LONDON, Dec 31: The UK Government has revised its travel advisory for India, advising British citizens against carrying or using satellite phones without a license. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its “Safety and Security” section after incidents of Britons being arrested for illegally introducing such devices into India.
The advisory emphasizes that prior permission from the Department of Telecommunications is necessary for listening devices as well as for “powerful cameras or binoculars,” and that travelers can seek guidance on these matters from the High Commission of India in London.
“Possessing and operating satellite phones in India without a license is illegal. British nationals have faced arrest or detention for bringing in satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices without the required permission,” stated the FCDO update.
“Contact the Indian Department of Telecommunications to apply for a license. You may also need prior authorization from Indian authorities to bring in listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars into India. For advice, reach out to the High Commission of India,” it further advises.
The FCDO advisory serves as a guideline for travelers rather than an official prohibition. It aims to alert travelers to potential risks, enabling them to make “informed decisions,” and ignoring this advice could potentially void travel insurance.
The remainder of the advisory maintains its warnings against traveling within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except at Wagah, where crossing is permitted. Travel warnings also persist for British nationals in the Kashmir and Manipur regions. (PTI)
