UK travellers planning a trip to Turkey in 2025 are being warned about a new rule that could leave them without mobile data if they do not activate their eSIM before departure. The change, which came into effect last year, means that eSIMs can no longer be activated once in Turkey, potentially causing significant inconvenience for holidaymakers.
What Has Changed?
According to travel specialists, the Turkish government has implemented restrictions on eSIM activations within the country. Juan David Soler, travel specialist at Holafly, explained: "eSIMs have become the go-to option for Brits wanting affordable mobile data abroad without the hassle of physical SIMs or costly roaming. But now, travellers will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM once they arrive in Turkey."
This means that UK tourists must ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated while still connected to UK networks, and confirm it is working properly before departure. Otherwise, they risk being without internet access the moment they land, which can be a serious issue when relying on phones for maps, transport, or bookings.
Why Was the Rule Introduced?
The rule is primarily aimed at Turkish citizens purchasing eSIMs for overseas trips from Turkey, but it also affects foreign travellers. According to The Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the action blocks access throughout Turkey to the websites and applications of certain eSIM providers.
How to Avoid Being Caught Out
To avoid disruption, travellers should buy and set up their eSIM prior to reaching Turkey, and store the QR code to install the eSIM upon arrival. The specialists also suggest installing a secure VPN for added protection. With Turkey welcoming more than four million UK visitors in 2025 alone, industry experts anticipate a busy summer for overseas travel, making it essential for holidaymakers to be aware of this change.
