Kraken is one of the more established crypto exchanges, but availability still depends heavily on where you live. Due to regulatory requirements and international sanctions, certain countries are restricted from accessing the platform. This guide breaks down exactly which regions are blocked in 2026, along with what limitations users should be aware of before signing up.
Kraken Restricted Countries
Below is the updated list of Kraken restricted countries based on the latest Kraken Help Centre article:
- Crimea
- Cuba
- Donetsk
- Iran
- Luhansk
- North Korea
- Russia
- Belarus
- Syria
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Libya
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Yemen
Kraken Supported Countries
Kraken is available in over 180 countries from all around the world. What we love about Kraken is their page where they list every supported country.
Check out the full list of Kraken supported countries here.
Is Kraken Regulated & Licensed?
Kraken is one of the largest crypto exchanges, with over 40 million registered users and a daily trading volume reaching over $4 billion. Currently, Kraken is located in San Francisco, US.
Kraken is regulated in the United States and Europe.
Kraken is a regulated crypto exchange. FinCEN has granted Kraken a Money Service Business license (MSB), with the registration number 31000239561651. Additionally, Kraken has obtained an MSB license from FINTRAC in Canada.
In Europe, Kraken has received an EU E-Money license and VASP license in Spain.
Additionally, Kraken operates as a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom.
Does Kraken Require KYC?
Yes, Kraken requires KYC verification. Without verifying your identity, you can not use Kraken at all.
In order to verify your identity on Kraken, you must submit the following details:
- ID, Passport or Drivers License
- Proof of address (Bank statement or Utility Bill)
- Facial Recognition (Selfie)
After you have successfully completed the Kraken KYC verification process, you will have full access to the crypto exchange.
Bottom Line
Kraken remains one of the more compliant crypto exchanges, which is why its availability is shaped by strict regulatory requirements. While it supports users in over 180 countries, several regions remain restricted due to sanctions and legal obligations.
If your country is supported, Kraken offers a reliable and regulated environment for trading. However, if you are located in a restricted region, there is no workaround through VPNs or alternative methods, as access depends entirely on identity verification.
FAQs
1. Is Kraken available in the United States?
Yes, Kraken is available in the United States. However, certain states may have additional restrictions, and some features like derivatives trading are not accessible.
2. Is Kraken available in Canada?
Yes, Kraken operates in Canada and is registered with FINTRAC, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.
3. Is Kraken available in the United Kingdom?
Yes, Kraken is available in the UK. However, derivatives trading is restricted for retail users due to local regulations.
4. Can I use Kraken with a VPN? (Fixed)
Using a VPN does not bypass Kraken’s compliance checks.
Even if you access the platform through a VPN, you will still need to complete identity verification. If you are from a restricted country, you will not be able to pass KYC or use Kraken’s services.
