Egypt now allows tourists to take photos in public spaces

No need to ask for a permit to photograph your friend on camel back in front of the pyramids. Taking photos will now be possible “in all public spaces in Egypt, free of charge and without prior authorization”, says an official statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This new measure aims to reinvigorate the tourism industry, an essential sector for the country of the pharaohs.

In recent months, many voices have been raised to denounce the obstacles posed to amateur photographers by the Egyptian authorities: interruption of sessions in the street and at tourist sites. And sometimes even confiscation of equipment.

These new rules apply to photographers wishing to use their images for personal use and for non-commercial purposes, specifies the Ministry of Tourism, which stresses that not everything can be photographed. It is, for example, forbidden to take pictures of children or Egyptian nationals without their written consent. But, above all, sensitive clichés are to be avoided.

“It is strictly forbidden to take photographs of scenes that could damage the image of the country”

Statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

But what damages the image of the country? No details have been given at this stage. This leaves the door open to arbitrary judgements. The relative relaxation of these draconian rules comes a few months after the publication, last April, of the video of an American food blogger denouncing the restrictions in Egypt. This is “one of the worst places for filmmakers”, according to Sonny Side, cited by Egyptian Streets. The video, seen more than six million times, has undoubtedly brought “damage to the image of the country”, according to the established formula.