A rule change could see Brits heading to Turkey being ‘caught out’
Millions of Brits head to Turkey each year(Image: Burak Karademir via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers could find themselves affected by a rule change in Turkey. The destination remains enormously popular with tourists, boasting a wealth of resorts, and was visited by millions of UK travellers in 2025 alone.
With industry experts predicting a bumper summer for international travel, it’s anticipated that countless families and holidaymakers are preparing for trips to Turkey over the coming weeks and months. While travelling overseas, many people opt for international eSIMs, but anyone intending to use one in Turkey should take note of a new regulation.
You’ll need to activate the eSIM before you board your flight, as this cannot be done once you touch down in Turkey. Travel expert at Holafly Juan David Soler said: “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. To avoid getting caught out, UK travellers should ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated before leaving the UK.
“This means setting up your digital SIM while still on UK networks, and confirming it’s working properly before departure. Otherwise, you could be left without internet access the moment you land, which can be a serious issue if you rely on your phone for maps, transport, or bookings.”
As reported by The Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD) on Thursday July 10, 2025, the action blocks access in Turkey to the websites and applications of the impacted eSIM providers.
Holafly further clarifies that the eSIM ban is chiefly aimed at Turkish citizens purchasing eSIMs for overseas travel in Turkey. However you will still need to buy and install your eSIM prior to arriving in Turkey, and keep your QR code so you can activate the eSIM once in Turkey. The specialists also suggest downloading a secure VPN.