Warning to Turkey travellers: SIM cards to be deactivated without ID verification
Travellers and foreign residents in Turkey using local SIM cards must act quickly to avoid having their mobile subscriptions suspended.
Turkish mobile operators have announced that all SIM cards purchased by foreign nationals will be deactivated if users fail to complete identity verification by 25 July.
This initiative follows a decision by the BTK, Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority.
The measure has been implemented to ensure that every mobile subscription is linked to a correct and verified identity, a common security practice adopted in many countries. For tourists and those on temporary stays, a deactivated SIM card can cause significant challenges.
Losing mobile connectivity means no access to the internet, map services, banking apps, or contact with friends and family.
It can also disrupt important travel-related communications, such as booking confirmations or access to emergency services.
All foreign users of SIM cards purchased in Turkey should therefore contact their mobile operator as soon as possible.
It is essential to check whether one’s identity is correctly registered and to complete any necessary verification.
This typically requires presenting a passport or a valid residence permit at a customer service centre. The deadline of 25 July is final.
If verification is not completed by this date, the SIM card will be automatically deactivated, necessitating a new registration and activation process to restore mobile services.
This can be time-consuming and disruptive during a holiday.
This mandate applies regardless of when the SIM card was purchased, provided it is a Turkish subscription used by a foreign national.
Travellers are encouraged to prioritise this matter to avoid unwanted interruptions to their mobile communications during their stay in Turkey.
Source: Turizmguncel
