Entry to Ukraine during the war for foreign citizens: rules, useful information and insurance

The border of Ukraine is open to foreign citizens in the context of a full-scale invasion, but those who wish to visit the country should be aware of a number of current rules for entry and safe stay. Learn more about the rules of border crossing and insurance in Ukraine during the war

Purchase insurance that covers compensation for war-related risks

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According to official statistics from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, more than 1.1 million foreigners (1,188,466) entered Ukraine in the first half of 2024. Non-residents visit the country for various purposes: tourism, volunteering, participation in humanitarian programmes, filming reports, setting up a business, visiting relatives, political visits, etc.

Unfortunately, there are no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. Although the main hostilities are concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.

For useful information for foreigners on crossing the border of Ukraine and the necessary insurance, please read the article below.

How to cross the border of Ukraine: rules for foreigners

The border of Ukraine is open for foreigners, and the rules have not changed. The list of documents required to enter Ukraine also remains the same:

1. Valid passport (for citizens of Turkey and Georgia, it is possible to cross the border on the basis of an ID card).

2. Confirmation of the purpose of the planned stay (invitation, tickets, other supporting documents).

3. Confirmation of financial security for the entire period of the planned stay until the moment of return to the state of origin or a third country (cash, bank statement, ATM receipt, etc.

4. A health insurance policy issued by an insurance company registered in Ukraine or a foreign insurance company with a representative office in Ukraine.

Please note! Citizens of visa-free countries have the right to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days if the purpose of the trip is tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, etc.

You canfind out all the necessary details about the entry of foreigners to Ukraine in 2025 by following the link.

Important! Entry is possible in the absence of a decision by an authorised state body of Ukraine to ban entry to Ukraine. We described who may be banned from entering Ukraine in our previous article.

If you are planning to drive to Ukraine by your own car, take care of additional protection by taking out Mini CASCO insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Insurance in Ukraine for foreigners in times of war

The war in Ukraine causes significant destruction, damages property and infrastructure, and poses a great threat to human life and health. For a citizen who has arrived in Ukraine from another country, any visit to a medical facility, even for emergency care, is subject to a fee. Therefore, before travelling, it is worth taking care of reliable health insurance that guarantees a foreigner quality medical care at no additional cost.

We recommend purchasing insurance that additionally covers expenses directly or indirectly caused by the war. War risk insurance has classic health insurance coverage, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of permanent residence and additionally guarantees financial compensation in case of an accident as a result of hostilities, passive war risks, terrorist acts. It can be issued for a period of 3 to 180 days.

Take out an insurance policy covering war risks and travel safely in Ukraine!

Advantages of purchasing an insurance policy covering war risks

1. Speed and convenience - the price is calculated instantly, and you only need a foreign passport to apply.

2. Optimal prices and payment methods - you can use a card of any bank.

3. Security - you can immediately receive the policy by e-mail and present it in an electronic version if necessary.

4. Specialist support - the service is available around the clock.

5. Compensation for the most common risks (standard medical coverage + active and passive war risks).

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Safety rules when travelling in Ukraine

A foreigner who decides to visit Ukraine must strictly follow two main safety rules:

1. Find out the duration of the curfew in the region you plan to visit. A curfew is a time imposed to maintain law and order. Usually, curfews last from 23:00 until 05:00 the next day.

2. Install the Air Alert application of the same name on your smartphone (you can download it through the App Store or Google Play) and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter (map). You should also do the same if you hear the signal on the street.

Read more about how to make your trip to Ukraine comfortable and safe on Visit Ukraine.

How do I get to Ukraine?

At the moment, the only way to get to Ukraine is by transit (flight + bus / train) - exclusively by land. For your convenience, the Visit Ukraine team has already collected the most accessible routes to get to Ukraine from different parts of the world. To find out more, select the country of interest and follow the link:

The most convenient routes to Ukraine from: 

UK – Canada – USA – Poland – Moldova – Romania – Netherlands – Italy – Slovakia – Spain – 

Lithuania – Estonia – France – Germany – Austria – Belgium – Sweden – Portugal – Turkey – 

Hungary –Thailand – Albania – Kazakhstan – Slovenia – Latvia – Croatia – Greece – India – Egypt – Finland.

If you do not find the option you are looking for in the list, enter the country you are interested in inthe search box on the blog page.

Read more about how to plan a trip to Ukraine during the war here.

Ukraine's borders are open to foreigners, but safety is an important part of your trip! So take care of your insurance in advance - choose your own policy on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Photo: checkpoint on the Maidan (UNIAN)

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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