Visiting Ukraine now may be difficult not only because of the martial law, but also because the skies are closed to civilian aircraft. Find out how to get to Ukraine, what rules apply, and what documents are required

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

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A full-scale war with the russian federation continues in Ukraine. Despite this, life goes on in most regions of the country, especially in the western regions. Businesses operate, public transportation is available, and restaurants and hotels are open. However, it is important to understand that there is a threat of missile attacks in any region, so if you are planning a trip to Ukraine, safety should be your priority. We will tell you how to plan a trip to Ukraine now.

Is it possible to fly directly to Ukraine now?

No, direct flights to Ukraine are currently not possible. The country's airspace has been closed to civil aviation for security reasons since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. However, this situation may change in the near future, as Ukraine has begun to develop a roadmap for reopening airports during the war.

How can I get to Ukraine then?

Currently, the only way to enter the country is by land, but for those traveling from far away, the most convenient option would be to fly to one of the airports closest to the Ukrainian border.

The nearest airports for arrival:

➤ Rzeszow, Krakow, Warsaw (Poland)

➤Chisinau (Moldova)

➤ Kosice (Slovakia)

After the flight, you can continue the route by public transport. Ukraine has regular bus and train connections with many European countries. You can find out which international trains run in our previous article.

For detailed routes to get to Ukraine from the nearest countries, namely Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary, follow the links.

By the way, you can buy airline tickets between cities around the world, as well as train or bus tickets to and from Ukraine through the Visit Ukraine booking system.

Can I drive my car to Ukraine?

Yes, foreigners can travel to Ukraine in their own cars. Border crossings are still unrestricted. However, you should take care of additional protection for your car in case of unforeseen situations. For example, purchase Mini CASCO insurance, which allows you to insure your car not only in case of an accident, but also against the consequences of natural disasters and war risks. You can choose the necessary coverage and apply for Mini CASCO online on the Visit Ukraine portal. Read more about the rules of entry and use of cars with foreign registration in Ukraine here.

What documents are required to enter Ukraine?

To cross the border, you must provide:

– A passport (citizens of Georgia and Turkey can enter with an ID card);

– Visa (if the country does not have a visa-free regime);

– Insurance policy (preferably with war risk coverage);

– Confirmation of the purpose of the trip and financial security.

If you are traveling by your own car, you will additionally need to provide a driver's license, a certificate of registration for the car, and an international car insurance card “Green Card”.

How do I check if I need a visa to Ukraine?

Ukraine has a visa-free regime with many countries of the world, including the EU, the US and Canada, but some countries have visa requirements. You can check whether you need a visa to enter Ukraine on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. We told you what visas to Ukraine are available and how to apply for them in our previous article.

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Is Ukraine safe to travel to now?

Traveling to Ukraine is associated with a number of risks, as, unfortunately, there is a threat of missile and UAV attacks in any city in the country. However, Ukrainian cities are full of life, educational institutions, government agencies, foreign embassies, shops, restaurants and cinemas are open, and Ukrainians continue to build their lives even under martial law. Therefore, by observing security measures and visiting cities far from the front line, you can reduce the existing risks.

It is worth noting that Ukraine is a large country, with a total area of over 603 thousand km², and about 107 thousand km² is currently under temporary occupation. The front line runs through the eastern and southern regions of the country, including Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. Thus, it is 400 to 500 kilometers from Kyiv to the front line, and 700 to 1,000 kilometers from Lviv, making it relatively safe to visit the central and western regions of the country.

Photo: screenshot from DeepStateMAP

Safety rules when traveling to Ukraine

1. Download the Air Alert app (from the App Store or Google Play).

2. Find out the location of the nearest shelters in the city where you plan to stay.

3. If you hear an air raid alert (from your smartphone or an outdoor warning system), do not ignore it and immediately go to a shelter.

4. Check the curfews in the region of your stay and follow the restrictions.

5. Familiarize yourself with the rules of behavior at checkpoints.

In addition, we recommend that you:

1. Keep your power bank and smartphone charged

2. Have your documents and cash with you at all times

3. Make copies of all important documents

4. Follow the messages of local authorities

5. Think over an emergency plan and inform your closest relatives or friends about it

You can learn more about the personal experience of foreign tourists who visited Ukraine during the war in our previous articles, as well as in interviews on our Youtube channel.

We remind you! Hundreds of thousands of foreign citizens continue to visit Ukraine every month for various purposes. Read how many foreigners and from which countries came to Ukraine from January to July 2024 and what their purpose was 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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