Egypt
Egypt allows free personal photos at sites but treats tripods and flash as professional, has no usable freedom of panorama, and effectively bans tourist drones.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for professional and commercial photography; personal photos are free
Cost: Personal photography is free at public spaces and sites; professional or commercial photography needs prior authorization and fees
Since 2018, personal photography with phones and standard cameras is free in public spaces and at archaeological sites. Professional or commercial photography, including using an external flash, tripod, or lighting, still needs Ministry authorization. Avoid military, police, bridge, and government sites.
Drone / airspace
Drones are effectively banned for tourists; import without a Ministry of Defense permit leads to airport confiscation
Flights near archaeological sites are prohibited. For depth, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes for personal street photography, but avoid military, police, and government or strategic sites, which can lead to detention
Cultural sensitivity matters; commercial use of a person's image should have consent.
Freedom of panorama
Restricted
Egypt has no usable freedom of panorama. Under IP Law 82 of 2002, reproductions of public art and architecture are at best for personal use, so do not assume you can sell images of copyrighted public buildings or art. The antiquities authority separately controls commercial imagery of pharaonic sites.
Practical notes
- Do not bring a drone; it will likely be seized at customs, and flying near the Pyramids or Karnak draws fines and site bans.
- A tripod or external flash at a temple or museum reclassifies you as professional and triggers the permit and fee requirement.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: