The Surprising Tourist Landmarks Where Taking Photos Is Forbidden

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Tourist taking picture of Eiffel Tower with smart phone, personal perspective view, Paris, France — Snap a mental picture instead (Picture: Getty Images)

If you’re of the school of thought that believes the main goal of travelling is to snap (and share) albums full of photos, listen up.

Not only is picture-taking frowned upon in these tourist hotspots, it could also land you in hot water if you get caught.

Around the world, it’s not uncommon to see signs asking visitors to turn their flash off or keep to a certain distance, but certain locations restrict photography altogether.

We’re not just talking about the likes of war memorials or graves either. Getting your camera out at some of the world’s most famous landmarks is a major no-no.

This is sometimes for preservation reasons or for the safety and enjoyment of those around you – in some cases though, it’s a matter of copyright law.

So to help you avoid getting into trouble on your travels, Jessops has shared the destinations where you should stick to mental pictures only.

The Taj Mahal, India

Gardens of the Taj Mahal, Agra, India — The Taj Mahal is a sacred place (Picture: Getty Images)

You’ve likely seen dozens of photos of the Taj Mahal’s impressive exterior and gardens, but you’ll have to visit in person to see inside the Agra mausoleum.

As the sacred final resting place for Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan – the Mughal emperor who commissioned this architectural marvel in memory of his beloved wife – photography is considered highly disrespectful and strictly forbidden. This ban also ensures glowing screens don’t detract from others’ experience.

Security guards are present to enforce the rule, and visitors are asked to switch off their phones or keep them on silent.

The Sistine Chapel, Italy

Vatican City, Sistine Chapel — Tourist photos here have been forbidden since the 1980s (Picture: Getty Images)

There’s a no cameras allowed policy at the Sistine Chapel, in part because flash photography could damage Michelangelo’s artwork.

However there’s more to it than that: in the 1980s, Vatican officials needed to find the money to cover the chapel’s hefty restoration bills, so made a deal with a broadcasting company, Nippon TV, granting exclusive rights to photograph and film the newly restored art in exchange for a significant sponsorship.

Although the deal has expired when it comes ‘ordinary tourists’, commercial photographs are still prohibited. And since staff aren’t able to vet everyone who walks through the doors, it’s simpler to keep snapping off-limits for all.

The Vatican Museum website reads: ‘The guard staff is authorised to request the immediate cancellation, in their presence, of video or photographic material produced in contravention of this rule.’

The Valley of The Kings, Egypt

Morning Time at Valley of the Kings in Luxor City ,Egypt — Leave your cameras and phones outside please (Picture: Getty Images)

While you can get as many shots as you wish outside in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, photography inside the tombs is generally restricted to protect the delicate art from potential damage.

Some tombs allow visitors to purchase a permit to take photos, but these can be quite expensive. Elsewhere, you’re required to leave cameras and phones at the entrance.

Don’t bother trying anything sneaky either. Authorities apparently take this ban pretty seriously, and may issues fine or confiscate cameras.

The Red Light District, Amsterdam

Red light destrict view and Amsterdam canal, bicycles and cyclists, houseboats, living boats. (ED) — Shots of workers and residents here will spark negativity from locals (Picture: Getty Images)

Taking general photos of the streets and canals here is standard practice for tourists. Yet if you turn your lens towards the workers or residents, be ready to face their wrath.

Although there’s no specific law against photography, picture-taking can provoke strong reactions from locals, particularly if it’s contravenes the privacy and safety of the sex workers in the windows.

The Eiffel Tower, France

This one is unlikely to be enforced, but it’s still worth keeping in mind just in case.

Despite the fact capturing the Eiffel Tower during the day is perfectly legal,the structure’s night-time light show designed by Pierre Bideau in 1985, changes the situation.

This is because the light show is considered a separate artistic work, and is protected under European Union copyright law for the lifetime of the creator plus 70 years after their death. Since Bideau passed away in 2021, the copyright for the light show will extend well into the future – until the year 2091, to be exact.

Photography etiquette while travelling

Lizzie James, product specialist at Jessops recommends always researching the customs of where you’re going to ensure you aren’t being disrespectful with you’re snapping.

When it comes to pictures in public spaces which may have people in them, it’s polite to ask first – and sometimes necessary.

‘In France, for example, the Right to Image and Respect for Private Life Law means you’ll need consent to publish photos of recognisable people in both public and private settings,’ Lizzie explains.

She also advises: tourists to be on the lookout for signs that indicate photography restrictions, adding: ‘Just remember that not all areas will have clear signage, so if in doubt, it’s best to ask a local or a guide.

‘Respecting these signs shows that you value local norms and helps you avoid unintentional disrespect or legal issues, especially in culturally sensitive or privately managed spaces.’

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