According to a report from the ParrotPrint.com team, there are at least six places in the world where photography is completely banned. Tourists and photographers need to be careful what they post on Instagram, risking fines or even jail time.
Eiffel Tower – France
At the top of the list is the famous Eiffel Tower, which is visited by millions of people every year. However, not all of them know that it is illegal to photograph the Tower and its 20,000 light bulbs at night. According to European copyright laws, photographers must have the right to take pictures of the lights, and any images cannot be distributed without permission, including those uploaded to social networks. This ban is difficult to enforce since thousands of images of the Tower at night are uploaded to the Internet from restaurants or hotel windows.
Taj Mahal – India
The mausoleum, located in the city of Agra, is a phenomenal architectural structure. About 22 rooms in the mausoleum are locked to prevent tourists from accessing the basement. According to the rules, you can only take pictures of the building from the outside. Any photo and video filming inside the main mausoleum and near the tombs is prohibited. Large bags, backpacks, and tripods are also not allowed in the Taj Mahal; only small bags with essentials.
United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, it is forbidden to photograph palaces and airports, government buildings, and military installations. You also cannot take a photo of a stranger on the street without their permission, and the resulting images cannot be shared without their consent. In case of non-compliance with these rules, the violator faces prison and a fine.
Sistine Chapel – Italy
Don’t be tempted to capture the undeniable magnificence of the Sistine Chapel on camera. Taking pictures or videos inside the chapel is strictly prohibited, and this may result in security being authorized to remove images from your phone. According to the report, the ban came into effect when Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV obtained exclusive filming rights by funding a multi-million dollar chapel restoration project.
Geumsusan Palace of the Sun – North Korea
If you happen to visit North Korea, be careful when taking pictures of the sights. According to local law, photographs of monuments honoring previous North Korean leaders may not cut off any part of their body, as this is a sign of deep disrespect. In particular, inside the Kumsusan Sun Memorial Palace, photography is completely prohibited, and visitors must even turn in their phones and cameras before they are allowed to enter the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Tower of London – UK
Any photography inside the Jewel House is strictly prohibited. This ban is related to the jewelry inside, which members of the royal family wear during royal events. They are closely watched by more than 100 CCTV cameras and guards who rotate around the clock.