Years ago, before smartphones, taking a picture meant having a camera and film with you. You also needed adequate lighting, or if that wasn’t available, some sort of flashbulb to provide a moment of artificial lighting.
The advent of cell phones has meant people have had access to taking pictures anywhere, at any time. They’re even able to take decent photos in low-light conditions. Your camera is, effectively, in your pocket.
Of course, when people travel, there are certain places where taking photos isn’t allowed. Secure areas of airports (boy, did THIS woman find that out the hard way). Certain government buildings. However, there are some places around the world where you’re also not allowed to take photos.
Everywhere: Museums
The ability to take photographs inside museums varies from place to place. Some museums ban photography 100%, some only ban flash photography, and some ban types of either only for certain pieces of art. The rules vary based on concerns about copyright, fading the art, etc.
Everywhere: Shows
Like museums, the ability to take photos or videos of shows/entertainment will vary. They’re considered art, and copyright is taken very seriously. Some places have no problem, but others may forbid it entirely.
Algeria
Photos near or of military bases, police stations or anything/anyone that is related to the authorities is forbidden.
Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks: Uluru, sometimes known as Ayers Rock. But as beautiful as it is, the landmark is considered sacred by the Aboriginal people, who are the traditional owners of the land. They ended the ability to climb Uluru in October, 2019. Photography is also off-limits in some sacred regions around the rock, and commercial photography has been banned altogether.
Cuba
Taking photos of government buildings and military personnel is forbidden.
Egypt
Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was used as a burial ground for Ancient Egyptian royalty between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, and its most famous resident is King Tutankhamun.
Valley of the Kings had a strict “no photography” rule for years. However in 2018, the ban was partially lifted. Here are the rules now:
- Cell photos: Photos are OK, with no flash
- Cameras: You can buy a permit at the entrance and then are allowed to take photos
France
The Eiffel Tower
Of course, if you Google photos of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll see many pictures of it. Most of them are taken during the day. You’ll see some photos of them at night, but not nearly as many. That’s because it’s technically illegal. Here’s why.
Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle
Also called “the castle of the fairy-tale king,” this 19th-century palace is among the most visited castles in Germany and the world. You can take as many pictures of the outside as you’d like. But photography or filming the inside of the building is forbidden. (except when they say it’s OK. Like if it’s going to become a Getty photo, I guess).
India
Mumbai
Certain areas of Mumbai don’t allow photography, particularly during tourist season. Some places don’t allow selfies.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site (here’s what that means). The building itself is a vast mausoleum. You can take as many pictures of it as you’d like from the outside. However, since the inside is a tomb, taking photographs inside the main mausoleum is considered disrespectful.
Italy
The Sistine Chapel
Most people have heard you’re not allowed to take photos of the Sistine Chapel. Most people think it’s because of the fear of flashbulbs ruining the legendary frescoes, but nope, that’s not it. Here’s the real reason why.
Japan
We’ve been to Japan 3 (Joe) and 4 (me) times. It’s a beautiful country, with amazing temples, shrines and religious statues. Some are 100% fine to take photographs inside/of, and some are strictly off-limits. Look for signs.
The Netherlands
Red Light District
Most places in Amsterdam are fine for you to take photos of – even their famous “coffee shops.” However, photography is prohibited inside the buildings of the Red Light District. Should you try to sneak a few pictures, you may have your phone confiscated by an angry business owner.
North Korea
Kumsusan Palace of the Sun
Photography inside this mausoleum for two of the country’s previous rulers is banned. Visitors must hand over their phones and cameras before going inside.
South Korea
in South Korea, photographing people, even in public, without their consent is considered a criminal offense. It goes under their “Right to Privacy” laws. Even if you’re taking a picture of public places, if the photographer doesn’t have the express permission of those who appear in the picture, the people in the photos can contact authorities or press charges against the photographer under the pretense that their right to privacy is being violated.
Switzerland
Abbey Library of St. Gall
Located in St. Gallen, The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is a significant medieval monastic library. No photography is allowed inside (but they have a selfie spot at the door).
United Arab Emirates
Taking photographs of government buildings, certain bridges, and palaces of the Sheikhs is strictly forbidden and could earn you fines or jail time. This web page goes into a lot of detail that could be helpful, including rules, exceptions and fines.
Some temples and shrines in the UAE have also taken to ban photography. Look for signs.
United Kingdom
Jewel House
From their website:
“The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661. This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones is part of the Royal Collection and boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.”
“Please be aware the photography in the Jewel House is not allowed.”
Westminster Abbey
From their website:
- Photography is not permitted at any time during services, including any services that run alongside tourist visiting.
- Video recording, flash photography, extra lighting, selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted.
- Photography of children/young people is prohibited without consent of the accompanying adult.
- Professional photography is only permitted with the approval of the Abbey’s Press Office.
- Photography is not permitted at any time in the:
- Shrine of St Edward the Confessor
- St Faith’s Chapel
- The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries
United States
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Opened in 2007, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge with a glass walkway at Eagle Point in Arizona near the Colorado River, on the edge of a side canyon in the Grand Canyon West area of the main canyon.
Cameras, including phones, are not allowed on the Skywalk. The official reason is to prevent unintentional damage to the glass paneling. However, you’re welcome to purchase a professional photography package from the gift shop. WHAT a coincidence!
Las Vegas
Las Vegas casinos prohibited photography and filming on the casino floor for years. This was to ensure players’ privacy, prevent cheating, and protect the casino from a potential robbery. Some casinos still strictly uphold this rule, while others are more lenient to people who want a few snaps of their group for personal use.
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. So it makes sense that security is strict there. You can only explore it as a civilian by taking an official tour. Also, once you arrive, no photos are allowed inside or outside the building. In fact, you can’t even bring your cell phone inside.
Post Offices
I’m not sure why anyone would want to take pictures inside a working U.S. post office. But if you do, heads up that you can only take photos for personal use, and only at the discretion of the postmaster. And that’s presuming you don’t disrupt the employees and the snaps are taken in areas that are accessible to the public. Also, “No picture can depict any Postal Service employee, customer, security camera, or cover of mail (i.e., anything that might show customer name and address).”
Supreme Court
According to Federal Rule 53, “Except as otherwise provided by a statute or these rules, the court must not permit the taking of photographs in the courtroom during judicial proceedings or the broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom.”
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Photography is not allowed inside the mausoleum.
Feature Image: Pixabay
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3 comments
Did you forget Yad Vashem?
No. It’s included under “museums.”
You forgot Canada; I have been threatened with arrest for taking pictures in train stations. Both times the officers have refused to provide the requisite statute.