Which countries are restricted from using Bybit?

Introduction to Bybit's Geographic Restrictions

Bybit is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges globally, offering a wide range of services including spot trading, futures trading, and staking. However, due to varying regulatory environments across countries, Bybit has implemented geographic restrictions that limit access for users from certain jurisdictions. These restrictions are primarily in place to ensure compliance with local financial laws and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Understanding which countries are restricted from using Bybit is essential for users who want to avoid account suspension or legal complications. The list of restricted regions may change over time depending on regulatory developments, so it’s important to stay updated through Bybit’s official documentation.

Countries Where Bybit Is Fully Restricted

Bybit prohibits users from specific countries from accessing its platform entirely. These restrictions are typically imposed due to strict regulatory requirements or sanctions imposed by international financial authorities. As of the latest available information, the following countries are fully restricted from using Bybit:

• United States: U.S. residents are not allowed to trade on Bybit due to regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the SEC and CFTC.
• China: Chinese users are restricted from accessing Bybit as part of China’s broader ban on cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Hong Kong: Although previously accessible, Hong Kong users now face full restrictions.
• Singapore: Regulatory changes led Bybit to restrict access for Singaporean users.
• Japan: Japanese citizens cannot use Bybit due to licensing requirements enforced by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA).
• Canada: Some provinces in Canada have imposed restrictions, while others allow limited access.
• Iran: Sanctions prevent Iranian users from accessing the platform.
• North Korea: Users from North Korea are prohibited due to international sanctions.
• Cuba: Similar to Iran and North Korea, Cuba faces full access restrictions.
• Syria: Access is blocked due to sanctions and geopolitical concerns.

These restrictions apply to both new and existing accounts. If a user attempts to register from a restricted country, Bybit’s system will automatically block the sign-up process.

Partial Restrictions and Regional Limitations

In addition to full restrictions, Bybit also enforces partial limitations in some jurisdictions, meaning users can access the platform but with reduced functionality. For example:

• Canada: While some provinces allow access to Bybit, Ontario and Quebec have banned derivatives trading for local users.
• Malta: Malta allows crypto trading but requires additional KYC verification steps.
• Australia: Users can trade spot assets but are restricted from derivatives and leveraged products.
• South Korea: Local users are permitted but must comply with stringent identity verification and tax reporting rules.

These partial restrictions often result from local governments imposing limits on specific types of crypto activities, especially derivatives and margin trading. Bybit adjusts its offerings accordingly to remain compliant.

How Bybit Determines User Location

To enforce these restrictions effectively, Bybit employs several mechanisms to determine a user’s location during registration and ongoing account usage. These include:

• IP Address Detection: Bybit checks the IP address used during sign-up and login to identify the user’s geographical location.
• KYC Verification: During identity verification, users are required to submit official documents such as passports or national IDs, which include country-specific data.
• Bank Account or Payment Method Origin: When linking bank accounts or payment methods, Bybit verifies the origin country of the financial institution.
• Device Location Data: Mobile app users may be subject to GPS tracking if location permissions are enabled.

If any of these checks indicate that a user is from a restricted jurisdiction, Bybit may suspend the account or limit access to certain features. Attempting to bypass these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs) or proxy servers is against Bybit’s terms of service and may result in permanent account closure.

Steps to Check If You Are Affected by Restrictions

If you're unsure whether your country is restricted on Bybit, follow these steps to verify your eligibility:

• Visit Bybit’s Official Website: Navigate to the “Support” section and search for 'Restricted Countries' or 'Jurisdiction Policy.'
• Check Account Registration Page: Try starting the registration process. If your country is restricted, Bybit will display an error message during sign-up.
• Contact Customer Support: Reach out to Bybit’s support team via live chat or email to inquire about your region’s status.
• Review Terms of Service: Go through the Terms and Conditions document provided by Bybit, which outlines regional restrictions.
• Use a Trusted IP Checker Tool: Confirm your public IP address location using tools like WhatIsMyIP.com to ensure there are no inconsistencies.

These steps help users understand their eligibility before investing time into creating an account or depositing funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a VPN to access Bybit if my country is restricted?A: No, Bybit explicitly prohibits the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) or proxies to bypass geographic restrictions. Accounts found violating this policy may be suspended or permanently closed.

Q: Why does Bybit restrict access based on location?A: Bybit imposes location-based restrictions to comply with local laws, including anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, securities laws, and government-imposed sanctions.

Q: Will Bybit ever lift restrictions on certain countries?A: Changes to restrictions depend on evolving regulatory landscapes. Bybit may re-enter markets where legal clarity improves, but no official timelines or guarantees exist.

Q: What happens if I move from a restricted country to an unrestricted one?A: If you relocate, you can contact Bybit support with proof of your new residential address. The platform may reassess your account access based on your current location.