Traveling to Ukraine in 2024 means security issues, entry rules, and some restrictions and warnings. Nevertheless, despite the hostilities, the country remains open to tourists, and many regions continue to welcome visitors, offering them a rich cultural, historical, and simply life experience. Find out about the current rules of stay in Ukraine and its safe cities to ensure that your trip to this country leaves only positive memories

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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The war in Ukraine has affected many aspects of the country's life, but specific cities remain safe and open to tourists. Here are the best and safest Ukrainian cities for tourists to visit, as well as the rules of entry and general security issues to ensure that your visit to Ukraine goes smoothly.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine in 2024?

Military operations are ongoing in Ukraine, so planning any trip to this country requires an adequate risk assessment, and there are risks and we cannot ignore them. The Government of Ukraine regularly updates recommendations on the rules of safe stay in Ukraine, provides up-to-date information on the safest regions of Ukraine and on safe places in dangerous regions. These are all the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa regions. These regions are either actively engaged in hostilities or are under constant Russian shelling. In contrast, the western, central, and some northern regions of Ukraine are relatively safe for tourists.

Earlier, we wrote about how to avoid risks in Ukraine and make your trip as safe as possible.

Which countries can enter Ukraine without a visa?

Ukraine has a visa-free regime with citizens of more than 90 countries. Among them are the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland, Japan, and others. But how long can you stay in Ukraine without a visa? Citizens of these countries can enter Ukraine and stay on Ukrainian territory without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, before traveling, tourists should check the current conditions for entering Ukraine and familiarize themselves with the restrictions, as the rules may change during the war.

The “90 days within 180” rule applies to citizens of most countries, and if a tourist wants to stay in Ukraine longer, he or she needs to apply for an extension of stay or apply for another category of visa.

What is the best way to travel to Ukraine in 2024?

Due to the fact that air traffic with Ukraine has been suspended due to the war, the only option for travelers to get to Ukraine is by land. And there is a clear answer to the question “Can you fly into Kyiv” - in 2024, it will not be possible. All domestic and international flights to Kyiv or other Ukrainian cities are currently not being operated. This wording also answers the question of foreigners “Is Kyiv airport still operating”: Neither Boryspil International Airport nor Kyiv Airport (Zhulyany) are open due to the risks associated with the hostilities and the constant threat of air strikes. The airports can be reopened only after the situation at the front stabilizes and the war ends. Therefore, travelers should choose other means of transportation to Ukraine.

The safest and most convenient way is by rail with Poland. Trains from Przemyśl to Lviv or Kyiv run steadily and are a reliable, proven option for entering Ukraine.

Bus routes connecting Ukraine with Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Moldova are also available. Road transportation also remains available, but you should take into account possible queues at the border and take care of the correct car insurance for entering Ukraine in advance.

In the previous article, we described how to get to Ukraine from the Netherlands

How safe is Kiev now

Kyiv, as the capital of Ukraine, is under regular threat of rocket attacks, but the city remains functional and open to residents and visitors. Thanks to Ukraine's air defense forces and the local Kyiv administration, the capital is doing everything possible to ensure people's safety: an air raid warning system is in place, shelters are open, and citizens follow safety rules. At the same time, tourists who decide to visit the Ukrainian capital should be prepared for sometimes extreme conditions and plan their trips according to the current situation.

Foreigners from Western countries have long been familiar with the practice of life and health insurance, and the same practice exists in Ukraine. For tourists, it is represented by a special insurance policy covering military risks, which in the current realities is perhaps the only way to obtain security guarantees in Ukraine.

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How do I get to Kiev in 2024

You can get to Kyiv via neighboring countries by train. Popular routes include trains from Poland (Przemyśl-Kyiv) and buses from Hungary, Romania, or Slovakia. You can also use road border crossings with Poland, Romania, Hungary, or Slovakia. These are the safest options for those planning to come to Ukraine in 2024. All of the border crossing points to Ukraine have roads leading to Kyiv. Border guards will help you find your way.

Is Kyiv safe to visit in 2024

Kyiv, as a true indestructible capital, remains an important commercial, cultural and political center of Ukraine in 2024, so the city is always in full swing, including tourism. However, the threat of shelling by Russian troops makes the Ukrainian capital partially unsafe. Therefore, it is possible to visit Kyiv, but it is recommended to follow all instructions of the local authorities, stay only in safe areas and be prepared to evacuate in case of a threat. It is important for tourists to be cautious and have an emergency plan, as well as take care of an insurance policy.

Can you visit Lviv in 2024

Lviv remains a popular tourist destination and is considered a fairly comfortable city to live in, despite the military realities of Ukraine. A cultural capital known for its historic architecture, iconic coffee shops and beer pubs, a city with a European “mood”, Lviv allows foreigners to feel quite safe and secure here. In 2024, Lviv is one of the safest Ukrainian cities to travel to, but the threat of rocket attacks exists throughout Ukraine. The local authorities, together with the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces, are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, but it always makes sense to take care of your own safety when visiting Lviv, including by contacting insurers.

Therefore, answering the popular question of foreigners “Is Lviv safe to visit”, the answer should be given in the context of Russian military aggression against Ukraine and individual conditions of stay in this Ukrainian city. At the same time, there are shelters in Lviv, residents follow the rules of behavior during air raids, and special booklets with a map of bomb shelters from the local authorities printed in English help tourists, who are always in Lviv, to familiarize themselves with the safety rules. At the same time, Lviv's tourist infrastructure is operating at full capacity: restaurants, hotels, museums, and cafes welcome visitors every day.

Can tourists still visit Ukraine in 2024

Despite the war, Ukraine remains open to visitors: tourists, volunteers, journalists, businessmen, and politicians come to Ukraine. Drivers are traveling to Ukraine, as are ordinary citizens with different purposes. Millions of foreign citizens have already entered Ukraine this year, and this dynamic is constantly growing. Therefore, there is only one practical conclusion here - tourists can come to Ukraine, observing safety rules and choosing relatively calm regions that are also tourist destinations.

The most popular tourist cities in Ukraine, such as Lviv, Uzhhorod, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Ternopil and other western regions, offer a well-developed tourist infrastructure, excursions, cultural programs, etc.

Read our previous article to findout everything you need to know about travel insurance for foreigners in Ukraine.

Which city is safe in Ukraine now

The safest cities to visit in 2024 are those in western Ukraine: Lviv, Uzhhorod, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Lutsk, and Ternopil. Cities in central Ukraine, such as Vinnytsia and Khmelnytskyi, are also considered relatively safe. These cities are almost 1,000 kilometers away from the frontline, there are no active hostilities nearby, but sometimes air raids can occur here as well, because Russian missiles and drones can reach any part of Ukraine. At the same time, the overall situation in the listed cities of Ukraine remains stable and relatively safe, as millions of Ukrainian families live here and support the Ukrainian economy with their activities.

Thus, traveling around Ukraine in 2024 is possible, but you should closely monitor the situation, choose safe routes and follow the recommendations of local authorities. Western cities remain the most attractive for tourists, while Kyiv and the central regions require increased caution.

Important! Due to martial law, Ukraine has a curfew, which should be kept in mind, especially at night.

Which city is safe in Ukraine now

Historically and geographically, the western cities of Ukraine are the most touristy, so there is always something to see in them.

Lviv. It's been said and done about this Ukrainian city, but it continues to attract tourists with its exquisite architecture, museums, cafes and historical sites, of which there are many in Lviv. Popular tourist spots include Rynok Square, the Opera House, the High Castle, and numerous churches and cathedrals.

Uzhhorod. One of the oldest and most romantic cities in Zakarpattia, which became even more active during the war due to the constant influx of internal migrants and transit with Slovakia. In Uzhhorod, it is worth visiting the Uzhhorod Castle, the Botanical Garden, the Linden Alley, and numerous wineries in the surrounding area where you can taste Transcarpathian wine.

Ivano-Frankivsk. This city is deservedly called the “Gateway to the Carpathians,” which is why it is often chosen as a “temporary base” for mountain hiking. In the city, you can admire the unusual architecture, explore the central square, the city hall, and stroll through numerous parks.

Ternopil. Known for its beautiful pond, friendly people, and ancient architecture, including Ternopil Castle and the Church of the Nativity, which are popular with tourists.

Chernivtsi. The city is known for its university architecture, as well as numerous theaters and museums. Here you can spend your time culturally, learn about the traditions of Bukovina, or go on a hiking trip.

When planning a trip to Ukraine in 2024, it is important not only to choose safe cities, but also to ensure that you have reliable insurance financial protection. The war adds an element of risk to any trip, so regular travel insurance may not cover all possible threats. Visit Ukraine offers a special insurance policy covering military risks, the terms of which include circumstances that may arise in the event of active or passive hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. Medical expenses, including injuries caused by shelling; emergency assistance, evacuation, etc. Find out the details of the policy from our managers and travel in Ukraine only safely and confidently.

Just to remind you! The rules for entering and staying in Ukraine during the war are a separate security topic, which we covered in detail in our previous article.

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

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

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

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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