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Partly blocked Updated 14 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes

How to unblock Tor Browser in United Arab Emirates

Tor Browser is partly blocked in United Arab Emirates. The fix that works for most people is a VPN, and Proton VPN is the one we recommend here.

Short answer

Use Proton VPN, connect to Germany, then open Tor Browser.

We picked Proton VPN because it's the best fit for Tor Browser here: swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

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Why Tor Browser doesn't work in United Arab Emirates

Tor Browser is partly blocked in United Arab Emirates. The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges.

WhatsApp, FaceTime and Signal voice and video calls are blocked; messaging works normally.

Is a VPN legal in United Arab Emirates? Legal with restrictions. VPNs are legal for legitimate purposes. Using one to commit a crime or to access blocked services for illegal ends can bring heavy fines.

Step by step with Proton VPN

  1. Install and sign in

    Install Proton VPN on the phone or computer where you use Tor Browser, then sign in.

  2. Check the protocol

    Leave the protocol on Smart (the default) for the best speed.

  3. Connect to a nearby server

    Connect to a server in Germany, the Netherlands or Switzerland. Tor Browser works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.

  4. Open Tor Browser and click Connect

    With the VPN on, Tor should connect without bridges. If it stalls, open Settings, then Connection, and choose a built-in bridge such as Snowflake or obfs4.

  5. Leave the VPN on

    Keep Proton VPN connected while you use Tor Browser. If you disconnect, the block applies again.

Tip: Download Tor Browser only from torproject.org. If that site is blocked, the VPN lets you reach it.

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If it still doesn't work

  • Force-close Tor Browser and open it again after the VPN connects.
  • Try another server in the same country.
  • Turn off your browser's or phone's "private DNS" setting if it overrides the VPN.

Or try another VPN

ExpressVPN Connects

Leave the protocol on Automatic. ExpressVPN picks the fastest option for you.

Try ExpressVPN

Private Internet Access Connects

Leave the protocol on WireGuard (the default) for the best speed.

Try Private Internet Access

What people in United Arab Emirates are reporting

Not enough reports yet for Proton VPN in United Arab Emirates this fortnight.

Vote on what's working

Questions people ask

Does Tor Browser work in United Arab Emirates without a VPN?

Partly. Some features of Tor Browser are blocked in United Arab Emirates: The Tor Project website is blocked; the network still works with bridges.

Is it legal to use a VPN for Tor Browser in United Arab Emirates?

Legal with restrictions. VPNs are legal for legitimate purposes. Using one to commit a crime or to access blocked services for illegal ends can bring heavy fines. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can I use a free VPN to unblock Tor Browser in United Arab Emirates?

A trustworthy free VPN can work for a simple block like this one. Proton VPN's free plan is the safest free option. Avoid unknown free VPN apps, which often sell browsing data.

Why does Tor Browser still not work with the VPN on?

Force-close Tor Browser and open it again after the VPN connects. Try another server in the same country. Turn off your browser's or phone's "private DNS" setting if it overrides the VPN.

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick