All air passengers flying into or out of British airports must ensure their phones and tablets are charged so they can prove to security staff the devices aren't disguised bombs.
The heightened security comes amid reports two terror networks are working together on a bomb that could evade existing measures.
Similar advice issued at the weekend applied only to passengers flying to the US, but on Tuesday night the British transport department widened the instruction to affect anyone flying into or out of the UK.
"In line with the US advice, 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 on to the aircraft," a spokesman said.
"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."
No specific routes have been highlighted, and the spokesman said they hope to "minimise disruption as far as possible".
New restrictions requiring all electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablets, to be charged so they can be switched on for security staff were announced by US authorities on Sunday.
Source: AAP
