Travel Advisory: Since July 2025, Turkey has restricted access to international eSIM provider platforms. This guide helps you prepare before your trip.
In July 2025, Turkey's telecommunications regulator BTK introduced restrictions that caught thousands of tourists off-guard: access to most international eSIM provider websites and apps was blocked from within the country.
If you're planning a trip to Turkey in 2026, this affects you. Here's what happened, why many travel eSIMs now fail mid-trip, and how to stay connected.
What Happened: Turkey's eSIM Restrictions Explained
On July 10, 2025, Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) restricted access to international eSIM provider websites and apps from within Turkish networks. The news was first reported by İFÖD (Freedom of Expression Association) and quickly confirmed by travelers on Reddit and various tech forums.
Important distinction: The restrictions target provider platforms, not eSIM technology itself. Pre-activated eSIMs continue working. The problem is when you need to buy more data, top up, or contact support — that's when you're stuck.
BTK has not released an official statement explaining the restrictions. Industry observers suggest the measures relate to Turkey's 2019 regulations requiring eSIM providers to use Turkish operators for remote provisioning and store user data locally.
Sources: İFÖD, BTK, r/travel, r/digitalnomad, Turkish media (Türkiye Gazetesi)
eSIM Providers Reporting Access Issues in Turkey
Most major international eSIM providers have reported access issues from within Turkey. Based on user reports, tech forums, and provider statements, the following services are affected:
Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim, BNESIM, Ubigi, Roamless, GigSky, FlexiRoam, Airhub, GlobaleSIM, Holiday eSIM, Eskimo, Simly, Dent Wireless, Yesim, and others.
According to multiple sources, over 30 providers are currently affected — and the list continues to expand. New restrictions are being reported regularly on travel forums and social media.
Why Package-Based eSIMs Fail in Turkey
Most travel eSIM providers sell fixed data packages: 5GB for Turkey, valid for 7 days. This model works fine — until something goes wrong.
Common failure scenarios
| Package runs out | You've been streaming maps, uploading photos, making video calls. Day 5, you're out of data. Provider's website is inaccessible. You're stuck. |
| Trip extended | Flight cancelled. Found a hidden gem in Cappadocia. Your 7-day package expires tomorrow. Same problem: you can't purchase more. |
| Activation fails | Some travelers wait until landing to activate. If your eSIM requires server communication with a restricted provider, activation may fail entirely. |
| Support needed | Connection issues? Can't reach provider support — their website, app, and chat are all inaccessible from Turkey. |
What Still Works in Turkey
Working solutions / Best for
| Pre-activated international eSIMs | Install and activate before arriving in Turkey. The data connection itself typically continues working — restrictions primarily affect purchase platforms.
Best for: All travelers who prepare ahead
|
| Balance-based eSIMs | eSIMs using prepaid balance model rather than fixed packages. Top up before your trip — no need to access any website while in Turkey.
Best for: Multi-country travelers, extended trips
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| Local Turkish SIMs | Physical SIM cards from Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, or Türk Telekom. Available at airports and shops. Requires passport registration.
Best for: Long stays, need local number
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| Traditional carrier roaming | Your home carrier's international roaming still works. Typically at much higher rates.
Best for: Emergency backup only
|
Turkey IMEI Rules: What Long-Stay Visitors Need to Know
Turkey has additional regulations that affect longer stays:
Stay duration / What applies
| Under 90 days | Most tourists won't encounter issues. Use your travel eSIM, enjoy your trip. No restrictions on international roaming eSIMs for short visits. |
| 90-120 days | Turkey tracks foreign devices using IMEI numbers. Regulations around "permanent roaming" (91+ days accumulated within 120 days) may affect connectivity. |
| Over 120 days | Foreign phones using Turkish SIMs must be registered. Fee exceeds 45,000 TL (~$1,000+ USD as of 2025). Requires Turkish residency documents. |
For typical tourist visits of a few weeks, these regulations don't apply. Digital nomads and long-term travelers should research current requirements before extended stays.
How to Prepare: Turkey eSIM Checklist
Before your flight / On arrival
|
Before Your Flight: ✓ Install eSIM at home (on WiFi) ✓ Test the connection briefly ✓ Top up with more balance than needed ✓ Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) ✓ Install a VPN app (test it before travel) |
On Arrival in Turkey: ✓ Switch to travel eSIM for data ✓ Keep home SIM active for calls/SMS/2FA ✓ Data roaming ON for travel eSIM ✓ Data roaming OFF for home SIM ✓ Monitor usage — you may not be able to top up easily |
Why Balance Model Works Better for Restricted Countries
Turkey isn't the only country with telecom restrictions — similar limitations exist in Russia, UAE, and elsewhere. As regulations tighten globally, the package model shows its weakness: it assumes constant access to the provider's platform.
Package Model (Expiring) / Balance Model (Pay-As-You-Go)
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Package Model: • Buy 5GB for Turkey • Expires in 7-30 days • Run out = need to buy more • Unused data lost when package expires • Country-specific package • Need platform access to manage Problem in Turkey: Can't buy more when websites inaccessible
|
Balance Model: • Top up €50 once, use anywhere • Balance doesn't expire with regular use • Run low = still works, just less data • Unused balance for next trip • Same balance works in 220+ countries • Top up before travel, self-contained Works in Turkey: No mid-trip purchases needed
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Surfroam: Built for Complex Destinations Since 2016
Surfroam has been providing global connectivity since 2016 — long before eSIM became mainstream. We've seen regulations change across dozens of countries, and our balance-based model was designed with exactly these situations in mind.
How Surfroam works in Turkey
| OneBalance system | One prepaid balance works in Turkey and 220+ other countries. No separate packages to manage. |
| Pay-as-you-go | Charged per KB, not fixed packages. Use exactly what you need. |
| No expiration | Balance stays active with periodic use. No "use it or lose it" pressure. |
| Install before travel | QR code delivered instantly to your email. Activate on your home WiFi, test before you fly. |
| Lost phone protection | Free replacement eSIM or SIM with your full balance intact. |
| 1,700+ partner networks | Broad coverage across Turkey and worldwide. |
No provider can guarantee immunity from future regulation changes. But our model doesn't require you to access any website while traveling. Top up before you go, and your connection is self-contained.
The Bottom Line
Turkey's eSIM restrictions caught many travelers off-guard in 2025. The affected providers aren't at fault — they simply can't control another country's telecom policies.
But as a traveler, you can control your preparation:
- Install and test your eSIM before departure
- Choose a model that doesn't require mid-trip purchases
- Top up with more data than you think you'll need
- Have a backup plan (VPN, offline maps, emergency roaming)
Turkey remains one of the world's great destinations — incredible history, stunning coastlines, food worth the trip alone. Don't let connectivity issues get in the way. Prepare before you fly, and you'll stay connected throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eSIM providers are affected in Turkey?
Will my travel eSIM work in Turkey if already activated?
Can I buy a new eSIM data package while in Turkey?
How long can I use an international eSIM in Turkey?
What is the best eSIM for Turkey in 2026?
Does Surfroam work in Turkey?
What's the difference between eSIM packages and balance model?
Will a VPN help access blocked eSIM websites?
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Prepare before you fly. Pick the eSIM that fits your travel style:
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Turkey eSIM ban 2026 has changed how travelers prepare for their trip. Since July 2025, Turkey's BTK has restricted access to major eSIM providers including Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, and over 30 others. This means if your data package runs out while in Turkey, you may not be able to purchase more — the provider websites are inaccessible from Turkish networks.
The solution is simple: prepare before you fly. Install and activate your travel eSIM at home, top up with more balance than you think you'll need, and choose a balance-based model that doesn't require mid-trip purchases. Unlike package-based eSIMs that expire, Surfroam's OneBalance system lets you pay only for what you use — and your balance carries forward to your next trip.
Surfroam has been providing global connectivity since 2016, long before eSIM became mainstream. Our travel eSIM works in 220+ countries with pay-as-you-go rates — no expiring data packages, no roaming surprises. Whether you're visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, or anywhere else in Turkey, Surfroam keeps you connected without depending on potentially inaccessible websites.
Last updated: January 13, 2026