Overview

• Turkey’s telecom regulator BTK on July 22 blocked access to leading global eSIM services including Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad and Instabridge within the country.
• The ban stops any new international eSIM activations on Turkish networks, so travelers must download and install their digital SIM before departure.
• UK tourists are advised to verify eSIM functionality on home networks to avoid losing access to maps, transport apps and booking confirmations on arrival.
• Although aimed at preventing residents from buying international eSIMs domestically, the measure has left outbound visitors facing unexpected connectivity gaps.
• Using a virtual private network can circumvent local blocks but introduces added complexity and potential security risks for managing eSIM profiles in Turkey.