Popular Tourist Places Where Photography is Banned

Nobody wants to travel to a fascinating tourist attraction where they can’t take pictures and create memories. It is therefore important to read this content to the end to identify such places. Cultural and religious beliefs are the most prominent reasons why taking photographs are banned in these places, though, preservation reasons have also been linked to photographing bans in other areas. Below are some incredibly famous places from all around the world where taking photographs is strictly banned and you may be fined for disobeying this rule.

1. Sistine Chapel — Vatican City

The Sistine Chapel, located in the smallest country in the world is only for sightseeing and not for taking social media-worthy pictures. While it is possible to take photographs outside the chapel, photography is banned inside to protect delicate artwork from damage that may arise from camera flashes.

2. Taj Mahal- India

India is a country with spiritual significance. Most temples in the country are sacred and must be respected by locals and tourists alike. Fortunately, Taj Mahal managers didn’t ban people from taking pictures of the outside and some inner areas but the main Mausoleum is where taking pictures is strictly prohibited.

3. Westminster Abbey- United Kingdom

Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic places in the United Kingdom. While tourists and locals can take photographs on regular days, they are forbidden to do so during special ceremonies or services.

4. Valley of Kings- Egypt

Egypt is an ancient and fascinating place in Northern Africa. It is regarded in history as the beginning of civilization and offers tourists relics of the ancient world. Unfortunately, taking photographs at many of these tourist destinations is prohibited. Since your trip to Egypt remains incomplete without a visit to the Valley of Kings, you will be heartbroken to know that you can’t take pictures here. Valley of Kings is a majestic temple with tombs inside.

5. Uluru — Australia

Australia is home to many fascinating animal species, lots of sandy beaches, and great summer weather that will make your visit pleasurable. While taking photographs at many of Australia’s landmarks is not prohibited, Uluru is a religious site where photography is sensitive to the locals, and hence it is banned.

6. Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Eiffel Tower is the most shocking inclusion on the list of tourist attractions where taking photographs is banned. Taking photographs at this popular landmark will cause you to violate copyright laws. The lighting display on the tower is a piece of artwork that is protected under French copyright laws. People who take pictures around this landmark do so from far away.

7. Masjid al-Haram ( Grand Mosque) — Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The holy city of Mecca is significant to Muslims all around the world. While taking pictures around many places in Mecca is not prohibited, sacred places like Masjid al-Harami are protected from such activities. Not only are visitors banned from taking pictures in this area, but non-Muslims are also banned from accessing it. The reason for the ban imposed on taking photographs is to maintain religious privacy.

8. Machu Picchu- Peru

Unless you have a photography permit, you should avoid taking your cameras drones, tripods, and other photography devices to this sacred place. Fortunately, taking personal photography is allowed in some places around the landmark.

9. Jewel House, Tower of London- United Kingdom

The Crown Jewels remain one of the most visited places in the United Kingdom. This landmark is heavily secured, hence it is difficult to escape fines imposed for breaking the laws guiding the area. While visitors are allowed, photography is completely banned.

Conclusion

Rules are changing around tourist attractions worldwide, it will make some sense to check updated rules before making travel plans.