In recent months, various voices have spoken out to denounce the obstacles that the Egyptian authorities place on amateur photographers, interrupting people while taking photos on the street or in tourist places, or sometimes even confiscating the material.
This measure until now requires a permit to take photos, but from now on this practice will be authorized “in all public spaces in Egypt, free of charge and without the need for prior authorization,” announced the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. through an official statement.
“It is strictly forbidden to photograph scenes that could undermine the image of the country,” the authorities recalled, however, without giving more details.
The previous permission for photographs had too many restrictions in open spaces (archaeological sites, temples, etc.) It is free and free, except if a tripod is used, or it is about videos or professional photography. There are certain exceptions such as archeology work being carried out, close to military sites or police posts, which meant being subject to the criteria of the guard on duty.
Photography for closed or interior spaces (archaeological sites, temples, museums, etc.) if you use a mobile phone or tablet it is free, if you use a reflex camera, you must pay an extra charge for this resource. However, the use of tripods, selfie sticks and the use of flash were prohibited. This too was subject to the prevailing watchman’s discretion. For professional or commercial photography, special permission is required.
According to the ministry, these new rules seek to promote tourism, a sector that employs a significant part of its population, amounting to 103 million people, which makes it the most populous country in the Arab world.