Best VPNs for travel abroad in 2026: Stay connected and secure

People love to travel abroad, often planning every little detail of their schedule well in advance. However, there’s one thing that a lot of international travelers forget: most of your usual streaming services aren’t available in other countries, and you may not be able to rely on your favorite messaging app, map service, or social media site either.

Luckily, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) sidesteps this issue by sending your data through servers in another country entirely. Better still, because VPNs encrypt your traffic, they prevent anyone from seeing what you get up to online. This addresses another major problem: tourists’ increased reliance on potentially unsafe public wifi networks and hotspots.

I performed hands-on testing to find the best VPNs for travel abroad. Here’s a quick rundown of my top recommendations and an overview of what makes each special.

Best VPNs for international travelers:

1. NordVPN: The top VPN for travel. Fast enough to handle any everyday task, with excellent server coverage and a ton of security tools built-in. Works in countries with strict censorship and reliably unblocks most region-exclusive streaming services. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for traveling.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for staying safe abroad. It excels at accessing geo-restricted platforms, has no connection limit, and is currently one of the fastest services on the market. Provides 24/7 customer support.
3. Total VPN: A speedy, reliable VPN with servers in over 80 countries worldwide. Powerful security features, a no-logs policy, and 24/7 customer support.
4. ProtonVPN: Freemium VPN with impressive performance. Keeps no logs and is very easy to use, even if you’re a complete beginner. Allows 10 simultaneous connections. Delivers an extremely customizable set of security tools.
5. ExpressVPN: Boasts high-speeds, intuitive apps for all platforms, and servers in over 100 countries. Keeps no logs and lets you effortlessly access the wider internet in places like China.
6. IPVanish: A beginner-friendly, no-logs travel VPN capable of bypassing many forms of digital censorship. Secures every device you own. Blocks ads and trackers automatically. Great for streaming your usual shows abroad.
7. CyberGhost: Zero-logs provider with a large network. Task-specific servers take all guesswork out of the equation. Reliable speeds and 24/7 support but won’t work in high-censorship countries.
8. PureVPN: Affordable, no-logs service that outpaces many of its rivals. Novice-friendly settings menu and plenty of additional privacy tools for those willing to pay a little more. Even works in countries like China and the UAE.
9. PrivateVPN: Offers a stealth mode, self-owned servers, and true no-logs policy for maximum privacy when traveling. Works well with most region-locked platforms, though its speeds could be improved.

My criteria for choosing the best travel VPNs

There are thousands of VPNs all competing for your attention, so it’s a buyer’s market right now. However, this extreme amount of choice can be a double-edged sword since nobody has the time to research, compare, and try each service. That’s where I come in: I’ve evaluated dozens of popular VPNs in five main areas to make sure you get a fast, secure, and versatile service for your trip abroad.

• Network size: Each VPN is assigned a score based on how many countries its network covers. I also considered server distribution to make sure that users in high-traffic locations are adequately provided for.
• Speed and consistency: Your VPN has to be fast enough for whatever you throw at it. Some boast great performance in some locations but drastically slower speeds elsewhere, which is why I run multiple tests, across multiple regions, before averaging the results. This way, the average user gets a clearer idea of the speeds they can expect.
• Ease of use: Next, I looked into how streamlined each VPN’s registration and cancellation processes are, how many simultaneous connections they allow, and whether they offer any tools that could make your day to day experience better. I also check whether they work in countries that try to block VPN usage, like China, Russia, and the UAE.
• Security and privacy: VPNs often advertise themselves as “the most secure” but in my professional opinion, that’s not detailed enough for customers to make an informed decision. I scored providers on 16 separate criteria, examining their supported protocols, encryption level, logging policy, audit history, and whether leak protection is included.
• Value: Providers were ranked on around a dozen criteria. This wasn’t limited to its price either; I weighed up how reliable they are for streaming, whether long-term discounts are available, and what each offers relative to similarly-priced competitors.

Want to know more? You can read more about my VPN testing process, and the results of those tests in the methodology section below. First let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made the cut.

Top VPNs for travel compared

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – the #1 choice for travelers.

Best VPNs for traveling: Detailed reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the best VPNs for travelers.

1. NordVPN

Feb 2026

NordVPN is the best VPN service for international travel. There are more than 8,000 RAM-only servers spread across 120+ countries. It offers obfuscated servers and its own protocol (NordWhisper), both of which can help you browse safely in high-censorship countries like China. This VPN has first-class streaming ability too, working flawlessly with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video thanks to its suite of SmartPlay tools. There’s a generous 10-device limit too, as well as 24/7 assistance over live chat.

This service has a stellar track record where speed is concerned, having been a near-permanent fixture at the top of Comparitech’s speed rankings. To get a better idea of its real-world performance, I tested its servers in seven countries using a 49 Mbps home broadband connection. NordVPN achieved an average speed of 43.53 Mbps, which is significantly higher than is needed for any day to day task.

There are a few security tools that are extremely valuable for travelers, too. You can have the VPN connect automatically whenever you use an unsecured hotspot, hide your device from others on the network, or allow certain apps to bypass the VPN entirely. There’s also 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Most importantly, NordVPN has been audited several times to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs.

If you need to bypass country-wide censorship, NordVPN has two methods. You could try its obfuscated servers or the faster, more modern NordWhisper protocol.

Most people will be perfectly fine with the Basic plan. However, you can upgrade to a Plus subscription if you’d like additional protection. This comes with anti-malware and tracker-blocking features, plus a data breach alert system and password manager. Alternatively, there’s the Ultimate plan, which offers all of this as well as 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and cyber insurance coverage (in certain locations).

NordVPN offers apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. There are also manual setup guides for most types of router firmware.

BEST VPN FOR TRAVEL:NordVPN is my first choice, and for good reason. Its proven no-logs policy, impressive performance, and anti-censorship tools make it a fantastic option for privacy-conscious travelers. Every subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee too, so you can try it out completely risk-free.

Check out the complete NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for international travellers. Despite its low price point, this provider has more than 4,500 servers in over 100 countries and works perfectly with most geo-blocked platforms. For instance, I was able to access Prime Video, Hulu, ITVX, Stan, and Netflix without any problems. Surfshark lets you secure any number of devices at the same time, browse safely in China, and speak with customer support at any time using its 24/7 live chat service.

Surfshark has a reputation for being one of the fastest services around, but I wanted to verify this for myself. I used a 49 Mbps connection to more accurately reflect household conditions, and recorded an average speed of 43.14 Mbps when connected to Surfshark. Take a look:

Surfshark also boasts a strong focus on security. Its standard plan includes a variety of advanced security tools, including the option to change your IP address periodically and block ads automatically. It doesn’t keep any logs either, something confirmed by independent auditors. You can even create custom multihop connections, activate a stealth mode, or choose to block ads, trackers, and malware automatically.

If you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can effectively transform this service into a mobile security suite. Its Surfshark One plan comes with a virus scanner, ID breach alerts, a private search engine, malware protection, and a tool that generates fake personas so that you can sign up for services without providing any sensitive information.

This VPN supports iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS, plus it’s one of the only services with a graphical Linux app. There are manual setup guides for routers on its website too. Surfshark is extremely versatile, affordable, and newcomer-friendly, and as if that wasn’t enough, it can be relied upon in places where most other VPNs are blocked outright. There is quite simply, no other service that offers this level of security and performance at such a reasonable price.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the top low-cost VPN for traveling abroad. It’s fast, great at accessing stubborn streaming sites, and able to protect every device you own. Each subscription oincludes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in the full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a veteran provider that’s been around for more than a decade. It has roughly 1,800 servers in over 80 countries and can reliably access even the most stubborn geo-blocked platforms (including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+). Users can connect up to five of their devices simultaneously and there’s around the clock support thanks to this provider’s ticket system and live chat service.

I performed three speed tests (in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon) on Total VPN’s servers in six different countries. This provider delivered an average speed of 41.3 Mbps on a 49 Mbps connection, so there was barely any slowdown. For the most part, Total VPN’s speeds were highly consistent, though the Japanese servers were quite a bit slower (likely due to my distance from them). Here are the full results:

When it comes to security, this service doesn’t mess around. It boasts 256-bit AES encryption (which is currently considered uncrackable), a kill switch in almost every version of the app, and automatic DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Naturally, Total VPN follows a no-logging policy, so your online activities can’t be revealed under any circumstances. Its Hydra protocol can help you browse safely on networks that normally block VPNs outright but it won’t help you evade country-wide censorship.

Total VPN apps are available for Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS. There’s no support for Linux systems or routers yet.

LIGHTWEIGHT, NO-LOGS VPN:Total VPN is a clutter-free beginner-friendly service that excels at beating regional restrictions. Refuses to keep logs, offers very high speeds, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (14 days on short-term plans).

Take a look at the full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a freemium service, and if you just want to keep a single device secure while on public wifi, you may not ever need to upgrade. After all, the company has a long history of standing up for privacy, and also operates ProtonMail, the choice of activists the world over.

If you’re thinking long-term, though, it’s a good idea to consider paying for a premium plan. For starters, you can’t torrent or access streaming platforms without one, and you’re limited to just a handful of server locations. Once upgraded, however, users gain access to over 15,000 servers in 120 different countries, and can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously. You’ll also unlock 24/7 customer support via live chat, which is a huge draw in and of itself.

Speed is another great reason to upgrade. The free servers are decent, and fast enough for most things, but still slower than the paid ones. My in-depth testing revealed that paid users could expect average speeds of around 41.6 Mbps on a 49 Mbps base connection, with only slight reductions when using very distant servers.

On the plus side, the majority of ProtonVPN’s toolkit is available to everyone. This includes powerful encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and port forwarding functionality. There’s a strict no-logs policy in place too, and it’s been independently-verified for your peace of mind.

Paid plans come with ad-blocking, malware-protection, and split tunneling functionality, as well as multi-hop servers and the option to use custom DNS servers. Experienced users will appreciate the extra control that these offer but if you’re newer, they may just feel a little overwhelming. Finally, there’s a higher-tier subscription called Proton Unlimited that offers all of this, a password manager, and encrypted file storage.

ProtonVPN recently redesigned its main screen, putting its key features at your fingertips. Users can now adjust various settings without having to dig into the menus and it’s easier to choose a preset profile or monitor your connection than ever before.

This VPN has its own Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux apps with manual setup guides for routers on its website.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY:ProtonVPN has an impressive freemium offering, with strong speeds and a great set of security features. Its streaming ability is excellent, it works in places like China, and doesn’t keep any logs. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more with the full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a natural choice for travelers thanks to its large network (covering 105 countries) and the fact that it automatically obfuscates your data when it realizes you’re in a place with strict online censorship, such as China. This VPN works well with services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Crave, plus it provides 24/7 assistance via live chat and operates various mirror sites that can be accessed even if the main website is blocked. Users can secure 10–14 devices at once, with higher-tier subscriptions having higher connection limits.

My testing revealed that ExpressVPN generally provides reliable, high-speed connections, though there is a relatively steep falloff the further away your chosen server is. As the table below shows, there was barely any impact on speeds using servers in Greece, but the average speed was just 31.59 Mbps while on a Japanese server. In my professional opinion, this will be fine for most day-to-day tasks but you may experience buffering while doing data-intensive tasks like streaming 4K video.

This service boasts an incredible privacy record. ExpressVPN uses quantum-resistant encryption, a kill switch, and automatic WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leak prevention tools to ensure nobody can see what you do online. There’s also a built-in ad and tracker-blocker, plus the ability to let traffic from specific websites pass through unencrypted. ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy, something that has been verified repeatedly via independent audits.

As you might expect, ExpressVPN provides apps for all major operating systems (Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux). However, it’s the only VPN I’ve seen during my many years in this industry that has its own router app. This means you’ll be able to more easily secure devices that don’t support full VPN software, like game consoles and smart TVs. The support area of its website provides detailed instructions to get you up and running as quickly as possible, but you can also ask the support team to guide you through it via live chat, or simply purchase a router that has ExpressVPN preinstalled.

HASSLE-FREE PROTECTION:ExpressVPN has plenty to offer, not least of which is a large network. Delivers steady speeds, handily unblocks most geo-blocked sites, and offers its own router software. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at the in-depth ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a beginner-friendly, affordable provider with plenty to offer. There are more than 3,200 self-owned servers spread throughout 100 countries, meaning you’ll never have to rely on one that’s too far away. While IPVanish can reliably access stubborn streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, it won’t work in countries with extreme censorship. On the plus side, there are no connection or bandwidth limits and customer support is available 24 hours per day via live chat.

IPVanish did quite well in my latest tests, boasting an average speed of 43.11 Mbps. For context, that’s nearly three times the speed required for watching 4K video, so you shouldn’t have any problems during everyday usage. While its servers in Europe were among the fastest, there was a little slowdown when I tried those in Asia, likely just due to the fact that these were further away. Let’s see the full results:

IPVanish does a great job of keeping your online activities hidden from snoopers. By default, it uses ChaCha20 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also a strict no-logs policy, which has been verified by an independent audit. This VPN’s more advanced features include multi-hop servers, OpenVPN obfuscation, a tool that checks whether links are safe to open, and automatic ad and tracker-blocking.

Finally, IPVanish recently began offering an Advanced subscription tier that comes with the VPN itself, a cloud-based browser, and 1 TB of cloud storage. The sandboxed browser is particularly handy. By keeping your browsing online, it keeps harmful elements like trackers or malware away from your device. This also allows you to carry out browsing without worrying that local networks or ISPs will find out. This is ideal for users who are browsing in regions with heavy internet restrictions.

In my tests, the sandboxed browser performed well for private surfing, though HD and 4K streaming could be smoother. I also experienced more captchas on Google, which was a touch annoying. This makes the secure browser less useful for streaming than I would have hoped but it is still an excellent resource for those in restrictive countries. With both VPN and cloud storage included at a competitive rate, the Advanced plan is worth considering if you are already in need of both.

IPVanish has its own apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The help section of its website provides manual setup instructions for Linux systems and routers.

IDEAL FOR USE ABROAD:IPVanish is fast and puts your security first. There’s virtually no chance of hackers keeping tabs on your activities once connected, plus this VPN has shown a strong commitment to improving its service. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the complete IPVanish review for more info.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has easy to use apps and one of the largest networks around, with servers in more than 100 different countries. Many of these are optimized for different tasks such as gaming, torrenting, or streaming content from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer abroad. You can even get dedicated IP addresses, connect up to seven devices simultaneously, or speak directly with staff using CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat service.

Now, is CyberGhost fast enough to meet your needs? There are thousands of 10 Gbps servers, which all but guarantees you’ll be able to get a speedy, low-latency connection during a trip abroad. My testing backs this up, too, with the average speed (41.56 Mbps) still well above the threshold required for day-to-day browsing.

Let’s talk about security. CyberGhost has been repeatedly audited to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs of your online activities. Further, its apps keeps you safe using unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There’s even automatic ad and tracker-blocking as well as specially-configured NoSpy servers that are kept in a high-security area of CyberGhost’s headquarters in Romania for maximum privacy.

Competing VPNs often include automatic wifi protection but this tends to be very simple: it’s either active or not. In contrast, CyberGhost takes a more flexible approach. Using the Smart rules tab, it’s possible to connect right away when on an unfamiliar network, connect after a preset amount of time, set exceptions, start programs, or connect to specific servers whenever you open a particular app.

This VPN offers apps for iOS, MacOS, Windows, Android, and Linux, plus extensions for a few of the most popular browsers. Unlike most other providers, CyberGhost is still able to block ads and shady sites when installed on a router. The only downside is that it can’t be relied upon in places with extreme censorship since it lacks a stealth mode.

FAST AND FLEXIBLE:CyberGhost is perfect for travelers thanks to its novice-friendly apps, large network, and 24/7 customer support. Takes the stress out of using geo-blocked platforms abroad and boasts a phenomenal privacy record. All plans feature a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Why not read the full review of CyberGhost?

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN operates more than 6,000 servers in around 65 countries. Better still, it works with most streaming platforms I’ve tested, including Netflix, Max, and Hulu, making it great for users hoping to wind down after a busy day in a foreign country. A single subscription lets you connect up to 10 devices at the same time, and customer support is available 24 hours per day over live chat.

I’m a big fan of PureVPN’s desktop app. Previously, its apps were fairly busy, but it’s since redesigned its interface, and now has a main panel dedicated to getting you connected (and browsing tracker-free) as quickly as possible. The settings menu is remarkably easy to navigate too, with three tabs and a short description of what each option does.

To its credit, this VPN does provide remarkably high speeds. It was runner-up in Comparitech’s fastest VPN testing, and performed admirably on home broadband connections too. Across four different server locations, it delivered speeds of around 31.6 Mbps, with one particularly poor result (South Korea) dragging its average speed down to 31.57 Mbps. Note that PureVPN doesn’t operate Mexican servers, so there is no result recorded.

If you’re concerned about staying safe online, PureVPN can help. It uses industry-approved encryption, prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, and offers a customizable kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection drops. PureVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy and has proven it with several independent audits. There’s an ad and tracker-blocking feature built-in too! PureVPN also offers two enhanced plans, Pro and Max – these are more expensive but include benefits like a password manager, encrypted storage, or personal data deletion to help justify the added cost.

Apps are available for all popular platforms, plus PureVPN is one of the only major providers with a graphical Linux app. Alternatively, users can follow manual setup instructions to get this VPN running on most routers.

USER-FRIENDLY:PureVPN puts a lot of effort into being accessible to newcomers. With steady speeds, a strong commitment to privacy, and the ability to bypass digital censorship, it’s perfect for international travel. Includes a 31-day money-back guarantee.

For more details, take a look at the complete PureVPN review.

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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may not be as well known as some of its competitors, but when it comes to security and privacy, it goes the extra mile. That’s great news for international travelers, especially when you consider tourism is one of the three industries most-targeted by cybercriminals. There are roughly 200 servers to choose from in more than 60 counties and all of these are owned and operated in-house for maximum privacy. Users can secure up to 10 devices at once, and live chat-based customer support is available during EU business hours.

This level of privacy does come at a cost. PrivateVPN is the slowest of my recommendations, averaging just 24 Mbps on a 49 Mbps connection, with significant variability in speed depending on your chosen server location – Mexico, I’m looking at you! You’ll also notice a couple of blank spaces in the chart below, where servers simply timed out. Still, this level of performance is plenty if all you’re planning to do is stream, make video calls, or browse the internet. Let’s see the full results:

This should come as no surprise given its name but PrivateVPN boasts a strong set of security features. To begin with, there’s adjustable encryption (128-bit or 256-bit AES), a customizable kill switch, automatic DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a Stealth mode that can help you browse the web safely in countries like China or the UAE. Most importantly, PrivateVPN follows a no-logs policy. However, unlike some of the VPNs above, it hasn’t been independently audited at the time of writing.

PrivateVPN has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS. It can also be installed on Linux systems and routers, though you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

PRIVACY FIRST:PrivateVPN devotes all of its effort to keeping your online activities hidden. It’s a low-cost service with a strong security toolkit and exceptional unblocking ability, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Check out the comprehensive PrivateVPN review.

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How to stay safe while traveling using a VPN

From a user’s standpoint, VPNs can seem overly complicated and a little intimidating. The reality is that they’re fairly easy to use, and a great way to protect yourself against online threats while traveling to other countries. Just follow these steps and you’ll be browsing securely in no time.

How to browse safely with a VPN during a trip abroad 

1. Start by choosing a suitable provider. I recommend NordVPN; having tested numerous similar products, I can safely say that it’s one of the quickest, most secure services around. Plus it maintains its high standards, even in countries with extreme censorship.
2. Install the app before you leave home and save a copy of the manual configuration instructions just in case (sometimes oppressive governments update their VPN-detection methods, preventing the apps from working as intended for a short time).
3. Log in and choose a server. You’ll generally get the fastest connection from a server located nearby but in real-world scenarios, this may not always be the best option. That’s because if you’re trying to use a region-locked service, you’ll have to choose a server in the required country (using a British server to access BBC iPlayer abroad, for instance).
4. After a moment, the VPN will connect. From this moment on, your real IP address and online activities are hidden, allowing you to browse the internet without worrying about who might be watching.
5. Having problems? As someone who uses VPNs often, I’ve found that trying a different server or connection protocol fixes most issues. Failing this, it’s best to contact your VPN’s support team for free, one-on-one assistance.

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Are VPNs legal in the country I’m visiting?

How can I find out what the VPN rules are for the countries I’m visiting? This is a common question among travelers, and it is an excellent idea to check whether you can legally use a VPN while traveling abroad.

In some countries, such as the UAE, VPN use may be prohibited for specific use cases, such as bypassing government censorship. This means you can use a VPN to unblock your home Netflix catalog without getting in trouble. On the other hand, using a VPN to make VoIP calls – or to access adult content – could be against the rules.

In other countries, such as Russia and China, VPN use is prohibited unless the VPN company has registered with the government. Unfortunately, VPNs registered with those governments are unlikely to have a no-logs policy, and may be legally required to share data with government snoops. This makes using those VPNs a bad idea if you want online privacy.

Disclaimer: Although Comparitech has spent hours researching this topic, nothing above should be taken as legal advice. Comparitech encourages you to consult local laws or perhaps even seek a professional’s opinion before attempting to use a VPN if you’re not completely sure that doing so is legal in your country.

Check Comparitech’s Best VPN lists

Comparitech has VPN articles for nearly every country. These lists allow you to check which VPNs work best in the country you will be visiting. They also provide important information regarding the legality of VPN use in the country you will be visiting. Want to know whether it is legal to use a VPN in China? You can visit the guide to the best VPNs for China and learn everything there is to know about VPN use in China.

In the following countries, there are legal considerations surrounding the use of VPNs. Note that this list is not exhaustive.

You can click on any of the country links below to visit the best VPN list:

• China: VPN providers must obtain a license from the government. Unauthorized VPNs are illegal, and their use can lead to penalties.
• Russia: VPNs are required to comply with government regulations, including blocking access to banned websites. Non-compliant VPNs are prohibited.
• Turkey: VPNs aren’t illegal in Turkey, but the government imposes restrictions. This can make it hard to subscribe because many popular VPN provider websites are blocked. It can also be hard to connect, so I advise using a VPN with effective obfuscation. Although there’s no formal licensing process, VPNs are technically required to comply with Turkish content regulations.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): VPN use is legal in the UAE as long as you don’t use a VPN for illicit purposes such as bypassing VoIP blocks or watching adult content. Using a VPN for privacy purposes while working, to prevent hacking on public wifi, or for accessing a foreign streaming service is not against the law.
• India: The government mandates that VPN providers collect and store user data for a specified period. Non-compliant VPNs are not permitted to operate legally.
• Iran: Only government-approved VPNs are legal. There are legal consequences for unauthorized VPN usage.
• Egypt: VPN use is not explicitly illegal in Egypt. However, the government has taken steps to block access to many VPNs. Using a VPN to bypass censorship could result in fines. Thus, it is what you choose to do with a VPN rather than using a VPN that could be considered illegal.
• Uganda: Although VPNs aren’t illegal, ISPs have been asked to block VPNs. This can make it challenging to subscribe to VPNs in Uganda. It is a good idea to subscribe to and install the VPN prior to visiting Uganda. Use of a VPN to bypass the social media tax could lead to fines.

VPN considerations while traveling abroad

The important thing to remember is that when visiting countries that frown upon VPNs, such as the UAE, it is a good idea to use a highly secure and reliable VPN with advanced privacy features such as a kill switch and obfuscation. This will help you in various ways.

Firstly, it will allow your VPN to connect even when local networks or ISPs are attempting to block VPNs. This ensures that you can use the VPN, even if the local network is attempting to prevent VPN use.

Secondly, the obfuscation will conceal your VPN use and make it seem like regular HTTPS traffic. This reduces the chance of you being singled out as suspicious. In addition, the kill switch will prevent your activities from leaking to the local network or ISP should the VPN connection drop out. This is vital if you intend to use the VPN for any use cases that might be considered illegal.

Secure VPNs make tracking your activities difficult!

The important thing to remember is that as long as you stick to a recommended VPN with robust privacy and security features, including trusted VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, it will be very hard for local networks, ISPs, and government agencies to deduce what you are doing online.

This is the whole point of a reliable VPN: it makes you private online. So as long as you stick to a recommended VPN for the place you are traveling, you will be able to access the internet free of censorship or surveillance. That is why I strongly advise sticking to secure VPNs with no logging policies, robust AES encryption, and reliable privacy features such as DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and obfuscation.

How can I find out VPN rules for the countries I’m visiting?

The best way to check a VPN’s legal status is to search for Comparitech’s VPN guide for that country. You can do this by searching for the words “Best VPN for” the country you are interested in and the word “Comparitech” in Google Search. This will let you navigate to our VPN guide.

You can double-check VPN legality for your country by:

1. Using official government travel advisories: Some countries publish data about internet restrictions (including VPN use) in their official travel guidance.
2. Checking with your VPN provider: Some VPNs offer country-specific guidance. Some even list which locations block their service or require obfuscation features.
3. Asking trusted forums or expat communities: Reddit subs like r/VPN, travel forums, or country-specific expat groups often discuss real-world experiences using VPNs. You can also ask on Quora or check to see if someone has asked previously.
4. Using a VPN that offers obfuscation: If you want to be able to get online privacy while traveling, you will be safe as long as you stick to one of the most secure VPNs for traveling. If you are traveling in a highly restrictive country, I recommend using a VPN with a kill switch, robust OpenVPN encryption, and obfuscation. You can toggle features like Camouflage Mode, Stealth VPN, or Obfuscated Servers in the VPN’s settings.

Best VPNs for travel: FAQs