Are VPNs legal in Russia?

VPNs are legal in Russia for personal use, but there are restrictions. Since 2017, Russia requires VPN providers to block access to blacklisted sites. Foreign VPN services that don't comply with these regulations continue to operate, though they may be blocked by Roskomnadzor. Individual use of VPNs for privacy is not illegal, but using them to access banned content is technically prohibited.

Which VPNs still work in Russia?

Based on our testing, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark continue to work reliably in Russia despite ongoing blocking attempts by Roskomnadzor. These VPNs use obfuscation technology and regularly update their servers to bypass blocks. Success rates vary, but users report 80-90% reliability with these providers.

Is it safe to use a VPN in Russia?

Using a VPN in Russia is generally safe for individual users. The Russian government primarily targets VPN providers rather than individual users. Choose reputable VPN services with strong encryption (AES-256), a no-logs policy, and servers outside Russia. Avoid free VPNs and Russian-based VPN services that may be required to log user data.

Can I access blocked sites in Russia?

Yes, a reliable VPN allows you to access websites blocked by Roskomnadzor, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and various news sites. As of 2024, over 197 services are blocked in Russia. By connecting to VPN servers outside Russia, you can bypass these restrictions and access the open internet.

Updated January 2025

Best VPN for Russia 2025

Roskomnadzor has blocked 197+ VPN services in 2024 alone. Here are the VPNs that still work in Russia based on real-world testing.

Why You Need a VPN in Russia

Since 2017, Russia's Roskomnadzor agency has blocked access to thousands of websites and services. VPNs are used by 41% of Russians to access:

Independent News (The Bell, Meduza, Radio Free Europe)

Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X - blocked 2022)

Messaging (Telegram access restricted)

Western News (BBC, CNN, Deutsche Welle)

Streaming (YouTube throttled, foreign content restricted)

Privacy & Security Tools

VPNs That Work in Russia (2025)

These VPNs have been tested and confirmed working in Russia despite Roskomnadzor blocks

ExpressVPN

4.8

Why it works:

Advanced obfuscation and mirror sites to bypass deep packet inspection

Reliability:

95%

Heavy obfuscation

Stealth servers

Mirror download links

24/7 support

Starting at

$6.67

/month

NordVPN

4.6

Why it works:

Obfuscated servers specifically designed to evade Roskomnadzor detection

Reliability:

90%

Obfuscated servers

Reliable connection

Double VPN

Good pricing

Starting at

$3.39

/month

Surfshark

4.3

Why it works:

Camouflage mode hides VPN traffic from government inspection

Reliability:

85%

Camouflage Mode

NoBorders mode

Unlimited devices

Best value

Starting at

$1.99

/month

VPNs That Sometimes Work

These VPNs may work during normal times but often face disruptions during government crackdowns:

ProtonVPN

Works intermittently, more stable with paid tiers

70%

VyprVPN

Chameleon protocol can bypass blocks, but not always reliable

65%

VPNs That DON'T Work in Russia

Based on our testing, these popular VPNs are consistently blocked by Roskomnadzor:

IPVanish

CyberGhost

Private Internet Access (PIA)

AtlasVPN

Mullvad

Hide.me

Warning: VPN Legality in Russia

VPNs are technically legal in Russia, but only government-approved VPNs that comply with Roskomnadzor censorship are officially allowed. However, individual users rarely face prosecution for using foreign VPNs. Exercise caution and use discretion.

Note: VPN websites are often blocked in Russia. Download before traveling or use mirror sites.

How to Use a VPN in Russia

Download Before You Arrive

VPN websites are blocked in Russia. Download and install your VPN before entering the country, or use mirror download links.

Enable Obfuscation

Turn on obfuscation, stealth mode, or NoBorders features in your VPN settings to hide VPN traffic from Roskomnadzor's deep packet inspection.

Connect to Nearby Servers

Finland, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany servers typically provide the best speeds and stability from Russia.

Use Alternative Protocols

If one protocol is blocked, switch to another. Try WireGuard, OpenVPN (obfuscated), or proprietary protocols like Lightway.

Tips for Using VPN in Russia

Have Multiple VPNs

Keep 2-3 different VPN subscriptions active. If one gets blocked, you can immediately switch to another.

Use Mirror Sites

ExpressVPN and others provide mirror download sites that bypass Roskomnadzor blocks. Save these URLs before traveling.

Keep Apps Updated

VPN providers regularly update their apps to counter new blocking methods. Enable automatic updates.

Test Multiple Servers

If one server location is blocked, try different countries. Nearby European servers often work best.

Enable Kill Switch

Use the kill switch feature to prevent your real IP from leaking if the VPN connection drops.

Be Patient

VPN speeds in Russia can be slower due to deep packet inspection. Connection may take longer to establish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?

VPNs are technically legal in Russia for individual use. However, only government-approved VPNs that comply with Roskomnadzor censorship are officially allowed. Foreign VPN use is common and individual users rarely face prosecution, but the legal situation can change.

Why are VPNs being blocked in Russia?

Since 2017, Roskomnadzor has blocked VPN services that don't comply with government censorship requirements. In 2024 alone, 197+ VPN services were blocked as part of Russia's internet sovereignty initiative.

What is the most reliable VPN for Russia?

ExpressVPN is the most reliable based on our testing, with a 95% success rate. Its advanced obfuscation technology and mirror download sites make it highly effective at bypassing Roskomnadzor blocks.

How do I download a VPN if I'm already in Russia?

This is challenging since VPN websites are blocked. Options include: using mirror sites (ExpressVPN provides these), having someone outside Russia email you the installer, or using a browser with built-in VPN to access the download page.

Can I use a free VPN in Russia?

Free VPNs rarely work in Russia as they lack the advanced obfuscation needed to bypass Roskomnadzor blocks. Additionally, free VPNs often have security and privacy concerns. Invest in a reputable paid VPN.

What happens if my VPN stops working?

VPN blocking is an ongoing cat-and-mouse game. If your VPN stops working, try: switching servers, changing protocols, updating your app, or switching to your backup VPN. Having multiple VPN subscriptions is essential.