Embassy of India

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Prohibition on Unauthorized Use of Satellite Phones

This is to inform all visitors to India including foreign nationals that bringing in or using satellite phones (e.g., Thuraya, Iridium etc.) in India without prior permission / license from the relevant Indian authorities is prohibited under Indian law. Use of Thuraya/Iridium satellite phones is unauthorized/illegal in India under Section 6 of Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of Indian Telegraph Act. 

2. Any passenger (irrespective of category of passport) carrying satellite phone/ phones via baggage is required to declare the same to Customs on arrival and produce permission for use from the concerned authority.

3.  Any individual (irrespective of category of passport) found to be in possession of an unauthorized satellite phone in India without prior approval, is liable to be prosecuted as per Indian law, and all unauthorized sets found in possession of the individual will be seized by Indian law enforcement agencies.

4. Visitors and tourists coming to India are advised to comply with Indian laws and not bring in or use satellite phones in India without obtaining specific permission / license in advance from the concerned authorities.

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