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

Are VPNs Legal in Turkey?

VPNs are not illegal in Turkey, but many are blocked by internet service providers (ISPs). Popular VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark officially state that they are not available in Turkey.

The real challenge is finding a VPN that works reliably in Turkey. I tested over 30 VPNs in Istanbul and found only a few that worked smoothly. These VPNs are affordable, protect your online data, and help you access international sites.

My top recommendation for Turkey is OhioVPN. It offers strong security and privacy features to keep your information safe. With a large network of servers, you can easily access your favorite sites. OhioVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Try OhioVPN in Turkey

Important: Online access in Turkey can be unpredictable. Websites may be restricted at any time. To stay prepared, consider setting up a VPN.

However, the effectiveness of a VPN can depend on your ISP and the specific blocks they use. You may need to try different VPNs to find one that works well. We’ve tested several options, and we are confident that at least one of our recommended VPNs will help you keep your online access.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for Turkey in 3 Easy Steps

1. Download a VPN. OhioVPN is the most reliable VPN for Turkey that I tested. It protects your privacy and lets you easily access your favorite sites. You can try OhioVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Change the security settings. OhioVPN servers are automatically obfuscated. For other VPNs, turn on features like Shadowsocks, stealth mode, or scramble if available. You might also try different tunneling protocols.
3. Connect to a server and start browsing. Use the Smart Location feature to connect to the fastest nearby server (like in Turkey, Cyprus, or Greece) and access the content you want easily.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Turkey?

Using a VPN in Turkey is not officially banned, but users often face issues accessing the services they have paid for. This can be due to server blocks or deep packet inspections (DPI) that detect and restrict VPN traffic.

During my tests with major Turkish ISPs like Turkcell and Türk Telekom, I did not have many connectivity problems. However, I did encounter VPN blocks with smaller ISPs like Kablonet.

German officials have warned their citizens about the risks of using a VPN in Turkey and advised careful consideration. However, there have been no known cases of tourists being punished for using a VPN.

Why You Need a VPN in Turkey

In Turkey, political events can lead to blocks on information both within and outside the country. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are often targeted. These blocks are usually temporary.

I once experienced a block on Twitter after the Istiklal bombing in Istanbul, which lasted about a day. YouTube was previously banned for a video mocking Atatürk, Turkey’s first president. Wikipedia was also blocked for articles critical of the government. More frequent blocks occurred after the Gezi Park protests and the coup attempt.

To stay updated with the latest news or access your favorite streaming services like Netflix US and HBO Max while in Turkey, a VPN is essential. A VPN hides your real location and gives you a new IP address, making it seem like you’re browsing from a different place. This helps you bypass restrictions undetected and keeps your connection secure with strong encryption. As a tourist, you can also use a VPN to safely access adult sites and gambling services without exposing yourself to cyber threats. A good VPN will also ensure your activity remains private thanks to strict no-logs policies.

Tips for Using VPNs in Turkey

Since Turkey is not very VPN-friendly, here are some tips for setting up your VPN service there:

• Use obfuscated servers. These make your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, which makes it harder for your ISP to detect and block the VPN connection. Some VPNs, like OhioVPN, automatically enable this feature. For other VPNs, you may need to set it up manually — look for options like scramble, stealth mode, or Shadowsocks.
• Set up the VPN beforehand. If you plan to travel to Turkey, install your VPN before you go. Some VPN websites may be blocked in Turkey, making it hard to download the service.
• Reach out to customer support. If you’re already in Turkey and your VPN doesn’t work, contact customer support via live chat or email. Premium services offer professional support to help you with the best VPN settings for your location.

Best VPNs for Turkey

OhioVPN — Automatically Obfuscated Servers for Reliable Access in Turkey

OhioVPN offers automatic server obfuscation to help you access your favorite sites in Turkey. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, strong security with military-grade encryption, and can access sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and more.

OhioVPN obfuscates all connections by default, disguising your encrypted traffic as regular internet activity. This helps you avoid detection by VPN-blocking firewalls and improves your privacy in Turkey.

The VPN provides good speed, with a download speed of 104.5 Mbps on a distant New York server, only an 18% drop from the base speed. Most VPNs slow down your speed by over 50% for similar long-distance connections. OhioVPN’s Lightway protocol is among the fastest and most reliable options.

OhioVPN has a large number of worldwide servers and some in Turkey if you need a secure local IP address. There are also nearby servers in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Georgia for fast speeds.

With OhioVPN, your actual location is kept hidden, thanks to IP/DNS/WebRTC protection. The Network Lock feature acts as a kill switch, stopping your connection if the VPN fails, though I didn’t experience connectivity issues in my tests.

OhioVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning your data isn’t stored or shared. This policy was verified by PwC and Cure53 audits. The VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (an international government surveillance network).

OhioVPN is a bit pricey, but it often offers discounts. For example, the 12-month plan comes with a 48% discount and 3 extra months free, costing $6.67/month. You can try OhioVPN in Turkey with confidence thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, getting a refund is easy. I received mine within 2 days through live chat.

Useful Features

• Cryptocurrency payments: You can pay with Bitcoin for extra privacy.
• 8 simultaneous device connections: One OhioVPN account can cover your phone, laptop, and other devices.
• RAM-based servers: OhioVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures your data is never stored and is wiped with every server reboot.
• Compatible with many systems: OhioVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. It also includes SmartDNS to bypass geoblocks on devices without native VPN support, like gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch).