Sightseeing is the perfect opportunity to discover monuments and landscapes that are as sublime as they are exotic, and that many travelers love to immortalize by photographing them. However, in some tourist resorts there are restrictions that prevent visitors from bringing their cell phones, cameras, drones or camcorders.. Sometimes only a deterrent, these measures can also be punitive for those who venture to photograph prohibited locations.
What tourist sites am I not allowed to photograph when I travel?
Around the world, thePhotography ban"In Venice, Italy, for example, tourists are not allowed to photograph the interior of St. Mark's Basilica. In Venice, Italy, for example, tourists are not allowed to photograph the interior of St. Mark's Basilica, in order to preserve the beauty and brilliance of the mosaics decorating its walls and ceilings. In Amsterdam, Netherlands, photography is forbidden inside the Van Gogh Museum, to fully appreciate the artistic experience. In fact, there's no shortage of examples.
Aerial photography is also increasingly regulated, due to the exponential success of drones. In 2017, for example, the French government published a list of places where aerial photography is prohibited. This list mainly comprises military installations in mainland France and the French overseas departments and regions.
The many and varied reasons why certain tourist sites are forbidden to photograph can be particularly frustrating for amateur and professional photographers alike. In most cases, however, it is only the unauthorized distribution of photographs taken despite the ban that is punishable by law. In France, this is particularly the case for photos depicting the Illuminated Eiffel Tower, because the monument's lighting is protected under copyright law. You can always try to convince the relevant authorities, if you're caught in the act, that you intend to keep your shots to yourself, but it's highly likely that your argument will be rejected...
What are the consequences if I photograph a prohibited location while traveling?
By photographing a forbidden place while traveling, you potentially expose yourself to a fine of varying severity. We therefore advise you to respect the instructions given in the places you visit, especially when visitors are asked to leave their cameras at the entrance to a museum, temple, mosque, etc.
If you take the risk of photographing a forbidden place and get caught by a security guard, always play the honesty card and delete the photos taken to avoid certain complications which, in some countries, could even compromise the rest of your stay.
When you're traveling, make sure you follow the rules. In Iran, for example, it is necessary to pay a supplement to have the right to both visit and photograph certain gardens or museums.. Without a "tip", you'll be able to enter these places, but you won't be able to take any pictures home.
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