How Does Photography Rules Work in Egypt?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Never photograph military sites, police, bridges, airports, or government buildings — tourists have been arrested for this.
2What You Need to Know
Photography at the Pyramids of Giza and most ancient sites is freely permitted from the outside, though the interiors of some pyramids require an additional ticket. The serious restrictions apply to anything connected with the state: military installations, soldiers, police officers, government buildings, bridges, ports, airports, embassies, and official vehicles are all off-limits under Egyptian law. Enforcement is real and arrests of tourists for accidental photographs have occurred. Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women in conservative areas and inside mosques.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy the interior photography ticket at sites like the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple if you want photos inside — it is worth it
- 2When in doubt near anything that looks official, put your camera away completely
- 3Drone use requires advance permission from the Civil Aviation Authority and is effectively prohibited at ancient sites
Important Warning
Photographing military or police infrastructure — even accidentally from a bus or plane — can result in detention, confiscation of your device, and criminal charges.
How does this compare?
Photography Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Photographing government buildings, military sites, and people without consent is illegal. Tourists have been arrested for innocent-seeming photos.
Always ask before photographing people in Morocco as many demand payment or flat out refuse, and never photograph military or police.
Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, and women without explicit consent — tourist sites like AlUla are freely photographable.
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Drug possession, LGBTQ+ activity, photographing government or military sites, and criticising the president are all serious criminal offences in Egypt.
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Police: 122, Ambulance: 123, Fire: 180, Tourist Police: 126.
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Cover shoulders and knees in most public areas; swimwear is fine at Red Sea and Mediterranean resorts.
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