On Monday, March 10, 2025, I was detained by the military and police in Kolkata Airport for 8 hours over my Garmin GPSMAP® 66i satellite phone. Are Satellite Phones Legal in India? I wish I had researched this before traveling because carrying one without government approval is illegal. It was an incredibly stressful experience, but one that could have been completely avoided with the right knowledge.

If you travel with a satellite phone or GPS device, this post will help you avoid the same mistake by understanding which countries ban or restrict these devices, how to check device legality before traveling, and what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Why I Travel with a Satellite Phone

I always carry a Garmin GPSMAP® 66i (see Garmin’s official product page), a GPS and satellite communication device that allows me to send and receive text messages and phone calls via satellite even when there’s no cell service. This is a lifesaving tool for remote hiking, overlanding, and adventure travel.

I started carrying it after my van caught fire in a remote area of Mexico two years ago, and I had no cell signal to call for help. Since then, I’ve always packed it as part of my standard gear. But in India? Satellite communication devices are completely illegal without government approval.

How I Got Detained in India

Security Check Gone Wrong

At 3 AM, while passing through security at Kolkata Airport, I separated my electronics as usual. That’s when the military officers pulled me aside. They saw the Garmin GPSMAP® 66i in my bag and immediately started questioning me.

• I was escorted to a military office inside the airport, where more officials arrived.
• Then, I was taken to the airport doctor’s office for a medical evaluation (standard protocol before further questioning).
• Finally, I was handed over to the police, placed in a police car, and driven to a police station outside the airport, where I spent most of the next 8 hours.

What Made My Device Illegal?

It turns out the issue wasn’t the GPS functionality, but rather the satellite communication feature. In India, any device that can send and receive satellite messages is restricted, unless you have government authorization. Even if you’re not using it, carrying one can get you detained, fined, or worse.

You can check the official Garmin list of countries that restrict GPS and satellite devices here.

What I Lost vs. What Could Have Happened

By the end of my detention, I had: ✅ Missed my flight ✅ Lost my satellite phone (confiscated permanently) ✅ Had to book a new flight (out of pocket)

But I was lucky compared to others who: ⚠️ Had to return for a court date on short notice
⚠️ Faced expensive legal fees or fines
⚠️ Were threatened with jail time or bail

I was treated with respect the entire time, offered water, food, and bathroom breaks, and assisted by an IndiGo airline representative who stayed with me. My release was granted after I called the U.S. embassy, and they approved my clearance.

How to Check If Your Device is Legal Before Traveling

If you’re traveling internationally, always check the legality of GPS and satellite devices before departure. Here are some resources to check laws in different countries:

🔹 Garmin’s List of Countries with GPS Restrictions – Click here
🔹 Government Travel Websites – Countries often publish lists of restricted items. Check sites like Travel.State.Gov for U.S. travelers.
🔹 Local Airport or Customs Websites – Most countries have official customs websites listing banned or restricted items.
🔹 Travel Forums & Expat Groups – Many travelers share first-hand experiences on sites like TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet.

Final Warning: DO NOT Bring a Satellite Phone to India

🚫 Satellite phones are illegal in India unless you have special government approval.
🚫 Even if it stays in your bag, you can get detained, fined, or worse.
🚫 Research device legality before entering ANY country.

If you are an adventure traveler, overlander, or hiker, learn from my mistake and spread the word to help others avoid the same trouble.

Have you ever faced unexpected travel restrictions? Drop a comment below and share your experience! 🚀

Safe travels, everyone! ✈️

Read Next:

• Traveling with GPS Devices: What You Need to Know
• List of Restricted & Prohibited Items in Indian Airports
• How to Check Local Laws Before Traveling

Ready for more adventures? Sign up for our email newsletter! You’ll receive exclusive travel tips, inspiring stories, and early announcements for our group trips. Join a community of explorers and keep the journey going!

Take charge of your solo adventures! Get our free ebook with top safety tips tailored for female travelers. This guide is full of practical advice and insights for secure and memorable journeys. Click to download and travel smarter!