need a permit to film?
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public
Uses hand-carried equipment only
Does not require exclusive use of a site
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
More Permit Information
If, after reviewing the information above, you have determined that your film, photography, or audio recording project needs a permit please email the Permit Coordinator.
There are three different permit applications. The complexity of your project will determine the type of permit you'll need.
If you are unsure if you need a permit or which permit application to use, please contact us.
The National Park Service will collect:
A non-refundable $200 cost recovery charge. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
A location fee: In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:
Filming
1–10 people - $150/day
11–30 people - $250/day
31–49 people - $500/day
Over 50 people - $750/day
Photography
1–10 people - $50/day
11–30 people - $150/day
Over 30 people - $250/day
Payments are accepted in the form money order or paper check. Payments can be through the mail.
Checks or money orders are made payable to National Park Service and are accepted through the mail or in person.
Indicate the name of your production company.
Mail your payment to:
Bering Land Bridge NP – NPS
Attn: Administrative Officer
PO Box 220 Nome, AK 99762
To help protect park resources and to assist still photography applicants as comprehensively as possible, permit deadlines have been established. Please note that all permit fees need to be paid and all initial paperwork completed before the permit will be considered. It is highly recommended to start the permitting process early as practical.
Permits and associated fees must be submitted at least 30 days in advance.
Ninety-five percent of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is eligible for Wilderness designation. Commercial activities that take place in eligible Wilderness are thoroughly vetted to assure that Wilderness character and values are protected. It is highly recommended you educate yourself about Wilderness character and values as commercial activities occurring in the preserve’s eligible Wilderness are required to show that they are appropriate and necessary for the administration of the Wilderness.
