Block a Country

How to Block a Country in WordPress

Posted on by Prakash Tiwari

Sometimes, you may want to block a specific country from accessing your WordPress website. This could be for security reasons, to stop spam traffic, or because your site serves only certain regions. Blocking a country might sound complicated, but with the right tools, it’s simple.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to block a country in WordPress using Cloudflare, Wordfence, plugins, hosting server settings, scripts, and other practical methods.

Why Block a Country in WordPress?

Blocking countries is not always necessary, but it can help in specific situations:

  • Stop Spam Traffic: Some countries generate high volumes of spam.
  • Enhance Security: Prevent potential hacking attempts from specific regions.
  • Restrict Access: Limit your website to regions you serve or ship to.
  • Save Resources: Reduce server load by blocking unnecessary traffic.

Now, let’s explore how to block a country using different methods.

1. Block a Country Using Cloudflare

Cloudflare is a free and popular tool that protects your site from malicious traffic. It also lets you block specific countries easily.

Steps to Block a Country Using Cloudflare

  1. Log in to Cloudflare: Visit Cloudflare.com and log in to your account.
  2. Go to Firewall Settings: Select your website and navigate the Firewall section.
  3. Create a Firewall Rule:
    • Click on Create a Firewall Rule.
    • Name the rule (e.g., “Block Country”).
  4. Set the Conditions:
    • In the field, choose Country.
    • Select Equals and then choose the country you want to block.
  5. Choose an Action:
    • Set the action to Block.
  6. Save the Rule: Save the settings, and Cloudflare will start blocking traffic from that country.

Why Use Cloudflare?

  • It’s free and easy to use.
  • You don’t need to make changes to your WordPress site.

2. Block a Country Using Wordfence

Wordfence is a popular WordPress security plugin. It includes a GeoIP blocking feature in its premium version, allowing you to block countries.

Steps to Block a Country Using Wordfence

  1. Install Wordfence:
    • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
    • Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
    • Search for Wordfence Security, install, and activate it.
  2. Upgrade to Premium: GeoIP blocking is a premium feature, so you’ll need the paid version of Wordfence.
  3. Go to Blocking Options:
    • Navigate to Wordfence > Firewall.
    • Click on the Blocking tab.
  4. Enable Country Blocking:
    • In the Country Blocking section, select the countries you want to block.
    • Save your settings.

Why Use Wordfence?

  • It offers detailed logs of blocked traffic.
  • It’s integrated directly into WordPress.

3. Block a Country Using a Plugin

If you don’t want to use Wordfence, standalone plugins can block countries based on their IP addresses.

Recommended Plugins

  • IP2Location Country Blocker
  • Country IP-Specific Redirections

Steps to Block a Country Using IP2Location Country Blocker

  1. Install the Plugin:
    • Go to Plugins > Add New.
    • Search for IP2Location Country Blocker and install it.
  2. Configure the Plugin:
    • Go to Settings > IP2Location.
    • Select the countries you want to block.
  3. Save Changes: The plugin will now block traffic from the selected countries.

Why Use Plugins?

  • No need for external tools.
  • Easy to manage from your WordPress dashboard.

4. Block a Country Using Hosting Server Settings

Many hosting providers allow you to block traffic by country. This method is effective because it prevents traffic from reaching your WordPress site.

Steps to Block a Country Using cPanel

  1. Log in to Your Hosting Account:
    • Access cPanel or your hosting dashboard.
  2. Go to IP Blocker:
    • Look for the IP Blocker or Access Control tool.
  3. Block Country IP Ranges:
    • Find the IP ranges of the country you want to block.
    • Add these IP ranges to the IP Blocker tool.
  4. Save Changes: Your hosting server will now block traffic from the specified country.

Why Use Hosting Settings?

  • Blocks traffic before it reaches your WordPress site.
  • Reduces server load.

5. Block a Country Using a Script

If you’re comfortable editing files, you can use a script to block countries. This method requires access to your .htaccess file.

Steps to Block a Country Using .htaccess

  1. Get IP Ranges:
    • Find the IP ranges for the country you want to block. Use a tool like IP2Location.
  2. Edit .htaccess File:
    • Access your site’s files via FTP or your hosting file manager.
    • Open the .htaccess file.

Add the Script:
Add this code to your .htaccess file:
<Limit GET POST>

order deny,allow

deny from 1.2.3.4

deny from 5.6.7.8

allow from all

</Limit>

  1. Replace 1.2.3.4 and 5.6.7.8 with the IP addresses you want to block.
  2. Save the File: Save the file and test your site.

Why Use Scripts?

  • It’s free and doesn’t require plugins.
  • You have full control over the blocking rules.

6. Other Methods to Block a Country

If none of the above methods work for you, try these alternatives:

Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

CDNs like Sucuri and Akamai allow you to block countries at the network level.

Custom PHP Code

Add custom PHP code to your theme’s functions.php file to block countries based on their IP. This method requires coding skills.

Third-Party Services

Use services like MaxMind to integrate advanced GeoIP blocking into your site.

Conclusion

Blocking a country in WordPress is easy with the right tools. You can use Cloudflare, Wordfence, plugins, hosting server settings, or custom scripts. Each method has advantages, so choose the one that fits your needs.

Following this guide can protect your site from spam, reduce server load, and focus on your target audience. Take control of your website traffic today!