Countries with Starlink coverage – and where it's not allowed

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In short: What counts is the official availability map at starlink.com/map and the law in your destination. In countries where Starlink isn’t licensed, operating it is not allowed; some countries also restrict the import of satellite terminals. For Austrian accounts the 30-day rule applies outside the Europe region. As of October 2026.

Three questions before every trip with Starlink

Reading the availability map

The map distinguishes areas where the service is available, areas with planned availability and areas without service. What matters for travellers:

• Available: a roam plan generally works – without a time limit inside your region, outside with the rules for travel outside the region.
• Planned/“coming soon“: not usable yet, even if satellites technically pass overhead.
• No service: not usable or not allowed.
• Capacity: some zones may have waiting lists or limits for new residential customers – that affects roam plans differently.

Separate rules apply at sea (see Starlink on a boat – coast, ocean mode and backup).

Not licensed ≠ technically impossible

A connection may sometimes work technically – legally, operating in a country without a licence is still not allowed and can cause trouble with authorities or customs. According to reports this includes China, Russia and Iran, among others; but the situation changes. Don’t rely on forums – rely on the official map and the country’s rules.

Import and customs

Some countries require permits for satellite terminals or ban their import. Check with the embassy or official travel advice (e.g. your foreign ministry’s country information) – especially for countries with strict telecom rules. Practical tips:

• Carry the invoice to show the device is yours at checks.
• Carry it in hand luggage – the Mini has no battery but is delicate.
• If unsure, leave it at home and use an eSIM or local SIM.

Regions at a glance (orientation, not a substitute for the map)

Lists in articles (this one included) can go out of date – the current map is always authoritative.

Pre-trip checklist

1. Check the destination on the Starlink map.
2. Is it in your account’s Europe region? Otherwise: Starlink outside Europe – the 30-day rule and travel registration.
3. Clarify the country’s import rules.
4. Complete travel registration for countries outside the region.
5. Plan an eSIM backup: eSIM or Starlink? What pays off when. We usually use Holafly (code JANPEM4IDSKH for 10% off), and AIS in Thailand.

Checking a country in five minutes

1. Open the map: starlink.com/map, zoom into the destination and read the status.
2. Check the region: in the app or your account, see whether the country belongs to your home region.
3. Read travel advice: your foreign ministry’s country information – entry and customs section.
4. Ask the embassy if satellite terminals aren’t mentioned and you’re unsure.
5. Note it down: date of the check and source – rules change, and you want to know what you relied on.

What if Starlink isn’t allowed?

Then the Mini stays at home – and you plan with mobile:

• Travel eSIM for arrival and round trips – we usually use Holafly.
• Local SIM for longer stays and heavy data use.
• Book accommodation with reliable Wi-Fi and ask about upload speed beforehand.
• Schedule work for places with good coverage and work offline on remote stretches.

Comparison of options: Internet abroad – eSIM, SIM, Wi-Fi, Starlink at a glance.

Common mistakes

• Checking the map only on arrival – by then the device is already imported.
• Confusing „planned“ with „available“.
• Following forum tips that it „works anyway“ – legally risky.
• Overlooking the time limit outside the region.

FAQ