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This Web page answers Frequently Asked Questions regarding operation of an Amateur Radio station in foreign countries. Amateurs can operate under a bilateral or multilateral reciprocal operating authority. A multilateral agreement refers to countries, which participate in CEPT or IARP. A bilateral agreement is a Reciprocal Operating Agreement between two countries; this is especially important for foreign amateurs whose country has signed a Reciprocal Operating Agreement with the US. In many cases, there is no reciprocal agreement, but it may still be possible to obtain a reciprocal permit to operate in the country you will be visiting.
This page is divided into the following categories: US Amateurs Operating Overseas, Foreign Amateurs Operating in the US and Miscellaneous Reciprocal Operating Information.
There are three basic questions US citizens and amateurs should ask when traveling outside the US in order to decide which reciprocal operating authority is best:
1) Does the country you will be visiting participate in a multilateral reciprocal operating authority--CEPT or IARP? If so, operate under CEPT or IARP.
2) If it does not, can I obtain a Reciprocal Operating Permit even if the country does not share a Reciprocal Operating Agreement (bilateral) with the US? You can.
3) Are you traveling to Canada? The US and Canada share an automatic reciprocal operating agreement.
How can I operate outside the US?
You can find a complete listing of the requirement for a country or countries at Operating Information by Country. This includes most countries, including CEPT and IARP participating countries.
How can I operate when CEPT or IARP isn't possible?
Yes. It is possible to obtain a permit a permit for almost every country in the world. Although ARRL maintains paper files at HQ, the most up-to-date information on obtaining permission to operate in a country can be found on-line at the ARRL Web site or on the Web site of Veikko Komppa, OH2MCN. ARRL HQ and Veke, OH2MCN, work together to make sure that up-to-date information appears.
This can include information on the national Amateur Radio society, repeaters and local clubs. Information on travel warnings in a particular country can be obtained from the US Department of State with the primary purpose of alerting the public to adverse conditions in specific countries.
Are there guidelines for obtaining a permit when little information exists on the Web?
The most complete information appears on the ARRL Web page. If specific application information for a country on this page is unavailable or unclear, write a letter of request or send an e-mail to the countries telecommunications authority for a permit. Include information on the purpose of your trip, the dates and place(s) of your stay, your passport and the equipment you intend to use. Attach to it a photocopy of your amateur radio license issued by FCC. In some cases where Amateur Radio is not widespread, a letter attesting to your character signed by the chief of police (or equivalent) of your hometown might help if attached.
Submit your application as much in advance of your trip as possible. It may take 30 to 90 days or more to be processed. Do not forget to keep a photocopy of everything you send for future reference. This does not guarantee that you will get operating permission, but it is a start. In many cases, it is important to have contacts in a country and the IARU society of that country may be helpful.
How do I know what my privileges are in the country I will be visiting?
When operating under CEPT or IARP, there are two classes:
Class 1 licensees are those who have demonstrated proficiency in Morse code to the licensing agency. They may operate with the same privileges they are authorized in their home country provided that they do not exceed those privileges granted to the highest class license available in the country.
Class 2 licensees have not demonstrated proficiency in Morse code to their national telecommunications agency and are limited to privileges above 50 MHz.
If the country does not participate in CEPT or IARP, the privileges are whatever the telecommunications agency granting the reciprocal operating authority says that they are. If not specified, the ITU Regional provisions apply generally, but there may be exceptions.
How can I operate my station in Canada?
When a US amateur operates in Canada, simply bring your FCC license, proof of your US citizenship (a birth certificate or other proof) and identify as call / Canadian identifier, like N1KB/VE3. At least once during the communication, you must state your geographical location, like "30 km north of Toronto."
How does a foreign amateur obtain permission to operate in the US?
There are three possibilities:
The FCC allows amateurs who are citizens of their home country to operate in the US provided that there is a reciprocal operating agreement between the US and the foreign country. The foreign amateur must carry two items when operating in the US:
1) Proof of an amateur license issued by the
country of citizenship;
2) Proof of citizenship in that same country.
The foreign amateur must maintain his or her citizenship in their home country and the individual must also hold an amateur license from that country. There is no time limit on how long a foreign amateur can operate in the US as long as the foreign amateur maintains home country citizenship and an amateur license from that same country. Operation under CEPT is limited to short visits of approximately three weeks. An IARP is valid for the term authorized by the issuing authority. The FCC no longer issues reciprocal operating permits to foreign amateurs in lieu of the above.
Foreign Amateurs who wish to operate in the US may do so if the country of which they are a citizen and amateur licensee has entered into a bilateral or multilateral reciprocal operating agreement with the US. Such agreements can include a reciprocal licensing agreement, CEPT license, or IARP. No additional permit is required -- simply bring your original amateur license, issued by your home country when you visit the US; and be sure to identify your station while operating by the US call district identifier (e.g., followed by your non-US call sign.W3/G1ABC). You can find a map of the US call districts here and a listing of the states on the FCC Web page.
If your country of citizenship and amateur license is not named in the list of countries that have such agreements with the US, then no operating agreement is in effect between the US and that country--and operation is not possible in the US based on your home license.
Operation in the US by any person is possible if you seek a US amateur license. Any person, other than a representative of a foreign government, can do so. Once a US license exam is passed, licensing is possible in as little as a few days to a week. A US mailing address is required for application purposes. Information about US licensing is available on the ARRL Web site. If a US license is held, no other reciprocal operating authority may be used. It is possible that you may have more privileges if operating under CEPT, IARP. or on the basis of a Reciprocal Operating Agreement if one has been signed with the US.
What is a CEPT license and how can I obtain one?
A European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) radio-amateur license allows amateurs to travel to and operate from most European countries without obtaining an additional license or permit. CEPT authorization, T/R 61-01, is valid for short visits of approximately three weeks. Amateurs should contact their national Amateur Radio society for information on obtaining a CEPT or IARP license.
Under the CEPT agreement, a US CEPT license requires US amateurs to bring three things when traveling to a participating CEPT country:
1) an
original US license;
2) proof
of US citizenship (generally in the form of a Passport or birth certificate);
and
3) a
copy of the FCC's CEPT Public Notice contains
its information in three languages, English, French and German) which details
what US amateurs need to consider, and bring with them, when traveling to a
CEPT country.
[Note: While FCC does not state that your original hardcopy license is a document you must carry in CEPT areas, the actual CEPT agreement to which the US agreed indicates that the original; so be sure to bring your FCC-issued original hardcopy license document when you travel and operate in CEPT areas].
Classes of license/operation. Recent changes to the CEPT have revised the license equivalency table for US amateurs wishing to operate under the CEPT agreement. US amateurs holding an Amateur Extra or Advanced class license qualify for CEPT Class 1, which carries full operating privileges. US amateurs holding a General or Technician class US license no longer qualified for a CEPT Class 1 license. A few countries have implemented CEPT Class 2 license known as an "Amateur Radio Novice", for which US General and Technician class licensees do qualify. However this limited class license has not been widely implemented. There is no equivalent CEPT class for the US Novice license, therefore a US Novice licensee is not eligible to operate under CEPT reciprocity.
See also:
HAREC is the Harmonized Amateur Radio Examination Certificate, T/R 61-02. It applies to European participating countries. It allows amateurs to go from one European country to another and obtain a full license. The US does not participate in HAREC.
What is an IARP and how can I obtain one?
International Amateur Radio Permit --- For operation in certain countries of the Americas -- allows US amateurs to operate without seeking a special license or permit to enter and operate from that country other than the IARP. For a US citizen to operate an amateur station in a CITEL country, an IARP is necessary. According to the CITEL agreement, the IARP may be issued by a member-society of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)--for the US, the IARU member society is the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). The permit describes its authority in four different languages. The ARRL offers this service to US citizens for their use when they travel to CITEL countries. The ARRL provides this service on a non-discriminatory basis, at no expense to the United States Government. An IARP application is available here (Adobe PDF file).
Classes of license/operation. For US Amateurs, there are two classes of IARPs:
Class 1 requires knowledge of the international Morse code and carries all operating privileges (Technician Plus, General, Advanced or Extra class US licensees qualify for Class 1). For foreign amateurs, Class 1 is equivalent to our current Amateur Extra Class.
Class 2 does not require knowledge of telegraphy and carries all operating privileges above 50 MHz. It is, therefore, equivalent to the US codeless Technician class operator license. There is no equivalent class description for the US Novice license, therefore the US Novice licensee is not eligible.
Participating IARP Countries: Amateurs can find a list of the countries which accept an IARP on the CITEL Web page. They are: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, and Venezuela. See also:
How can I obtain a permit for a country which does not participate in CEPT or IARP?
See Operating Permit Information by Country.
When applying for a permit, what is a "certified copy of license" and how can I obtain one?
Though rarely required, it is a photocopy of your FCC license in which it is certified that the photocopy is identical to the original and that the license has not expired and is still valid. A notary public should be able to do this if he or she can compare a photocopy with the original and is given the phone number of the FCC Consumer Center phone number at: 888-CALL FCC for confirmation of the validity of the license. See also the FCC ULS database.
How should I pay for the application fee to obtain a permit in a foreign country?
Most countries which do not participate in CEPT or IARP access a fee for permits. It is best to send a bank draft drawn on a bank which does business in the country concerned, or to draw an international postal money order and send a copy of the receipt, unless otherwise instructed. Personal checks are very seldom accepted in foreign countries though US dollars may be.
Can I apply for a permit a few days before I leave?
You may, but you take a chance by delaying application for the permit. If you do and if you enclose a fee, if required, you should give your address in the host country where you would like your permit, if granted, to be mailed. Another option is to pay the fee, if required, when you pick up a permit upon arrival in that country. Some countries prefer that you show up in person, compete the form and pay any fee and it may be issued on the spot.
If you have not received the permit when it is close to the time to leave, write or call the overseas licensing administration. If you prefer calling but do not have their telephone number, call their embassy or consulate in the United States and ask for the telephone number of the communications licensing agency in the country. Be aware that the embassy or consulate generally can't help with the issuance of the permit and they may have little or no knowledge of Amateur Radio.
Another option is to contact the national Amateur Radio society and a list of them all appears on the IARU Web page. In some instances, the national Amateur Radio society works directly with the national telecommunications agency or can work with them if needed.
A few amateurs have reported problems with Customs. Many countries will not allow you to bring in communication equipment without a license or permit unless other permission is obtained in advance. If you have already applied for a permit and expect to pick it up as soon as you are permitted into the country, show the Customs officer a copy of your application. If you intend to apply for a permit later or are just carrying the equipment before or after operating in some other country, show your FCC license (and the permit of the other country). This will help you to justify carrying communication equipment. It is quite likely, however, that your equipment will be withheld at the Customs point until you obtain a permit or you are leaving the country. In any case, never try to secretly take in any equipment.
How can I operate maritime mobile? Aeronautical mobile?
For complete information see the Amateur Operation in International Waters FAQ. Another good reference is the Waterway Radio and Cruising Club.
Operation on a commercial passenger airplane is strictly forbidden as it may cause interference to the navigation control system.
What about increased security at airports?
Since September 11, 2001, airline security has been strengthened at all airports. Amateurs should check with their airline for any new security measures, but, generally, amateurs are safe to take a transceiver on as carry-on baggage. Security officials may ask that the equipment be turned on and off to show them that it is what you say that it is. Amateurs can also check amateur gear, but ARRL HQ has received isolated reports of damage caused by the stronger x-ray gear used in the security process.
The International Travel Host Exchange (ITHE) is a program in which ITHE host participants who are interested in entertaining amateur visitors in their homes. They might even agree to may let you stay overnight during your visit and may let you operate their stations. The ITHE is administered by the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC), the national Amateur Radio administration in Germany.
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Band |
Mode |
|||
|
160m |
CW |
1.800-2.000 (4) |
1.800-2.000 (1) |
|
|
Phone |
1.840-2.000 (3) |
1.800-2.000 (1) |
||
|
80m |
CW |
3.500-3.800 |
3.500-4.000 (4) |
3.500-3.900 (4) |
|
Phone |
3.600-3.800 |
3.525-4.000 (3) |
3.535-3.900 (4) |
|
|
40m |
CW |
7.000-7.100 |
7.000-7.300 |
7.000-7.100 (2) |
|
Phone |
7.040-7.100 |
7.040-7.300 (3) |
7.030-7.100 (2) |
|
|
30m |
CW |
10.100-10.150 (1) |
10.100-10.150 (1) |
10.100-10.150 (1) |
|
Phone |
Prohibited or discouraged |
|||
|
20m |
CW |
14.000-14.350 |
14.000-14.350 |
14.000-14.350 |
|
Phone |
14.100-14.350 |
14.105-14.350 |
14.100-14.350 |
|
|
17m |
CW |
18.068-18.168 (1) |
18.068-18.168 (1) |
18.068-18.168 (1) |
|
Phone |
18.110-18.168 (1) |
18.110-18.168 (1) |
18.110-18.168 (1) |
|
|
15m |
CW |
21.000-21.450 |
21.000-21.450 |
21.000-21.450 |
|
Phone |
21.150-21.450 |
21.155-21.450 |
21.150-21.450 |
|
|
12m |
CW |
24.890-24.990 (1) |
24.890-24.990 (1) |
24.890-24.990 (1) |
|
Phone |
24.930-24.990 (1) |
24.930-24.990 (1) |
24.930-24.990 (1) |
|
|
10m |
CW |
28.000-29.700 |
28.000-29.700 |
28.000-29.700 |
|
Phone |
28.200-29.700 |
28.300-29.700 |
28.300-29.300 |
|
|
6m |
none |
50.000-54.000 |
50.000-54.000 (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Important: US operators using an FCC callsign /MM or /AM must not exceed the ITU Regional restrictions even if the home country license permits such operation. For example, you must never use the 50 MHz band while cruising in the Mediterranean Sea, conduct SSB operation on 14.110 MHz, etc. However, this does not apply when you are authorized by a foreign administration (except Canada) to sign a portable call such as CP/N1KB. You are only bound by the rules and regulations of the host country.
Region 1: Africa, Europe,
Russia, Middle East (excluding Iran), and Mongolia
Region 2: The Americas,
including Hawaii, Johnston I., and Midway I.
Region 3: The rest of Asia
and Oceania
(1) Some countries do not
give amateurs access to this segment, while others, part of it.
(2) Some countries assign
more frequencies around this segment to the amateur service.
(3) In some countries, the
segment is narrower than this.
(4) In some countries, the upper
end of this segment is lower.
(5) Some countries give
amateurs access to this segment by issuing special authorization.
I am in the military. How can I operate under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)?
See SOFA/Europe or SOFA/Korea. There is a separate process for amateur operation in Iraq.
The Department of Defense defines SOFA as: An agreement that defines the legal position of a visiting military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. Agreements delineating the status of visiting military forces may be bilateral or multilateral. Provisions pertaining to the status of visiting forces may be set forth in a separate agreement, or they may form a part of a more comprehensive agreement. These provisions describe how the authorities of a visiting force may control members of that force and the amenability of the force or its members to the local law or to the authority of local officials. To the extent that agreements delineate matters affecting the relations between a military force and civilian authorities and population, they may be considered as civil affairs agreements.
Amateurs are concerned only with the part affecting Amateur Radio licensing.
Where can I find the US Third Party Countries list?
Click here.
Is all information for a particular country accurate and up-to-date?
In the case of countries which normally license foreign amateurs, ARRL updates the information on the ARRL Web page as soon as it is received as does Veke Komppa, OH2MCN. Unfortunately, however, it is impossible unless we are informed of permit changes by telecommunications agencies, IARU sister societies or individual amateurs.
If you find any information given by us which is outdated or if you discover new information, please report it to us. We would very much appreciate your helping us to help our fellow amateurs who will follow you. If the information is maintained by ARRL, send it to Dan Henderson, N1ND at n1nd@arrl.org. If the information is maintained by Veke, OH2MCN, send it to Oh2mcn@sral.fi.
