You Can Get Into Trouble If You Take Pictures Of These World Wonders
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We hate to break it to you, but you won’t be getting a winning shot for your Instagram account at these tourist attractions. In fact, you could actually get sued for photographing some of the following iconic destinations — or worse, thrown in jail. Lots of folks still try for the Insta, but beware of these seven spots.
Westminster Abbey – London, United Kingdom
Westminister is a tourist draw to London, but it’s also a centuries-old place of worship. The church’s religious significance is why your camera is unwelcome inside the doors. You can take photos in the cloisters or gardens outside, though.
The potential fallout: Being forced to delete your photos or leave the premises.
Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
The famous structure in Paris is okay to film during the day, but once the nightly lights show begins, the tower becomes a work of art. See, the lights show technically belongs to the artist, so filming or photographing it encroaches on his intellectual property rights. Unsurprisingly, no one has ever been prosecuted.
The potential fallout: Being sued, although judging from Instagram, you’ll probably be okay.
Sistine Chapel – Vatican City
During the most recent renovation and restoration of the chapel, a Japanese television company got exclusive rights to the images inside for a few years. But the no photos rule is still in place, probably to prevent damage from tourists’ flash photography attempts to document Michaelangelo’s masterpiece.
The potential fallout: Being yelled at or forced to delete photos.
Presidential Palace – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
A tourist has actually been imprisoned for photographing the outside of the Presidential Palace, and U.A.E. courts have said that travelers should ask whether or not it’s permissible to take pictures of government buildings. So even if you don’t see any signs prohibiting photography, maybe clarify.
The potential fallout: Being put in jail, fined or both.
Valley of Kings – Luxor, Egypt
Your camera could be confiscated inside King Tut’s tomb if you try to photograph the beautiful hieroglyphics on the ancient walls. Seeing as how a camera flash could do some intense damage to the preserved artwork, it’s not surprising that the rules are so strict.
The potential fallout: Being forced to delete your photos, or give up your camera or memory card.
Dolmabahçe Palace – Istanbul, Turkey
The elaborate Turkish palace is filled with crystal chandeliers and a crystal-banistered staircase, but you can’t take a selfie with any of it. You actually can’t photograph any of the interior, although the exterior of the palace is fair game.
The potential fallout: Being scolded and forced to delete photos.
Taj Mahal – Agra, India
Don’t expect to continue your photo spree inside the Taj Mahal. While you can go crazy trying to find the perfect angle for the perfect shot of the world wonder from the outside, the UNESCO heritage site forbids pictures of the inside.
The potential fallout: Being forced to delete your photos, or give up your camera or memory card.
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