Taking photos while traveling is a way to preserve memorable moments, but a beautiful photo taken in the wrong place can lead to serious trouble with local laws.
Senior travel experts at eShores (UK) warn that many seemingly harmless actions, such as taking photos or posting on social media, can violate privacy or copyright laws in some destinations around the world.
Here are 5 destinations where a single photo could cost you dearly.
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Two tourists taking selfies while traveling. Photo: Vodafone |
Two tourists taking selfies while traveling. Photo: Vodafone
Dubai, UAE
Fine: up to 150,000 USD
In Dubai, tourists are free to take photos at tourist sites for personal purposes. However, photographing others without their consent violates UAE privacy laws and can result in fines of up to 500,000 AED (150,000 USD) or imprisonment.
Additionally, cameras are strictly prohibited in government buildings, military areas, certain palaces, and other designated areas. A photo taken in the wrong place could cost a tourist their entire vacation, or even their freedom.
Japan
Fine: up to 10,000 Yen (70 USD)
Japan prohibits photography not only in temples and shrines but also in train stations and ryokans (traditional inns). In geisha districts like Gion (Kyoto), many streets also prohibit photography to protect the privacy of the artists.
Taking photos of geisha without consent, even selfies, can result in a 10,000 Yen fine and is considered a serious cultural offense.
South Korea
Penalty: possible imprisonment
South Korea's "Right to Control One's Image" law gives citizens the right to control their personal images. Taking photos of others without permission, even in public places, can lead to legal trouble, including imprisonment.
Also, using unregistered selfie sticks can be penalized, although this is not yet common.
Spain
Fine: up to 30,000 USD
The 2015 Gag Law (Citizen Security Law), also known as the "muzzle" law, prohibits taking photos or videos of police officers without permission and has been controversial. While the law has been relaxed, it still prohibits the use of images that affect the safety or work of police officers.
Taking a selfie with a police officer in a public place can result in fines ranging from 700 to 30,000 USD. This law is often strictly enforced during protests or in sensitive areas like airports.
Portofino, Italy
Fine: up to nearly 300 USD
In the popular town of Portofino, lingering too long to take photos in no-waiting zones can result in a fine of nearly 300 USD. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding and pedestrian congestion during peak season.
Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores, says the average British person takes about 14 selfies a day while traveling. He emphasizes that understanding the legal and cultural regulations at the destination is essential for all tourists.
"It's best to consult experienced travel advisors who are familiar with local laws and customs," he said.
Experts also advise extra caution when taking photos at or near locations such as religious sites, government facilities, cultural museums, military areas, copyrighted structures, and public places with privacy regulations.
Anh Minh (According to DM)
