U.K. Joins U.S. In Laptop Ban

The United Kingdom is joining the United States in banning laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices on U.K.-bound flights from certain Middle East and African countries.

The U.K. announced the move on Tuesday, a short time after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed its own ban for inbound travelers.

While the U.S. gave a broad ban on devices larger than a smartphone, the U.K. went a step further and specified just how large devices can be. Any device larger than 6.3 inches by 3.7 inches will not be allowed in a plane’s cabin on flights to the U.K. from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

The U.K. did not give a specific starting date for the ban but did say that the government is “in the process of implementing it.” Passengers traveling today should check online with their airline to find out whether the policy is in place yet.

Six U.K. carriers will be affected—British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomason—along with eight foreign carriers—Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Egyptair, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air and Saudia.

While the U.S. ban included some of the same foreign airlines, it did not affect any domestic ones.

“The U.K. has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and at all times the safety and security of the public is our primary concern. We will not hesitate to put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate,” U.K. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said in a statement.

Grayling also added that while the extra security measures are being put in place, the U.K. is not advising any citizens against flyting to and from the countries on the ban list. “We remain open for business. People should continue to fly and comply with security procedures,” he said.