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

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-free as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

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 porn 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 Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested May 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

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

I recorded a download speed of 104.5Mbps on the faraway New York server, which was only an 18% drop from my 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.

If you’re a visitor to Turkey, ExpressVPN’s ample worldwide servers will provide you with reliable access to your streaming accounts back home. I watched Fargo on my Hulu account without issues while traveling. There are also servers in Turkey to access local subscriptions outside the country. Besides, you get plenty of nearby servers in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Georgia.

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. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch Turkish and International Shows Without Issues

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost is another great option if you’re in Turkey. The VPN provides servers optimized for specific online activities, such as streaming, torrenting, and gaming, to enjoy them without interruptions. While testing CyberGhost, I accessed my HBO Max subscription trouble-free on vacation. The VPN also has a special server for Netflix Turkey to watch local shows (like Bir Başkadır) outside the country.

CyberGhost allows you to choose the best server for your favorite streaming platforms

Excellent speeds let you browse the web, stream content, and download files without any delays. Even when connected to a distant Canada server, my speeds dropped by only 21%.

The service uses AES 256-bit encryption, the same standard banks and government agencies use to safeguard their information. CyberGhost also provides a kill switch and leak protection to avoid accidental data exposure. Plus, it has a WiFi protection feature that automatically launches a VPN on unsecured public hotspots, such as Starbucks and Kahve Dunyası.

Similar to ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is based outside the Eyes Alliances in privacy-friendly Romania. It has a strict no-logs policy, which has passed an audit performed by independent firm Deloitte. CyberGhost also publishes a yearly transparency report detailing all data requests it received and how it responded.

One downside is that monthly plans are quite expensive and have a shorter money-back guarantee. However, long-term subscriptions start at just $2.19/month and come with extended refund period of 45 days. This allows you to try CyberGhost without risk longer than any other VPN on this list.

Useful Features

• NoSpy servers. For maximum privacy protection, you can use CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers. These are located in its Romanian HQ and are only accessible to CyberGhost staff — no third party will have access to the physical VPN servers.
• Ad blocker. CyberGhost has a built-in malware/ad blocker to help eliminate malicious sites and pesky ads. This means you can shop on Trendyol without annoying pop-ups.
• Easy to use apps. All of CyberGhost’s VPN apps are responsive and really easy to navigate — especially as the best servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming are neatly arranged and clearly marked.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Robust Security Features for Safe Browsing in Turkey

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s Multi-hop and Obfuscation feature is optimized for circumventing censorship and accessing blocked sites. With this active, your connection is routed through a Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxy before the VPN server. This disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic — allowing you to evade VPN detection methods used by Turkish ISPs. Just enable them in the settings and access the content you need.

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

Like CyberGhost, PIA offers a built-in ad/malware/tracker blocker (called MACE), which prevents the appearance of unwanted ads and malicious domains. It also offers adjustable encryption levels —- you can choose 128-bit encryption for faster speeds but less security, or 256-bit encryption for more protection but slower speeds. 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 are looking to stream content buffer-free. PIA quickly bypasses geoblocks, allowing you to access your streaming platforms, such as Disney+, on vacation. The VPN has servers located in Turkey too, so you can connect to nearby locations for the best possible speeds.

You 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 Multihop feature, which is as simple as checking a box. If you do want to optimize your connection further, the process is equally easy — just toggle your desired setting in PIA’s simple app.

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.
• WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols. You can easily switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols on PIA. WireGuard is the choice of protocol for the fastest speeds, while OpenVPN is generally seen as the more secure option.
• 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.

4. PrivateVPN — Network-Wide P2P Support for Reliable Torrenting in Turkey

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

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 for watching your favorite content without buffering.

The Stealth VPN feature makes it difficult for ISPs to detect VPN traffic, which helps bypass restrictive firewalls. With ample global servers, you can also easily access your local streaming services while traveling. For example, if you choose a UK IP address, it’s possible to access your BBC iPlayer account from Ankara. I also easily unblocked Booking.com to manage hotel reservations while traveling across Turkey.

PrivateVPN lets you easily enable Stealth VPN to bypass tough geoblocks

Like PIA, the service offers customizable encryption options, including 256-bit and 128-bit, to choose between slightly better security or faster speeds. This VPN also uses perfect forward secrecy, which adds an extra layer of security by generating a unique encryption key for each session.

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 saved.

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

• Impressive speeds. While PrivateVPN certainly wasn’t the fastest VPN of the list, it offered me speeds of 94Mbps even on long-distance connections. This allowed me to torrent large files relatively quickly and to comfortably stream content in the highest quality.
• Simultaneous device connections. Despite the really low prices, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on the same subscription.
• Simple and advanced view. PrivateVPN provides a simple app mode for new VPN users in Turkey. This lets you easily connect and start browsing without any hassle. However, you can switch to the advanced view to access customizable settings if you’re more tech-savvy.

5. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections to Cover All Your Devices in Turkey

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.IPVanishVPN.com

IPVanish lets you cover all your devices at the same time with a single subscription. I easily connected several smartphones (Android and iPhone), laptops, and 5 other devices. Even though they were all active, my connections remained stable when testing IPVanish, and none got logged out. Plus, the VPN is user-friendly and has 24/7 live chat available if you run into any connectivity issues in Turkey.

When it comes to security and privacy, the VPN offers a range of advanced settings to keep your data secure. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. This VPN works reliably in Turkey thanks to the OpenVPN Scramble feature — it obfuscates your traffic, hiding that you’re using a VPN.

My average download speed on the UK, Turkey, and Germany servers was 81.2Mbps. It’s more than enough for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming. I watched The Gift on my Netflix account with no buffering.

IPVanish provides a wide global network, including servers in Turkey

A minor issue is that the VPN doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. But it’s possible to purchase it with ease using other payment methods like major credit cards and PayPal. You can get IPVanish for just $2.99/month.

Useful Features

• Money-back guarantee. You can test IPVanish for Turkey without risk for up to 30 days and get a full refund if you’re not entirely impressed.
• Owns and maintains all servers. Unlike most VPNs, who outsource their VPN server maintenance to third-party data centers, IPVanish handles all this themselves. This means only IPVanish-affiliated staff will have access to the physical servers.
• Torrent-friendly servers. Its entire network works for P2P file-sharing, which is great for reliable downloads in Turkey.

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, overall impact on speed, extent of server network, and more. These are all important factors to consider when choosing what VPN can keep you protected while 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 unblocking 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...

Rank

Provider

Our Score

Discount

Visit Website

1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

Find Out More

2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 83%!

Find Out More

3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 82%!

Find Out More

4

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

Save 85%!

Find Out More

5

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

Save 78%!

Find Out More