Military Installations and Defense Facilities
Under U.S. Code § 795, photographing military installations without proper authorization is illegal and can result in fines and up to one year in prison. Per DoD instruction 5200.08, it is DoD policy that installations, property, and personnel must be protected. The same restrictions apply to foreign military bases around the world, often with even harsher penalties.
The Defense Department prohibits all commercial photography or other image collection on U.S. military bases and installations, citing serious operational risks to force-protection efforts. Many countries have similar policies, and travelers should maintain significant distance from any military compound or defense installation they encounter.
Airport Security and Immigration Areas
When traveling by plane, signs at airports ban the use of cameras, phones, or video equipment in security areas to protect staff and ensure passenger safety. It’s common for airports to ban photography around security checkpoints and immigration checkpoints, with many EU airports displaying signage prohibiting photography at checkpoints.
While TSA doesn’t prohibit photographing security checkpoints as long as screening isn’t interfered with and sensitive information isn’t revealed, many countries have specific laws against photography at passport and security checks for security reasons. Customs areas are particularly sensitive zones where photography violations can result in immediate detention.
Government Buildings and Official Structures
In the United Arab Emirates, taking photos of military areas, palaces, courts, and government buildings is banned, with visitors being jailed and fined about $1,350 for illegal photography. Vietnam has stricter regulations on photographing critical infrastructure including government buildings, military sites, and ports, carrying fines up to $800 USD.
In Algeria, photos of government infrastructure, including airports, military installations, and police, are not allowed. These restrictions exist because government facilities often contain sensitive security information that could be exploited by hostile actors. Even exterior shots of seemingly mundane government offices can trigger serious legal consequences in many countries.
People Without Consent in Strict Privacy Countries
The law in United Arab Emirates prohibits photography of people without their explicit consent, with unauthorized images of people in public spaces resulting in fines up to Dh500,000 (about $135,000 USD) and potentially jail time. In South Korea, shooting strangers without permission is considered rude culturally, and photographed individuals can contact authorities if they don’t have express permission.
Taking pictures of people without written permission is considered a violation of their privacy, with the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department publishing guidelines in 2023 that visitors should adhere to. These privacy laws extend beyond formal photography to casual smartphone snapshots, making it crucial for travelers to understand local consent requirements.
Religious Sites and Sacred Spaces
Taking pictures or videos of the Sistine Chapel is explicitly banned, with the rule designed to protect the colors of the elaborate 16th-century work from harmful effects of flash photography. At India’s Taj Mahal, photography of the exterior is allowed, but the interior is a tomb and shooting photos there is considered disrespectful.
In Japan, some temples and Shinto shrines have banned photography with more doing so each year, as temples are places of worship that must be respected at all times. Indonesia, particularly Bali, has increased scrutiny on drone usage and photography permits within sacred sites and temples.
Sensitive Infrastructure and Public Utilities
Power plants, telecommunications facilities, bridges, and other critical infrastructure are often protected by photography restrictions. These facilities represent potential targets for terrorism or sabotage, making their detailed documentation a security concern. Transportation hubs like train stations, subway systems, and port facilities frequently prohibit photography to prevent mapping of security measures and access points.
Water treatment plants, electrical substations, and communication towers may appear harmless to tourists, but photographing them can trigger immediate security responses. Many countries classify these as strategic assets requiring protection from potential threats. Even drone footage captured inadvertently over such facilities can result in equipment confiscation and legal action.
Red Light Districts and Adult Entertainment Areas
In Amsterdam’s Red Light District, there is zero tolerance for photos taken there, especially any photos that include brothel windows, with those taking photos being beaten or having their camera confiscated. These restrictions exist to protect the privacy and safety of sex workers and maintain the area’s specific legal framework.
Similar restrictions exist in entertainment districts worldwide where adult businesses operate legally but require discretion. Photography in these areas can violate local laws protecting worker privacy and may be interpreted as exploitation or harassment. Security personnel in these districts are typically authorized to confiscate equipment and detain violators.
Border Crossings and Custom Facilities
There are often areas in airports including Norwegian airports where photography is forbidden, most frequently in the security control zone, with clear signs at entrances indicating prohibitions. Border crossings represent particularly sensitive areas where multiple security agencies monitor for intelligence gathering activities.
International border facilities, including land crossings, ferry terminals, and checkpoint areas, maintain strict photography bans to protect operational security. These locations often feature surveillance systems, security protocols, and personnel positions that authorities prefer to keep confidential. Even accidentally capturing border infrastructure in background shots can trigger security investigations.
Police Stations and Law Enforcement Facilities
Police stations, courthouses, and law enforcement training facilities are typically off-limits to photography in most countries. These restrictions protect ongoing investigations, officer safety, and operational procedures from potential exploitation. Some countries consider photographing police officers themselves as a security violation, particularly in authoritarian regions.
Emergency response facilities, including fire stations and ambulance depots, may also restrict photography due to security concerns about response capabilities and equipment. Detention facilities, prisons, and correctional institutions universally prohibit photography to protect inmate privacy and institutional security protocols.
Demonstrations and Civil Unrest
If you’re visiting a place where strikes, demonstrations, or large gatherings are common, keep your distance as large crowds can suddenly turn dangerous, and if you find yourself in a mob, leave immediately and do not take photos trying to capture history in the making as you could become history in the process. Political demonstrations can escalate unpredictably, putting photographers at risk.
Security forces often view photographers at protests as potential intelligence gatherers or provocateurs. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent without warning, and having a camera can make you a target for both authorities and angry protesters. Many countries have laws specifically prohibiting documentation of civil disturbances by foreign nationals.
Private Property and Restricted Zones
Photography violations can result in fines reaching up to €4,700 with potential confiscation of camera equipment, particularly around sensitive sites marked with “Ban on Photography” signs. Private property rules vary significantly between countries, with some nations granting property owners broad authority to restrict photography.
Industrial facilities, corporate headquarters, and private residences may have photography restrictions that aren’t immediately obvious to travelers. Gated communities, luxury resorts, and exclusive venues often prohibit photography to protect guest privacy and maintain security. Even photographing from adjacent public property can sometimes violate local privacy laws.
Conclusion
Understanding photography restrictions before traveling can save you from serious legal troubles and safety risks. The consequences of violating these rules range from hefty fines and equipment confiscation to imprisonment and deportation. Always research local photography laws for your destination and err on the side of caution when in doubt.
Remember that what seems like an innocent tourist photo to you might be viewed as intelligence gathering by local authorities. When traveling abroad, respect local customs and regulations, and don’t let the perfect shot become your worst travel nightmare. What’s your experience with photography restrictions while traveling?