A growing number of travelers are opting for digital eSIMs over traditional roaming, transforming the global travel connectivity arena. The shift is set to push the market to US$8.7 billion by 2030, according to new data from Juniper Research.

The Juniper report estimates travel eSIM revenues will reach US$1.8 billion by the end of 2025, marking an 85% jump from 2024. This growth is being driven by the expansion of smartphone compatibility, faster onboarding, and the rise of digital-only providers catering to cost-conscious travelers.

Why Travelers Are Switching to eSIMs

The appeal is simple: travel eSIMs are cheaper, faster, and more convenient than traditional roaming. Instead of buying local SIM cards or paying unpredictable roaming fees, travelers can download an eSIM before or during their trip and activate it in seconds — no physical card required.

Juniper identifies three major drivers behind the surge:

  • Most new smartphones now support eSIM, making adoption seamless.
  • Awareness of eSIMs as a mainstream connectivity option is growing fast.
  • Smaller players can enter the market without heavy infrastructure costs, increasing competition and innovation.

A Wake-Up Call for Mobile Operators

For mobile network operators (MNOs), the eSIM boom presents both opportunities and disruptions. While it opens new business models, it also threatens a key source of revenue — international roaming.

Juniper predicts that by 2026, most operators will launch branded travel eSIM plans for prepaid and postpaid users to retain market share. These offerings will directly compete with digital-first providers, promoting transparent pricing and instant activation.

Operators must rethink their roaming tariffs, streamline onboarding processes, and ensure reliable cross-border coverage to remain relevant. Unlike legacy roaming, often criticized for hidden charges and confusing rate structures, travel eSIMs offer clarity, control, and convenience — exactly what today’s travelers expect.

What This Means for Travelers

The explosion of eSIM options means more choice, better value, and greater flexibility. Travelers can now compare plans, switch between networks instantly, and manage data directly from their phones, turning a once-frustrating process into a seamless digital experience.

Experts also expect eSIMs to integrate with broader travel ecosystems. In the near future, travelers could book flights, confirm hotels, and activate a data plan with one tap through unified travel platforms.

Asia and India: Rising Growth Engines

While Juniper’s report covers the global landscape, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a powerhouse for travel eSIM adoption. India, in particular, is poised for rapid growth as outbound travel rebounds and smartphone usage continues to deepen.

Analysts suggest that providers can succeed in this market by localizing their offerings through regional pricing, forming partnerships with Indian telecoms, and offering multilingual support. Tens of millions of Indians travel abroad each year for work and leisure, so the potential for travel eSIM uptake is immense.

The eSIM Era Has Arrived

The surge in travel eSIMs signals the next era of mobile connectivity: digital, on-demand, and borderless. With revenues projected to nearly double in a year and quadruple by 2030, eSIMs have firmly established themselves as a mainstream technology.

For operators, the message is clear: adapt fast or risk falling behind. For travelers, it’s all upside: simpler, smarter, and more affordable ways to stay connected anywhere in the world.

The travel connectivity revolution is here, and eSIMs are powering it.