National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2026
National Geographic Traveller (UK)'s annual photography competition is one of the few high-profile free-to-enter contests with an explicit, blanket ban on generative AI. The 2026 edition closed in March, with winners revealed in May across eight categories: Urban, People, Landscape, Wildlife, Food, Portfolio, Aerial and Rising Star. Editing is restricted to minor burning, dodging, colour correction and cropping; no compositing, no AI fills. The Grand Prize is a five-day photography assignment commissioned by the magazine.
- Deadline
- March 22, 2026
- Entry fee
- Free entry
- Results
- May 29, 2026
Authenticity policy
AI policy
The use of generative AI is not permitted.
RAW files
Not specified
Editing rules
Only minor burning, dodging and/or colour correction is acceptable, as is cropping. Photographs must have been taken within two years of the date of entry and may not previously have won an award in any National Geographic photography contest.
Verified on June 12, 2026