Turkey’s eSIM Ban: A New Barrier or Opportunity for Global eSIM Providers?

In a surprising move that could have long-term effects on digital connectivity and tourism, Turkey recently blocked access to the websites of 8 global eSIM providers. The ban doesn’t target the use of eSIM technology itself, but rather the ability to purchase or manage these services while within Turkish borders. The official reasoning remains opaque, but industry observers widely interpret this as an attempt to protect local telecom interests and control over data routing.

For global eSIM companies, this presents both a challenge and a business opportunity. If you’re an eSIM provider or an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) with global aspirations, Turkey’s new policy landscape demands a strategic response. As a Turkey-based CPA and consultant specializing in regulatory landscapes, we can help you navigate these restrictions — and even capitalize on them.

What Exactly Did Turkey Ban?

As of July 2025, Turkey has blocked the websites and mobile apps of 8 prominent eSIM providers. This action does not prevent travelers from using eSIMs purchased and activated before entering Turkey. However, once within the country, users cannot access these providers’ platforms without employing VPNs — many of which are also under increasing restriction.

The Affected Providers

While the government has not disclosed the full list, popular names like Airalo, Nomad, and others are reported to be inaccessible via Turkish ISPs. Notably, physical eSIM profiles already installed on devices continue to function, unless technical restrictions are further enforced.

Why Is Turkey Doing This?

There are several plausible motivations behind this move:

• Data Control & Censorship: eSIMs from foreign providers route data through international networks, bypassing local censorship and surveillance. Blocking access ensures that internet traffic remains within Turkey’s monitoring perimeter.

• Protectionism: By restricting access to foreign eSIM services, Turkish telecom providers can dominate the lucrative tourist and expat market.

• Revenue Capture: Local telecoms can impose higher prices on tourists and residents who otherwise would access cheaper global data plans.

How Does This Impact Travelers and Digital Nomads?

Travelers heading to Turkey are advised to purchase and activate their eSIM before arrival. Once inside the country, your ability to purchase new eSIMs or renew existing ones from blocked providers becomes severely limited unless you have:

• A pre-installed VPN that still operates in Turkey

• An active data connection via an eSIM purchased abroad

• Knowledge of alternative or less-publicized eSIM providers not yet on the blocklist

However, these workarounds are far from user-friendly. Tourists staying longer than a month — the typical validity of many eSIM plans — face significant hurdles in renewing or topping up data plans.

The Business Opportunity for eSIM Providers

Despite the regulatory hurdles, Turkey is not banning eSIM technology outright. This creates a window of opportunity for global providers willing to establish a formal presence or partnerships in Turkey.

What Global eSIM Providers Should Do Now

1. Establish Local Partnerships: Partner with Turkish telecom operators to offer co-branded services or leverage their licenses to operate within the regulatory framework.

2. Local Entity Setup: Forming a Turkish entity can provide regulatory compliance, tax advantages, and a legal foothold to operate freely within the country.

3. Regulatory Consulting: Understanding the local tax, legal, and telecom frameworks is crucial to avoid unintended non-compliance.

I help global telecom and eSIM companies set up local entities in Turkey, navigate tax regulations, and structure partnerships with Turkish providers — ensuring both compliance and market access.

What About VPNs — Are They a Solution?

While VPNs have traditionally been the go-to workaround for such blocks, the Turkish government is reportedly increasing efforts to restrict access to popular VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. However, experienced users have highlighted that personal VPN setups or dedicated private networks still function without issue.

For eSIM providers, this means that relying on customers to navigate VPN limitations isn't a sustainable solution. Instead, direct local operations or API integrations with Turkish ISPs could offer a long-term, compliant model.

A Wake-Up Call for the Travel Connectivity Industry

Turkey's blocking of eSIM providers is not unique. Other countries such as China and the UAE have similarly restricted foreign eSIM services to enforce data control and promote local telecoms. As digital nomadism grows and remote work continues to globalize, such bans might proliferate.

For eSIM companies, the question is not whether to respond, but how fast and effectively they can adapt to jurisdiction-specific regulations.

Questions You Should Be Asking as an eSIM Provider:

• Can we form a compliant Turkish subsidiary or partnership to restore service accessibility?

• How can we ensure service continuity for travelers staying in Turkey beyond 30 days?

• Is there a market for co-branded or white-label solutions with Turkish carriers?

• What are the tax implications of operating directly in Turkey?

Let’s Talk: Expand Your eSIM Business in Turkey, Compliantly

If you represent an eSIM provider facing these new challenges, I can help. As a CPA and regulatory consultant based in Istanbul, I specialize in:

• Local Company Formation: Structuring tax-efficient, compliant entities for foreign tech firms.

• Telecom Regulatory Compliance: Guidance on adhering to Turkey’s data and telecom laws.

• Strategic Partnerships: Facilitating partnerships with Turkish mobile operators and MVNOs.

• Tax Structuring: Ensuring your operations optimize both corporate tax and indirect taxes like VAT.

👉 Contact us today to discuss how your eSIM business can legally and profitably operate within Turkey — while staying one step ahead of regulatory changes.

info@ozmconsultancy.com