Bitcoin Bans: Countries with Total Prohibition 

Nine countries have completely banned Bitcoin. In these nations, buying, trading, or using Bitcoin for payments is considered a crime. 

• Afghanistan – The Taliban has banned all crypto activities since 2022. 
• Algeria – A 2018 law criminalized Bitcoin trading and holding. 
• Bangladesh – Bans have been in place since 2014, though underground trading persists. 
• China – Restrictions began in 2013, escalating to a full ban in 2021, including mining and exchanges. 
• Egypt – The Central Bank and religious authorities declared Bitcoin “haram.” 
• Kuwait – All crypto transactions and mining were banned in 2023. 
• Nepal – Crypto activities have been illegal since 2017. 
• North Macedonia – The only European country with an outright Bitcoin ban. 
• Tunisia – Enforced a full ban in 2018 due to capital flight concerns. 

Legend:
Legal tender | Permissive | Restricted | Controversial | Banned 

Payment and Institutional Restrictions 

Some countries don’t fully ban Bitcoin but restrict its use for payments or through banking systems. 

• Ecuador – Banned as a payment method but trading is allowed. 
• Iraq – Banks and financial institutions cannot process crypto transactions. 
• Morocco – Banned in 2017, regulatory plans announced in 2024. 
• Qatar – Banks prohibited from Bitcoin transactions. 
• Turkey – Crypto payments banned since 2021, but holding and trading remain legal. 

Regulatory Restrictions and Flexible Approaches 

Other nations use regulatory controls rather than outright bans. 

• Saudi Arabia – Issues repeated warnings on crypto investments. 
• Bolivia – Lifted its 2014 total ban, moving to regulation in 2024. 
• Russia – Limited legal use for payments, mining has been legalized. 

Countries Where Bitcoin Is Legal 

In most regions, buying, holding, and trading cryptocurrencies are legal, though subject to regulations, taxation, and AML laws. 

• United States – Legal under SEC and CFTC oversight. 
• European Union – Fully regulated under MiCA framework (2024–2025). 
• United Kingdom – Trading allowed under FCA supervision. 
• Japan – Licensed exchanges, fully legal trading. 
• Canada, Australia, Switzerland – Regulated but open crypto markets. 
• Turkey – Holding and trading legal, payments prohibited. 
• Nigeria – Recognizes crypto as legal securities; banks can service licensed firms. 

Countries Accepting Bitcoin Payments 

A few countries recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, enabling daily payments. 

• El Salvador – Declared Bitcoin an official currency in 2021. 
• Central African Republic – Adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2022. 

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This acquisition comes despite a $1.4 billion IMF deal signed in December 2024, which included stipulations that El Salvador stop using public funds to purchase Bitcoin. However, the government appears unfazed by the agreement’s conditions.

President Bukele Pushes Back Against IMF

In January 2025, El Salvador’s Congress repealed the Bitcoin legal tender law, but the country’s Bitcoin acquisitions did not slow. In March, the IMF reiterated its demand to stop BTC purchases. President Nayib Bukele strongly opposed the request:

“No, it’s not stopping. If it didn’t stop when the world ostracized us and most ‘Bitcoiners’ abandoned us, it won’t stop now, and it won’t stop in the future,” Bukele declared on X.

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A Blueprint for Future Bitcoin Nations

El Salvador is currently the only country buying Bitcoin in open markets, setting an example that crypto leaders believe could inspire other nations to follow suit. The country’s strategy combines financial independence with technological innovation to support long-term economic growth.

El Salvador remains at the forefront of global Bitcoin adoption, pursuing a path of sovereignty in the digital age.

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The post El Salvador Adds 7 More Bitcoin Despite IMF Pressure appeared first on Coin Engineer.

The El Salvador Treasury acquired 7 Bitcoin (BTC) worth over 650,000$ in the seven days leading up to April 27, according to blockchain data shared by the country’s Bitcoin Office.

Rodrigo Valdes, Director of the IMF’s Western Hemisphere Department, confirmed during an April 26 press briefing that El Salvador is still complying with the agreement prohibiting Bitcoin accumulation by the government sector. “The El Salvador program is not just about Bitcoin, it involves deeper structural reforms, governance improvements, and enhanced transparency,” Valdes said.

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In December 2024, El Salvador signed a deal with the IMF for a 1.4 billion dollar loan, which required the government to drop Bitcoin’s legal tender status and halt additional BTC purchases.

Flexible Interpretation Leaves Room for Bitcoin Buys

Intergovernmental blockchain advisor and author Anndy Lian explained that the IMF deal might allow non-governmental entities to continue acquiring Bitcoin. “The flexible interpretation allows Bitcoin purchases through non-public sector assets or reclassified investments,” Lian said.

This strategy enables El Salvador to maintain its Bitcoin-friendly image while meeting IMF funding requirements. Lian also emphasized that El Salvador’s experience offers critical lessons for other nations considering crypto adoption.

El Salvador’s case highlights the tension between financial innovation and traditional economic frameworks, underlining the importance of strong regulatory frameworks and robust state capacity to withstand international financial pressures.

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The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Will Become Permanent!

On March 7, Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a national reserve using Bitcoin (BTC) assets seized in government criminal cases. The bill to be introduced by Donalds will ensure that this reserve cannot be reversed by future administrations through executive action.

If the bill becomes law, the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile initiatives will be permanent and protected from executive interference.

A Strong Chance of Passing in the Senate

The bill will require at least 60 votes in the Senate and a majority in the House of Representatives. However, with Republicans holding a majority in the Senate and the rise of crypto-friendly policies, the chances of the bill passing are increasing.

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In a statement to Bloomberg, Byron Donalds said:

“For years, the Democrats waged war on crypto. Now is the time for Congressional Republicans to decisively end this war.”

According to Bitcoinlaws data, at least 23 US states have introduced bills supporting Bitcoin reserves. This shows the growing interest in integrating crypto into state-level fiscal policies.

A Pivotal Moment in US Crypto Regulations

The bill signals the US government’s intent to further integrate Bitcoin into its financial system.
Blockchain expert Anndy Lian stated, “This law gives Trump’s executive order a legal foundation and enables the government to take a clear stance on digital assets.”

If the bill passes, it is expected to reduce regulatory uncertainty and offer businesses and investors a clearer path forward. However, identifying the right funding mechanisms and custody solutions for the Bitcoin Reserve could be a challenge for the government.

The current plan does not mandate new Bitcoin purchases by the government. However, the US Treasury and Commerce Department are authorized to develop “budget-neutral strategies” to buy more Bitcoin, as long as there are no additional costs to taxpayers.

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El Salvador signed a $1.4 billion loan deal with the IMF in December 2024. As part of the agreement, the government pledged to revoke Bitcoin’s legal tender status and reduce public sector involvement with BTC. However, data shows the government is continuing its daily purchases.

Total Reserves Reach 6,105 Bitcoin

According to the El Salvador Bitcoin Office, the country’s Bitcoin treasury now holds 6,105 BTC, valued at more than $527 million at current prices. The country usually acquires 1 BTC per day but made a bulk purchase of 5 BTC on March 3.

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Bukele: “We Will Not Stop Buying”

On March 3, the IMF issued a new request pressuring El Salvador to stop accumulating Bitcoin and forbidding any issuance of debt or tokenized securities tied to BTC. Despite this, Nayib Bukele declared that the government will continue buying BTC, characterizing the IMF’s demands as “whining.”

Bukele stated:

“If it didn’t stop when the world ostracized us and most ‘bitcoiners’ abandoned us, it won’t stop now, and it won’t stop in the future.”

El Salvador’s unapologetically pro-Bitcoin stance has led many major crypto firms to relocate to the country. On January 7, Bitfinex Derivatives announced it would move its headquarters from Seychelles to El Salvador. On January 13, stablecoin issuer Tether followed by announcing plans to relocate its headquarters to El Salvador.

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The post El Salvador Bought Extra Bitcoin Despite IMF Agreement! appeared first on Coin Engineer.