THEY say a picture is worth a thousand words, so it is a pity that photography is banned in some destinations around the world.
Tourists should be aware of the photography ban at such destinations, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
Many may not be aware that it is illegal to take a picture of the glistening Eiffel Tower at night due to European copyright laws.
ParrotPrint revealed six spots across the globe where it is forbidden for anyone to take pictures or videos.
PARIS, FRANCE
An icon of Paris, the Eiffel Tower's 20,000 light bulbs illuminate and sparkle every hour for five minutes from nightfall to 1am.
But it is illegal to take photos or videos of the tower when it is sparkling.
As the lights are technically art, European copyright laws state that only authorised photos of the Eiffel Tower are allowed and the photos cannot be distributed, including on social media.
But it is unlikely that the French authorities will crack down on the thousands of photos of the glistening tower already shared on social media.
LONDON, the UNITED KINGDOM
The crown jewels are kept under high security at the Jewel House in the Tower of London, with more than 100 CCTV cameras and guards working round the clock.
Inside the Jewel House, taking photos or videos of the royal gems is strictly forbidden and guards are authorised to intervene if anyone is caught trying to photograph the jewels.
Photos of the royal collection pose a security risk as thieves could use them to detect security weaknesses.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tourists in the UAE need to be very careful of their surroundings when they take photos.
It is illegal to take pictures of military sites, palaces and government buildings in the UAE.
There is also a rule requiring people to give consent to being photographed in the streets and the pictures cannot be distributed without everyone's permission.
Airports in the UAE also have a strict photography and video ban. Ignorant tourists have been jailed and fined for illegally taking photos.
VATICAN CITY
The pope's official home sees millions of visitors each year. The Sistine Chapel is a sacred place and home to some of the world's most beautiful pieces of art.
Tourists visiting the chapel are required to follow some rules, such as covering their bare shoulders, wearing long trousers or skirts and no photos or videos can be taken inside the Sistine Chapel.
This rule dates back to the 1980s when Nippon TV in Japan gained exclusive photography rights when it funded the £3 million project to restore the Sistine Chapel.
Security is tight and guards are authorised to delete photos on visitors' phones.
NORTH KOREA
It is no secret that there are strict rules for residents and visitors in North Korea.
Travellers have to abide by laws on taking pictures. For example, pictures of monuments honouring North Korea's leaders cannot cut off any part of their body as it is a sign of disrespect.
At the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, photography is banned. Visitors of the mausoleum for two of the country's leaders must hand over their phones and cameras before entering.
AGRA, INDIA
Although the outside of the iconic Taj Mahal has been photographed by millions of tourists and professionals from all over the world, photos of its interior are banned.
As it is a sacred mausoleum, it is considered extremely disrespectful to take photos or videos inside the monument.