India could impose severe legal action against people who travel with specific GPS devices without knowledge of local laws. The Garmin devices, popular for GPS navigation and activities, have received a lot of attention due to their satellite communication feature. It is reported that several foreign nationals were detained lately due to possessing such devices. Now, questions arise about their legality in India.
Why Do People Like Garmin Devices?
Garmin devices are being utilized for GPS navigation and activity tracking as part of athletic and outdoor pursuits. Such devices help in monitoring the metrics of speed, distance, and elevation while cycling, hiking, or jogging. Not all Garmin devices, however, are allowed in India as some of them carry satellite communication capabilities, which are strictly regulated.
Recent Incidents Of Detention
In two different cases, foreign nationals were detained at Indian airports for carrying restricted Garmin devices.
- Case 1: A Czech national was detained at Goa Airport in December 2024 for carrying a Garmin Edge 540, a GPS-enabled bike computer. The device tracks various metrics but also features satellite communication technology, which requires authorization in India.
- Case 2: A Scottish woman, referred to as “Hiker Heather,” was detained at Delhi Airport on her way to Rishikesh in January 2025. She was carrying a Garmin inReach device, which allows satellite communication.
Heather posted a message on Instagram warning travelers not to bring such gadgets into India. “PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO TRAVEL TO INDIA WITH A GARMIN INREACH OR ANY OTHER SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR – THEY ARE ILLEGAL HERE,” she said, ending with frustration that they did not even allow her access to “toilet, phone, food or water.”
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Are Garmin Devices Prohibited In India?
Not all Garmin devices are banned in India. The bans are only specific to the satellite communication technology devices like Garmin inReach and Garmin Edge 540. These devices are covered under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, which states that no one can possess and use wireless telegraphy apparatus and satellite phones without prior authorization.
What Does The Law Say?
Under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, devices with satellite communication capabilities are considered illegal if they are operated without proper permissions. Many Garmin devices, like the inReach series, use the Iridium satellite network to provide global communication coverage.
If you intend to travel to India with a Garmin device, ensure that the one you bring does not contain any satellite communication capabilities.
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