Transit travel through the border area between Ukraine and Moldova requires compliance with a number of rules and the availability of relevant documents. Find out what you need to cross the border, including peculiarities for persons liable for military service and new procedures for tourists traveling to Odesa region

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Palanca-Udobne is a dual checkpoint where the customs posts of Moldova and Ukraine are integrated. This means that all customs and border procedures can be completed simultaneously, which significantly speeds up border crossing. At the same time, this checkpoint is currently used as a transit route to the second part of Odesa region, as it is currently impossible to get to Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, for example, by another route due to the destruction of the bridge across the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi estuary in Zatoka by the russian attack.

We told you what to see on the way from Kyiv to Odesa by car, as well as what locations you should definitely visit in Bessarabia in our previous articles.

How does the special zone in the area of Mayaky and the coupon system work?

To get to the Palanka checkpoint and further to the Udobne checkpoint from Odesa, you need to pass through Mayaki, where a special zone with special operating conditions is located. This zone is not directly connected to the checkpoint, but you can drive through it in the direction of Izmail, Orlovka and other places. It is important to know that it is forbidden to stop or park in this zone.

When entering the zone in the Mayakiv area, drivers must receive a ticket at the checkpoint. This ticket records the number of people in the car. When you approach the Palanka checkpoint, you need to hand over this coupon before the crossing, which confirms that you have passed all the necessary checks.

When traveling to Ukraine, the coupon is issued at customs and must be handed in at Mayaki when entering a special zone, which completes the inspection process. This system helps control traffic flows and ensures safety.

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What documents are required for transit through Mayaki - Palanka - Udobne?

As of the beginning of September 2024, there have been no changes in the legislation regarding transit border crossing, including at the Mayaky-Palanka-Udobne checkpoint, which connects two parts of the Odesa region. All that is needed to cross is a passport of a citizen of Ukraine.However, some other nuances should be taken into account.

Practice shows, that border guards may require additional documents, such as registration at the place of residence, a notarized invitation, or documents of ownership in the region. This is especially important for men with military service.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that since mid-February 2024, Ukrainian border guards have begun using the Oberig register to strengthen control over the illegal departure of men liable for military service. This has helped to expose fake exit documents, but has caused some difficulties, particularly for those who do not have any documents in the register.

It is also important that at the end of March 2024, border guards of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi detachment began issuing permits for entry, stay, residence, work and access to the border strip in the area of responsibility of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi detachment (Odesa, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Bolhradskyi districts). However, this does not apply to those entering the border area to cross the border at checkpoints, passing through the transit section of the Odesa-Reni highway without stopping and following the border area, as well as truck drivers and persons accompanying them who enter the border area for the purpose of multimodal transportation.

In order to obtain a permit, citizens must apply to the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Detachment. The application can be submitted

— in writing (in person or by mail): 67707, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, 14, Military Glory Street.

— in electronic form: e-mail: [email protected]

For more information on obtaining permits, please contact the Southern Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine by phone: (04849)-6-01-98.

Can tourists travel in transit to Bessarabia? Requirements and rules

Tourists can travel in transit, but subject to certain requirements. This year, the State Border Guard Service has developed a special scheme for organized tours. Travel business owners must submit lists of tourists with their names and dates of stay to border guards in advance. However, this system works only if the tour is pre-registered. If a person travels on their own, problems may arise, especially if they do not have military registration documents with them.

Where to go if I am denied transit travel?

In case of refusal to cross the transit section of the road, a person may contact

— the SBGS hotline;

— the police;

— a human rights activist (lawyer).

These rules are designed to ensure security and control at the border, but may create additional difficulties for those who do not have a complete set of documents.

We remind you! Today, the Orlivka - Isakcha ferry crossing is the shortest route from Ukraine to Southern Europe and Turkey. Read more about the ferry schedule, border crossing rules, and the time required to cross the border in our previous article.

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

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