How to come to Ukraine from Turkey: convenient routes and border crossing rules
Due to the war, Ukraine's airspace is closed, so you need to carefully consider your route. Find out more about how to get from Turkey to Ukraine and travel tips
Travelling by plane is not possible, so returning to Ukraine for citizens consists of several stages. In addition, there are currently foreign citizens planning to come to Ukraine from Turkey. Regardless of the purpose of the visit, anyone can travel to Ukraine. Here's how to get from Turkey to Ukraine and what documents you need.
Read more about visa rules and obtaining a visa to Ukraine for Turkish citizens here.
It should be noted that over 30 thousand tourists from Turkey visited Ukraine in the first half of 2023.
Bus or private car?
Many carriers offer routes to Turkish cities. This is a slow way to travel, but it is affordable.
To find a reliable carrier, follow our tips:
● Follow this link - it contains offers from VisitUkraine partners;
● fill in all the details and choose the best offer;
● search for carriers on the Internet. There are many tour operators and companies offering their services.
Bus ticket prices start from 2700 UAH to Odesa and from 3800 UAH to Kyiv. Please note that prices are subject to change, as they depend on the exchange rate.
The journey time takes over 27 hours and may increase if there are traffic jams at the checkpoints.
Another option is a connecting route. For example, a train plus a bus. However, this option will increase your budget and travel time.
A private car is a great solution for experienced drivers. It is a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to travel. By the way, it is forbidden to travel abroad without an insurance policy. Buy a Green card to avoid worrying about compensation in the event of an accident.
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Getting to Ukraine via Moldova, Romania, and Poland
First, you need to get to the countries bordering Ukraine, and then take direct transport to the city you need.
By plane to Moldova
You can fly to Chisinau from Istanbul. Flights are operated by Fly One (from 190 euros roundtrip) and Turkish Airline (from 550 euros roundtrip).
Getting to Romania by plane, bus and train
Since Romania and Turkey share a common border, there are more transport options.
A convenient option is the Bucharest-Istanbul night train. The journey takes about 19 hours and tickets cost from 51 euros.
You can also fly to Bucharest from Istanbul. Look for tickets from the following airlines:
● Pegasus Airlines - tickets from 140 euros each way;
● Turkish Airlines - tickets from 210 euros;
● Tarom - tickets from 295 euros.
Flights to Poland
Poland remains the largest connecting point for Ukrainians. Tourists are offered flights from Turkey to Polish cities by both scheduled airlines and Ukrainian charters.
Airlines flying from Poland to Turkey:
● LOT - from Warsaw to Istanbul daily. Tickets cost from EUR 630 round trip;
● Turkish Airlines - from Warsaw to Istanbul daily. Ticket prices start from 520 euros round trip;
● SunExpress - from Krakow, Katowice and Warsaw to Antalya three times a week. Tickets start from 245 euros.
The next step is direct transport to Ukraine. The most popular means of transport is the railway. From Przemyśl, Chełm, and Warsaw, you can get to Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Zaporizhzhia.
Leaving Turkey for Ukrainian refugees
There are no special requirements for Ukrainians living in Turkey. This country does not grant temporary protection status, as is the case in EU countries. Ukrainian citizens can officially stay in the country for 90 days within six months.
At the same time, there are ways to legalise your stay if the 90-day period has expired. It is possible to obtain a tourist or humanitarian residence permit for one year or refugee status.
However, if a Ukrainian stays in Turkey under the visa-free regime, no documents need to be prepared.
The main restrictions that should be taken into account when travelling to Ukraine are described in this article.
Photo: Depositphotos
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Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.