Countries Where Taking Photos Can Get Tourists Fined or Arrested

In a number of popular tourist destinations, taking photos can result in a fine or even arrest. Find out which countries have strict restrictions on photography and how to avoid trouble while traveling

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Travelers are used to capturing every bright moment of their trip on their smartphone camera, and it is a completely natural desire to preserve memories of a new city, local residents or architectural monument. But not all countries are as loyal to photography as they seem at first glance. In 2026, the rules for taking pictures in public places in a number of countries became even stricter, and the fines were more noticeable for the tourist's wallet.

The reasons for the bans are different: somewhere it is about protecting the privacy of local residents, somewhere - about the safety of government and military facilities, and somewhere - about preserving cultural heritage from excessive tourist influx. So before you go on a trip, you should find out in advance where a camera can cause serious problems.

Read also what tourists are most often fined for on the roads of Europe in 2026.

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United Arab Emirates

In Dubai and other emirates, photographing people without their explicit consent is tantamount to violating the right to privacy, and local authorities take this extremely seriously. The fine for such a picture can reach 500 thousand dirhams, which is equivalent to more than 130 thousand dollars, and in some cases the offender faces imprisonment. Therefore, before taking a street photo in the UAE, it is better to make sure that there are no strangers in the frame.

Japan

Japanese culture is extremely sensitive to privacy, and this directly affects the rules of photography. In temples, train stations and traditional ryokan hotels, taking photos is prohibited or severely restricted. A separate story is the Gion district in Kyoto, known for its geisha: due to intrusive tourists who have been harassing women for years for the sake of a good shot, there is a complete ban on photographing geisha without their consent. Violation will cost about 10 thousand yen, and local police actively monitor compliance with this rule.

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France

In France, taking pictures of people in public places without permission, especially if minors are in the frame, is against the law on the protection of personal data. Formally, this applies not only to professional photographers, but also to ordinary tourists with phones, so you should avoid deliberately taking close-ups of strangers.

From April 1, 2026, a summer silence regime began in Greece, which will last until the end of September. Read here about the rules, quiet hours and what is important for tourists to consider.

Italy

In the Vatican, photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel - this rule remains unchanged in 2026, despite the constant flow of visitors. In many Italian museums, photography is only allowed without a flash, and some exhibits cannot be photographed at all. A separate story is the picturesque town of Portofino, which introduced a fine of 275 euros for tourists who linger for selfies in specially designated "red zones", as crowds of photographers there regularly created traffic jams on the narrow streets.

Spain

Spanish law provides for fines for taking pictures of law enforcement officers, even if the police officer was simply accidentally caught in the frame during a regular street shooting. The amount of the penalty can range from 600 to 30 thousand euros depending on the circumstances of the violation, so it is worth keeping a close eye on who is in the focus of the camera.

More about fines for tourists in Spain in 2026 here.

India

Airports, military installations and government buildings in India are strictly taboo for cameras. You should also be careful near religious shrines: for example, the Jagannath Temple in Puri adheres to a strict policy of banning photography. Violation of this policy can result in a large fine, and in some cases, arrest.

North Korea

Photography here is under the full control of the state. Taking photos without permission can cost a tourist their freedom, so photography is allowed only in the presence of a licensed guide and only in specially designated places.

Turkey and Egypt

Both countries have a strict ban on photographing military installations and personnel - violators face a fine or official investigation. It is also dangerous to photograph police officers or mass protests: such actions can be classified as espionage or a threat to national security.

Practical tips for comfortable travel in the heat here.

Thailand

On Phuket Beach, in the airport runway area, taking photos is strictly prohibited. The penalties here are some of the harshest in the world: a fine of up to 40,000 baht (about $1,300), imprisonment for up to 20 years, and for particularly serious violations, the aviation law even provides for the death penalty.

Saudi Arabia

It is prohibited to take photos and distribute images of government institutions, law enforcement officers, or women without their consent in Saudi Arabia. Violations can result in fines or deportation from the country.

How to find cheap last-minute flights: 7 tips from Skyscanner at the link.

Singapore

The Singapore government has introduced strict rules for taking photos near government institutions, and taking photos in museums and exhibitions often requires prior permission. This is worth considering when planning a cultural trip.

A universal tip for any country: before traveling, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the local laws on photography, especially if the route passes by religious buildings, government buildings, military zones or cultural heritage sites. Particular caution should also be exercised in public places where local privacy laws apply - it is better to ask permission than to pay a fine later.

Finding yourself in a foreign country and facing an unfamiliar bureaucratic or legal situation is a scenario that every tourist wants to avoid, and a case of a fine for taking photos is no exception. If a misunderstanding with the local authorities does occur, it is important to have support on hand to help you sort out the situation without unnecessary stress. Visit World travel insurance provides coverage for various unforeseen circumstances during your trip - from medical problems to cancellation of a reservation or theft of personal belongings. The policy is issued in a matter of minutes: it is enough to indicate the citizenship and the country of destination, so that the system selects the optimal coverage options. This is especially important for destinations with strict local rules, where the tourist may face unforeseen expenses. Do not leave the safety of your trip to chance - take out travel insurance at Visit World and travel with peace of mind.

Let us remind you! European islands remain one of the most popular destinations for a summer vacation, but choosing the perfect place among dozens of options can be difficult. The new rating compared 80 islands by weather, gastronomy and the number of green areas. We have already talked about the best islands in Europe for travel in 2026 and the destinations that are most suitable for beach, active and gastronomic holidays.

Photo - generated by Gemini