Satellite Phone → India

Prohibited for private use. Importation and operation require government licences not available to tourists.

Details

Satellite phones are banned for private use in India under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933 and the Indian Telegraph Act 1885. The Indian government treats satellite communications as a national security matter. Private individuals and tourists may not legally operate satellite phones. Permits are theoretically available but in practice are not granted to foreign visitors. Indian Customs regularly confiscate satellite phones from arriving passengers. They may be held in customs storage and returned on departure, but confiscation and fines are also possible. Thuraya, Iridium, and Globalstar devices are all affected.

Quantity limit

Not applicable — prohibited

Legal reference

Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933; Indian Telegraph Act 1885; DoT licence requirements

Practical advice

Do not bring a satellite phone to India. Leave it at home or ship it ahead to a country you will visit after India. Confiscation at immigration is a real risk.

Customs authority

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) · https://www.cbic.gov.in