Virtual private networks, more commonly known as VPNs, are great for maintaining privacy and evading location-restrictions on the Internet.

These powerful tools not only hide your IP address but also encrypt all your traffic to make your online activities anonymous.

Though VPNs provide a plethora of benefits and are generally legal, a number of countries do forbid them from being used. So if you’re looking for information about VPN legality in your country, you’ve come to the right place.

However, before we discuss where exactly the use of a VPN is permitted or forbidden, let’s first answer what’s probably the most asked question on the Internet, given the sharp rise in surveillance and censorship efforts.

Is a VPN Legal?

Yes! A VPN is legal in the vast majority of countries around the world, but using it for any kind of illegal activity isn’t allowed. It goes without saying that if you’re up to no good over a VPN, you can and will be prosecuted by law.

So, while a VPN can help protect your online identity and personal data from prying eyes, engaging in illegal activities like selling drugs, spreading malicious software, or engaging in unethical activities like stalking, bullying, hacking or theft of data most probably will get you in serious legal trouble.

Sadly, there are some countries where the use of a VPN is illegal, but that has more to do with them wanting to keep a close eye on the online activities of their citizens and controlling what information they’ve access to.

Countries Where VPNs Are Illegal

The following countries frown upon the use of VPNs and have instituted either a partial or complete ban on them:

1 – North Korea

Is VPN Illegal in North Korea? Yes

North Korea has its own intranet for citizens, while true Internet access is only reserved for high-level officials. So VPNs are banned in the country, though foreigners may be permitted to use these tools.

2 – Iraq

Is VPN Illegal in Iraq? Yes

For Iraqi citizens, Internet censorship is an inevitable part of their lives. In a bid to stop the extremist militant group ISIS and monitor every Internet user, the government has banned VPNs outright.

3 – Belarus

Is VPN Illegal in Belarus? Yes

Following the footsteps of China and Russia, Belarus has also banned VPNs and Tor as part of their efforts to prevent citizens from using anonymizing tools to access blacklisted websites.

4 – Oman

Is VPN Illegal in Oman? Yes

The government of Oman actively censors the Internet, and while VPNs aren’t exactly illegal for public and private institutions, the use of these services is prohibited for individuals.  

5 – China

Is VPN Illegal in China? Yes

To prevent citizens from circumventing the Great Firewall, all unauthorized VPNs have been banned in China. In fact, VPN providers have to be officially licensed by the government in order to operate in the country.

6 – Turkmenistan

Is VPN Illegal in Turkmenistan? Yes

Turkmenistan has only one government-controlled ISP which makes surveillance and blocking an easier exercise. Attempts to use VPNs and proxies to get around Internet censorship in the country are blocked and can lead to serious consequences.

7 – Russia

Is VPN Illegal in Russia? Yes

Russia’s new regulations require VPN providers to register with the authorities and block access to blacklisted websites. Moreover, users have to pay hefty fines if they’re caught using non-government sanctioned VPNs.

8 – United Arab Emirates

Is VPN Illegal in UAE? Yes

One of the few countries with laws related to VPN usage, the UAE passed a new law that states VPN users could be jailed and fined up to $500,000 if they’re found committing a crime. Institutions, banks, and companies, however, can use VPNs freely.

9 – Iran

Is VPN Illegal in Iran? Yes

Iran has enacted a strict law regarding VPN use which forbids citizens from using VPNs that aren’t government sanctioned. Failure to comply with this law would result in a prison sentence of 91 days up to one year. Iranian government officials, though, don’t have much regard for their own censorship laws and continue to use these tools.

10 – Turkey

Is VPN Illegal in Turkey? Yes

Since the Internet is heavily censored in Turkey, the use of VPNs to access social media networks like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook is popular amongst citizens. However, Tor along with certain VPN providers are blocked in the country in order to prevent circumvention of government censorship.

Countries Where VPNs Are Legal

The following countries have no laws that prohibit the use of VPNs and their citizens can use them without having to worry about any legal repercussions: We have listed all the countries in alphabetical order, just search for the country you are looking for and get your query resolve.

1 – Afghanistan

Is VPN Legal in Afghanistan? Yes

While the Afghani government is strict when it comes to websites like those related to pornography, alcohol, gambling, etc. the use of VPNs is still legal in the country.

2 – Albania

Is VPN Legal in Albania? Yes

The constitution of Albania protects its citizens’ right to freedom of speech and press. Not only is the Internet free from government censorship, but also VPNs are completely legal.

3 – Algeria

Is VPN Legal in Algeria? Yes

In Algeria, ISPs are required to regulate and monitor online content, and though there have been some incidents of the government blocking certain sites, there are currently no bans on VPNs.

4 – Andorra

Is VPN Legal in Andorra? Yes

Andorra, one of the world’s most Internet penetrated countries, has no Internet censorship or government surveillance. Also, VPNs are legal to use.

5 – Angola

Is VPN Legal in Angola? Yes

Although VPNs are legal in Angola, the country has made headlines for trying to threaten freedom of speech and access to information.

6 – Antigua and Barbuda

Is VPN Legal in Antigua and Barbuda? Yes

Citizens are able to enjoy unobstructed Internet access in Antigua and Barbuda. Moreover, VPN usage isn’t illegal.

7 – Argentina

Is VPN Legal in Argentina? Yes

There are no bans on the use of VPNs in Argentina, but laws have been proposed that could make online censorship a reality.

8 – Armenia

Is VPN Legal in Armenia? Yes

There’s documented evidence of Internet filtering in Armenia, and social media has also been blocked in the past. Using a VPN is legal, though.

9 – Aruba

Is VPN Legal in Aruba? Yes

Citizens can access the Internet with complete freedom in Aruba. Plus, the use of VPNs is also permitted.

10 – Australia

Is VPN Legal in Australia? Yes

Even though website-blocking is being used in Australia, and telcos are required to store customer metadata for at least two years, VPNs are still legal and continue to be used by many citizens.

Checkout the best VPN for Australia

11 – Austria

Is VPN Legal in Austria? Yes

Using a VPN is completely legal in Austria, and the country’s constitution protects its citizens’ right to free speech and press.

12 – Azerbaijan

Is VPN Legal in Azerbaijan? Yes

Azerbaijan heavily censors the Internet, including opposition news outlets and social media sites. The government also locks up online activists, but thankfully VPNs are yet to be made illegal.

13 – Bahamas, Commonwealth of The

Is VPN Legal in Commonwealth of The Bahamas? Yes

While the government has attempted to impose Internet censorship in the past, VPNs are legal to use in The Bahamas.

14 – Bahrain

Is VPN Legal in Bahrain? Yes

There are no laws barring the use of VPNs in Bahrain even though the government actively censors the press and the Internet.

15 – Bangladesh

Is VPN Legal in Bangladesh? Yes

The Bangladeshi government has been known to block social media including WhatsApp and Facebook in the past. In fact, they once even mistakenly cut off Internet access completely! The use of VPNs is legal in Bangladesh, though.  

16 – Barbados

Is VPN Legal in Barbados? Yes

The citizens of Barbados can access the Internet without any restrictions. VPN usage is perfectly legal as well.

17 – Belgium

Is VPN Legal in Belgium? Yes

Although there have been reports of Internet censorship in Belgium, using VPNs won’t land you in any legal trouble.

18 – Belize

Is VPN Legal in Belize? Yes

Despite the government placing a few restrictions on Internet access and blocking VoIP services, the use of VPNs is legal in Belize.

19 – Benin

Is VPN Legal in Benin? Yes

There’s no evidence of the government trying to censor the Internet, and VPNs are currently legal to use in Benin.

20 – Bhutan

Is VPN Legal in Bhutan? Yes

Though VPN usage is legal in Bhutan, the government occasionally blocks content that it deems offensive to the state.

21 – Bolivia

Is VPN Legal in Bolivia? Yes

While the Bolivian government does censor journalists and is even pushing for social media monitoring, the use of VPNs is still legal.

22 – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Is VPN Legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Yes

Even though the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has passed legislation that criminalizes social media content, there have been no reports of Internet censorship. Also, using VPNs is legal.

23 – Botswana

Is VPN Legal in Botswana? Yes

Currently, there’s no government-mandated Internet censorship in Botswana and the use of VPNs is legal as well.

24 – Brazil

Is VPN Legal in Brazil? Yes

The Brazilian government has tried to introduce legislation that would give it the power to control and censor the Internet.  They also banned WhatsApp multiple times in 2016. Nonetheless, there’s no law that prohibits citizens from using VPNs.

25 – Brunei

Is VPN Legal in Brunei? Yes

While the government actively monitors the Internet usage of its citizens, VPNs are still legal to use in Brunei.

26 – Bulgaria

Is VPN Legal in Bulgaria? Yes

The Bulgarian government closely monitors the online activity of its citizens and asks ISPs to provide access to all Internet traffic in real-time. Using VPNs is currently legal, though.

27 – Burkina Faso

Is VPN Legal in Burkina Faso? Yes

In Burkina Faso, Internet penetration is very low with only 11.2% of the population using the Internet as of 2017. Moreover, VPN usage is perfectly legal in the country.

28 – Burundi

Is VPN Legal in Burundi? Yes

Only a small percentage of the population use the Internet in Burundi, but they do experience censorship. In 2015, the government blocked access to WhatsApp and Viber. Using VPNs, however, is legal.

29 – Cambodia

Is VPN Legal in Cambodia? Yes

The government of Cambodia monitors and controls online activity. In fact, there have been many instances of opposition members getting arrested for their Facebook posts. However, the use of VPNs is legal in the country.

30 – Cameroon

Is VPN Legal in Cameroon? Yes

The Cameroonian government has blocked Internet access multiple times in Anglophone regions of the country, affecting around 20% of the country’s population. VPNs can be used legally, though.

31 – Canada

Is VPN Legal in Canada? Yes

While the Canadian government has been called on to ban the use of VPNs, no such initiatives have begun. At the time of this writing, using VPNs is legal in Canada.

32 – Cape Verde

Is VPN Legal in Cape Verde? Yes

There are no reports of the government forcing censorship on Internet users in Cape Verde. The use of VPNs is legal as well.

33 – Central African Republic

Is VPN Legal in Central African Republic? Yes

The citizens of Central African Republic can use VPNs legally, though the government has tried to censor its citizens in the past, mostly through the banning of text messages.

34 – Chad

Is VPN Legal in Chad? Yes

While using a VPN is legal in Chad, the government actively censors the Internet access of its citizens, especially during protests or elections. Recently, they banned social messaging apps and BBC throughout the country.  

35 – Chile

Is VPN Legal in Chile? Yes

VPN usage is legal in Chile, though the government has monitored social media use of its citizens in the past.

36 – Colombia

Is VPN Legal in Colombia? Yes

Colombians are able to access the Internet freely without any intervention or limitations by the government. The use of VPNs is also legal. While the country made news for banning Bitcoin last year, it has now rolled back the ban and decided to tax Bitcoins.

37 – Comoros

Is VPN Legal in Comoros? Yes

The citizens of Comoros enjoy uncensored access to the Internet and no move has yet been made by the government to illegalize VPNs.

38 – Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Is VPN Legal in Democratic Republic of the Congo? Yes

Even though Internet shutdowns and social media blocks are a common occurrence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, VPNs are still legal to use in the country.

39 – Congo, Republic of the

Is VPN Legal in Republic of the Congo? Yes

The Republic of Congo’s government actively censors the Internet and has often resorted to shutting it down completely, especially in response to widespread protests. However, VPN usage continues to be legal in the country.

40 – Costa Rica

Is VPN Legal in Costa Rica? Yes

The use of VPNS is legal in Costa Rica, though the government has received criticism for its cybercrime law which threatens citizens’ right to Internet freedom.

41 – Côte d’Ivoire

Is VPN Legal in Côte d’Ivoire? Yes

There are no documented reports of Internet censorship in Côte d’Ivoire and citizens can use VPNs legally.

42 – Croatia

Is VPN Legal in Croatia? Yes

VPNs are legal to use in Croatia and citizens are able to access the Internet free from government interference or censorship.

43 – Cuba

Is VPN Legal in Cuba? Yes

While the government of Cuba is known for heavily censoring the Internet, the use of VPNs is still allowed in the country.

44 – Curacao

Is VPN Legal in Curacao? Yes

The situation of freedom of press in Curacao is alarming with journalists being threatened to stop reporting about certain activities. Fortunately, VPNs are yet to be made illegal.

45 – Cyprus

Is VPN Legal in Cyprus? Yes

The Internet in Cyprus isn’t subject to any government restrictions and VPNs are completely legal to use as well.

46 – Czech Republic

Is VPN Legal in Czech Republic? Yes

Czech Republic has one of the lowest rates of Internet censorship, but the online freedom of its citizens came under threat when the government attempted to introduce a system that would make identification on the Internet mandatory for every user. Using VPNs is legal in the country, though.

47 – Denmark

Is VPN Legal in Denmark? Yes

For years, the government of Denmark has been actively blocking websites. They even recently passed a new law that could lead to substantial censorship on the Internet. VPN usage, however, is still legal in the country.

48 – Djibouti

Is VPN Legal in Djibouti? Yes

Since the citizens of Djibouti are served by a single government-owned ISP, they don’t get to enjoy unrestricted Internet access and are forced to pay high prices. Using VPNs is perfectly legal, though.

49 – Dominica

Is VPN Legal in Dominica? Yes

Citizens are able to access the Internet with complete freedom in Dominica. The use of VPNs is also legal.

50 – Dominican Republic

Is VPN Legal in Dominican Republic? Yes

The citizens of Dominican Republic aren’t subject to Internet censorship of any kind and can use VPNs legally.

51 – Ecuador

Is VPN Legal in Ecuador? Yes

In 2016, a leaked document revealed that the Association of Internet Providers of Ecuador (AEPROVI) cooperated with the government of Ecuador to block certain websites at their request. Nonetheless, the use of VPNs is legal in the country.

52 – Egypt

Is VPN Legal in Egypt? Yes

Even though Egypt has a well-documented history of violating its citizens’ right of press, VPN usage is yet to be made illegal. When it comes to Internet censorship, the government of Egypt blocked voice calls made over Skype, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Viber, and WhatsApp last year.

53 – El Salvador

Is VPN Legal in El Salvador? Yes

While El Salvador has been in the news for issues related to freedom of information in the country, using VPNs is completely legal.

54 – Equatorial Guinea

Is VPN Legal in Equatorial Guinea? Yes

It’s perfectly legal to use VPNs in Equatorial Guinea, though the government does have a reputation for restricting its citizens’ freedom of speech and press.

55 – Eritrea

Is VPN Legal in Eritrea? Yes

Despite the fact that only 1% of citizens have Internet access in Eritrea, it’s recognized as the most censored country in the world by the Committee to Protect Journalists. At the time of this writing, the use of VPNs is legal.

56 – Estonia

Is VPN Legal in Estonia? Yes

Estonia is one the freest countries in the world when it comes to Internet access and usage. In fact, it was ranked first along with Iceland on the Freedom on the Net 2017 Index. As you’d expect, citizens can use VPNs legally.

57 – Ethiopia

Is VPN Legal in Ethiopia? Yes

The use of VPNs is currently permitted in Ethiopia. However, how long it’ll stay that way is uncertain considering how the government not only banned third-party VoIP services like Skype, but also criminalized their use!

58 – Fiji

Is VPN Legal in Fiji? Yes

There are no credible reports of government-imposed Internet censorship in Fiji and VPN usage is legal as well.

59 – Finland

Is VPN Legal in Finland? Yes

While it’s legal to use VPNs, there have been some reported cases of Internet censorship by the government. Take, for instance, Finland’s child porn filter which sparked controversy as people felt many websites were wrongly censored.

60 – France

Is VPN Legal in France? Yes

The French government recently approved and adopted an anti-terrorism bill to expand police surveillance powers, and blocked over 2,700 websites in 2016. However, use of VPNs is still legal in the country.

61 – Gabon

Is VPN Legal in Gabon? Yes

Gabon has made news for imposing a 12-hour Internet curfew and permanently blocking social media sites like Facebook. Using VPNs is legal.

62 – Gambia

Is VPN Legal in Gambia? Yes

Gambia has shutdown Internet and phone access in the past, especially during elections. VPN usage is still legal in the country, though.

63 – Georgia

Is VPN Legal in Georgia? Yes

Although the government has seesawed back-and-forth in terms of Internet censorship and surveillance, using VPNs is legal in Georgia.  

64 – Germany

Is VPN Legal in Germany? Yes

While Germany has implemented a new law that allows the government to censor social media, the use of VPNs isn’t illegal in the country.

65 – Ghana

Is VPN Legal in Ghana? Yes

Ghana is widely acknowledged as one of the most progressive African countries when it comes to democracy and freedom, so VPN usage is completely legal. However, many were surprised with the government’s intent to shut down social media during elections.

66 – Greece

Is VPN Legal in Greece? Yes

There’s evidence to suggest that the government of Greece is trying to censor the Internet through large-scale content blocking. Using VPNs, however, is still legal in the country.

67 – Grenada

Is VPN Legal in Grenada? Yes

Though the government of Grenada has passed a law to punish people with lengthy jail terms or hefty fines for offensive online content, the use of VPNs is still legal.

68 – Guatemala

Is VPN Legal in Guatemala? Yes

Guatemala is known for routinely infringing freedom of speech and individual privacy of its citizens. VPN usage, however, is perfectly legal.

69 – Guinea

Is VPN Legal in Guinea? Yes

The citizens of Guinea get unrestricted access to the Internet and can use VPNs legally inside the country.

70 – Guinea-Bissau

Is VPN Legal in Guinea-Bissau? Yes

The use of VPNs is legal in Guinea-Bissau and there are no reports of government interference with the Internet.

71 – Guyana

Is VPN Legal in Guyana? Yes

The government of Guyana neither restricts nor censors the Internet. Moreover, using VPNs is currently legal.

72 – Haiti

Is VPN Legal in Haiti? Yes

Using VPNs is perfectly legal in Haiti and there are no reports of the government trying to restrict Internet usage.

73 – Honduras

Is VPN Legal in Honduras? Yes

The Honduras Congress is currently debating a bill that would infringe on its citizens’ freedom of expression. However, VPN usage is legal as of now.

74 – Hungary

Is VPN Legal in Hungary? Yes

Even though the government recently passed new surveillance and encryption rules, VPNs are still legal in Hungary.

75 – Iceland

Is VPN Legal in Iceland? Yes

Iceland is one of the freest countries in the world when it comes to Internet access and usage. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that using VPNs is legal in the country.

76 – India

Is VPN Legal in India? Yes

Although using VPNs is legal in India, censorship on the Internet is selectively practiced by the government.

77 – Indonesia

Is VPN Legal in Indonesia? Yes

The citizens of Indonesia also face Internet censorship, with websites like Netflix, Vimeo, and YouTube blocked by the government. However, these can be accessed with VPNs as their use is yet to be made illegal.

78 – Ireland

Is VPN Legal in Ireland? Yes

While there’s some Internet censorship in Ireland, VPNs are completely legal and can be used by citizens.

79 – Israel

Is VPN Legal in Israel? Yes

While Israel recently approved web censorship laws to tackle online crime, using VPNs is still legal in the country.

80 – Italy

Is VPN Legal in Italy? Yes

The use of VPNs is legal in Italy and there haven’t been any reports of the government interfering with the Internet.

81 – Jamaica

Is VPN Legal in Jamaica? Yes

There are no reports of Internet censorship in Jamaica by the government. The use of VPNs is legal as well.

82 – Japan

Is VPN Legal in Japan? Yes

The Internet in Japan is generally free from government-censorship and the use of VPNs in the country is legal as well.

83 – Jordan

Is VPN Legal in Jordan? Yes

The government of Jordan does impose some censorship on the Internet, especially when it comes to political issues. However, VPN usage is still legal.

84 – Kazakhstan

Is VPN Legal in Kazakhstan? Yes

While VPN usage is legal in Kazakhstan, the government does actively censor the Internet. Take, for instance, the recent social media crackdown which targeted human rights activists.

85 – Kenya

Is VPN Legal in Kenya? Yes

A recent study by OONI showed “almost no signs of Internet censorship” in Kenya. As expected, the use of VPNs is legal in the country.

86 – Kiribati

Is VPN Legal in Kiribati? Yes

There are no reports of Internet censorship in Kiribati by the government. Also, the citizens of Kiribati are allowed to use VPNs.

87 – Kosovo

Is VPN Legal in Kosovo? Yes

Kosovo’s telecommunication interception law gives authorities access to all communications data, raising privacy concerns for its citizens. However despite this, using VPNs is still legal.

88 – Kuwait

Is VPN Legal in Kuwait? Yes

The Kuwaiti government actively censors the Internet, with its new cybercrime law restricting free speech and targeting online activists. Luckily, VPN usage is still legal in the country.

89 – Kyrgyzstan

Is VPN Legal in Kyrgyzstan? Yes

The government of Kyrgyzstan does engage in Internet censorship and this is particularly true when it comes to journalism. However, there’s no law barring the use of VPNs.

90 – Laos

Is VPN Legal in Laos? Yes

The government of Laos heavily censors its citizens and their use of the Internet. Fortunately, using VPNs is still legal.

 

91 – Latvia

Is VPN Legal in Latvia? Yes

There are no reports of censorship or government interference with the Internet in Latvia.  Using VPNs is also legal.

92 – Lebanon

Is VPN Legal in Lebanon? Yes

Lebanon is known for its censorship and the government has even once attempted to make VoIP usage illegal. Nonetheless, the use of VPNs is permitted in the country.

93 – Lesotho

Is VPN Legal in Lesotho? Yes

The citizens of Lesotho are able to use the Internet without government-censorship. Moreover, using VPNs is perfectly legal.

94 – Liberia

Is VPN Legal in Liberia? Yes

While the citizens of Liberia do experience surveillance and censorship on the Internet at the hands of the government, using VPNs is still legal. The government has also been known to censor the press.

95 – Libya

Is VPN Legal in Libya? Yes

The Internet in Libya isn’t free from governmental interference and restrictions. Thankfully, VPNs are still legal in the country.

96 – Liechtenstein

Is VPN Legal in Liechtenstein? Yes

Liechtenstein is known for its press freedom and lack of government censorship on the Internet. Using VPNs is also legal.

97 – Lithuania

Is VPN Legal in Lithuania? Yes

The citizens of Lithuania generally enjoy unrestricted access to the Internet and can use VPNs legally as well.

98 – Luxembourg

Is VPN Legal in Luxembourg? Yes

There are no credible reports of the government of Luxembourg censoring the Internet. Using VPNs is also legal.  

99 – Macedonia

Is VPN Legal in Macedonia? Yes

The citizens of Macedonia are able to use the Internet without government censorship. Additionally, the use of VPNs is permitted in the country.  

100 – Madagascar

Is VPN Legal in Madagascar? Yes

Though media censorship is prevalent in Madagascar, the government is yet to place any restrictions on Internet usage. Using VPNs is perfectly legal.

101 – Malawi

Is VPN Legal in Malawi? Yes

There are no reports of the government interfering with citizens’ Internet access or imposing Internet censorship. VPN usage is also legal in Malawi.

102 – Malaysia

Is VPN Legal in Malaysia? Yes

Malaysia has had issues with Internet censorship in the past and its recent anti-fake news law raises concerns around media censorship. Using VPNs is still legal, nonetheless.

103 – Maldives

Is VPN Legal in Maldives? Yes

The government of Maldives often blocks websites deemed pornographic or anti-Islamic, but the use of VPNs is yet to be made illegal.

104 – Mali

Is VPN Legal in Mali? Yes

There are no reports of the government interfering with its citizens’ Internet access, and using VPNs is also legal in Mali.

 

105 -Malta

Is VPN Legal in Malta? Yes

While the citizens of Malta can legally use VPNs, there are some concerns relating to Internet censorship. Many claim that new media laws pose a serious threat to Internet freedoms, whereas the Maltese government denies this by saying they’re not interested in censoring the Internet.

106 – Marshall Islands

Is VPN Legal in Marshall Islands? Yes

There are no reports of the government trying to restrict its citizens’ Internet access, and the use of VPNs is also legal in Marshall Islands.

107 – Mauritania

Is VPN Legal in Mauritania? Yes

Though the use of VPNs is legally permitted, Mauritania does have a past associated with Internet censorship. There have been reports of the government violating digital rights and the press self-censors its coverage of issues due to fear of the country’s new cybercrime laws.

108 – Mauritius

Is VPN Legal in Mauritius? Yes

Mauritius occasionally imposes Internet restrictions, including filtering content. However, there aren’t any reports of the government actively censoring the Internet, and VPN usage is legal in the country as well.

109 – Mexico

Is VPN Legal in Mexico? Yes

The citizens of Mexico, generally, get unrestricted access to the Internet and can use VPNs legally as well. However, the situation could change as reports of the government using surveillance software to spy on prominent activists and journalists have recently surfaced.

110 – Micronesia

Is VPN Legal in Micronesia? Yes

There are no documented reports of the government attempting to interfere with the Internet usage of its citizens, and using VPNs is legal as well.

111 – Moldova

Is VPN Legal in Moldova? Yes

In 2016, a law passed by the government received criticism from several media outlets and organizations who claimed it will lead to violation of privacy and heavy censorship. The use of VPNs is still legal in Moldova, nonetheless.

112 – Monaco

Is VPN Legal in Monaco? Yes

There are no credible reports of the Monaco government censoring its citizens’ use of the Internet. Also, VPNs are completely legal.

113 – Mongolia

Is VPN Legal in Mongolia? Yes

The government of Mongolia actively censors its citizens Internet usage and has even banned a list of 774 words and phrases on the Internet. Regardless, the use of VPNs is still legal in Mongolia.

114 – Montenegro

Is VPN Legal in Montenegro? Yes

There have been reports of Internet restrictions being imposed on Montenegro citizens. Recently, the government blocked messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber on Election Day. Even so, VPNs are legal to use in the country.

115 – Morocco

Is VPN Legal in Morocco? Yes

While VPNs are legal in Morocco, the country has been in the news for banning Skype, Viber, and similar VoIP communication apps. Furthermore, journalists self-censor their reporting on sensitive issues as the state punishes whistleblowing and investigative reporting.

116 – Mozambique

Is VPN Legal in Mozambique? Yes

With the Mozambique government spying on its citizens’ Internet activities, using VPNs is the only solution, and luckily, they’re yet to be made illegal in the country.  

117 – Myanmar

Is VPN Legal in Myanmar? Yes

Myanmar has a history when it comes to Internet censorship, though the government is becoming less restrictive when it comes to the rights of its citizens. Using VPNs is also legal.

118 – Namibia

Is VPN Legal in Namibia? Yes

The citizens of Namibia are allowed to use VPNs and enjoy Internet access without any restrictions put in place by the government.

119 – Nauru

Is VPN Legal in Nauru? Yes

Nauru has imposed Internet restrictions in the past, including the banning of social media sites like Facebook. The use of VPNs, though, is still legal in the country.

120 – Nepal

Is VPN Legal in Nepal? Yes

While Nepal doesn’t actively monitor Internet activity, the government has made its intention of censoring its citizens’ Internet activities clear. Fortunately, using VPNs is legal.

121 – Netherlands

Is VPN Legal in Netherlands? Yes

There are no credible reports of the Netherlands government trying to impose restrictions on the Internet. Moreover, using VPNs is legal here.

122 – New Zealand

Is VPN Legal in New Zealand? Yes

While the government of New Zealand is known to monitor its citizens’ Internet activities, there’s no credible evidence of Internet censorship. VPN usage is also legal in the country.

123 – Nicaragua

Is VPN Legal in Nicaragua? Yes

The government of Nicaragua doesn’t restrict or monitor the Internet activities of its citizens and allows the use of VPNs.

124 – Niger

Is VPN Legal in Niger? Yes

Did you know that only 2% of the total population uses the Internet in Niger? And luckily, they’re able to do so without any restrictions and censorship. Using VPNs is also legal here.

125 – Nigeria

Is VPN Legal in Nigeria? Yes

While the government of Nigeria has a controversial stance on freedom of expression, especially when it comes to social media, the use of VPNs is still legal in the country.

 

126 – Norway

Is VPN Legal in Norway? Yes

Norway, with one of the world’s highest Internet penetration rates, gives its citizens the freedom to access the Internet without any restrictions and censorship. Using VPNs is also legal.

127 – Pakistan

Is VPN Legal in Pakistan? Yes

The government of Pakistan has blocked a number of top sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook in the past. They also use Internet filtering in order to block users from accessing certain sites and content. The use of VPNs is yet to be outlawed, though.

128 – Palau

Is VPN Legal in Palau? Yes

There are no credible reports of the Palau government censoring the Internet and citizens are legally permitted to use VPNs as well.

129 – Palestine, State of

Is VPN Legal in State of Palestine? Yes

The government of Palestine actively censors the Internet and media. Many websites have also been shut down due to political reasons. However, the use of VPNs is still legal here.

130 – Panama

Is VPN Legal in Panama? Yes

The government of Panama doesn’t censor its citizens Internet access and also allows them to use VPNs legally.

131 – Papua New Guinea

Is VPN Legal in Papua New Guinea? Yes

There are no reports to suggest that Papua New Guinea restricts its citizens’ access to the Internet, though the country’s new cybercrime law has raised concerns about increased censorship. Regardless, using VPNs is still legal.

132 – Paraguay

Is VPN Legal in Paraguay? Yes

The citizens of Paraguay are able to enjoy uncensored Internet access. Using VPNs is also perfectly legal here.

133 – Peru

Is VPN Legal in Peru? Yes

There are no documented reports of the Peru government trying to restrict its citizens’ Internet activities, and the use of VPNs is legal as well.

134 – Philippines

Is VPN Legal in Philippines? Yes

In recent times, Internet freedom has improved in the Philippines as no efforts have been made by the government to restrict its citizens’ access to the Internet. VPNs are also legal to use in the country.

135 – Poland

Is VPN Legal in Poland? Yes

While the government of Poland recently passed a new law to increase government surveillance in spite of privacy concerns, VPNs are still legal in the country.

136 – Portugal

Is VPN Legal in Portugal? Yes

There are no reports of the Portugal government actively censoring the Internet and using VPNs is also legal here.

137 – Qatar

Is VPN Legal in Qatar? Yes

While VPNs are legal to use in Qatar, citizens have to face censorship. The government instructs ISPs to block certain websites with content deemed pornographic or anti-Islamic, though harmless websites have also been targeted without any explanation.

138 – Romania

Is VPN Legal in Romania? Yes

The Romanian government put into effect its new gambling legislation in 2015, which has since then intensified concerns around censorship. However, the use of VPNs is yet to be banned in the country.

139 – Rwanda

Is VPN Legal in Rwanda? Yes

There’s evidence to suggest that the Rwandan government actively spies on its citizens’ and blocks news websites. VPN usage is legal here as well.

140 – Saint Kitts and Nevis

Is VPN Legal in Saint Kitts and Nevis? Yes

The citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis enjoy unrestricted Internet access and are legally allowed to use VPNs.

141 – Saint Lucia

Is VPN Legal in Saint Lucia? Yes

There are no reports of the Saint Lucia government imposing restrictions on its citizens’ access to the Internet. Using VPNs is also legal here.

142 – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Is VPN Legal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines? Yes

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recently passed a cybercrime bill that allows jail sentences of up to two years for online defamation, posing a serious threat to public debate and free flow of information and news. Using VPNs is still legal, nonetheless.

143 – Samoa

Is VPN Legal in Samoa? Yes

There are no documented reports of the Samoan government imposing restrictions on its citizens’ Internet usage. Also, the use of VPNs in the country is completely legal.

144 – San Marino

Is VPN Legal in San Marino? Yes

The citizens of San Marino are able to access the Internet without being subject to government-imposed censorship. VPN usage is also legal here.

145 – Sao Tome and Principe

Is VPN Legal in Sao Tome and Principe? Yes

The government of Sao Tome and Principe doesn’t interfere with the Internet in the country and allows the use of VPNs.

146 – Saudi Arabia

Is VPN Legal in Saudi Arabia? Yes

Known for censoring the Internet activities of its citizens, Saudi Arabia has blocked over 5.5 million websites and internal links since the start of 2008. Surprisingly, VPN usage is yet to be made illegal in the country.

147 – Senegal

Is VPN Legal in Senegal? Yes

Not only is freedom of press routinely violated in Senegal, but also the laws allow the government to increase censorship should they want to.

148 – Serbia

Is VPN Legal in Serbia? Yes

Even though using VPNs is legal in Serbia, the government routinely infringes on its citizens’ freedom of speech online.

149 – Seychelles

Is VPN Legal in Seychelles? Yes

The government of Seychelles actively tries to restrict its citizens’ Internet access, especially when it comes to silencing opposition activists. The usage of VPNs is still legal here, nonetheless.

150 – Sierra Leone

Is VPN Legal in Sierra Leone? Yes

The citizens of Sierra Leone can use the Internet without any restrictions or censorship. VPN usage is also legal in the country.

151 – Singapore

Is VPN Legal in Singapore? Yes

The government of Singapore is known for actively censoring its citizens’ use of the Internet. Not only do they target government activists, but also shut down political websites. Regardless, using VPNs is still legal.

152 – Sint Maarten

Is VPN Legal in Sint Maarten? Yes

The citizens of Sint Maarten enjoy unrestricted access to the Internet and are legally allowed to use VPNs.

153 – Slovakia

Is VPN Legal in Slovakia? Yes

The citizens of Slovakia don’t have to worry about government censorship and restrictions. Moreover, the use of VPNs is legal in the country.

154 – Slovenia

Is VPN Legal in Slovenia? Yes

VPNs are completely legal in Slovenia and the government doesn’t censor its citizens’ Internet usage.

155 – Solomon Islands

Is VPN Legal in Solomon Islands? Yes

There have been no credible reports of the government imposing restrictions on its citizens’ use of the Internet. VPN usage is also legal in Solomon Islands.

156 – Somalia

Is VPN Legal in Somalia? Yes

Somalia is renowned for actively censoring the Internet, with the government blocking access to news sites. The use of VPNs, though, is still legal in the country.

157 – South Africa

Is VPN Legal in South Africa? Yes

While the government of South Africa doesn’t have as many Internet restrictions as other some other countries on this list, it’s “Internet Censorship Bill” has been widely criticized. The use of VPNs is also legal in the country.

158 – South Korea

Is VPN Legal in South Korea? Yes

Even though South Korea is known for censoring and monitoring the Internet, its citizens are legally allowed to use VPNs.

159 – South Sudan

Is VPN Legal in South Sudan? Yes

The citizens of South Sudan do experience Internet censorship, with the government blocking several news websites. Nonetheless, using VPNs is completely legal here.

160 – Spain

Is VPN Legal in Spain? Yes

The Internet in Spain is generally free from any kind of restrictions, though the country made news for blocking Catalan independence websites. Also, using VPNs is legal in the country.

161 – Sri Lanka

Is VPN Legal in Sri Lanka? Yes

The Sri Lankan government has censored its citizens’ use of the Internet in the past. In fact, they’ve even blocked access to certain websites. However, the use of VPNs is still legal.

162 – Sudan

Is VPN Legal in Sudan? Yes

While the citizens of Sudan are subject to various kinds of Internet censorship, VPN usage is still legal in the country.

163 – Suriname

Is VPN Legal in Suriname? Yes

The government of Suriname doesn’t censor its citizens’ use of the Internet. Moreover, the use of VPNs is legal here.

164 – Swaziland

Is VPN Legal in Swaziland? Yes

VPN usage is perfectly legal in Swaziland and its citizens are able to use the Internet without any censorship.

165 – Sweden

Is VPN Legal in Sweden? Yes

The citizens of Sweden get unrestricted access to the Internet and can legally use VPNs in the country.

166 – Switzerland

Is VPN Legal in Switzerland? Yes

In recent years, the Internet in Switzerland has become increasingly restrictive. Just recently, a bill proposing Internet censorship to protect domestic gambling was passed in the parliament. VPNs are still legal here, though.

167 – Syria

Is VPN Legal in Syria? Yes

The citizens of Syria do experience censorship and monitoring on the Internet. Incidents of human rights violations have also been on the rise. However, VPNs are still legal in the country.

168 – Taiwan

Is VPN Legal in Taiwan? Yes

Though Taiwan doesn’t restrict its citizens’ Internet usage, it has attempted to do so in the past by proposing an Internet Blacklist Law which met strong resistance. The use of VPNs is still legal, nonetheless.

169 – Tajikistan

Is VPN Legal in Tajikistan? Yes

Tajikistan is known for its Internet censorship and legally allows its citizens to use VPNs. However, the idea of creating a government-controlled data gateway has raised concerns surrounding freedom of speech and privacy in the country.

170 – Tanzania

Is VPN Legal in Tanzania? Yes

Tanzania actively censors the Internet and the situation only seems to be getting worse with time. VPNs are legal to use here.

171 – Thailand

Is VPN Legal in Thailand? Yes

There have been reports of blogger arrests and ISPs blocking websites in Thailand. However, using VPNs is legal in the country.

172 – Timor-Leste

Is VPN Legal in Timor-Leste? Yes

The citizens of Timor-Leste enjoy uncensored access to the Internet and are legally allowed to use VPNs.

173 – Togo

Is VPN Legal in Togo? Yes

The government of Togo doesn’t impose censorship on its citizens’ use of the Internet. Moreover, VPNs are completely legal in the country.

174 – Tonga

Is VPN Legal in Tonga? Yes

Even though the government of Tonga passed laws in 2015 that allowed it control Internet access in the country, VPNs are still legal to use here.

175 – Trinidad and Tobago

Is VPN Legal in Trinidad and Tobago? Yes

The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago get unrestricted access to the Internet and are legally allowed to use VPNs in the country.

176 – Tunisia

Is VPN Legal in Tunisia? Yes

While Tunisia has taken drastic steps to reverse online censorship and promote Internet access, the legal framework of the country poses a significant threat to Internet freedom. Nonetheless, using VPNs is legal here.

177 – Tuvalu

Is VPN Legal in Tuvalu? Yes

The citizens of Tuvalu get unrestricted access to the Internet and are legally allowed to use VPNs in the country.

178 – Uganda

Is VPN Legal in Uganda? Yes

The government of Uganda actively censors its citizens’ use of the Internet and even blocks social media sites during elections. However, the use of VPNs is legal here.

179 – Ukraine

Is VPN Legal in Ukraine? Yes

While Ukraine has made news for blocking popular Russian Internet websites, the use of VPNs is yet to be made illegal.

180 – United Kingdom

Is VPN Legal in the United Kingdom?

With the Investigatory Powers Act put into force, the Internet activities of UK citizens can be monitored by the government. The UK also made news in the past when mobile carriers blocked some VPNs. Using VPNs, however, remains legal in the country.

181 – United States of America

Is VPN Legal in the United States of America? Yes

Though the government doesn’t actively censors its citizens’ Internet activities, the recent repeal of the broadband privacy rules means that ISPs are allowed to monitor its users. Fortunately, there’s no law barring the use of VPNs.

182 – Uruguay

Is VPN Legal in Uruguay? Yes

There are no reports of the Uruguay government imposing censorship on the Internet. Moreover, VPNs are perfectly legal in the country.

183 – Uzbekistan

Is VPN Legal in Uzbekistan? Yes

The government of Uzbekistan routinely censors its citizens’ Internet activity and has blocked Skype, WhatsApp, and news websites in the past. Using VPNs, though, is still legal in the country.

184 – Vanuatu

Is VPN Legal in Vanuatu? Yes

The citizens of Vanuatu are able to enjoy unrestricted access to the Internet and are legally allowed to use VPNs in the country.

185 – Vatican City

Is VPN Legal in Vatican City? Yes

There are no reports of the Vatican City imposing Internet censorship. Additionally, using VPNs is legal here.

186 – Venezuela

Is VPN Legal in Venezuela? Yes

Venezuela is known for routinely blocking social media sites like WhatsApp and Facebook. The government legally allows it citizens to use VPNs as well.

187 – Vietnam

Is VPN Legal in Vietnam? Yes

The citizens of Vietnam do experience Internet censorship, with the passing of the controversial Internet Decree barring social media sites and blogs from discussing current affairs. Still, using VPNs remains legal in the country.

188 – Yemen

Is VPN Legal in Yemen? Yes

There have been attempts by the Houthi Militia to enforce a complete ban on Internet usage, though the use of the VPNs is yet to be made illegal.

189 – Zambia

Is VPN Legal in Zambia? Yes

Internet censorship has always been an issue in Zambia, with the government banning websites due to political reasons. Using VPNs, though, is completely legal here.

190 – Zimbabwe

Is VPN Legal in Zimbabwe? Yes

Zimbabwe is known for actively censoring its citizens’ use of the Internet, and has even banned social apps like WhatsApp, especially during protests. However, the use of VPNs remains legal in the country.

 

Final Word

The information provided above doesn’t constitute legal advice and is for educational purposes only. It’s your responsibility as a good citizen to be aware of all the applicable laws and regulations of your country. Therefore, make sure you always consult a licensed and qualified legal professional if you require assistance or advice.