What are the countries where Bybit is restricted?

Bybit restricts services in countries like the U.S., China, and Iran due to regulatory compliance, using IP checks, KYC, and geolocation to enforce rules.

Aug 03, 2025 at 07:57 am

Understanding Bybit’s Global Regulatory Landscape

Bybit, a prominent cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, operates in numerous jurisdictions but faces restrictions in specific countries due to regulatory compliance requirements. Cryptocurrency regulations vary significantly across regions, and exchanges like Bybit must adhere to local laws to avoid legal consequences. As a result, Bybit maintains a list of restricted countries where its services are either partially or fully unavailable. These restrictions are enforced through IP address detection, KYC verification, and geolocation tracking to ensure compliance with international financial regulations.

Complete List of Countries Where Bybit is Restricted

Bybit restricts access to users from the following countries:

• United States: Despite high demand, Bybit does not serve U.S. residents due to strict regulatory oversight by agencies such as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• Mainland China: Cryptocurrency trading and exchanges are banned under Chinese financial regulations, leading Bybit to block access from this region.
• Singapore: Although Singapore allows crypto trading, Bybit is not licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), resulting in restricted access.
• Canada: Bybit does not hold the necessary provincial registrations to offer derivatives trading, so Canadian users are restricted.
• Iran: Sanctions imposed by international bodies prevent Bybit from operating in Iran.
• North Korea: Due to international sanctions and security concerns, Bybit blocks access from North Korea.
• Cuba: U.S. sanctions extend to financial services, including crypto platforms, affecting access.
• Syria: Ongoing conflict and international sanctions limit financial platform operations.
• Crimea Region (Ukraine): Restricted due to geopolitical sanctions.
• Belarus: Sanctions-related restrictions apply.
• Sudan: Subject to international financial sanctions.
• Myanmar (Burma): Regulatory and sanction-related limitations are in place.
• Zimbabwe: High financial risk and regulatory non-compliance lead to restrictions.
• Venezuela: U.S. sanctions impact cryptocurrency service availability.
  

  These restrictions are dynamically updated based on evolving regulatory environments.

  How Bybit Enforces Geographic Restrictions

  
  Bybit employs several technical and procedural mechanisms to enforce geographic restrictions:
• IP Address Filtering: When a user attempts to access Bybit, the system checks the public IP address. If it originates from a restricted country, access is denied.
• GPS Location Data: Mobile app users may be prompted to allow location access. If the device's GPS indicates a restricted region, the account may be flagged.
• KYC Verification: During identity verification, users must submit government-issued IDs. If the document shows residency in a banned country, the account will not be activated.
• Payment Method Analysis: Funding methods linked to restricted regions may trigger alerts or restrictions.
• Device Fingerprinting: Bybit analyzes device attributes such as language settings, time zone, and SIM card carrier to detect potential location spoofing.
  

  Attempting to bypass these measures using VPNs or proxy servers violates Bybit’s Terms of Service and may result in account suspension or fund freezing.

  Steps to Check If You Are in a Restricted Region

  
  If you are unsure whether your country is restricted, follow these steps:
• Visit the Bybit Website: Navigate to the official site and attempt to register. If your country is not listed during the sign-up process, it is likely restricted.
• Review the Help Center: Bybit’s support portal includes a “Restricted Jurisdictions” section under legal or compliance documentation.
• Check KYC Requirements: During registration, if the system rejects your ID type or nationality, this indicates a restriction.
• Contact Customer Support: Use live chat or email support to ask directly about your country’s status. Provide your registered country of residence for accurate information.
• Monitor Email Notifications: If you begin registration and receive a message stating “Service not available in your region,” your country is restricted.
  

  Ensure that all information provided during registration matches your official legal residency, not temporary travel location.

  Alternatives for Users in Restricted Countries

  
  Users in restricted countries may explore alternative platforms, though availability depends on local regulations:
• Binance: Offers services in many regions but also restricts certain countries. Check Binance’s local version (e.g., Binance US for U.S. residents).
• Kraken: Available in the U.S. and several other countries with full regulatory compliance.
• Coinbase: Licensed in the U.S. and Europe, offering spot and derivatives trading where permitted.
• Bybit Global vs. Local Versions: Some exchanges operate separate entities (e.g., Bybit does not have a U.S. subsidiary, unlike Kraken or Coinbase).
  

  Always verify the regulatory status of any exchange in your jurisdiction before depositing funds. Use official government financial authority websites to confirm whether a platform is licensed.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I use Bybit in the U.S. if I use a VPN?
  
  No. Using a VPN to access Bybit from the U.S. violates the platform’s terms. Bybit detects and blocks known VPN IP addresses. Accounts found using circumvention tools may be permanently suspended, and funds could be held for compliance review.

  Does Bybit allow users from Hong Kong?
  
  Yes. While Mainland China is restricted, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is permitted. Users must complete KYC with Hong Kong identification and ensure their IP address reflects the region.

  What happens if I move to a restricted country after creating a Bybit account?
  
  If you relocate to a restricted jurisdiction, Bybit may detect the change via IP or updated KYC data. You could be required to withdraw funds and close the account. Continued access may result in account termination.

  Are there any exceptions for diplomatic personnel or military stationed abroad?
  
  No. Bybit applies restrictions based on current physical location and citizenship, not occupation. Even U.S. military personnel overseas are considered under U.S. jurisdiction and cannot use Bybit.