"British nationals have been arrested or detained"
British travellers going to India have been warned they may need permission to enter the country with certain devices.
The UK government said having certain electrical items is against India’s law.
Satellite phones are prohibited in the country, and you must request a licence to take one into India.
Moreover, British travellers may also need permission to bring devices which can record.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued new information on satellite phones and other devices on December 30, 2024.
The FCDO stated: “It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence.
“British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission.
“Contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence.
“You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras or binoculars into India.
“Contact the High Commission of India for advice.”
Also, British travellers are advised to contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication for licensing.
The FCDO country-based advisory is a guidance on travel rather than a government-imposed regulation.
It is intended to flag risks so that travellers can make “informed decisions”. However, if the advice is overlooked, it could invalidate travel insurance.
Other travel advice for India remains unchanged, including a warning against travel within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border, except for the Wagah border crossing.
Advisory restrictions also remain for the Kashmir and Manipur regions.
The FCDO warned against all but essential travel to India’s Manipur state, including its capital city, Imphal.
The warning came after an escalation of ethnic violence in 2024.
For Manipur, the FCDO reported: “Intermittent incidents have continued and escalated in September 2024.”
The FCDO’s warning places Manipur alongside other restricted areas in India. However, this is at a risk level different from that of regions like the India-Pakistan border area, where all travel is advised against it.
Curfews and restrictions remain in places across parts of Manipur following violent ethnic clashes that first broke out in 2023.
Violent clashes resulted in the killing of over 250 people and affected thousands of others.
Presently, Manipur is said to be divided into two camps. Meiteis, who primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, and Kukis, who live in the surrounding hill areas.
Borders and buffer zones guarded by security forces separate the two regions.
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