Imagine heading out for an adventure in the Himalayas or a long-distance cycling expedition in India, only to find yourself in legal trouble, just because of your fitness tracker. Sounds surprising? That's exactly what happened to a few international travellers recently, raising concerns about the use of high-end GPS-enabled fitness devices in India.

Certain Garmin devices, particularly those equipped with satellite communication features like the Garmin InReach and Garmin Edge 540, have come under scrutiny for violating India's strict regulations on wireless communication. According to the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, possession of wireless communication equipment—especially satellite-based trackers—without prior approval is considered illegal.

A Scottish hiker, who goes by the handle 'Hiker Heather' on Instagram, was detained at Delhi Airport two days ago for carrying a Garmin InReach device. In December 2024, a Canadian national was also detained for carrying a similar device. Both gadgets feature built-in satellite transmitters, which require special permissions from Indian authorities before use.

Heather explained her ordeal in an Instagram post, warning international travellers travelling to India against carrying the Garmin or similar gadgets with satellite communicators. She was taken to the police station and detained till late night, according to her post. She has since been released on the condition that she need to appear in court for the case.

Not all Garmin devices are illegal in India. The restriction applies only to those models that have satellite-based communication features. Regular smartwatches and GPS trackers that do not have satellite messaging capabilities can be used without issues.

Why are Garmin Devices Banned in Several Countries?

Garmin devices are very popular with hikers, athletes, and sports enthusiasts who use them to track their activities. These devices equipped with satellite communicators offer 100 percent coverage around the globe, making them a trusted companion during hikes in remote areas with no mobile connectivity.

However, many countries, including India, have banned the possession or use of satellite communicators or satellite phones for security concerns, as they are sometimes misused by criminal networks and terrorist organizations, making them a regulatory concern.

Many fitness enthusiasts use Garmin devices for tracking their activities without realising that some models contain restricted communication technology. The growing crackdown on these devices has also raised concerns over a lack of awareness among international travellers.

How to Stay Safe?

• Check your device specifications before travelling to India. If your Garmin or any other GPS device has built-in satellite communication, seek permission from Indian authorities.
• Use alternative tracking methods such as mobile-based GPS tracking that does not rely on satellite transmission.
• Stay updated on regulations, especially if you are an athlete, hiker, or traveller carrying advanced tech gadgets.

The policies evolve along with technology, so it is important to stay informed about the technology regulations before you travel carrying high-end devices to another country.