Bitget Restricts Russia and Belarus Users, Sets October 21 Crypto Withdrawal Deadline

Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget has introduced new restrictions affecting users in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. The changes could force certain customers to close trading positions and withdraw their digital assets by October 21, 2026.

The exchange updated its terms of use on October 16, adding the three countries to its list of prohibited jurisdictions. However, Bitget clarified that the account closures target selected users rather than every customer on its platform.

Bitget Announces New Trading Restrictions

Under the revised rules, affected customers face restrictions on trading activities and account access. Reports indicate that some users lost the ability to open new positions, place orders, or subscribe to additional products starting October 18.

Those customers must close outstanding positions and withdraw their cryptocurrency holdings before 10:00 a.m. Moscow time on October 21.

Accounts that still hold open positions after the specified deadline could face automatic closures. Additionally, affected users may lose access to their accounts once the restrictions take effect.

However, Bitget has not established October 21 as a universal deadline for all affected customers. Instead, the exchange will provide individual instructions through email, in-app messages, and push notifications.

Exchange Confirms Limited Account Closures

In an October 17 announcement, Bitget described the decision as a one-time measure affecting certain customers. The company emphasized that its trading platform would continue operating normally for eligible users.

Bitget also reassured customers that their funds remain safe. Its support team will assist affected account holders with withdrawals, outstanding orders, and other account-related concerns.

The updated prohibited-jurisdiction list includes several other markets, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. However, many of these restrictions existed before the October changes.

The exchange has not disclosed how many customers will lose access. It also has not identified a specific regulatory order behind the latest restrictions.

Crypto Users Face Growing Compliance Requirements

The decision highlights the importance of geographic eligibility rules across centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. Platforms increasingly enforce country-specific restrictions while managing regulatory and compliance obligations.

For affected Bitget customers, the immediate priority is reviewing official account notifications and completing required withdrawals within their individual deadlines.

Meanwhile, users who have not received termination notices can continue accessing the exchange, provided they meet its eligibility requirements.

Bitget has not announced whether the restrictions will eventually expand to additional customers. For now, the October 21 deadline remains particularly important for users who received direct closure instructions.