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How does the Turkish ban on eSIM providers affect travelers?
The eSIM ban in Turkey has blocked access to many leading travel eSIM providers. Learn how you may be affected and what to do next.
The Turkish Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) – Turkey’s telecom regulator – has reportedly blocked access to Holafly and at least seven other international eSIM providers.
As reported by The Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) on Thursday July 10, 2025, the move prevents access in Turkey to the websites and apps of the affected eSIM companies.
Due to the ban being effective in Turkey only:
- Turkish residents are not able to purchase international eSIMs from the affected providers until they are out of the country.
- Travelers to Turkey are not affected so long as they purchase and install the eSIM before arrival.
BKT is yet to release an official statement regarding the eSIM ban in Turkey.
Which global eSIM providers have been blocked?
According to multiple local sources, like Türkiye Gazetesi, the eight main international eSIM providers affected by the block include:
- Holafly
- Airalo
- Saily
- Nomad
- Instabridge
- Mobimatter
- Alosim
- BNESIM
This said, the İFÖD claimed that other well-known eSIM services have also been affected, including:
- Holiday eSIM
- FlexiRoam
- Airhub
- GlobaleSIM
- Roamless
Can a Turkish resident purchase a travel eSIM?
BTK’s eSIM ban in Türkiye makes it impossible to access certain websites while using a Turkish mobile network. Therefore, customers in Turkey cannot buy a travel eSIM from the affected providers while they are inside Turkey – Holafly included.
One way around this is by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates a connection between your device and a remote server. As this server can be located internationally, your connection can sidestep Turkish networks to access the blocked eSIM websites.
I am traveling to Turkey soon. How does this affect me?
The eSIM ban is primarily targeted at Turkish residents buying eSIMs for international travel in Turkey. As a tourist traveling to Turkey, your eSIM service should not be affected.
However, there are several steps to consider if you plan on using an international eSIM in Turkey:
- Buy your eSIM before departure: Your chosen eSIM’s online store will not work once you land.
- Install your eSIM before arrival: Use your QR or manual installation code to set up your eSIM before you travel. You can delay activation by keeping data roaming ‘off’ until you land.
- Save your QR code or eSIM installation code locally: This way, you can install your eSIM in Turkey without needing the provider’s website or app.
- Download a secure VPN: Without a VPN, you will not be able to manage your eSIM solution digitally, check for remaining data usage, or contact customer service.
It is important to note that the situation is changing, and the eSIM ban in Turkey may affect different users’ connections in different ways.
Holafly’s mission: Bringing peace of mind to travelers with eSIM technology
Holafly is saddened by the news of the eSIM ban in Turkey. Our mission is to bring peace of mind to travelers, wherever the journey takes them.
At Holafly, we provide unlimited data eSIMs in 200+ global destinations. Our aim is to deliver hassle-free travel for everyone, everywhere.
Trusted by over 10 million customers, and with a 4.5/5 Truspilot score from over 58,000 reviews, we’ve built a community of travelers using our eSIM services to take the stress out of travel.
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in the UK, I discovered content creation as a journalist while studying at the University of Manchester. I've since covered a range of roles, both editorial and SEO, across the travel, hospitality, and professional services industries. I spend my weeks ensuring Holafly's content is relevant, insightful, and helpful, and my weekends exploring new destinations to satisfy my ever-growing travel bug.
