WhatsApp Banned Countries List & How to Get Around the Ban in 2025
Although WhatsApp is the world's most-used instant messaging app, a handful of countries have banned it. Find out the countries where WhatsApp is banned, their reasons for doing so and how you can still use the app in such jurisdictions.
Written by Wisdom Sablah (Writer)
Reviewed by Aleksandar Kochovski (Writer)
Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu (Editorial Assistant)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: WhatsApp Banned Countries List
- China — Fully banned
- North Korea — Fully banned
- Syria — Fully banned
- Iran — Fully banned
- Qatar — Voice and video calls restricted
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) — Voice and video calls restricted
- Saudi Arabia — Voice and video calls restricted
- Egypt — Voice and video calls restricted
Facts & Expert Analysis: Countries Where WhatsApp Is Banned
- Which countries ban WhatsApp: Only four countries in the world have banned WhatsApp completely: China, North Korea, Syria and Iran. Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt ban voice and video calls over WhatsApp, but not the app itself.
- Why do countries ban WhatsApp: Most of those countries ban WhatsApp for security and political reasons, while others want to promote local telecommunication companies.
- How to unblock WhatsApp calls: You can get around a WhatsApp ban by using a VPN to spoof your location to another country. NordVPN is the best VPN for unbanning WhatsApp because of its extensive server network and strong encryption.
Since launching in 2009, WhatsApp has become the world’s most popular instant messaging application, boasting more than 2 billion users and counting. However, there are a few countries where WhatsApp is banned. That is why we put together this WhatsApp banned countries list.
Certain countries have banned WhatsApp for political and national security reasons, while others claim they want to promote their local telecommunications industry. In this guide, we’ll list the countries that have outlawed WhatsApp and their reasons. We’ll conclude by showing you exactly how to bypass such geo-restrictions.
While our guide focuses on regular WhatsApp, it’s worth noting that WhatsApp Business is equally affected by these bans, causing significant problems for companies that rely on the platform for customer communication.
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11/02/2023
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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07/23/2024 Facts checked
We updated the article to include information on more countries and their WhatsApp ban status.
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09/30/2024
We adjusted the article’s VPN positions to reflect recent improvements and feature updates.
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02/09/2025 Facts checked
Added additional information on the best VPNs for WhatsApp.
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03/05/2025 Facts checked
We updated the article to include more information about NordVPN and details about the WhatsApp ban in various countries.
List of Countries Where WhatsApp Is Banned
China, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE are the countries that have banned WhatsApp, though some have implemented only a partial ban. It’s worth noting that the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt prohibit WhatsApp voice and video calls only — you can still send and receive text messages in these countries.
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There are also some countries that have temporarily blocked WhatsApp. In countries experiencing military coups or severe political unrest, governments often implement temporary WhatsApp bans to disrupt communication among opposition groups and protesters.
Countries that have extended online censorship to block WhatsApp and other social media apps during protests include Brazil, Cuba and Venezuela. In extreme cases, governments may implement complete internet shutdowns that affect all online services including WhatsApp, as seen during major protests in various countries across Africa and Asia.
Why Do Some Countries Block WhatsApp?
Many countries have shut off WhatsApp due to the app’s end-to-end encryption — a feature that allows people to communicate without detection. Local authorities claim that blocking the app is key to maintaining a stable and secure political climate.
In the UAE, for instance, authorities fear that terrorists and extremist groups could leverage WhatsApp’s encryption features to plan attacks while evading government surveillance, making national security a key factor in these restrictions. In reality, this kind of control is usually exercised to stifle political opposition.
Economic protectionism is another motivation for WhatsApp bans, as countries like China and Russia promote domestic tech companies through policies that restrict foreign competitors.
Many countries specifically target WhatsApp and other VoIP services because they allow users to make international calls for free, which can significantly reduce revenue for local telecommunication providers. This move is typically expected to boost government revenue in the long run.
Is WhatsApp Banned in China?
Since 1998, the Great Firewall of China, officially known as the Golden Shield Project, has been used to restrict access to any app that the Chinese government deems noncompliant.
The Golden Shield Project is the technical backbone of the Great Firewall, employing advanced deep packet inspection to identify and block WhatsApp’s protocols. Specialized VPN configurations are required to bypass it.
This sophisticated internet censorship system has been blocking WhatsApp since 2017, along with many other Western apps that don’t comply with local data regulations. It essentially has a stranglehold on the internet services in the country.
Does WhatsApp Work in China & Why Is It Banned?
Chinese authorities banned the app because of its end-to-end encryption, a feature that prevents them from reading messages sent through the app. For perspective, the Chinese government does allow Skype — a similar communications app — because it doesn’t have such encryption.
Observers thought the app was only temporarily shut down because of a Chinese Communist Party meeting in October. However, the ban has not yet been lifted. Be sure to check out our guide on how to unblock WhatsApp in China.
While WhatsApp remains blocked, China promotes local alternatives like WeChat (with more than 1.2 billion users), which provides similar functionality but complies with the government’s data access requirements.
Is WhatsApp Banned in Dubai?
WhatsApp itself isn’t banned in Dubai but, like many other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, WhatsApp’s video and voice calls are banned in Dubai.
Why Is WhatsApp Banned in Dubai?
WhatsApp calls are banned in Dubai because the authorities are hell-bent on ensuring that their local telecommunication services do not lose revenue as a result of people using free communication apps. Read our guide to learn how to get around the WhatsApp ban in Dubai.
Is WhatsApp Banned in Iran?
Yes, the app is currently banned in Iran. It has previously been during protests and times of unrest, as well. The Iranian government has plans to build a “national internet” featuring an internal search engine and internal messaging apps — a potential threat to WhatsApp.
This push is part of a broader strategy to develop a sovereign national internet infrastructure that allows the government to monitor and control all digital communications within its borders.
Is WhatsApp Banned in Brazil?
WhatsApp isn’t banned in Brazil, though there have been several restrictions in the past. The latest of these was the Brazilian Central Bank’s ban on WhatsApp’s payment feature in 2020, which was lifted in 2021.
There’s no telling if Brazil will ban WhatsApp in the future, but with the Brazilian National Congress considering legislation that would make messages traceable, it seems there’s no truce just yet.
Is WhatsApp Banned in India?
WhatsApp isn’t banned in India. There has been a tussle raging between the Indian government and WhatsApp regarding privacy, but there’s no clear indication of an imminent ban. Currently, India is WhatsApp’s biggest market, with more than 480 million WhatsApp users.
Is WhatsApp Banned in the UK?
No, WhatsApp is not banned in the U.K. and is instead thriving, with more than 40 million users. The only thing close to a restriction so far has been WhatsApp moving the legal age for accessing the app from 13 to 16, in accordance with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A full-blown ban of the app is very unlikely.
Which Countries Do Not Allow WhatsApp Calls?
If you’re unsure if a country has banned WhatsApp, this guide should help answer your questions.
How to Unblock WhatsApp With VPN Services
If you live in or are traveling to a country that’s banned WhatsApp, there’s good news: you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass geoblocks. Here’s how to get started.
Important note: If you’re planning to travel to countries with severe internet restrictions like China or Iran, download and install your VPN before you arrive. Many VPN websites are blocked in these countries, making it difficult or impossible to access them once you’re there.
- Download and Install a VPN
Your first step is to navigate to NordVPN’s site and choose a discounted plan at 72% off. The two-year plan is an absolute bargain. Don’t worry — you’re covered by a 30-day refund policy if needed.
- Connect to a Server
Sign in to the app and connect to a server. Make sure the VPN server is in a country where WhatsApp isn’t banned, but is geographically close to you. The closer the server, the faster the connection speed.
For example, if you’re in the Middle East, connecting to servers in Israel or Turkey can provide better speeds than more distant locations, resulting in smoother calls and faster message delivery.
- Access WhatsApp
Once you’re connected, open WhatsApp to start texting or calling.
In addition to VPNs, dedicated proxy servers can sometimes be used to access WhatsApp in banned countries, though they generally offer less security and reliability than premium VPN services.
While using a VPN provides access to WhatsApp in restricted countries, don’t forget to also enable WhatsApp’s built-in security features. Enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp’s settings to add an extra layer of protection, which requires a six-digit PIN periodically to access your account. This is especially important when using public networks in countries that monitor communications.
The Best VPNs to Unban WhatsApp
You’ll need a secure VPN to ensure you can get around geoblocks to access WhatsApp without any issues. The best VPNs for WhatsApp use obfuscated servers, which disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it much harder for governments to detect and block VPN usage.
When using a VPN to access WhatsApp, look for providers that offer split tunneling, which allows you to route only WhatsApp traffic through the VPN while maintaining direct access for other apps, improving overall connection speed.
All our recommended VPNs also protect against DNS leaks, which can reveal your browsing activity to your ISP or government even when using a VPN, a critical feature when accessing WhatsApp in restricted regions.
1. NordVPN — The Best VPN for Using WhatsApp
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NordVPN is the most secure VPN, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking to avoid government surveillance. It can access WhatsApp with ease, as well as banking apps, streaming services and other location-sensitive websites.
NordVPN recently introduced NordWhisper, a specialized protocol designed specifically to overcome VPN restrictions. This makes it particularly effective in countries with advanced VPN detection systems that might otherwise block WhatsApp access.
When connecting to a server, NordVPN clearly marks virtual servers on the country list, helping you identify exactly the kind of connection you’re getting. This is especially helpful when trying to access WhatsApp in restrictive countries, as you can see whether you’re connecting to a physical server or a virtual location.
In addition, NordVPN includes unsafe WiFi detection, which alerts you when connecting to an unsecured or weakly secured WiFi network without VPN protection. This is especially important when using WhatsApp in public places in countries with partial bans, where network security may be compromised.
NordVPN’s browser extension also features enhanced location spoofing capabilities that automatically set your browser to use the location and time zone of the proxy server you’re connected to, providing a more consistent browsing experience.
iOS users can take advantage of lock screen widgets that allow you to check your VPN connection status at a glance without unlocking your phone. This makes maintaining a secure connection for WhatsApp much more convenient when traveling in countries with restrictions.
Additional security features include Threat Protection, which has evolved into Threat Protection Pro for advanced plans. Its improved DNS filtering capabilities help block intrusive ads and unsafe sites even in restrictive internet environments, making your WhatsApp experience smoother.
For users who need to exchange WhatsApp backup files or media with friends or family in countries with WhatsApp restrictions, NordVPN’s Meshnet feature allows for secure file sharing of any size directly between devices through an encrypted connection, without storing files on any server or cloud.
NordVPN now offers post-quantum encryption technology, which provides protection against future quantum computing threats. This advanced encryption helps ensure your WhatsApp communications remain secure even as computing technology evolves — particularly important in countries with sophisticated surveillance systems.
NordVPN offers a variety of subscription options. The two-year Basic plan costs $2.52 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gets you unlimited data and 10 connected devices. Read our full NordVPN review for more details.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
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- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
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- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
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2. Surfshark — The Best Budget VPN for WhatsApp
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Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so your whole family can be protected on one account. It’s a fast, security and reliable VPN, so you won’t struggle with connection drops or lag while using Surfshark.
If you choose a long-term plan, you can get a great deal with Surfshark. The VPN alone costs $2.19 per month with a two-year subscription. There are also great deals on more advanced security suite plans. Read our Surfshark review or use the 30-day money-back guarantee to find out more.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
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- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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3. ExpressVPN — The Best WhatsApp VPN for Beginners
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ExpressVPN offers obfuscation on all of its servers, which helps avoid detection in countries that ban the use of VPNs. It has strong encryption protocols and supports IP and DNS leak protection — features that ensure your data never leaks.
It also has an intuitive interface, making it perfect for VPN beginners. However, all this comes at a cost. ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPNs, costing $4.99 per month on the two-year plan. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out, and you can read our full ExpressVPN review for more information.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
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Final Thoughts
A handful of countries have WhatsApp restrictions, often for political and security reasons. Fortunately, VPNs can help you bypass such restrictions with ease. NordVPN stands out as the best choice, but you can’t go wrong with the second best either, which is Surfshark. With NordVPN’s risk-free 30-day refund period, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving the service a try.
While VPNs are technically legal in most countries that ban WhatsApp, using them to access restricted content may fall into legal gray areas. In countries like the UAE, VPN use itself isn’t illegal, but using VPNs to access content that violates the country’s “moral values,” for example, could lead to legal issues. However, casual WhatsApp use through VPNs is generally tolerated for expatriates and visitors.
In countries where WhatsApp is banned, many users turn to alternative messaging apps like Telegram, which offers similar features and sometimes faces less governmental restriction despite also offering encrypted messaging.
Signal, another encrypted messaging platform, can serve as an alternative to WhatsApp in some restricted countries, though it too faces increasing scrutiny from governments concerned about encrypted communications.
Whether or not you’re in one of the countries mentioned in this article, if you’re a fan of the messaging app’s simplicity, you might want to check out the more than 20 WhatsApp tricks we’ve compiled. Some of them might come in handy when it comes to security and privacy.
Have you ever tried to get around a WhatsApp ban? Which VPN did the trick for you? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below, and as always, thanks for reading!
FAQ: Countries Where WhatsApp Is Banned
Over 180 countries allow WhatsApp; only five countries forbid WhatsApp use.
WhatsApp is banned in China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar and the UAE. We have a guide on how to unblock WhatsApp and VoIP services in Qatar and other countries.
Yes, WhatsApp is banned in China and will not work there; you will need a VPN to get around the ban. However, VPNs are also banned in the country unless you have government permission, so you might need to install both WhatsApp and the VPN before you visit China.
WhatsApp isn’t fully banned in Dubai or the other Emirates. You can’t make WhatsApp video and voice calls in Dubai, but you can send and receive texts.