eSIM usage for international travel rises in 2026

The use of eSIM technology for international travel connectivity is experiencing rapid global growth. According to a study by Ookla analyzing data from the second quarter of 2026, travel-focused eSIMs now account for 3.4% of all international roaming activity, up from 2.7% the previous year.

This growth in the travel eSIM sector has outpaced the general expansion of the roaming market, which grew by 12% during the same period. The surge is driven by an increasing number of eSIM-compatible smartphones and a consumer preference for instant connectivity without the need for physical SIM cards.

Key players in the market include Airalo, which became the market's first unicorn following a $220 million investment, and Holafly, which reported cumulative revenues exceeding $500 million. Other notable brands mentioned include CMLink and Saily. While connectivity is relatively seamless within Europe due to existing data plans, eSIM technology remains a critical tool for travelers moving outside the European region.