How to Access US-Only Websites from Europe Using a VPN

If you’re in Europe and keep running into “This content isn’t available in your region” messages on US websites, you’re not the only one. Many American sites limit access based on where your connection appears to come from, and in most cases, these blocks are enforced by checking your IP address.

A VPN can help by giving you a US-based IP address, making the site think you’re visiting from within the United States. That way, you can avoid location-based restrictions tied to licensing, GDPR compliance, and business decisions. Read on to learn how you can use a VPN to access US-only sites from Europe.

Why some US websites aren’t available in Europe

US sites may be blocked in Europe for a few common reasons, including:

GDPR compliance and data protection requirements

Some US sites choose to block European visitors to avoid the added complexity of complying with GDPR, which applies to any site that collects or processes personal data from people in the EU. Rather than updating their infrastructure (making changes to cookie consent, analytics, and advertising systems), some companies simply restrict EU traffic based on IP location.

Content licensing and distribution rights

Many US sites, especially in the media and publishing industry, operate under licenses that only cover the United States. Even though the site itself is accessible online, the rights to show certain content may be limited to US audiences. To stay within those agreements, sites often block access from European IP addresses.

Business, pricing, and market decisions

Some US platforms limit access to keep pricing, promotions, and product availability consistent within the US market. Serving European users can introduce added tax, payment, logistics, and compliance challenges that companies may choose not to support, so blocking non-US traffic reflects a business decision rather than a technical limitation.

Regional rollouts and limited support

US-based services sometimes launch locally before expanding internationally. During early rollouts, companies may restrict access to manage customer support, infrastructure load, or product testing. As a result, European users may be blocked even though the service itself could technically work worldwide.

Examples of US websites that block European users

US sites that block European users tend to fall into a few common categories, including:

Streaming and media platforms

Several US-based streaming services restrict access outside the US, even though their sites are accessible online. Platforms like Hulu and Peacock are designed for US audiences and typically block access from European IP addresses. These restrictions are commonly enforced through IP-based location checks tied to content licensing and distribution agreements.

News, publishing, and content sites

Some American news outlets and content publishers have blocked European users post-GDPR, showing access warnings or preventing them from loading pages altogether. Publications like Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and New York Daily News have used this approach as an alternative to updating data collection, analytics, and consent systems for EU traffic.

Shopping and deal platforms

Certain US retail and deal-focused sites are structured around the US market and may limit access, pricing visibility, or account features for European visitors. Sites like Target, Best Buy, and Costco often operate with country-specific catalogs, checkout systems, and promotions. As a result, users from Europe may encounter restricted functionality or region-based blocks.

Digital products and services

Some US digital products and services are launched or supported on a regional basis, with access initially limited to domestic users. Services like Pandora and SiriusXM have historically focused on US audiences, with features varying by location. In some cases, European IP addresses are restricted based on how the service manages regional access.

Can I use a VPN to access US-only websites?

Yes, a VPN can help by assigning you a US-based IP address. Since many sites rely on IP location to decide who can view their content, connecting to a US server can make it appear as though you’re browsing from within the United States.

However, this only applies to sites or platforms that use location-based restrictions. A VPN only affects how your location appears online, and doesn’t help with services that require US-based accounts or additional verification.

How to access US-only websites from Europe using a VPN

Accessing US sites from Europe with a VPN typically takes just a few steps. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Get a VPN service with reliable servers in the United States, such as PureVPN.
2. Download and install the app on your device, then connect to a US server.
3. Open the US website you want to access or refresh the page.
4. Browse the site as if you were visiting from the US.

Note: If the US-only site still shows a block, try clearing cookies or using a private browsing window.

Is it legal to use a VPN to access US websites?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, including across Europe and the United States. VPNs are widely used for privacy and security purposes, and simply connecting to a VPN does not break any laws on its own. Whether a site allows or restricts VPN access is usually a matter of its internal policies, not criminal law.

That said, accessing a site through a VPN doesn’t override the site’s terms of service. Some platforms may limit or block VPN connections, while others allow them without issue. Using a VPN changes how your location is detected, but it’s still important to follow the rules set by the site or service you’re visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions