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Which Countries Block VoIP Apps? Stay Connected With eSIM Workarounds

Voye Global Team
April 24, 2025 · 4 min read
Many travelers are surprised to discover that popular VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Messenger are blocked in countries such as the UAE, Qatar, China, and Egypt. These restrictions are often imposed to protect telecom revenue, regulate communication, or enforce cybersecurity laws, leaving tourists and business travelers disconnected when they need to call home or join a meeting. Voye Global’s eSIM provides a simple, legal solution by connecting through international roaming networks instead of restricted local ISPs. This allows travelers to make calls, use messaging apps, and stay online without relying on costly roaming or unreliable VPNs. With instant activation, flexible prepaid plans, and seamless connectivity across multiple destinations, Voye Global ensures you never miss an important conversation abroad. Whether traveling for business or leisure, an eSIM keeps you connected, bypassing VoIP restrictions and eliminating the frustration of blocked apps. Stay online, talk freely, and travel with confidence.
Which Countries Block VoIP Apps? Stay Connected With eSIM Workarounds

Stuck at the airport, wondering why your WhatsApp call won’t go through? Or why Skype keeps buffering in your hotel room in Dubai? You’re not alone.

Many travelers are caught off guard by VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) restrictions in countries with tight internet control. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Messenger—which millions rely on for voice and video calls—are blocked or limited in certain destinations.

But there’s good news: with eSIMs offering international data access, you can legally stay connected and bypass these restrictions—no VPN required.

Why Do Countries Block VoIP Apps?

VoIP services allow people to call internationally for free or at low cost, often bypassing traditional telecom providers. Some governments or telecom monopolies restrict or block them to:

  • Protect revenue for state-owned telecoms
  • Monitor and control communication flows
  • Enforce cybersecurity policies

The result? Tourists and business travelers are left disconnected, especially when visiting friends, calling family, or attending remote meetings.

Countries Known to Restrict VoIP Apps

Here are some destinations where VoIP apps may be partially or fully blocked:

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Blocked: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Viber
  • Available: Paid government-approved alternatives like BOTIM and C’Me

🇶🇦 Qatar

  • Blocked: WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype
  • Available: Text-based features still work

🇪🇬 Egypt

  • Blocked: Skype, WhatsApp calling (inconsistently), FaceTime

🇨🇳 China

  • Blocked: Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger
  • Available: WeChat and Chinese apps with limited international access

🇮🇷 Iran

  • Blocked: WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram voice calls
  • Available: Some local apps with censorship in place

🇹🇷 Turkey (partially restricted)

  • Temporary VoIP disruptions during political events

Can you make WhatsApp calls in Dubai?

Staying connected in Dubai can be tricky, especially with WhatsApp calls being blocked on local networks. That’s where Voye Global’s Dubai eSIM comes in—our international data plans route through unrestricted servers, allowing you to make WhatsApp voice and video calls freely while in the UAE. No physical SIM, no roaming fees—just instant, reliable connectivity from the moment you land.

The Common Tourist Dilemma

You land in Dubai, connect to hotel Wi-Fi, try calling your family on WhatsApp—and nothing happens. You troubleshoot for an hour, only to realize VoIP is blocked.

You’re left with these options:

  • Buy expensive roaming packages
  • Use local telecom VoIP apps you’ve never heard of
  • Hunt for a reliable VPN that works (if legally allowed)

How eSIMs Offer a Legal Workaround?

eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) allow travelers to connect to mobile networks from other countries instantly and without swapping physical SIMs. When using international eSIM data, you may:

  • Access VoIP services through roaming networks, not subject to local blocks
  • Stay connected via cloud-based tools, without relying on restricted local ISPs
  • Avoid using restricted public Wi-Fi, which often blocks VoIP by default

Important note: This isn’t about breaking laws—it’s about using international roaming data via eSIM to legally access open internet from a different provider.

Why Voye Global Is the Ideal Choice?

Forget fumbling with SIM cards or paying sky-high roaming fees. At Voye Global, we give travelers an easier way to stay online with instant, prepaid eSIM plans in 130+ countries.

We sell digital eSIMs—no shipping, no waiting, no stress. Just choose a plan, activate it in minutes, and you’re ready to go. Whether you’re off on a quick city break or a long-haul adventure, we’ve got the coverage and flexibility to keep you connected.

Here’s how we keep it simple:

  • Fast setup—no physical SIM needed
  • Flexible data plans, from 1 to 30 days
  • Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
  • Global coverage for hassle-free travel
  • Friendly support, whenever you need it

Wherever you’re headed, Voye Global keeps you connected without missing a beat.

Best eSIM Plans for VoIP-Restricted Destinations

We recommend international or regional plans for the best VoIP access:

Final Thoughts: Talk Freely, Travel Freely

In a world where voice calls are essential—whether to update family, join a Zoom meeting, or check in with your Airbnb host—being cut off is more than an inconvenience.

An eSIM from Voye Global gives you peace of mind and the power to communicate from anywhere, even in countries that try to limit how you connect.

So, before you pack your bags, activate your eSIM, and travel knowing you can always call home.

Seamless Mobile Data Everywhere

Voye Global — Your Trusted eSIM Partner for Secure & Reliable Travel.
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Supported Devices:

  • Apple
    • iPhone 16
    • iPhone 16 Plus
    • iPhone 16 Pro
    • iPhone 16 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15
    • iPhone 15 Plus
    • iPhone 15 Pro
    • iPhone 15 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13
    • iPhone 13 Pro
    • iPhone 13 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13 Mini
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 Mini
    • iPhone 11
    • iPhone 11 Pro
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone XS
    • iPhone XS Max
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone SE (2022)
    • iPhone SE (2020)
    • iPad (7th generation)
    • iPad (8th generation)
    • iPad (9th generation)
    • iPad (10th generation)
    • iPad Mini (5th generation)
    • iPad Mini (6th generation)
    • iPad Air (5th generation)
    • iPad Air (4th generation)
    • iPad Air (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
    *

    Note that iPhone devices from Mainland China aren’t eSIM compatible. Also iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao aren’t compatible (except for iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XS)

  • Samsung
    • Galaxy S25
    • Galaxy S25+
    • Galaxy S25 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24
    • Galaxy S24+
    • Galaxy S24 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24 FE*
    • Galaxy A55 5G*
    • Galaxy A54 5G
    • Galaxy S23
    • Galaxy S23+
    • Galaxy S23 FE
    • Galaxy S23 Ultra
    • Galaxy S22 5G*
    • Galaxy S22+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy S21 5G*
    • Galaxy S21+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy S20*
    • Galaxy S20+*
    • Galaxy S20 5G*
    • Galaxy S20+ 5G*
    • Galaxy S20 Ultra*
    • Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy Z Flip
    • Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
    • Galaxy Z Flip 4
    • Galaxy Z Flip 5
    • Galaxy Z Flip 6
    • Galaxy Z Fold
    • Galaxy Z Fold 2
    • Galaxy Z Fold 3
    • Galaxy Z Fold 4
    • Galaxy Z Fold 5
    • Galaxy Z Fold 6
    • Galaxy Note 20
    • Galaxy Note 20 5G
    • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra*
    • Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G*
    • Galaxy Z Fold 7
    • Galaxy Z flip 7
    • A36
    • Galaxy XCover 7
    *

    Note that Samsung devices from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan aren’t eSIM compatible. Additionally, Galaxy S20, S21*, and Note 20 Ultra devices from the USA. Galaxy FE models are also not eSIM compatible except for S23FE.

  • Google Pixel
    • Pixel 9
    • Pixel 9 Pro
    • Pixel 9 Pro XL
    • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
    • Pixel 8a
    • Pixel 8
    • Pixel 8 Pro
    • Pixel 7
    • Pixel 7a
    • Pixel Fold
    • Pixel 7 Pro
    • Pixel 6
    • Pixel 6a
    • Pixel 6 Pro
    • Pixel 5
    • Pixel 5a
    • Pixel 4
    • Pixel 4a
    • Pixel 4 XL
    • Pixel 3
    • Pixel 3 XL
    • Pixel 3a
    • Pixel 3a XL
  • XIAOMI
    • 15
    • 14T
    • 14T Pro
    • 14 Pro
    • 13
    • 13 Pro
    • 13 Lite
    • 13T
    • 13T Pro
    • 12T Pro
    • Poco X7
    • Redmi Note 14 Pro
    • Redmi Note 14 Pro+
    • Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
    *

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G eSIM is available in Japan only.

  • Huawei
    • P40
    • P40 Pro
    • Mate 40 Pro
  • ONEPLUS
    • OnePlus 13
    • OnePlus 12
    • OnePlus 11
    • OnePlus 13R
    • OnePlus 13T
    • OnePlus Open
  • OPPO
    • Reno6 Pro 5G
    • A55s 5G
    • Find N2 Flip
    • Find X3 Pro
    • Find X5
    • Find X5 Pro
    • Reno A
    • X8
  • MOTOROLA
    • Moto G85
    • Moto G55
    • Moto G54
    • Edge 50 Fusion
    • Edge 50 Pro
    • Edge 50 Neo
    • Edge 50 Ultra
    • Edge 40 Neo
    • Edge 40 Pro
    • Edge+
    • Razr 40 Ultra
    • Razr 2024
    • Razr+ 2024
    • Razr 2022
    • Razr 2019
    • Razr 5G
    • G53 5G
    • Edge 60
    • Edge 60 Pro
    • Edge 60 Fusion
    • Edge 60 Stylus
    • Moto G34
    • Moto G35
    • Moto G53
  • NOKIA
    • G60
    • XR21
    • X30
  • HONOR
    • Honor Magic6 Pro
    • Honor Magic6 Pro RSR
    • Honor Magic Vs
    • Honor Magic Vs3
    • Honor Magic V2
    • Honor Magic V3
    • Magic5 Pro
    • Magic4 Pro
    • Honor 90
    • Honor 200, 200 Pro
    • 7 Pro
    • 7 Lite
    • HONOR 400
    • HONOR 400 Lite
    • HONOR 400 Pro
    *

    Please confirm with your carrier that your device supports eSIMs as it’s available only in some regions.

  • FAIRPHONE
    • Fairphone 5
    • Fairphone 4
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