By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – Passengers flying to the United Kingdom and the United States will have to fully switch on their electronic gadgets for law enforcement before boarding a flight.
The measure is to satisfy new anti-terrorism rules being implemented by the United States and United Kingdom.
This means passengers must ensure that their phones, tablets and other electronic devices they intend to carry on the flight are fully charged so they can switch them on for the authorities before boarding. Those unable to switch on their devices may not be allowed to enter the aircraft.
The new guidelines come shortly after the United States boosted security measures, amid reports that terrorist groups in Syria and Yemen are working to develop bombs that are more difficult to detect, the DPA agency reports. Washington has already warned that travellers going to the US would have to be able to switch on their electronic devices when asked to do so.
Britain also said passengers on flights to and from Britain should ensure that electronic gadgets are fully charged and can be switched on before they fly. UK authorities have said passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.
“Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel,” the news agency reported.