Last updated: September 16, 2026
eSIMs are not banned in Turkey. What's actually blocked is access to more than 50 international eSIM providers, cut off from inside Turkey by the BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority) since July 2025. If you already activated an eSIM with one of these providers, it keeps working — you just can't top it up while you're there.
Avelis isn't on the blocked list, so you can buy and activate your Turkey eSIM whenever you like — before your trip or after you land — with no registration required.
The short version:
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Is eSIM technology banned? | No |
| Is Avelis affected? | No — it is not listed |
| Must I buy before departure? | Only with listed providers — with Avelis, timing does not matter |
| Will a pre-activated eSIM work? | Yes, with every provider |
| Do I need to register with Avelis? | No — just purchase and scan the QR code |
| Does EU roaming apply in Turkey? | No — Turkey is outside the EU roaming area |
What actually happened? The BTK block, explained
According to İFÖD (the Turkish Freedom of Expression Association), the BTK has been blocking access to a number of international eSIM providers from within Turkey since July 2025.
Three separate rulings are behind it:
| Date | BTK ruling |
|---|
| July 10, 2025 | E-98966759-450.08-36681 |
| July 17, 2025 | E-98966759-450.08-37512 |
| September 15, 2025 | E-98966759-450.08-48093 |
Important: this targets specific websites and apps, not eSIM technology as such. The BTK hasn't published an official justification, and the list keeps growing.
Which eSIM providers are affected — and who isn't?
Over 50 names currently appear on the block list:
| | | |
|---|
| Airalo | Airhub | AIRSIMe | Alosim |
| BetterRoaming | BNESIM | CMLink | DENT |
| EnjoyeSIM | eSIM Go | esim.io | esims.io |
| eSIMtr | Eskimo | eTravelSIM | FlexiRoam |
| GigSky | Global YO | GlobaleSIM | GoMoWorld |
| Gorilla eSIM | Holafly | Holiday eSIM | Instabridge |
| Jetpac | Keepgo | KnowRoaming | Maya |
| Mobimatter | Nomad | NumeroeSIM | OneSimCard |
| Orbit Mobile | Pocket eSIM | RedteaGO | Roafly |
| Roamless | Romio | Saily | Sim Local |
| Simfly | SimOptions | Soracom Mobile | Surfroam |
| Ubigi | UPeSIM | USIMS | VIA eSIM |
| Voye | WorldSIM | Yesim | YO Mobile |
You won't find Avelis on that list — fortunately.
In practice, the block means these providers' websites and apps are unreachable from inside Turkey. But if you set up your data plan before you traveled, you'll stay online regardless.
Does your eSIM still work? The key distinction
Short answer: yes. The block hits the provider's website and app — not the active data connection itself.
That's exactly the advantage over the blocked providers: your Avelis eSIM can be activated at any time, and our website stays reachable from Turkey too.
Another plus over roaming plans or a local SIM: an eSIM needs no registration. No contract, no ID check on the ground — just buy it, scan the QR code, and you're online.
For every other listed provider, the rule of thumb stays simple: buy ahead, activate ahead, and plan for enough data.
How to activate your eSIM correctly before you travel
With Avelis, timing doesn't matter — but sorting it out beforehand means less hassle once you land:
- Buy and install your eSIM before departure — ideally a few days ahead, and choose enough data upfront: better a bit too much than too little.
- Activate and test it before your flight.
- Save your QR code and login details — screenshot, email, or a printout as backup.
- Turn on data roaming only after you land.
eSIM vs. roaming vs. local SIM in Turkey
| eSIM (pre-activated) | Classic roaming | Local SIM card |
|---|
| Cost | Usually cheap, transparent packages | Often expensive — outside the EU roaming zone | Cheap, but requires local registration |
| Registration required? | No | Sometimes, depending on carrier | Yes, with ID |
| Effort | One-time, before the trip | None, but comes with cost risk | Registration and SIM swap on the ground |
| Risk from the BTK block | None with Avelis | None | None |
| Recommendation | Ideal if activated in time | Only for short trips or emergencies | Workable, but time-consuming |
What keeps working vs. what may be blocked (for listed providers):
| Keeps working | May be blocked locally |
|---|
| Already-activated data connection | Website access on the ground |
| Mobile internet, navigation, messaging apps | App access on the ground |
| – | Support contact on the ground |
| – | Topping up data on the ground |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM banned in Turkey?
No. The technology itself is not affected. Since July 2025, the BTK has only blocked the websites and apps of numerous international providers.
Since when has the eSIM restriction been in place?
Since July 10, 2025, with further blocks added on July 17 and September 15, 2025.
Which eSIM providers are blocked?
Over 50, including well-known names like Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Ubigi, and GigSky.
Will my eSIM still work if I activated it beforehand?
Yes. What's blocked is the website and app used for support, account management, and top-ups — not the data connection itself.
Which eSIM is allowed in Turkey?
Among the 50+ listed providers: any one you activated before entering the country — after that, its website and app are blocked. With Avelis, timing doesn't matter at all, because we're simply not on the block list.
Is the 2026 eSIM ban still active?
As of September 16, 2026 — yes. The BTK keeps expanding its list, which is why we review this article monthly.
Sources:
- İFÖD (Freedom of Expression Association)
- BTK rulings E-98966759-450.08-36681, E-98966759-450.08-37512, E-98966759-450.08-48093
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