# Error: Business account is restricted from messaging users in this country

> You may encounter the following WhatsApp error when attempting to send messages: “Business account is restricted from messaging users in this country.”…

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/reselling-products/whatsapp/error-business-account-is-restricted-from-messaging-users-in-this-country
- Section: Reselling Products / WhatsApp
- Reading time: 1 min
- Images: 1, each explained below

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You may encounter the following WhatsApp error when attempting to send messages:

**“Business account is restricted from messaging users in this country.”**

This restriction is related to recent changes in WhatsApp’s cross-country messaging policies and is not caused by an issue with your account setup or platform configuration.

![Figure 1](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155062921159/original/WjI9kgO0LXe1uNvh0NH6EEJH0_NOzFI3OA.png)

**Figure 1**

This screenshot appears in "Error: Business account is restricted from messaging users in this country". The text alongside this image reads: This restriction is related to recent changes in WhatsApp’s cross-country messaging policies and is not caused by an issue with your account setup or platform configuration. Immediately after, the guide continues: Effective September 15, WhatsApp implemented a temporary restriction on cross-country messaging involving Brazil (BR) and Indonesia (ID).
- What this covers: This restriction is related to recent changes in WhatsApp’s cross-country messaging policies and is not caused by an issue with your account setup or platform configuration.
- Next: Effective September 15, WhatsApp implemented a temporary restriction on cross-country messaging involving Brazil (BR) and Indonesia (ID).

## **Why This Error Occurs**

Effective **September 15**, WhatsApp implemented a **temporary restriction on cross-country messaging** involving **Brazil (BR)** and **Indonesia (ID)**.

Due to this policy update:

-   **Businesses located outside Brazil or Indonesia**
    
    -   Cannot send WhatsApp messages to users located in **Brazil or Indonesia**.
        
-   **Businesses located within Brazil or Indonesia**
    
    -   Can only message users **within the same country**.
        
    -   Cannot send messages to users in other regions.
        

This restriction applies to all WhatsApp Business accounts and is enforced directly by WhatsApp (Meta).

## **What Is Not Affected**

-   Messaging **within the same country** (Brazil → Brazil, Indonesia → Indonesia) continues to work as expected.
    
-   Receiving messages from users is not impacted by this restriction.
    
-   Your WhatsApp account status, templates, quality rating, and balance remain unchanged.
    

## **Can This Restriction Be Removed?**

At this time, this is a **WhatsApp-imposed limitation**, and there is no workaround or override available from our side. We recommend monitoring official WhatsApp (Meta) announcements for any updates or changes to this policy.

## **What You Can Do Next**

-   Ensure your messaging use cases align with the country-based restrictions.
    
-   If your business operates globally, consider:
    
    -   Using separate WhatsApp Business accounts per region, where applicable.
        
    -   Leveraging alternative communication channels for cross-country outreach.

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com