Blocked in Turkey: VPNs Down, eSIM Access Restricted – Stay Online in 2025
Whether you’re working remotely, streaming your favorite shows abroad, or just trying to safely use public Wi-Fi at a café in Istanbul, VPNs have become a must-have travel tool. They help you stay private, bypass location-based restrictions, and avoid public network snooping—basically, they let you browse the web like you’re still at home, wherever you are. For travelers, a VPN is often the key to accessing blocked websites, social apps, and even travel services that get restricted based on your IP address.
But in 2025, Turkey has made that a lot more difficult. And it’s not just VPNs—they’ve also started blocking access to websites and apps of popular eSIM platforms like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily, Instabridge, Mobimatter, Alosim, and BNESIM. While installed eSIMs still work for inbound travelers, managing them while in Turkey—such as installing, topping up, or buying a new plan—has become a challenge. Installed eSIMs still work, but managing them while in Turkey? You’ll likely need—you guessed it—a working VPN. Find out more about the Turkey eSIM ban here.
Why Is Turkey Blocking VPNs in 2025?
Turkey has had a love-hate relationship with internet freedom for a while now. In 2025, that relationship took a firmer turn. While VPNs aren’t explicitly banned by law, most of the top VPN services are now being actively blocked or throttled by Turkish internet providers. If you land in Istanbul and fire up your favorite VPN, there’s a good chance it simply won’t connect. This isn’t new—it’s just gotten more aggressive.
The big change in 2025 is that VPNs are being targeted preemptively, even when there’s no political event or protest going on. Platforms like NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN—the usual go-tos for travelers—are either unstable or entirely inaccessible on many local networks. This isn’t about censorship in the dramatic sense; it’s more about tightening control over cross-border internet access, which affects everything from eSIM recharges to encrypted messaging to streaming international news.
What’s Actually Blocked?
Here’s what you’re likely to encounter if you visit Turkey today:
- VPN apps might not open or will fail to connect
- Websites of VPN providers are blocked
- Encrypted traffic using OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols is often throttled or dropped
- Social platforms like X (Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok may go down during protests or sensitive political moments
- Obfuscated VPN connections (stealth VPNs) are the only reliable workaround
This means using a VPN in Turkey in 2025 is a bit like sneaking into a club with a fake ID. Technically possible, but you need to be smart about it.
Can I Still Use a VPN in Turkey?
Yes—but it’s tricky. You’ll need to plan ahead.
✅ Download and install your VPN app before arriving in Turkey.
Many VPN websites and app stores are blocked once you’re there, so you need to do this ahead of time.
✅ Choose a VPN with obfuscation (stealth) mode.
VPNs like Mullvad, IVPN, VyprVPN, and Windscribe are known to offer more stealthy protocols that bypass detection. These work by disguising VPN traffic to look like normal web browsing, which helps avoid the filters Turkey’s ISPs are applying.
✅ Test before you fly.
Don’t wait until your phone’s already in airplane mode at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Make sure your VPN connects on different protocols (TCP, UDP, stealth) and from different networks before you go.
Which VPNs Still Work (as of mid-2025)?
Here’s a quick reality check:
| VPN Provider | Status in Turkey | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Unstable | Some servers work with stealth mode |
| NordVPN | Partially blocked | Works with obfuscated servers only |
| Surfshark | Mostly blocked | May work via Shadowsocks |
| ProtonVPN | Unreliable | Free servers usually blocked |
| Mullvad | Working | Excellent stealth support |
| IVPN | Working | Focuses on censorship circumvention |
| Windscribe | Working | Has a “Stealth” protocol mode |
| VyprVPN | Working | Uses Chameleon protocol |
VPNs are like toothpaste brands—one size doesn’t fit all. What works for someone in Izmir might not work for someone in Antalya. Your safest bet is to have at least two VPNs installed, preferably with different stealth modes, and test both.
What If I Don’t Use a VPN?
Well, things might get… frustrating.
- No access to foreign eSIM platforms once in-country
- Limited access to uncensored global news
- Apps like Signal or Telegram may fail during sensitive events
- YouTube and X might go down intermittently
For tourists, this may feel like a minor inconvenience. For journalists, digital nomads, or expats, it can be a real challenge. Even remote workers trying to securely log into company servers may hit roadblocks.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Turkey?
Short answer: yes—but…
VPN use is not outright illegal in Turkey. There are no public laws penalizing individuals for using one. But there is a pattern of quiet enforcement: restricting access, blocking domains, and using Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and drop encrypted traffic. It’s more like passive resistance than a crackdown.
In rare cases, commercial use of VPNs (like for public Wi-Fi services or business VPNs) has drawn scrutiny. But for individual travelers? You’re unlikely to face legal trouble—just technical hurdles.
The Bigger Picture: Why Is Turkey Doing This?
It’s not just about politics. Turkey’s VPN clampdown in 2025 is part of a broader “digital sovereignty” push. The country wants more control over how its residents and visitors access the internet. There’s also an economic factor: pushing foreign users toward local services, including Turkish SIM and eSIM options.
Controlling VPNs also means controlling:
- Access to non-local content
- Messaging services that are encrypted end-to-end
- User tracking and data localization
- Cross-border payment platforms
It’s a move many other governments are making too—not just Turkey.
Pro Tips for Travelers in 2025
Here’s your cheat sheet if you’re heading to Turkey:
✅ Install your VPN and eSIM before arriving
✅ Use VPNs with stealth mode (Mullvad, Windscribe, IVPN)
✅ Test multiple VPNs in advance
✅ Keep backup internet options (local SIM or hotel Wi-Fi)
✅ Avoid free VPNs—they’re slower and more likely to be blocked
If you rely on the internet for navigation, communication, or work, a good VPN setup is just as essential as your passport.
Final Thoughts
Turkey in 2025 is still as stunning, vibrant, and welcoming as ever. But its digital landscape is shifting fast. The VPN and eSIM restrictions aren’t there to ruin your trip—they’re just part of a broader push for more control over online services. With the right tools and a bit of prep, you can still travel smart, stay connected, and enjoy your trip without running into a wall of “This Site Cannot Be Reached.”
Need help choosing a VPN that actually works in Turkey? Or want an updated list of working providers? Just ask—I’ve got your back.
