Nearly forty countries restrict the internet, and they do it in very different ways: some close social networks outright, some only calls over messengers, and some simply switch the network off during protests or exams. The darker a country is on the map, the more is shut.
Hover over a country or pick it from the list — you will see what does not open, what works, and what to do before you travel.
The list is sorted by severity, with the most restricted at the top. Compiled from open sources as of 2026-09-11; the situation changes fast, and it can differ between operators inside one country.
Does not work: Google and Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, Wikipedia
Works: WeChat, Baidu, Alipay, local maps and taxi apps
Country-wide filtering, plus blocking of VPN protocols themselves. Set your connection up before you arrive: the providers’ own sites are unreachable from inside.
Does not work: Telegram, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), often WhatsApp
Works: local equivalents
During protests the network is shut off entirely, or only domestic traffic is left running.
Does not work: the internet as such
Works: the internal Kwangmyong network
Access to the global internet is limited to a very narrow circle. For a visitor there is no internet.
Does not work: most social networks, messengers, many news sites
Works: local services
One of the most closed networks in the world: the circumvention tools themselves are blocked too.
Does not work: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Wikipedia
Works: local services
Regular shutdowns in particular regions.
Does not work: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Viber
Works: Telegram, VK, local services
YouTube runs heavily throttled and WhatsApp calls are restricted. Requirements on VPN services keep tightening.
Does not work: social networks during flare-ups
Works: almost everything else, intermittently
Complete network shutdowns lasting days are practised.
Does not work: some social networks and messengers
Works: local services
Scheduled shutdowns during school exams.
Does not work: social networks in some regions
Works: mobile internet, intermittently
Access depends on who controls the territory.
Does not work: TikTok, some entertainment services
Works: messengers
Restrictions come and go without warning.
Does not work: social networks during exams
Works: almost everything the rest of the time
Annual shutdowns for the duration of the final exams.
Does not work: TikTok and social networks during flare-ups
Works: almost everything in normal times
Restrictions are introduced during military escalations.
Does not work: social networks during protests
Works: almost everything in normal times
Full network shutdowns have been used more than once.
Does not work: independent media, some social networks on days of unrest
Works: messengers, most services
During protests the network has been shut down completely.
Does not work: some independent media, messengers on protest days
Works: most services
Expensive, slow mobile internet limits access by itself.
Does not work: hundreds of news sites, some VoIP
Works: social networks, messengers
The blocking is mostly aimed at the media.
Does not work: social networks during conflicts
Works: almost everything in normal times
Shutdowns in particular regions have lasted months.
Does not work: TikTok, a number of Chinese apps
Works: all Western services
Regional mobile-internet shutdowns ordered by local authorities are frequent.
Does not work: social networks during exams
Works: almost everything the rest of the time
Scheduled morning shutdowns on school exam days.
Does not work: some services in particular regions
Works: messengers
Access depends heavily on the region.
Does not work: calls over messengers
Works: messaging, social networks
Voice over the internet is restricted by the regulator.
Does not work: X (Twitter), other social networks periodically
Works: WhatsApp, YouTube
Mobile internet is cut on election days and during protests.
Does not work: WhatsApp and FaceTime calls with some operators
Works: messaging, social networks
The restrictions cover voice and video calls.
Does not work: some calls over messengers
Works: social networks, messaging
VoIP restrictions are far softer than in past years, but still turn up with some operators.
Does not work: social networks and news sites, periodically
Works: messengers
Blocks are switched on selectively and without announcement.
Does not work: social networks during emergencies
Works: almost everything in normal times
Temporary throttling of social networks after attacks and natural disasters is common practice.
Does not work: WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Telegram calls, Skype
Works: messaging, social networks, the local BOTIM and C’Me
It is the internet calls that are restricted, not the messengers themselves. Voice is pushed onto the operator’s paid tariffs.
Does not work: independent media, social networks periodically
Works: messengers
Blocking happens at the largest state-owned operator.
Does not work: some VoIP
Works: social networks, messengers
Restrictions are milder than elsewhere in the region.
Does not work: Reddit, Vimeo, gambling sites
Works: social networks, messengers
Filtering is by content rather than by whole services.
Does not work: individual services periodically
Works: almost everything
TikTok was blocked after protests.
Does not work: individual services periodically
Works: almost everything
A complete shutdown was used in January 2022.
Does not work: individual VoIP services
Works: messengers, social networks
Restrictions are narrow and keep changing.
Does not work: individual services periodically
Works: almost everything
TikTok was blocked for a long stretch.
Does not work: some VoIP with certain operators
Works: social networks, messengers
Call restrictions have been introduced and lifted repeatedly.
Does not work: individual sites
Works: almost everything
Harsh content laws alongside mild filtering.
Does not work: individual services
Works: social networks, messengers
Most of the blocks of recent years have been lifted.
Does not work: individual sites
Works: social networks, messengers
Services are required to keep data inside the country.
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