Turkey Blocks eSIM Providers: What Travelers Need to Know in 2025

Turkey eSIM Ban: Stay Connected on Your Trip with Roafly

More than 50 million travelers have visited Turkey in 2025, making it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations once again. For most tourists, an eSIM is the easiest, most affordable way to stay connected abroad.
However, Turkey’s telecommunications authority (BTK) has recently blocked access to many travel eSIM providers, leaving visitors uncertain about how to stay online.

So what exactly happened, which apps are affected, and how can you still get internet in Turkey? Let’s explore.

Why has Turkey blocked eSIM providers?

Since mid-2025, Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has gradually restricted access to foreign eSIM platforms — both websites and mobile apps.

The official reason hasn’t been publicly stated, but travelers in Turkey are now unable to access or download many popular eSIM apps. The restriction doesn’t disable existing eSIMs already installed before entering the country, but it prevents new installations, purchases, and top-ups while inside Turkey.

Which eSIM providers are blocked in Turkey?

Based on the latest user reports and network data, access to the following eSIM services is currently blocked in Turkey:

• Roafly ✅ (still functional via mobile app)

• Airalo

• Holafly

• Nomad

• Saily

• Alosim

• BNESIM

• Mobimatter

• Instabridge

• Ubigi

• Roamless

• Eskimo

• Simly

• Flexiroam

• Yesim

• Dent Wireless

• Airhub

• GigSky

• and over 30 more smaller providers

The number of affected providers continues to increase. While their websites remain available globally, users inside Turkey cannot open their sites or install their apps without a VPN.

Can Roafly still work in Turkey?

Yes — Roafly users can stay connected.
We recommend activating your Roafly eSIM before arriving in Turkey. Once activated, your data plan will continue to work normally.

Although access to the Roafly website may be limited while inside the country, you can still manage your plan through the Roafly mobile app, which remains operational.

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey:

• 🟢 Purchase and activate your Roafly eSIM before departure

• 🟢 Choose a plan with enough data for your entire trip

• 🟢 Avoid reinstallation or app deletion once in Turkey

To stay connected without interruptions, activate your plan in advance and explore Roafly’s Turkey eSIM plans before your trip.

What happens if you arrive without activating your eSIM?

If you reach Turkey without activating your eSIM, you may not be able to:

• Purchase or install a new plan

• Top up an existing one

• Access your provider’s website

That’s why Roafly recommends activating your eSIM before your flight — preferably while still connected to your home Wi-Fi.

Alternatives for internet in Turkey

If you didn’t activate an eSIM beforehand, here are your remaining options:

1. Local SIM Cards

You can buy a SIM card from local carriers like Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom at airports or city shops.
You’ll need your passport for registration. Phones using a Turkish SIM must be registered within 120 days, and there’s a device tax fee (over $1000 USD as of 2025) if you plan to keep using your phone long-term.

2. Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and airports — but speeds and security are limited.
If you use public Wi-Fi, consider enabling VPN protection to keep your data private.

3. Roaming with your Home Carrier

Roaming is convenient for short use, but it’s often very expensive and has strict data caps. Only consider it for urgent needs.

How to stay connected safely

To ensure uninterrupted access:

• Download the Roafly app before traveling

• Activate your Turkey plan in advance

• Avoid uninstalling or resetting your eSIM profile inside Turkey

• Keep offline access to your QR code if needed

With these steps, your data connection will continue working even if other eSIM platforms are blocked.

Is Turkey the only country blocking eSIM providers?

Turkey isn’t the only country restricting international eSIM providers — similar limitations exist in Russia’s eSIM restrictions and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where access to foreign eSIM platforms has also been limited.

Final Thoughts

The eSIM restrictions in Turkey may cause frustration, but they don’t have to interrupt your trip.
By activating your Roafly eSIM before entering the country, you can enjoy fast, reliable data throughout your stay — even while other providers remain inaccessible.

Stay connected. Stay ready. Travel smart with Roafly.