I will be in Egypt Sept.23rd thru Oct 7th. It seem like I am constantly thinking of new questions to ask and really appreciate the input from everyone.

I plan on taking many picture and wonder if, like in many countries, there are restrictions on picture taking. I don't mean in tombs or museums, I am refering to military, police etc. I have read many trip reports, posted here about Egypt and everyone mentions all the security but in their pictures you never see a picture of the guards on tours or boats or security vehicles. Just curious, I certainly would not want my camera confiscated.

Besides the common courtesy of not taking photos of individuals with out their consent there may be concern about the use of photos of security/military personnel not to mention installations (fences, airports, bases, guard towers, etc). While on tour in Egypt in 2002 I asked a couple of security guards at a temple if I could take their picture. The response was "yes" but they also asked for a tip. While crossing the border between Israel and Egypt I was politely told (gestures) by an Egyptian security person "no pictures". In general, I suggest shying away from anything sensitive. It isn't worth the hassle.
Dick

The only place we could not take pictures, was the Aswan Dam.

Peeps (guards, police, military, included) were openly happy to have their pictures taken, as long as there was some "kabesh".........

While I occasionally got a photo of a guard at the pyramds (for a little baksheesh)....we were told never to take photos of the guards on the street or other military personel. I always wanted a photo of the guards around the kids' school - but never did it because other's had been warned against it.

Also, you shouldn't take photos of bridges, guard towers, and other military-type things. And I don't think they like photos at the airport.

It's not a good idea to take photos of anything related to the government. They make you check your camera at Mogamma which, for all I can see, is large government building that houses bureaucrats.

If the soldiers/polic let you take their picture, it's probably a violation of the rules, but they like the baksheesh. They receive very little pay. Be sure you ask permission first.

No Photos in the airports allowed. My husband would have loved to take a photo of a man smoking up a storm under a huge "NO SMOKING" sign.