VPN for Russia
Russia has significantly expanded internet censorship since 2022. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X are blocked. Many independent news outlets are inaccessible. VPN services are restricted, though many still work. Conditions may change rapidly.
What's blocked in Russia
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, many independent news sites
VPN use is technically restricted in Russia, though enforcement against foreign travellers for personal use is rare. Use a premium VPN with obfuscation to avoid detection.
Russia actively detects and blocks VPN traffic. You need a premium VPN with obfuscation or stealth mode enabled. Standard free VPNs will not work here.
Using your eSIM and VPN together in Russia
Your uPhone eSIM gives you a local Russia IP address. Without a VPN, all your traffic is visible to local ISPs and subject to Russia's content filters. The VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over your eSIM data — making it appear you're browsing from your home country.
Use Lightway TCP (ExpressVPN) or Obfuscated OpenVPN (NordVPN). This gives you the best balance of speed and reliability on mobile data in Russia — and is hardest for local ISPs to detect and block.
Best VPN providers for Russia
Not all VPNs work in Russia — you need proven obfuscation technology. These are the ones that consistently bypass Russia's firewall:
Internet in Russia — what travellers need to know
Russia has dramatically escalated internet censorship since 2022. Roskomnadzor (the communications regulator) has blocked Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, BBC, Deutsche Welle, and thousands of news and opposition websites. VPN provider websites are themselves blocked, but demand for VPNs has skyrocketed — Russia became the world's #1 VPN market in March 2022. The government has passed laws threatening VPN providers with fines for not removing blocked content from their servers. Despite this, many VPNs continue to work inside Russia using obfuscated protocols. For travellers, a VPN with obfuscation is essential for basic internet access.
Local streaming services in Russia
These services are popular in Russia but geo-locked — a local server unlocks them when you're at home, while a home-country server unlocks your own library when you're in Russia:
Not Five Eyes. Roskomnadzor issues mass blocking orders. Yarovaya Law requires ISPs to retain all content for 6 months. Social media platforms required to store Russian user data in Russia. VPN use extremely high post-2022.
Install and test your VPN before entering Russia — VPN websites are blocked inside the country. Use obfuscated/stealth protocols: Mullvad with Shadowsocks, ExpressVPN Lightway obfuscated, or Lantern. Avoid free VPNs — they log data and may cooperate with authorities.
Pre-trip checklist for Russia
Everything to do at home, on your normal internet, before you board.
