The ongoing war in Ukraine has undoubtedly affected the country's tourism industry. However, Ukraine finds ways and continues to share its history and tell the world about the events taking place on its lands. Find out how to travel to Ukraine in 2024 and what to see

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Ukraine is becoming an increasingly popular destination among foreign travelers. Even despite the full-scale war, tourists continue to come to the state. Undoubtedly, travelers are attracted by the rich Ukrainian nature, UNESCO World Heritage sites, turbulent history and delicious cuisine. However, it is worth noting separately a new type of tourism that is just emerging in the state - this is military tourism or memory tourism.

Today we will give answers to the most common questions about this direction and generally about tourism in Ukraine during the war.

Is it possible to travel in Ukraine during the war?

Despite hostilities, Ukrainian borders are open to foreign travelers. Tourist travel is also available, but only in areas far from hostilities.

The war significantly affected the areas located near the active front line. However, a large part of Western and Central Ukraine remains relatively safe and hospitable for tourists.

Cities such as Lviv, Chernivtsi and Carpathians are popular destinations. Also, many tourists go to de-occupied towns, which are located far from the front line.

How to travel safely in Ukraine in 2024?

Safety in Ukraine depends on the region you are visiting. Travel to areas of active hostilities is strictly prohibited.

We advise you to buy tours from reputable companies that prioritize safety.

Also, while in Ukraine, follow the news to monitor the situation.

What rules should be followed when traveling to Ukraine?

If a tourist decides to visit Ukraine during the war, two main safety rules must be strictly followed:

—  Curfew - you need to find out in advance the duration of the curfew in the region you plan to visit. Usually, the curfew lasts from 11:00 p.m. until 05:00 a.m. the next day, during which time you cannot be outside or in public places.

— Aerial alarm - we recommend installing the app of the same name on your smartphone (you can download it from the App Store or Google Play) and upon receiving a signal - immediately go to the nearest shelter. It is also necessary to act if you heard the "air alarm" signal on the street.

Do you need an insurance policy for trips to Ukraine?

Medical insurance is mandatory for crossing the Ukrainian border. However, when traveling in Ukraine during a state of war, you should take care of an insurance policy that covers the indemnification of war-related risks: damages in the event of an accident due to hostilities or acts of terrorism, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and emergency care.

This insurance policy is mandatory for foreign journalists, members of delegations and volunteers.

You can take out insurance with compensation for military risks on the Visit Ukraine website. Go to the link and choose the required period, insurance policy with appropriate coverage and compensation amount.

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Prohibitions during travel in Ukraine

  Martial law imposed certain restrictions on tourism in Ukraine. Therefore, when planning a trip, take into account that the following are prohibited in the country:

— Excursions, walks, rafting and other types of recreation near military and strategic facilities, as well as critical infrastructure.

— Mass events - concerts, festivals, etc.

— Visit tourist sites on the border with Russia and Belarus, as well as along the front line.

— In certain regions, there are restrictions on visiting forests, water bodies and mountain routes. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this information in advance.

— It is worth giving up independent trips to regions and villages that were under occupation. It is better that during such a journey you are accompanied by an experienced guide.

Is it safe to visit Kyiv in 2024?

Currently, Kyiv is much safer than it was at the beginning of the war. The main threat is rocket attacks. However, the capital is protected by the latest air defense systems.

The main rule of safety for people is to strictly observe the rules of behavior during rocket fire.

What locations of military tourism in Ukraine are available for travelers?

During the war, trips to de-occupied regions are quite popular.

As part of the trip, participants will be able to hear the whole truth about the events that took place in Ukraine after the invasion of russia from eyewitnesses and even collect materials to create their own article, post, report or video about Ukraine. We suggest visiting:

— The de-occupied cities of Kyiv region (the villages of Romanivka, Bucha, Irpin, Gostomel, Borodyanka) are heroic territories that were among the first to be invaded by the russian occupier in February 2022. Currently, these towns of Kyiv region are gradually returning to their usual rhythm of life, but they preserve the memory of all those who fell victim to the insidious attack and the terrible war:

— The village of Romanivka (Irpin road) was the front and the Ukrainian defense line. It was through Romanivka that the road of life passed to the cities of Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel. There is also a legendary crossing of the Irpin River under the blown-up bridge, through which residents of Kyiv region were evacuated on foot.

— The Hero City of Irpin - the front line also passed here, and the positions that changed hands in the area of ​​the Giraffe shopping center were located. A landmark of the city is the cemetery of equipment that was destroyed in the battles for Irpin, shot during evacuation and burned as a result of airstrikes.

— Bucha - the whole world saw the terrible shots of civilians shot on Yablunska Street, and a column of about 30 russian vehicles was destroyed on the nearby Vokzalnaya Street.

You can also combine a trip to Kyiv region with a trip to Chernihiv or a visit to Kyiv.

— Destroyed villages of Mykolaiv Oblast

The full-scale war did not bypass Mykolaiv Oblast either. The regional center became a real symbol of resistance, but many more combat events took place on the territory of the region. It was Voznesensk, a city north of Mykolaiv, that stopped the offensive, and the main events took place on the territory of the Snigurivska and Bashtan communities.

As part of your trip to Mykolaiv Oblast, visit several villages that were de-occupied or suffered from constant shelling. Such a trip will allow you to see with your own eyes the consequences of the war on the territory of Ukraine - a European state, as well as to communicate with the local population in order to find out how Ukrainians pass the trials that have fallen on their way.

Importantly! The funds from the trip to the de-occupied regions are transferred to the restoration of Ukraine.

We remind you! Ukraine is always happy to welcome foreign guests and its borders, despite the war, remain open for tourists. Read more about how to come to Ukraine and what documents you need to have for this in our previous material.

Photo: Freepik

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

Currently, very few insurance companies offer policies that cover the risks associated with hostilities and war. Therefore, be sure to take advantage of the unique offer from Visit Ukraine. Go to the link, choose a tariff and take out a reliable insurance policy that compensates for military risks.

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

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

Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);

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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