Intramuros eases rules on professional cameras for personal photography

MANILA, Philippines — Photography enthusiasts can now use professional cameras to take personal and souvenir photos in the historic Walled City of Intramuros without securing a permit, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

The initiative, led by the Intramuros Administration (IA) in partnership with CameraHaus, aims to make heritage photography more accessible and encourage visitors to share stories of the historic district through their lenses.

"Photographers must still observe site guidelines, such as restrictions on flash photography in some areas, to protect historic structures and museum collections," the DOT said.

The policy follows public discussions over camera restrictions in Intramuros, where visitors had called for clearer guidance on the use of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.

In February 2026, the IA reiterated that DSLR cameras could be used free of charge for personal and souvenir photography. However, milestone shoots, such as prenuptial, pre-debut and birthday sessions, as well as shoots involving equipment such as reflectors, lighting equipment and backdrops, still required permits.

READ: Public urges Intramuros admin to clarify DSLR policy to security guards

The reminders prompted some visitors to urge the administration to ensure that security personnel were properly informed of the rules, citing instances in which people were reportedly stopped from taking photos with larger cameras.

In April 2024, the IA had also issued separate guidelines for creative professionals and enthusiasts covering commercial, non-commercial, and student photography and video projects.

READ: Planning to film in Intramuros? Here are the pictorial, shooting guidelines to follow

The latest initiative was highlighted during the inaugural Street Summit organized by CameraHaus in partnership with the DOT and IA on October 24.

The event gathered more than 300 photographers, content creators, and visual artists for a community photowalk under the theme “Intramuros Reframed.”

The summit encouraged participants to explore the Walled City from fresh perspectives and capture its lesser-known corners.

The DOT said it continues to support initiatives that promote appreciation of the Philippines’ cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

—With Rosette Adel