Egypt relaxes street photography rules: here’s what travelers need to know

Egypt is a history-rich country that demands to be photographed, with the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and new archaeological discoveries still being made.

Taking photos in Egypt can be difficult. Amateur street photography in public spaces for personal use is now allowed by the country's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The change came after some foreign photographers complained about having their photo shoots shut down, being questioned by authorities, and having their equipment seized even after obtaining the previously required permits.

Digital cameras, video cameras and traditional cameras will not be charged for taking photographs. There is no need for a permit prior to the event.

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It is not clear if that much will change in the immediate term for most travelers. Some of the largest Arab Spring protests in the Middle East took place in Egypt.

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What does this mean for travelers in Egypt?

Street photography in public spaces is the focus of a statement from Egypt's ministry of tourism and antiquities. Many ancient temples, tombs and historic sites across the country have either banned photography entirely or required the purchase of a permit at the ticket office for larger cameras, including DSLRs. I don't know if these permits will still be required. Permits are still required for underwater and drones.

Photography permits and fees in Egypt

At Egypt's ancient sites, photography rules can vary greatly and depend on the staff. The permit for photography and video is more expensive than the entry ticket at Deir El Medina in Luxor, for example, as well as other places.

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You could be required to leave your camera with security staff if you don't want to buy a permit. It is a good idea to store your camera securely at your accommodations if you are not comfortable with that. Some people at the entrance to the pyramids, tombs or temples will allow you to take photos inside for a small fee. You could have your camera and memory card taken away if you are caught taking photos without a permit.

The rates for press and commercial photographers and videographers are high and there are separate rules and permits. The new guidelines promise to simplify the bureaucratic and laborious permitting process, as well as recent blockbuster movies and TV shows, including the latest take on Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, which had to be filmed elsewhere because of the new guidelines. A life-size replica of the temples at Abu Simbel could be seen while driving on the M3 motorway, which was almost completely recreated in England. Shot in Cairo were made in Hungary.

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Is there anything I can’t photograph in Egypt?

There are parts of the announcement that are vague. Taking or sharing photographs of scenes that can damage the country's image is criminalized by the statement.

A clearer answer will be sought from the Council of Ministers, but no further information was given about what kind of photos this could mean.

This change in the rules does not mean that you can take pictures in public places. It is a good idea to avoid taking photos of the police or the dams in Aswan. Penalties can be used for innocently taken photos.

Children and adults are not allowed to take photos of each other.

Up to 15% of the country's GDP can be attributed to tourism. Its reliance on tourism means that it was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the wake of the Arab Spring, but it hopes that a number of anticipated high-profile openings will draw more visitors this year.

The Pyramids of Giza are well known.