UK Warns Against Satellite Phone Use in India, Citing Risk of Fines or Arrest

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has reviewed the "Safety and Security" section of its Indian advisory, advising that Britons have been arrested for bringing into India these type of devices without a licence.

The UK government on Tuesday updated its travel advisory for India for a second time within weeks to warn British nationals that they could be "fined or arrested" for carrying or operating satellite phones in the country without a license.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has reviewed the "Safety and Security" section of its Indian advisory, advising that Britons have been arrested for bringing into India these type of devices without a licence.

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It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones and GPS devices in India without a license, even if you are only transiting through India," notes the update on the FCDO.

"This may also cover other satellite-enabled devices, including handheld or cycling GPSs. You can be fined or arrested for possession of these devices without permission and the item can be confiscated," it cautions.

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The FCDO travel advice states that "several British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices" to India without first being granted permission for such equipment. It further continues with a reference to the link of the Department of Telecommunication for getting licence in advance for such devices.

"Activities involving cameras and binoculars, such as photography, birdwatching or plane spotting, may be misconstrued. Be especially cautious near military installations, government offices, airports and railway stations," the advisory adds.

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Its previous update on satellite phone and GPS device use in India was issued at the end of last month, when it had suggested seeking advice in advance around such equipment from the High Commission of India in London. This suggestion has now been removed from the update, which seems to have been considerably tightened in the wake of recent incidents involving British travellers in India.

The FCDO country-based advisory is guiding travel rather than an imposed government regulation. It is to flag risks to the traveler, so the person is making an informed decision and may have their travel insurance invalidated if they fail to pay attention to the information.

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The rest of the advisory for India remains unchanged, advising against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, "except for at Wagah where travellers can cross the border". Travel warnings also remain in place for British nationals for Kashmir and Manipur regions.

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