Travelling With 'Garmin InReach' Landed Scottish Hiker In Jail; All You Need To Know About This GPS Device & Why It Is Banned In India

A Scottish hiker named Heather was detained at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport after being caught with a Garmin inReach GPS device, which is banned in India. Heather was traveling to Rishikesh when airport security flagged the device during a routine check. She was then handed over to the police for questioning.

What Heather's Instagram post conveyed?

Following the incident, Heather took to Instagram to share her experience and caution fellow travelers. “Do not bring a Garmin inReach or any satellite communicator to India,” she wrote, emphasising that such devices are prohibited. In a video post, Heather described contacting her embassy for assistance but was informed that there was little they could do since she was under Indian legal jurisdiction.

“I was eventually taken to the police station where I was questioned, in a fairly friendly manner, and made to sign document after document. I didn’t take the ‘no comment’ stance, foolishly or not, it is my nature to be honest, and after all, there was absolutely no intent on my behalf,” she wrote.

Heather also alleged that during her detention, she was denied access to water. She was released from police custody at around 9 p.m. after being held for several hours but was informed that she would need to make a court appearance.

“I am not the only person who has fallen victim to this law. Hence, I felt compelled to write this post,” she added, referring to other similar cases.

Heather’s case is not isolated. In December 2024, a Czech national was detained at Goa airport for carrying a Garmin Edge 540 GPS device. Similarly, a Canadian runner was arrested in India for carrying a satellite communicator around the same time.

Why are Garmin devices banned in India?

The prohibition of satellite communication devices in India stems from the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. These laws were reinforced following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, where terrorists used satellite communicators to plan bombings and shootings that resulted in the deaths of around 200 people.

The ban aims to prevent the misuse of satellite communication technology for potentially dangerous or illegal activities, such as smuggling, espionage, or bypassing communication restrictions in sensitive locations.

Other countries that restirct satellite devices

According to Garmin’s website, India is one of 14 countries that prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. The other countries include Afghanistan, Ukrainian Crimea, Cuba, Georgia, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Russia.

Heather’s experience highlights the importance of understanding local laws before traveling with advanced communication devices. The Garmin inReach, a popular satellite messaging device often used by backpackers and climbers, is banned in India due to security concerns. Travelers should exercise caution to avoid similar legal troubles when visiting the country.