How much cash can you take out of Ukraine in 2026: EU rules, declarations, and important details

When traveling abroad, Ukrainians often carry cash with them—for renting accommodation, medical treatment, education, or relocation. However, as of 2026, Ukraine and EU countries have clear rules regarding the export of currency, the declaration of funds, and proof of their origin. Learn more about how much you can carry without declaring it, when you need documents from the bank, what rules apply in the EU, and what you can be fined for at the border

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How much money can be taken abroad? How to do it legally? What nuances should be taken into account when transporting funds across the border? Here are the rules established by the National Bank of Ukraine.

Exporting currency from Ukraine: how much cash can you take out?

Ukrainians and foreign citizens can take currency out of Ukraine without declaring it if the amount does not exceed the equivalent of EUR 10,000. For amounts above this limit, a customs declaration is required. In addition, documents confirming the origin of the funds may be required, such as a bank statement of withdrawal or other official financial documents.

The main requirements for exporting cash from Ukraine are as follows:

1) Amounts up to EUR 10,000 do not require declaration.

2) The amount exceeding EUR 10,000 requires a declaration and documents confirming the origin of the funds.

Important! At the same time, in the opposite direction, that is, if money is imported from abroad to Ukraine, there are no restrictions on the import of currency in Ukraine itself. You can import any amount of dollars or euros without any supporting documents.

Importing currency to the EU: why is it important not to confuse it with exporting it from Ukraine?

Ukrainians entering the EU with more than EUR 10,000 are required to declare these funds. Declaration of funds can be made upon entry to any EU country, directly through customs services, right at the border. This requirement applies to all types of cash, including banknotes, coins, traveler's checks, and even certain types of securities with a value exceeding EUR 10,000.

Please note! When traveling to a particular country by land, a person with funds may cross the state borders of several countries. However, in most cases, a declaration will be required only at the first border crossing with the EU, as the borders between EU countries are open. If you travel through customs checkpoints, you may be asked to fill out the declaration again.

Read more: New EU entry rules in 2026 — how the EES and ETIAS work for Ukrainians.

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Rules for exporting currency from the EU

If you are leaving the EU with an amount exceeding EUR 10,000, you need to fill out a customs declaration in the country you are leaving. These rules are harmonized throughout the European Union. As a rule, this procedure is similar to the import procedure. That is, the main thing is to confirm the legality of the origin of the funds.

What should you know when exporting currency from the EU?

1) Declaration for the amount of imported currency exceeding EUR 10,000 is mandatory. Failure to declare when crossing the border with a larger amount will result in a fine or even criminal liability if the origin of the funds is illegal.

2) Amounts exceeding EUR 10,000 may be subject not only to a written declaration, but also to a thorough verification of the origin of the funds by customs officers. This may take some time.

What if the amount of currency exceeds 10 thousand euros?

Pursuant to Article 18 of the National Bank of Ukraine's Regulation on Measures of Protection and Determination of the Procedure for Certain Transactions in Foreign Currency, the rules for individuals-residents of Ukraine regarding the export or transfer abroad of funds or foreign currency are as follows:

1) If you, being a resident of Ukraine, want to export or transfer abroad an amount exceeding EUR 10 thousand, you must present documents confirming that you have withdrawn this money from your bank account.

2) If you have exchanged this cash for foreign currency, you need a receipt of this currency exchange transaction. These documents are required only for amounts exceeding the equivalent of 10 thousand euros per day of export or transfer.

Please note! Documents confirming the withdrawal of cash from their own bank accounts by resident individuals for the purpose of exporting it are valid for 90 days from the date of withdrawal.

In addition, in order to export an amount exceeding EUR 10 thousand, a written confirmation of its declaration must be provided.

How to declare funds when crossing the border?

In most EU countries, you can file a declaration for the transportation of funds in both paper and electronic form. For example, in the Netherlands, a customs declaration can be submitted through the Douane service, and in other EU countries the process is similar.

1) Filling out the form. The declaration form can be paper or electronic, depending on the country. It is determined and issued at the customs point.

2) Information in the declaration. Personal data, the amount of money to be transported and the confirmed source of the funds are indicated.

3) Submission of the declaration - is carried out directly at the border crossing point by the person who exports the funds. The rules and requirements can be found on the website of the customs service of the country through which the funds are transported.

Important! The declaration obligation applies only to amounts exceeding EUR 10,000 - smaller amounts are not subject to mandatory declaration.

What can be difficult when declaring?

When declaring, it will be important for customs officers to know which country the currency is being transported from. Thus, for citizens of the country from which the funds are transported, the declaration rules are usually stricter than in the countries to which the funds are imported.

What else is subject to declaration besides cash?

In addition to cash declarations, customs officers may request a declaration of precious metals if they are transported as baggage. However, precious metals are not legally considered currency, so the rules for declaring them are slightly different.

Special attention at the border will be paid to any antiques - a separate declaration is required for them.

Ukrainians are advised to always check the current border crossing rules before traveling, especially in the context of constant changes in the rules. In addition to declaring funds, important aspects of border crossing include financial security and health issues. These issues are addressed by an insurance policy that will facilitate or fully cover the costs in the event of an unforeseen emergency.

Foreigners planning a trip to Ukraine, or already in Ukraine, are advised to take out not just health insurance, but insurance covering military risks. The situation requires it. Such an insurance policy will cover standard medical care/treatment/diagnostics, etc., as well as injuries and accidents related to passive and direct military risks. You can take out an insurance policy covering military risks quickly and conveniently on our portal.

We remind you! Europe’s financial borders changed in 2026. Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro, but many EU countries continue to use their national currencies. To avoid losing money on currency conversion and to plan your travel budget correctly, it’s important to know the current composition of the Eurozone. Read which countries accept the euro and where you’ll still need local currency.

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