DayTraders Restricted Countries 2026: Full List

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Disclaimer

Research-based analysis: I've spent weeks digging through DayTraders' rules, help center articles, and community feedback to map every detail of their trading rules across all four product lines. This breakdown reflects verified data from their official documentation and real trader experiences.

The most important rule at DayTraders varies by account type — Trail uses intraday trailing, Static is fixed, S2F uses end-of-day, and S2L has daily loss limits on top of trailing drawdown. I broke it all down in my complete DayTraders rules overview. For the full picture, read my complete DayTraders review. For the absolute latest, check DayTraders' website or their help center.

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DayTraders restricts 95 countries from opening accounts. As of April 2026, if your country is on the list, you can't sign up, purchase an evaluation, or create any account type. This applies to Trail, Static, S2F, and S2L products equally.

I get messages about this constantly. Traders from Turkey, Nigeria, South Africa, and Indonesia are the ones who ask the most. The list is long, and it goes well beyond the standard OFAC sanctions that most US-based prop firms follow. DayTraders blocks a wider net than competitors like Apex Trader Funding or Take Profit Trader.

This guide covers the full restricted list, the travel exception, VPN rules, KYC requirements, and which countries are actually eligible.

How Many Countries Does DayTraders Restrict?

DayTraders blocks 95 countries as of April 2026. That's a significantly larger list than most futures prop firms.

For comparison, Apex Trader Funding only restricts OFAC-sanctioned nations (roughly 7-8 countries and regions). Take Profit Trader blocks around 30. DayTraders' 95-country list is one of the most restrictive in the prop trading industry.

The restrictions apply to all four product lines: Trail evaluations, Static evaluations, S2F (Straight to Funded), and S2L (Straight to Live). No exceptions exist based on account type.

What Is the Full List of DayTraders Restricted Countries?

Here's the complete list of 95 restricted countries as of April 2026, organized alphabetically by region.

Here's the same list in simple alphabetical order for quick scanning:

A few things stand out about this list. Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, and Nigeria are all blocked. Those are countries with large active trading communities. Most competing prop firms accept traders from at least some of these nations.

Cyprus is a surprising inclusion. It's an EU member state, and most prop firms accept Cypriot traders without issue.

Why Does DayTraders Restrict So Many Countries?

DayTraders doesn't publish a detailed explanation for each restricted country. Based on the pattern, the restrictions likely stem from a combination of factors:

Regulatory compliance. US-based financial services companies face strict requirements around anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. Countries with weaker financial oversight frameworks or that appear on international watchlists often get blocked.

OFAC sanctions. Cuba, Iran, Syria, Russia, and several others are on the US Treasury's OFAC sanctions list. Any US-incorporated company must block these countries. DayTraders is incorporated in Delaware.

Payment processing limitations. DayTraders accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Some countries have banking infrastructure that doesn't support reliable card transactions with US merchants. Payment fraud rates also factor into decisions by card processors.

Payout delivery challenges. DayTraders uses Plane for payouts. If Plane can't reliably send funds to a country or if the compliance burden is too high, DayTraders may block that country preemptively.

Risk management. A broader restricted list reduces the compliance overhead. Rather than evaluating each borderline country individually, blocking a larger set simplifies operations.

The 95-country list hasn't changed frequently, but DayTraders could update it at any time. Always verify your eligibility directly before purchasing.

What Is DayTraders' Travel Policy for Restricted Countries?

Existing account holders can continue trading while physically located in a restricted country. This is a travel exception, not a workaround for residency.

The specific rule: if you already have an active DayTraders account and you travel to a restricted country, you can keep trading. But you cannot open new accounts, purchase new evaluations, or add services while you're there.

This matters for traders who travel internationally. If you're from the US and take a trip to Turkey or Thailand, your existing account stays active. You can log into your platform and trade normally.

The restriction only kicks in if you try to make a new purchase while located in a restricted country. The payment will either be declined or the account creation will be blocked based on your IP location.

Once you return to an eligible country, full functionality resumes.

Can You Use a VPN to Bypass DayTraders Country Restrictions?

No. DayTraders explicitly blocks VPN usage during the account purchase process. If a VPN is detected at the time of payment, the transaction will be declined automatically.

This isn't a soft warning. The payment system checks your connection and rejects VPN traffic. You can't get around it by switching servers or using different VPN providers.

Here's why this matters even beyond the purchase step:

KYC verification. DayTraders requires government ID or passport through Plane. Your documents must match an eligible country. Even if you somehow completed a purchase through a VPN, the KYC step would flag the mismatch.

IP monitoring. Ongoing trading activity is monitored. Consistent VPN usage patterns can trigger account reviews.

Payout verification. When you request payouts through Plane, your banking details must match your registered country. A restricted-country bank account won't process.

The risk isn't worth it. If DayTraders discovers a VPN was used to circumvent restrictions, the consequences include account suspension, permanent closure, and forfeiture of any balance.

What Are DayTraders' KYC Requirements?

DayTraders handles identity verification through Plane, their payout provider. The requirements are straightforward:

Age requirement. You must be 18 years or older. No exceptions.

Government ID. A valid government-issued ID or passport number is required. This gets submitted during your Plane account setup, not during the initial evaluation purchase.

US taxpayer status. You'll need to declare whether you're a US citizen or taxpayer. This determines tax reporting requirements (US traders get a 1099-NEC form by January 31).

Bank details. Your bank account information must be added to Plane for payout processing. The banking country must match your registered country of residence.

Payout email. A valid email associated with your Plane account is required.

The KYC process happens before your first payout, not at the time of evaluation purchase. You can buy an evaluation and start trading without completing KYC. But you'll need everything verified before withdrawing any profits.

Professional vs. non-professional classification. DayTraders services are designed for non-professional traders. If you're classified as a professional (SEC/CFTC registered, using data commercially, etc.), CME real-time data fees of $115+ per month per exchange apply. You'll need to self-declare your status during setup.

Which Major Trading Countries Are Eligible?

Despite the 95-country restriction list, DayTraders accepts traders from the world's largest futures trading markets. Here's a breakdown of confirmed eligible regions:

The US, UK, Germany, and Australia represent the largest share of DayTraders' user base. If you're in any major Western economy, you're almost certainly eligible.

India is notable because it's accepted by DayTraders despite being blocked by some other prop firms. The Philippines and Malaysia are also accepted, which matters for the growing Southeast Asian trading community.

How Does DayTraders Compare to Other Prop Firms on Country Restrictions?

DayTraders' 95-country list is significantly more restrictive than most competitors.

If you're in a country that DayTraders blocks but other firms accept, the answer is simple: use a different prop firm. There's no benefit to trying workarounds when multiple legitimate alternatives exist for your region.

What Alternatives Exist for Traders in Restricted Countries?

If you're in one of the 95 restricted countries, here are your options:

Try other futures prop firms. Apex Trader Funding accepts traders from most countries outside OFAC sanctions. Take Profit Trader has a shorter restricted list. TopOne Futures and Bulenox are also worth checking.

Check forex prop firms. If you're open to forex and CFDs instead of futures, firms like FTMO, MyFundedFX, or FundingPips may accept your country. Forex prop firms generally have shorter restricted lists.

Wait for policy changes. DayTraders could update their restricted list at any time. Countries occasionally get added or removed. If you're close to the border of eligibility, it's worth checking periodically.

Relocate or use dual citizenship. If you hold citizenship in an eligible country, you can register using that nationality. Your government ID must match. This only works if you legitimately hold that citizenship and can provide valid documentation.

Contact DayTraders directly. If you believe your country was recently removed from the list or if your situation is unusual (dual citizenship, recent relocation), reach out to their 24/7 support team. They may be able to clarify your eligibility.

Can Dual Citizens Use DayTraders?

DayTraders doesn't publish a specific dual citizenship policy in their help center. The practical answer depends on your documentation.

If you hold citizenship in both a restricted and an eligible country, you'd need to register using your eligible country's documents. Your government ID, passport, and banking details submitted through Plane must all correspond to the eligible country.

The key question is whether your bank account is in the eligible country. Plane processes payouts to bank accounts, and the banking jurisdiction matters. If your only bank account is in a restricted country, the payout step becomes the bottleneck.

Contact DayTraders support before purchasing if you're in this situation. They can confirm whether your specific documentation and banking setup qualifies.

What Happens If Your Country Gets Restricted After You Join?

DayTraders' help center doesn't address this scenario directly. Based on how other prop firms handle similar situations, the most likely outcomes are:

Existing accounts may be grandfathered. Your active accounts might continue to function under the travel exception policy. You can trade but can't open new accounts.

New purchases would be blocked. Even if your current account stays active, you won't be able to buy new evaluations or add services.

Payouts could be affected. If Plane can't process payments to your country, payout delivery becomes an issue regardless of your account status.

This is speculative. The safest approach is to contact DayTraders support immediately if your country's status changes. Get written confirmation of what happens to your existing accounts and pending payouts.

Is the DayTraders Restricted List the Same as Rithmic's?

Not exactly. DayTraders uses Rithmic as their data and execution provider, but the restricted country list is determined by DayTraders, not by Rithmic.

Rithmic itself is a technology provider and doesn't directly restrict countries. The restrictions come from DayTraders' internal compliance decisions, their payment processor's capabilities, and their payout provider (Plane).

Some overlap exists because Rithmic-based prop firms all need to comply with US regulations. But each firm sets its own restricted list independently. That's why Apex (also Rithmic-based) has a much shorter list than DayTraders.

How Often Does the Restricted Country List Change?

DayTraders doesn't publish a changelog for their restricted country list. As of April 2026, the list sits at 95 countries and has been relatively stable.

Changes typically happen for three reasons:

1. New sanctions. If the US government adds sanctions against a country, DayTraders would add it to the restricted list.
2. Payment processor changes. If their card processor or Plane updates their coverage, countries could be added or removed.
3. Internal risk assessment. DayTraders may periodically review their restricted list based on fraud rates, compliance costs, or operational considerations.

Check DayTraders' website or contact their support before purchasing if you're unsure about your country's current status. The list could change without notice.

FAQ Section

Is my country restricted by DayTraders?

DayTraders restricts 95 countries as of April 2026. The full list includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Egypt, Gabon, Grenada, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Republic of Moldova, and Republic of the Congo. If your country isn't on this list, you're likely eligible.

Can I use a VPN to sign up for DayTraders from a restricted country?

No. DayTraders blocks VPN connections during the account purchase process. If a VPN is detected, the payment will be declined automatically. Even if you bypassed the purchase step, KYC verification through Plane requires government ID from an eligible country, and payout banking details must match. Attempting to circumvent restrictions risks account suspension, permanent closure, and forfeiture of all funds.

Can I trade DayTraders while traveling to a restricted country?

Yes. Existing account holders can continue trading while physically in a restricted country. This is a travel exception. You can log in, execute trades, and manage your account. The restriction only applies to new purchases: you cannot open new accounts, buy new evaluations, or add services until you return to an eligible country.

What KYC documents does DayTraders require?

DayTraders requires a government-issued ID or passport number, verified through their payout provider Plane. You must be 18 or older. US taxpayer status must be declared. Bank account details must be added to Plane for payout processing. The KYC process happens before your first payout, not at the time of evaluation purchase. Professional traders face additional CME data fees of $115+ per month.

Why does DayTraders restrict more countries than other prop firms?

DayTraders' 95-country restriction is broader than the OFAC-based restrictions most firms use (typically 7-30 countries). The expanded list likely reflects a combination of regulatory compliance, payment processing limitations, payout delivery challenges through Plane, and internal risk management decisions. DayTraders is a Delaware corporation that must follow US regulations, but the specific list goes beyond mandatory sanctions.

Is Turkey restricted by DayTraders?

Yes. Turkey is on DayTraders' restricted country list as of April 2026. Turkish traders cannot create accounts, purchase evaluations, or receive payouts. This is notable because Turkey has a large active trading community and is accepted by several other prop firms including Apex Trader Funding. If you're in Turkey, consider alternatives like Apex, Take Profit Trader, or TopOne Futures.

Is Nigeria restricted by DayTraders?

Yes. Nigeria is restricted as of April 2026. Nigerian traders cannot sign up for any DayTraders product (Trail, Static, S2F, or S2L). Nigeria has one of Africa's largest retail trading communities, and this restriction affects a significant number of potential traders. Apex Trader Funding accepts Nigerian traders if you need a futures prop firm alternative.

Can I use DayTraders with dual citizenship if one country is restricted?

DayTraders doesn't publish a specific dual citizenship policy. In practice, you'd need to register using documentation from your eligible country. Your government ID, passport, and Plane banking details must all correspond to the eligible country. If your only bank account is in the restricted country, the payout step becomes a problem. Contact DayTraders support before purchasing to confirm your specific situation.

Does the restricted country list apply to all DayTraders account types?

Yes. The 95-country restriction applies equally to Trail evaluations, Static evaluations, S2F (Straight to Funded), S2L (Straight to Live), and Pro accounts. There are no account types that bypass country restrictions. The restriction is applied at the account creation and payment level, not at the product level.

What alternatives exist for traders in DayTraders' restricted countries?

Several prop firms accept traders from countries that DayTraders blocks. Apex Trader Funding only restricts OFAC-sanctioned countries (roughly 8 total), making it the most accessible option. Take Profit Trader restricts about 30 countries. TopOne Futures and Bulenox also have shorter lists. For forex/CFD alternatives, firms like FTMO and FundingPips serve a broader international audience. Always verify the specific firm's restricted list for your country before purchasing.

Infographic Prompts

Prompt 1 — Restricted Countries World Map Technical schematic blueprint on dark navy (#0D1117) background. World map in white line art with 95 countries highlighted in red crosshatch pattern. Large regions in Africa, Middle East, and Central/South Asia clearly marked. Title "DayTraders: 95 Restricted Countries" in bold white sans-serif. Clean labels for major blocked regions. No gradients, no photography. Monochrome with red accent only. 16:9 landscape format.

Prompt 2 — Country Restriction Comparison Chart Technical schematic on dark navy (#0D1117) background. Horizontal bar chart comparing prop firm restricted country counts. DayTraders: 95 (longest bar, red). Take Profit Trader: ~30 (medium bar, white). TopOne Futures: ~15 (short bar, white). Apex Trader Funding: ~8 (shortest bar, white). Title "Prop Firm Country Restrictions Compared" in bold white sans-serif. Clean minimal design. No gradients. 16:9 landscape format.

Prompt 3 — DayTraders Eligibility Flowchart Technical schematic flowchart on dark navy (#0D1117) background. Decision tree: "Is your country on the 95-country list?" Yes arrow leads to "Cannot create account. Try Apex or TPT." No arrow leads to "Are you 18+ with government ID?" Yes leads to "Eligible. Purchase evaluation." No leads to "Not eligible." VPN branch: "Using VPN?" leads to "Payment declined." Clean white lines and text. No gradients. 16:9 landscape format.