The 5 Most Internet-Restricted Countries for U.S. Travelers, Data Shows
When you’re planning your next international adventure, checking the weather forecast and packing list might seem like the most important preparations. Yet one crucial factor often gets overlooked until you’re already at your destination trying unsuccessfully to check your favorite social media app or news website. Internet freedom varies dramatically across the globe, and some countries have implemented such severe digital restrictions that travelers find themselves essentially cut off from the online world they know.
Recent data reveals which destinations pose the greatest challenges for U.S. travelers seeking unrestricted internet access. These aren’t just minor inconveniences like slow WiFi speeds. We’re talking about countries where accessing basic websites or apps can land you in legal trouble, where VPN usage is criminalized, and where digital surveillance is the norm.
China: The Digital Great Wall Experience
China is by far the most restricted country, scoring 10/100 on the freedom index – and landing last place for the seventh consecutive year. For U.S. travelers, this means immediate disconnection from familiar digital services. North Korea’s internet is virtually inaccessible to the general population, while China and Iran heavily restrict access to global platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. In China, over 10,000 websites are blocked, including major platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter.
The Great Firewall is that good. See here the top three VPNs we tested in China on our recent trip. However, travelers face serious risks if caught using unauthorized VPNs. China doubled down on VPN restrictions during key political events in 2024. Independent VPN services remain illegal unless state-approved, and enforcement has increased around sensitive national dates. As of 2025, restrictions continue to tighten, making it harder for people to access unlicensed VPNs. China’s Great Firewall actively detects and blocks unauthorized VPN traffic using advanced technology.
Iran: Severe Penalties for Digital Defiance
Iran has the second-lowest internet freedom score of all. Iran has a long history of oppressing freedom of speech and executing journalists. The situation for travelers has deteriorated significantly since 2013. Unpermitted VPN usage has been banned in Iran since 2013. Only government-approved VPNs are legal, with the services being closely monitored. Despite this, VPN usage is common in Iran and a report found over 80% of Iranians relied on one to bypass internet restrictions.
Iran passed a law in February 2024 banning unauthorized VPNs. Citizens are now required to use only government-approved providers, drastically limiting access to uncensored internet. Travelers face harsh consequences if caught. Using an unlicensed VPN can lead to fines or even imprisonment. Iran imposes up to one year in prison, the UAE fines up to $540,000, and China terminates internet accounts.
North Korea: Complete Digital Isolation
North Korea has the world’s most severe internet restrictions, making VPNs completely illegal for ordinary citizens. Most North Koreans don’t have internet access at all, and using any VPN or encryption technology can result in severe punishment, including imprisonment in labor camps. For the rare U.S. traveler who enters North Korea through organized tours, internet access remains virtually nonexistent.
A person needs authorization from the North Korean government to use the internet, access to which is mostly restricted to the government and visitors. North Korea’s penalties are the most severe. North Korea’s penalties are the most severe. Even authorized visitors face extreme limitations, making digital communication with the outside world nearly impossible.
Russia: Escalating Digital Crackdown
The situation in Russia has deteriorated rapidly since 2022. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia dramatically escalated its internet censorship. The country now blocks access to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and thousands of news websites. Even VPN providers must comply with censorship orders or face being blocked themselves, with fines up to 800,000 rubles for using banned VPNs.
Although Russia doesn’t ban online pornography, its score does increase this year due to new legislation, which was passed in March 2024. This further criminalizes the use and promotion of VPNs and follows the blocking of additional VPN services in August 2023. In late 2023 and through 2024, Russia blocked VPN providers and penalized advertising of VPN services. Russia has implemented laws criminalizing searching for “extremist content” via VPN, with steep fines for users and companies promoting VPNs.
Myanmar: New Laws, Harsh Enforcement
Myanmar represents one of the newest and most aggressive digital crackdowns. Myanmar’s VPN restrictions are one of the newest on this list. Myanmar introduced new security laws targeting VPNs. “Unauthorized VPN installation” can now result in six months in prison or fines of up to $4,750. A VPN ban was imposed in 2024 and there have been reports of phone inspections and fines for having VPNs installed.
Myanmar began blocking VPNs around May 30 2024. Local news reports have since emerged with details of arrests and fines after police inspected phones looking for VPNs. Myanmar has officially banned unauthorized VPNs under new cybersecurity legislation. The law is seen as a digital crackdown aimed at limiting freedom of speech and silencing opposition voices.
