Britain has issued an advisory for its citizens visiting India. In this advisory, British citizens have been asked not to use satellite phones in India without a license. If any citizen is caught doing so, he can be arrested.
The UK government updated its travel advice for India for the second time in a few weeks on Tuesday, warning British citizens that they could be fined or arrested for carrying or using satellite phones in the country without a licence. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reviewed the “safety and security” section of its advice for India, noting that Britons have been arrested for illegally bringing such devices into India.
What the FCDO said
“It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones and GPS equipment in India without a licence, even if you are travelling through India to another destination,” the FCDO’s updated advice said. “Other satellite-enabled devices may also be subject to restrictions, including cycling GPS. Possessing these devices without permission could result in a fine or arrest and items being confiscated,” the advice said.
Satellite phones banned in India
The last updated information on the use of satellite phones and GPS equipment in India was issued at the end of December. The FCDO’s country-based advice is guidance on travel, not a government-imposed regulation. It is intended to highlight the risks for travellers so they can make “informed decisions” and may invalidate travel insurance if the advice is ignored.
Advice not to travel to India Pakistan border and Kashmir, Manipur
The rest of the advice for India remains unchanged, advising against any travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except for Wagah. Travel warnings for UK nationals also remain in place for Kashmir and Manipur.
