Are VPNs Legal in Turkey? A 2024 Guide to Turkey’s VPN Rules (2024)

While VPNs aren’t illegal in Turkey, many of them are blocked by ISPs. Despite what other reviewers might tell you, popular providers like NordVPN and Surfshark officially state that they aren’t available in Turkey.

So the real challenge is to find a VPN that still works there reliably. I tested over 30 providers in Istanbul and found only a handful I could use without hassle. These services are also budget-friendly, keep your online data safe, and unblock international sites.

My top choice for Turkey is ExpressVPN. It has robust security and privacy features to protect your sensitive information from prying eyes. Thanks to a vast server network, you can use it to easily access your favorite sites. Best of all, it’s possible to try ExpressVPN risk-freeas it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN in Turkey

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Turkey?

Although VPNs aren’t technically banned in Turkey, users frequently encounter issues when trying to access the services they have paid for. This can be due to either server blocking or deep packet inspections (DPI), which are able to detect and restrict VPN traffic.

While using 2 leading Turkish ISPs (Turkcell and Türk Telekom) during my tests, I didn’t have many connectivity problems. However, I encountered VPN blocks with smaller internet providers like Kablonet.

German officials cautioned their citizens about the potential dangers of using a VPN in Turkey, advising them to carefully weigh the risks before doing so. But so far, no known case of tourists being penalized for using a VPN exists.

Why You Need a VPN in Turkey

When political controversy occurs in Turkey, blocks may be put in place to manage the information spread within and outside the country. The most frequently targeted platforms include social media like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. However, these restrictions are usually temporary.

I experienced a Twitter block once after the Istiklal bombing (the main street of Istanbul), which lasted for around a day. YouTube used to be banned for a video mocking Atatürk, the first Turkish president. Wikipedia was inaccessible in the past too, because of articles critical of the country's government. More frequent blocks happened after the Gezi Park protests and the coup attempt.

So if you want to ensure you can read the latest news while having a morning simit and çay, you need a VPN that’s been proven to work in Turkey. A VPN masks your actual location and assigns you a new IP address, making it seem like you’re browsing from a different location. This lets you bypass VPN restrictions undetected, and your connection is kept entirely secure with military-grade encryption. Plus, as a tourist, it’s possible to unblock your favorite streaming platforms like Netflix US and HBO Max while visiting the country.

With quality VPN providers, you can also safely access p*rn sites and gambling services on vacation without being exposed to cyber threats. Your activity is kept entirely private thanks to strict no-logs policies.

Tips for Using VPNs in Turkey

Since Turkey isn’t the most VPN-friendly country, here are a few pro tips on how to set up your VPN service for the country:

• Use obfuscated servers. They make your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, which makes it difficult for your ISP to detect and block the VPN connection. Some VPNs (like ExpressVPN) automatically enable this feature. For other providers, you might have to set it up manually — look for options called scramble, stealth mode, or Shadowsocks.
• Set up the VPN beforehand. If you plan to travel to Turkey, it’s better to install a VPN in your home country. Some VPN websites might be blocked in Turkey, making it impossible to download the service.
• Reach out to customer support. If you’re already in Turkey and your VPN doesn’t work, try to contact the reps via live chat (if possible) or email. Premium services offer professional support that can advise you on the best VPN settings for your location.

Best VPNs for Turkey in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Automatically Obfuscated Servers to Reliably Access Your Favorite Sites in Turkey

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN obfuscates all connections by default. This means it disguises your encrypted traffic as regular internet activity, which helps you evade detection by VPN-blocking firewalls and improves your online privacy in Turkey.

You can easily contact ExpressVPN’s customer reps via 24/7 live chat

We recorded a download speed of 104.5Mbps on the faraway New York server, which was only an 18% drop from the base speed and more than fast enough for UHD streaming. Most VPNs cut your speed by over 50% for similar long-distance connections. This is partly due to ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol, which is among the fastest and most lightweight options available. The Lightway TCP option was 10% faster and generally more reliable than UDP during my tests.

ExpressVPN has ample worldwide servers to safely access the content you want. There are also servers in Turkey if you need a secure local IP address. In addition, you get plenty of nearby servers in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Georgia, all of which will offer you fast speeds.

With rising cyber threats in Turkey, enhancing your online safety is essential. My actual location was never revealed, thanks to ExpressVPN’s IP/DNS/WebRTC protection. Plus, your information is secured from accidental exposure with Network Lock (a kill switch). This will terminate your connection if the VPN tunnel suddenly drops, though I never experienced connectivity issues in my tests.

The VPN also follows a strict zero-logs policy, meaning your data isn’t stored or shared with third parties. This policy was audited by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and Cure53, and in both instances, ExpressVPN was found to be fully compliant. Besides, ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-haven outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (an international government surveillance network).

My only concern was that ExpressVPN is a little on the pricey side. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers generous discounts. When I opted for the 12-month plan, I got 49% off and 3 extra months for free, for a final price of $6.67/month. You can test ExpressVPN in Turkey with confidence since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not fully satisfied — I applied for it through live chat, and my PayPal wallet was reimbursed in 2 days.

Useful Features

• Cryptocurrency payments. You can purchase the VPN with Bitcoin to sign up anonymously, further protecting your privacy.
• 8 simultaneous device connections. When traveling to Turkey, one ExpressVPN account can cover your smartphone, laptop, and other devices.
• RAM-based servers. ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy is backed up by its TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers), which ensures your activity data is never accessible and wiped with every server reboot.
• Compatible with many operating systems. ExpressVPN provides apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and even some routers. It also comes with SmartDNS that lets you bypass geoblocks in Turkey on devices without native VPN support, like gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch).

2. Private Internet Access — Customizable Settings to Balance Speed and Security When Browsing in Turkey

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

PIA offers a level of customization that suits users who like more control over their VPN settings, making it particularly useful for browsing in Turkey, where you may need to fine-tune your connection to regain access to your favorite platforms. Unlike many VPNs, PIA lets you choose your encryption strength. While AES 256-bit offers more security, our tests found that using AES 128-bit provided the fastest speeds. Plus, you can choose between two types of connection protocols: OpenVPN, which is more secure, and WireGuard, which tends to be faster.

The Multi-hop and obfuscation features are designed to help you get around censorship and reach blocked sites. Put simply, your internet connection goes through a Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxy before the VPN server, which disguises your VPN use as regular internet traffic. This makes it hard for ISPs in Turkey to tell you’re using a VPN. Simply turn on these features in the settings, and you'll be able to access the sites and content you need without restrictions.

To mask your VPN traffic with PIA, switch protocol to OpenVPN and turn on Shadowsocks

The VPN offers a built-in ad/malware/tracker blocker (called MACE), which prevents the appearance of unwanted ads and malicious domains. Your connection is also secured by an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. I didn’t encounter any DNS/IP leaks when testing PIA.

The service is also an excellent choice for users in Turkey who want to stream content buffer-free. PIA offers a massive server network, with streaming-optimized servers for watching your favorite shows in HD from anywhere. There are servers located in Turkey too, so you can connect to nearby locations for the best speeds.

One drawback is that non-tech-savvy users might find PIA quite complicated to use due to all its customization options. However, it offers a secure connection for Turkey by just enabling the Multi-hop feature, which is as simple as checking a box. If you do want to optimize your connection further, you’ll have plenty of settings to explore.
Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous device connections. PIA lets you cover all your devices in Turkey, such as Chromebook, Apple TV, and Smart TVs, all on one subscription.
• Budget-friendly plans. If you choose the long-term subscription, it’s possible to get PIA for as low as $2.19/month. You can also test PIA in Turkey without risk thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
• RAM-based network. PIA uses a RAM-based network, which means all data is wiped with every reboot. This means that that none of your data is stored long-term on the servers.

3. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly Apps for Web Browsing in Turkey Without Issues

PrivateVPN offers easy-to-use apps, which is great if you’re a new VPN user. The interface is minimalistic and easy to navigate. This lets you quickly connect and start browsing without any hassle. However, you can enable the advanced mode, which opens up more settings for tech-savvy users. When testing PrivateVPN apps, I immediately found and connected to the fastest nearby server.

The Stealth VPN feature makes it difficult for ISPs in Turkey to detect VPN traffic. You need to use the VPN’s Advanced view to turn it on. With many global servers, you can also easily access the sites you need. For example, it's possible to use Booking.com to manage hotel reservations while traveling across Turkey.

PrivateVPN lets you easily enable Stealth VPN to bypass tough geoblocks

PrivateVPN is a good choice for torrenting in Turkey. With the SOCKS5 proxy, you can enjoy faster download speeds while maintaining online privacy and security. During my PrivateVPN tests, I also used port forwarding for faster and safer transfers. Additionally, the service offers high-speed connections — perfect for watching your favorite content without buffering from anywhere.

It was disheartening to discover that PrivateVPN operates out of Sweden, a member country of the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, given its strict adherence to a no-logs policy, there's no risk of your data being shared.

Prices are very affordable, starting at only $2/month. Besides, you can test PrivateVPN for free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Simultaneous device connections. Despite the really low prices, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on the same subscription.
• Perfect forward secrecy. This feature adds an extra layer of security by generating a unique encryption key for each session.

4. Astrill VPN — Specialized Servers for Unrestricted Access to Websites in Turkey

Astrill's Supercharged servers offer improved security, quicker load times, and reduced latency in Turkey. They outperform regular Astrill VPN servers in speed and offer IP addresses from many countries. During our tests, the average speed dropped by 36%, which is a decent result.

Astrill's interface is minimalistic

If you encounter blocks when browsing the web in Turkey, switch to StealthVPN. This proprietary protocol provides a layer of obfuscation, making it highly effective against deep packet inspection (DPI) and firewall restrictions. So you can avoid blocks on popular sites like Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

I particularly liked the VPN’s Smart Mode feature, which is a split tunneling option tailored for use in Turkey. When enabled, your traffic is routed through the chosen VPN server, while local sites can still be accessed without disabling the VPN. The feature assigns you a regional IP, reducing the chances of triggering security errors when accessing local accounts. This feature also works automatically, so you don’t have to manually specify which sites to visit outside the VPN.

The drawback is that AstrillVPN doesn’t offer refunds, and its subscription plans are pretty expensive, starting at $12.50/month. However, if you just want to test it out, I suggest opting for the shortest available plan. Additionally, you can use Astrill VPN for free for 1 month if you refer a friend and they sign up for a paid subscription.

Useful Features

• Auto clear cookies feature. Automatically clearing cookies helps prevent the tracking of your online activities, enhancing your privacy in Turkey.
• Ad and tracker blocker. This feature reduces unwanted ads and further prevents trackers from monitoring your online behavior.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Quick Comparison Table: Turkey VPN Features

If you’re still unable to choose between these VPNs, I created this quick comparison table for you to use below. I focused on server obfuscation, the overall impact on speed, the extent of the server network, and more. These are all important factors to consider when choosing a VPN that can keep you protected when browsing in Turkey while also offering high-speed access to all of your desired content.

FAQs on VPNs for Turkey

What can I do if my VPN is not working in Turkey?

If your VPN is not working in Turkey, there are several steps you can take to try to resolve the issue. First, make sure that your provider is not being blocked by Turkish authorities. You will need a quality VPN that can bypass VPN-blocking firewalls while offering an extensive reliable server network.

If your VPN isn’t blocked and you’re still having trouble connecting, try these fixes:

• Switch to a different server. Sometimes servers can become overloaded or experience technical issues, so connecting to a different one might solve the problem.
• Enable server obfuscation (if available). It’s possible that your Turkish ISP is detecting your VPN connection and blocking it. If that’s the case, enable server obfuscation in your VPN settings (it may also be called Stealth or Multi-Hop). This will disguise your VPN connection as regular traffic, allowing you to bypass any network restrictions.
• Contact your VPN's customer support team. If the above fixes do not work, reach out to your VPN’s support team. They should be able to troubleshoot the problem.

Where are VPNs illegal?

VPNs are illegal in some countries, mainly in those where the government tightly controls the flow of information and restricts access to the internet. While VPNs are legal in Turkey, you need a premium service that works there reliably as the government and ISPs sometimes enforce VPN blocks.

The following countries have either banned the use of VPNs altogether or have placed restrictions on their use:

• China — The Chinese government has banned the use of VPNs without government approval as part of its larger efforts to control the distribution of online information.
• Russia — In Russia, the use of VPNs and other tools that allow users to access blocked content (like Tor) has been restricted. ISPs are required to block access to websites that offer VPN services.
• Iraq — The Iraqi government temporarily banned the use of VPNs, citing security concerns. While the ban was lifted shortly after, the government continues monitoring and restricting access to certain websites and online content.

It's important to note that the legality of VPNs can change quickly and without warning in some countries. As such, it's essential to research the laws and regulations regarding VPN use beforehand.

Can I use a free VPN for Turkey?

Possibly yes, but it's important to know the limitations and risks of free VPNs. They often have a limited number of servers and may not be able to bypass the content you need in Turkey. These services usually have slower speeds and data caps, making streaming content and downloading files difficult. A reliable VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee is a better alternative.

Another risk associated with free VPNs is the potential for privacy breaches. Some of them may log user data or sell it to third-party advertisers. Additionally, free VPNs may not offer the same level of encryption and security as paid VPNs, leaving you vulnerable to hacking and other cyber threats (that are very common in Turkey).

Get the Best VPN for Turkey

It’s crucial to get a premium VPN for Turkey. They are way more reliable than free services and often come with affordable long-term plans or generous discounts. Besides, the recommended VPNs let you access the content you need and keep your sensitive data safe from prying eyes.

My top choice for Turkey is ExpressVPN. Finding a server that worked in Turkey took me just a few seconds. Plus, the VPN has a vast network of obfuscated servers for easy access to desired content and robust security features to protect your online privacy. You can try ExpressVPN without risk as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Turkey...