ARRL

Reciprocal Permit FAQs

Summary

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.

  • What is CEPT?

    CEPT stands for the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations, which provides radio-amateur licenses that allow amateurs to travel to and operate from most European countries without obtaining an additional license or permit.
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  • What is IARP?

    International Amateur Radio Permit. For operation in certain countries of the Americas, allowing US amateurs to operate without seeking a special license...
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  • Reciprocal Permits

    For countries that are not in either CEPT or IARP, traveling Amateur Radio operators will need to get a Reciprocal Permit.

     
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  • Bilateral Agreement

    Some countries, like Canda, a prexisting agreement exists with the US in allowing for Amateurs to operate with minimal issues.



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  • Maritime Operation

    Operating in international waters has its own special regulations.
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