Image source: Garmin

Why Garmin inReach devices are illegal in some places

A Canadian ultrarunner and a Scottish hiker recently found themselves in hot water after carrying a Garmin inReach device while traveling in India. They had no clue they were breaking the law, but airport security sure did—and their adventures quickly turned into legal nightmares.

Garmin inReach devices are a lifeline for hikers, runners, and anyone who ventures into the wild. They send messages, track locations, and call for help when there’s no cell signal. Sounds useful, right? Not everywhere. Some countries, including India, strictly regulate or outright ban satellite communication devices. In India, an old law from 1933 makes it illegal to have one without a government-issued license.

Tina Lewis, an ultrarunner from Canada, learned this the hard way when she was detained at an Indian airport. Security found her Garmin inReach Mini 2, and before she knew it, she was caught up in a bureaucratic mess. Not long before that, Scottish hiker Heather Mackins faced a similar ordeal. Both were eventually released, but not before dealing with stress, confusion, and a whole lot of explaining.


Check the label

Granted, Garmin does have a warning on its website. inReach devices are banned or heavily restricted in several countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, and India. So it is worth checking the regulations before your next travel. You can find the full list of countries with restrictions on Garmin’s website.

Getting caught with one in the wrong can mean fines, device confiscation, or worse—getting arrested. Nobody wants their dream trip to turn into a legal disaster just because they wanted a backup plan for emergencies.

Garmin inreach
Image source: Garmin

Governments say these rules exist for security reasons, fearing unauthorized satellite devices could be used for illegal activities. But to the average hiker, it just feels like an unnecessary headache. Perhaps it is.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

If you’re heading to a remote area in a country that bans inReach, you’ll need a backup plan. Maybe that means using a local emergency beacon, hiring a guide, or figuring out an alternative way to stay in touch. Whatever you do, don’t assume you can just breeze through airport security with your inReach—because as Tina and Heather found out, that’s a mistake that can cost you more than just a delay at customs.

Sources: Garmin, NationalPost, OutsideOnline

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Dusan Johnson

Dusan is our dedicated sports editor which means he gets to indulge his two passions: writing and gadgets. He never leaves his house without a minimum of two wearable devices to monitor his every move.

One thought on “Why Garmin inReach devices are illegal in some places

  • Once Apple starts to include more satellite communication capabilities for their iPhones, will they be affected too?

    Reply

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