UK tourists in Italy and France warned 'taking photos is illegal'

New data from photography retailer Jessops has warned UK tourists over places around the world where photography is restricted – and some of these locations might surprise you Lizzie James, Product Specialist at Jessops, has shared how to adhere to photography etiquette abroad.

The Taj Mahal serves as the final resting place for Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who commissioned this architectural marvel in memory of his beloved wife. Given its sacred purpose, photography inside is considered extremely disrespectful.

Banning photography also helps protect the delicate inlays and intricate artwork inside from potential damage caused by flash photography and excessive light exposure. Due to copyright laws, photographing one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, at night is technically illegal.

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Capturing the Eiffel Tower during the day is perfectly legal since the copyright on the structure itself has expired. However, at night, the tower is lit by a dazzling light show designed by Pierre Bideau in 1985, which changes the situation. This is because the light show is considered a separate artistic work, and under European Union copyright law, such works are protected for the lifetime of the creator plus 70 years after their death. Since Bideau passed away in 2021, the copyright for the light show will extend well into the future, until the year 2091, to be exact.

Visitors to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City need to follow a few rules, including dressing modestly, covering their shoulders and knees. This dress code helps maintain a respectful environment in this holy place. Taking photos or videos is also a no-go. This isn't just to keep the art safe from camera flashes, but there's a backstory too.

In the 1980s, the Vatican faced a hefty bill to restore Michelangelo's artwork within the chapel. To cover the costs, they made a deal with a broadcasting company, Nippon TV, granting them exclusive rights to photograph and film the newly restored art in exchange for a significant sponsorship.

This arrangement was supposed to last only three years after each piece was restored. However, even after the deal expired, the ban on photography remained.