If you’re planning a trip to Turkey soon, there’s some important news you should be across. From July 2025, the Turkish government, through BTK (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu / ICTA), introduced new regulations restricting the use of international eSIMs. This policy directly affects travellers who rely on eSIMs to stay connected on the go.
What’s Happening?
On 10 July 2025, Turkey officially blocked access to apps and websites from international eSIM providers. This means that travellers who are already in Turkey won’t be able to buy or manage eSIM packages from those providers unless they use a VPN.
The good news is that any eSIM installed and activated before you land in Turkey will continue to work as normal. The issue only comes up if you try to purchase or activate an eSIM after arriving in the country.
Why Are International eSIMs Blocked?
There are a few key reasons behind this regulation:
- National security & data protection – All eSIM data must be managed within Turkey.
- Telecom market control – The government wants to encourage the use of local operators.
- Regulatory compliance – Since 2019, BTK has required that all eSIM systems in Turkey operate through local infrastructure only.
Tips to Stay Connected in Turkey
- Buy a local physical SIM card – Available at airports or authorised shops with your passport (though you may need to register your IMEI).
- Buy & activate your eSIM before you arrive – The easiest option is to install your eSIM from an international provider, such as Global Starlink, before flying. That way, you’ll be connected the moment you land in Turkey.
👉 Heading off to Turkey? Make sure your eSIM is sorted before you go!
