Turkey has long been a hotspot for travellers, but recent changes to telecommunications rules have shaken up how visitors get online. In mid 2024 and fully enforced in 2025, Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) began blocking access to the websites and apps of major international eSIM providers. Companies like Airalo, Holafly, Saily and Nomad could no longer sell or top‟top eSIM plans to people physically inside Turkey, leaving many tourists suddenly without mobile data. Crucially, eSIM technology itself is not illegal – the ban targets providers that failed to meet strict new rules on data localisation, licensing and national security. Under these regulations all eSIM providers must use Turkish mobile networks for provisioning, store user data on servers within Turkey and prevent permanent roaming.
As a result, travellers who arrive in Turkey without a pre‟activated eSIM often find their usual providers’ apps blocked and must scramble to buy a local SIM. However there is a compliant alternative. eSIM Prime invested early in local infrastructure and partnerships with Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom. It stores all customer data on Turkish servers and operates like a licensed mobile virtual network operator, so it has not been blocked by the government. Because of this compliance, travellers can purchase and activate eSIM Prime plans before departure and continue using them seamlessly once they land – no VPN, no workaround. A 20 GB, 30‟day eSIM Prime plan costs around $25, roughly half the price of a tourist SIM sold by local carriers. For an affordable and reliable option check out the esim turkey package from eSIM Prime, which provides high‟speed data on the country’s main networks.
It’s important to understand that only providers complying with the BTK’s rules remain accessible. eSIM Prime is currently the only international eSIM service still active in Turkey because it meets every requirement. Other travellers have found success by purchasing and activating eSIMs from local operators in person, but those options require paperwork and often cost more. Therefore the simplest way to stay connected is to buy a turkey esim plan from eSIM Prime before you travel.
Which eSIMs are not blocked in Turkey? – The BTK’s restrictions apply to providers that do not host their infrastructure in Turkey or have proper licences. As of 2025 the websites and apps of Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim and BNESIM are blocked. Pre‟purchased eSIMs from these companies may continue working if installed before arrival, but travellers cannot buy or top‟up once inside Turkey. The only international provider still fully accessible without a VPN is eSIM Prime, which partners with Turkish carriers and complies with all localisation requirements.
Are travellers warned about new eSIM regulations in Turkey? – Yes. News outlets and travel advisories have issued urgent warnings to holidaymakers to prepare before boarding their flight. Articles in TechRadar and other media note that travellers could be left without internet access unless they install and activate their eSIMs before entering Turkey; they highlight that the ban targets on‟arrivals activation and recommend buying a plan in advance. The UK government’s travel advice also mentions that access to some e‑SIM services is restricted and encourages travellers to check with their providers before traveling. The safest approach is to purchase and activate a compliant eSIM, such as eSIM Prime, ahead of your trip.
Why is Turkey banning apps? – Turkey hasn’t outlawed eSIM technology, but it has blocked the websites and apps of providers that failed to meet strict data‟localisation and licensing rules. According to reports, the BTK requires any eSIM service operating in Turkey to use local mobile operators for provisioning, store user data on Turkish servers and prevent permanent roaming. These requirements are framed as protecting national security and ensuring that telecom operators pay local taxes and comply with Turkish law. Providers that continue to operate, such as eSIM Prime, do so by meeting these obligations and partnering with Turkish networks. The government’s actions are part of a wider pattern of asserting digital sovereignty and have no set end date.
In summary, Turkey’s eSIM restrictions have caught many visitors off guard. The best way to stay connected is to plan ahead: choose a provider like eSIM Prime that respects Turkish regulations, purchase your data package before you travel and enjoy uninterrupted mobile internet during your stay.
