Operating Abroad

Taking a radio on a trip is one of the great pleasures of the hobby, but it takes a little homework first. Every country controls its own airwaves, and your US license counts abroad only where that country has agreed to honor it. The good news is that many countries have, and the paperwork is often simple. The ARRL strongly encourages you to contact the national telecommunications authority, or the national amateur radio society, of any country you plan to visit before you operate.

CEPT

CEPT is a European body of telecommunications administrations, and its arrangement known as T/R 61-01 lets licensed amateurs operate in participating countries without an additional license or permit. The United States is not a CEPT member, but it agreed to the conditions of T/R 61-01, so US hams can take part.

According to the ARRL, US Amateur Extra and Advanced licensees get full privileges under T/R 61-01. General licensees can operate with limited privileges under ECC Recommendation (05)06, but only in the countries that have adopted it. There is no CEPT equivalent for Technician or Novice licenses.

When you operate under CEPT, carry three things:

• Your official FCC-issued license, not just the reference copy you can print.
• Proof of US citizenship, usually your passport.
• A copy of FCC Public Notice DA 16-1048, which explains the arrangement in English, French and German.

IARP and Other Agreements

The International Amateur Radio Permit is an inter-American arrangement. The ARRL issues the IARP to US citizens through the ARRL VEC, and it is valid for 365 days or until your license expires, whichever comes first. The ARRL’s international operating page lists the participating countries, and some of them, such as Panama, want advance notice even when you hold an IARP.

Canada is the easy case. The US and Canada have an automatic agreement, and no permit is needed. You sign your US callsign followed by a slant bar and the Canadian prefix and number for the province or territory where you are operating.

Many other countries have bilateral reciprocal agreements with the United States. The ARRL warns that reciprocity does not always mean you can simply arrive and operate: some countries still require you to apply for a license or permit in advance, and privileges may differ from your US ones. Where there is no agreement, ask the country’s telecommunications authority whether it licenses visitors. Start early, because paperwork takes time.

Callsigns and Portable Designators

FCC rule 97.119(c) lets you add one or more indicators to your callsign. Each must be separated from it by a slant bar (/) or a suitable spoken word, such as “stroke” or “slash,” and it can go before or after the callsign. A self-assigned indicator must not conflict with another indicator in the FCC rules or with a prefix assigned to another country.

When you operate abroad, the host country’s rules set your callsign format. The ARRL notes that in most cases you identify with the host country’s prefix, a slant bar, and then your US callsign, with Canada as the exception noted above. Our prefixes and DXCC page will help you find the right prefix for where you are.

Visitors to the United States

The rules work in the other direction too. Under 97.107, a person who is not a US citizen and who holds an amateur license from their own government can operate in the United States, if that government has a reciprocal arrangement with the US. They operate under the terms of their own license, the agreement, and Part 97, and never beyond the privileges of a US Amateur Extra licensee.

This authority is not available to US citizens or to anyone who already holds an FCC amateur license. CEPT and IARP holders face similar limits: they must not be US citizens or residents.

A visitor must send an indicator before their home callsign: the US letter and number for the place they are operating. Canadians put the indicator after their callsign instead. At least once during each contact, the visitor must also give their location, as nearly as possible, by city and state. Visitors can also take a US license exam, since anyone except a representative of a foreign government may apply.

Maritime Mobile

Operating from a ship is called maritime mobile. Under 97.5, your FCC license covers operation aboard a vessel documented or registered in the United States. On a ship registered in another country and outside US waters, your FCC license alone does not cover you, so check with the ship’s country of registry and the ship’s master well before you sail.

Rule 97.11 adds the shipboard conditions. The ship’s master must approve your station, it must be kept separate from the ship’s own radio equipment (except that it may share an antenna with a voluntary ship radio installation), it must not interfere with other equipment aboard, and it must not create a safety hazard.

Your frequencies follow the ITU region you are sailing in. The frequency tables in 97.301 have separate columns for ITU Regions 1, 2 and 3, and they apply outside any area where another government regulates the amateur service. Where another government does regulate it, you need that government’s permission.

Packing and Customs

Rules for bringing a transmitter into a country vary from place to place. Check with the country’s authorities or its national amateur radio society before you pack, and ask whether you need to declare your radio on arrival. Keep your license papers and permits with you, not in checked luggage.

Batteries need special care. FAA rules require spare lithium batteries, including power banks, to travel in carry-on baggage only, with their terminals protected from short circuits. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are limited to 100 watt hours each, or up to 160 watt hours for no more than two spares with airline approval. Many airlines are stricter, so check with yours before you fly.

Before You Go

1. Find out which authority applies: CEPT, IARP, a bilateral agreement, or a local license.
2. Confirm the privileges, bands and callsign format with the host country or its national society.
3. Apply early for any permit or license the country requires.
4. Pack your license, passport and any required notices, plus a copy of the host country’s band plan.
5. Check the rules for bringing radios and batteries through customs and onto the plane.
6. Once you arrive, listen first, follow local band plans, and enjoy being the DX for a change.

You might also enjoy our articles on portable power and DXing.