Holidaymakers heading to Turkey this summer urged to make this check before travelling
New advice has been issued to tourists travelling to Turkey this summer. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for holidaymakers flying to Turkey following a new ban which could cause 'serious issues' for Brits.
The FCDO is the UK government department responsible for protecting and promoting British interests around the world. It often informs people about the latest travel changes, offering key advice before people make a journey abroad. Last week, the country introduced a ban on eSIMs, reportedly blocking access to numerous global eSIM platforms including Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Instabridge and more.
Tourists will now need to purchase local sim cards or incur extortionate roaming fees to use their mobile data, unless they make this important change at the airport. Following the announcement, the FCDO said: "Access to some e-sim services is restricted in Turkey. Check with your provider before travelling."
The country is hugely popular with tourists, boasting a number of resorts, and visited by millions from the UK. When travelling abroad, many people like to use international eSIMs, but anyone planning to do so in Turkey should be aware of a new regulation.
Travel expert at Holafly Juan David Soler, has issued a warning to all British holidaymakers to act fast and make changes before they take off for their favourite Turkish resort, reports Liverpool Echo.
He said: "Turkey's sudden ban on eSIMs has caught many travellers off guard, and it's vital that UK holidaymakers heading there this summer take action before they fly.
"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.
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The travel expert continued: "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."
If you choose to travel, you should research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
To enter Turkey, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least one blank page. You should check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements and renew your passport if you need to.
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