Icon
Come back

2 min

25 Oct. 2023

63641

What can be imported and exported from Ukraine: customs rules for crossing the border

Entry rules
Popular
Ukraine
What can be imported and exported from Ukraine: customs rules for crossing the border

One of the key functions of the customs authorities is to control the movement of goods and personal belongings across the border. In order to avoid troubles and confiscation when crossing the border of Ukraine, it is important to be aware of and follow customs rules. Find out what you can import or export to/from Ukraine and which goods are subject to prohibitions or restrictions

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine
BUY

Today, entering and leaving Ukraine is a common practice for many people. Crossing the border requires compliance with certain rules and restrictions that are controlled by the customs authorities.

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the security of the country and to prohibit the import or export of goods that may pose a threat to public health, the environment, or violate law and order.

Here's a look at what tourists can and cannot bring, and what customs rules are currently in force in Ukraine.

Customs rules of Ukraine: what you can import


In order to avoid troubles at the border related to leaving behind purchased gifts, souvenirs and other restricted goods, it is important to carefully read the Customs Code of Ukraine and the applicable rules based on this code.

The Customs Regulations of Ukraine contain a list of goods that can be imported into our country without declaration and taxation, as well as those that require a special permit.

Items that can be imported into Ukraine without declaration and taxation include:


- Money

- Personal belongings and valuables

- Foodstuffs

- Tobacco and alcohol products

The category of personal belongings and valuables includes:


- Items for personal use

- Souvenirs and gifts

- Works of art and valuable books

When travelling by plane, gifts and souvenirs can be imported tax-free up to a maximum value of one thousand euros, with a maximum weight set by the air carrier.

By car or train, such goods may be imported duty-free for an amount equivalent to EUR 500 and weighing up to 50 kg.

Goods for personal use, such as cosmetics, clothing, photographic equipment, etc., are not subject to taxation.

Jewellery that shows signs of use is also exempt. Works of art and rare books with cultural or historical value must be declared and are subject to customs duties.

As for food for personal consumption, you are allowed to import up to EUR 200 per person weighing no more than 2 kg.

You can import them without paying customs duties and declaring them:


- 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars

- 2 litres of wine

- 5 litres of beer

- one litre of spirits containing 22 per cent or more alcohol

These permits are granted only to persons who have reached the age of 18. If you stayed abroad for less than a day, you will have to pay a duty on any amount of tobacco and alcohol products.

Special permits are required to import firearms and cold steel, gas canisters, explosives and pets.

As for medicines, you are allowed to import no more than 5 packages of one type. Importation of narcotic or psychotropic drugs is possible only with the permission of the Ministry of Health.

Peculiarities of transporting funds across the border


Transporting funds across the border with Ukraine


With regard to money, you can bring into Ukraine an amount equivalent to a maximum of 10 thousand euros without a written declaration. If the amount exceeds this limit (both for import and export), it must be declared in full to the customs authority. There are a few nuances to keep in mind:

- the equivalent of EUR 10,000 is determined at the official exchange rate set by the NBU on the day of transfer;

- documents confirming cash withdrawals from personal bank accounts and a receipt of a currency exchange transaction with this cash only for the amount exceeding the equivalent of EUR 10,000 on the day of export or transfer are the basis for export or transfer;

- documents confirming cash withdrawals from own bank accounts are valid for 90 calendar days.

Transporting funds across EU borders


The European Union has its own rules for transporting cash across its borders.

If the value of the currency exceeds EUR 10,000, the person is obliged to declare it to the competent authorities of the EU state whose border is crossed and provide the cash for control.

The obligation is deemed to be not fulfilled if:

- the information provided is incorrect;

- the information provided is incomplete;

- cash is not submitted for control.

Please note! A person can carry cash without any age restrictions, but a child under 18 must carry it with him or her, i.e. in his or her own luggage, not in the luggage of his or her parents.


What is prohibited to bring into Ukraine


It is important to remember that there is a complete ban on the importation of a number of goods into Ukraine, including explosives and poisonous substances, food products without the appropriate certificate, pornographic materials, as well as video and printed materials that promote violence, racism and war.

Prohibited goods also include:

- Weapons and ammunition of all kinds

- Narcotic and psychotropic substances

- Potent poisonous, radioactive and explosive materials

- Materials that promote violence, racism and genocide

- Pornographic products

- Goods that infringe intellectual property rights

These prohibitions and restrictions exist to ensure safety, public order and the preservation of moral and cultural values.

Violation of these rules may result in legal consequences and confiscation of prohibited goods.



Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok




Export from the territory of Ukraine: rules


Customs regulations contain information not only about the goods that may or may not be imported into Ukraine, but also about the requirements for exporting goods from the country.

In particular, it is important to note that in order to export goods without a written declaration, their total value must be less than EUR 10 thousand. In addition, these goods must not:

- Exceed the established norms in terms of volume

- Be included in the list of goods prohibited for export

If the value of the goods exceeds EUR 10 thousand, but they are not included in the list of prohibited goods, then a written declaration must be submitted and export duty must be paid when exporting them.

It is important to note that the rule regarding the payment of tax for the export of goods worth more than EUR 10,000 does not apply if the goods are exported in connection with the person's departure for permanent residence in another country.

Goods prohibited for export from Ukraine include:

- Weapons and ammunition of various types

- Narcotic and psychotropic substances

- Potent poisonous, radioactive and explosive materials

- Artistic, cultural and historical values

- Cancelled securities

- Goods that infringe intellectual property rights

Certain goods are also prohibited for transit through Ukraine, including weapons, aircraft, weapons manufacturing machines, narcotics, radioactive materials and other hazardous substances that may cause harm to health or the environment.


What a foreigner should take care of when entering Ukraine


Even despite the threats associated with the full-scale invasion of Russia, foreign citizens continue to visit Ukraine, both for business and tourism purposes.

Therefore, when travelling, it is worth remembering the current rules for crossing the Ukrainian border, the documents required for this purpose and other important aspects that will help a foreigner prepare for a trip to Ukraine.

Also, take care of reliable health insurance. Insurance is mandatory when visiting Ukraine, but we recommend choosing insurance policies with war risk coverage, which cover not only basic medical services and treatment, but also unforeseen circumstances related to war. You can buy insurance covering military risks by following the link.

If you are interested in moving to another country, you can learn more about the entry rules, required documents and current restrictions through a special form on the Visit Ukraine portal. Select your citizenship and country of arrival to get all the information you need in two clicks.


Photo: KinoMasterDnepr/Depositphotos


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




You may be interested in:


Visit Ukraine Donation - make a good deed and an important contribution to the Victory of Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal advice - comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

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

Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery;

Visit Ukraine News - get the latest news and updates in our Telegram channel;

Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.




© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Frequantly

asked questions

What are the laws governing border crossings with Ukraine?

In order to avoid troubles at the border related to leaving behind purchased gifts, souvenirs and other restricted goods, it is important to carefully read the Customs Code of Ukraine and the applicable rules based on this Code.

What items can be imported into Ukraine without declaration and taxation?

What is included in the category of personal belongings and valuables when crossing the border?

Are cosmetics subject to taxation when crossing the border?

How much food can be transported across the border?

Recommended articles

2 min

Travel Germans in Ukraine: why do foreigners from Germany come to Ukraine even during the war?

Germans in Ukraine: why do foreigners from Germany come to Ukraine even during the war?

In the first half of 2023, more than 26 thousand foreigners from Germany entered Ukraine. Find out more about who they are and why they are coming to Ukraine despite all the risks associated with the russian invasion

23 Oct. 2023

More details

2 min

Documents Multiple citizenship in Ukraine: what is known about the draft law

Multiple citizenship in Ukraine: what is known about the draft law

Ukrainians may be eligible for multiple citizenship, but not all and only under certain conditions. Find out at what stage the draft law is and why the government is introducing such changes

24 Oct. 2023

More details

1 min

War Men want to allow men to leave Ukraine for money: how it will work and at what stage of the bill

Men want to allow men to leave Ukraine for money: how it will work and at what stage of the bill

The Verkhovna Rada has registered a bill to amend the rules for crossing the border during martial law. The document proposes to allow all men to travel abroad. Find out what conditions are offered to persons liable for military duty

24 Oct. 2023

More details

1 min

For refugees Irish government plans to significantly reduce support for refugees from Ukraine: what will change

Irish government plans to significantly reduce support for refugees from Ukraine: what will change

Ireland is considering cutting back on its support program for Ukrainians who have taken refuge in the country since the start of the full-scale invasion. In particular, they are considering limiting free accommodation and cutting social benefits. Read more about the changes in this article

25 Oct. 2023

More details