5 tourist attractions you didn’t know were illegal to photograph
Many people while travelling like to take photos of their trips so they can go back and look at it later once they’re home.
Although you might see something interesting on your travels, make sure that before you take that snap that you’re not breaking local law.
Here are five places you can’t take photos of.
1. The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
In the area inside the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept, cameras are strictly forbidden, and visitors are not allowed to take pictures. The jewels themselves are protected by bombproof glass and there are more than 100 security cameras in the room where the jewels are kept. Couldn’t take a photo if you tried.
2. Inside the Taj Mahal, India
As the Taj Mahal is a place of worship, photography is forbidden in certain areas inside. You’re able to take photos of the outside, but there are strict rules dictating what you can and can’t take photos of once you’re inside. There are guards to make sure you’re not taking photos inside the building as well.
3. Pandas in China
Due to new rules introduced in 2018, forestry authorities issued a notice banning visitors from getting too close to the giant pandas, which includes taking photos with them. The notice was enforced to protect the animals from being introduced to new diseases.
4. Uluru at Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
You’re not allowed to take photographs of Uluru, despite it being one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. According to Parks Australia, you need a photography permit to take photos for commercial purposes, which can include social media. The Anangu, who are the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta land, believe that their culture is degraded if images of sacred sites are captured or displayed.
5. The Eiffel tower at night in Paris, France
You’re not allowed to take photos of this historic landmark in France as it’s regarded as an artistic work.
In 1985, 20,000 lights and 280 projectors were installed at the Eiffel Tower by Pierre Bideau. Because of this installation, it’s regarded as an artistic work and according to the Societe d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE), you could be charged a fee if you take a photo of it.
The site reads:
"The various lights of the Eiffel Tower (golden illumination, flicker, lighthouse and event lighting) are protected. The exploitation of the image of the Eiffel tower at night is subject to prior authorisation from the SETE. This exploitation is subject to fees payment, the amount of which depends on the intended use, of the media plan."