Life in Ukraine: the main things you should know

Ukraine is a country with a unique culture, rich history and dynamic development. At the same time, the current reality imposes certain restrictions due to martial law, curfews, and the need to adapt to the new security environment. Learn more about the checklist for living or traveling in Ukraine from Visit Ukraine

Take care of insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the lives of millions of Ukrainians have changed dramatically, as the country has become a battlefield for freedom and independence. This has had a significant impact on the way of life and rhythm of not only the local population, but also foreign tourists. Due to the martial law, the country has special rules that are worth knowing for everyone who plans to live, work or travel in the country.

Visit Ukraine has prepared a detailed checklist for you on how to live in Ukraine under martial law.

How to get to Ukraine?

Due to the closure of the airspace over Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, direct flights to the country are temporarily unavailable. However, entry is possible by land through open land borders.

The most convenient way to get to Ukraine is to fly to the airports of neighboring countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, or Moldova, and then use trains or buses that run regularly to Ukrainian cities. 

Here is a full list of checkpoints on the border with Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania, and Hungary.

You can find out more about the schedule, prices and countries of connection of international trains to and from Ukraine here.

You can quickly buy bus and train tickets on the Visit Ukraine portal.

In our previous materials, we told you how to get to Ukraine from the following countries:

USA ● Canada ● Poland ● Germany ● Slovakia ● Hungary ● Italy ● France ● Netherlands ● Czech Republic ● Lithuania ● Switzerland ● Sweden ● Turkey ● Austria ● Denmark ● Portugal ● Georgia ● Bulgaria ● India 

● Greece ● Croatia ● Estonia ● Finland ● Latvia ● Belgium ● Slovenia ● Moldova ● Ireland ● Norway ● Spain
● russia ●  United Kingdom ● Romania ● Armenia ● Egypt

Legalization and documents

Citizens of many countries are allowed to enter Ukraine without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days. If you plan to stay longer or work, you need to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit, which is issued through the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

An identification code (RNOKPP or TIN) is required for official employment, opening a bank account, renting a house, and many other legal procedures. You can obtain a TIN at the tax office at your place of residence or through intermediaries.

Persons with a residence permit must register their place of residence with local authorities within 30 days of moving.

Visa to Ukraine

Foreigners who are not citizens of countries with a visa-free regime must obtain a visa to enter Ukraine. The main types of visas are short-term (type C) for stays of up to 90 days, long-term (type D) for long-term or permanent residence, and a transit visa for traveling through the territory of Ukraine.

To apply for a visa, you need the following documents: a completed application form, a passport, two 35×45 mm photos, health insurance, proof of financial solvency, accommodation reservation, a return ticket, a paid visa fee, and documents confirming the purpose of the trip.

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Rules for entering Ukraine by car for foreigners

Foreign citizens have the right to enter Ukraine by their own car, but they can only use it for personal needs. Cars with foreign registration can stay in the country for up to one year. If your stay exceeds two months, you should contact a service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for temporary registration of the vehicle. Upon expiration of the permitted period, the car must be taken out of Ukraine.

One of the main conditions for entry is the availability of a Green Card insurance policy, which ensures the driver's liability in the event of a traffic accident. However, in today's security environment, this may not be enough. For additional financial protection, it is worth taking out a Mini CASCO policy, which provides coverage for risks, including damage to the car as a result of military operations.

The Mini CASCO policy is designed to meet the realities of Ukraine, allowing drivers to quickly receive compensation in case of car damage. It is available both for vehicles with Ukrainian registration and for cars with foreign license plates. Taking out such a policy is a reliable protection against unexpected expenses, allowing you to feel confident on Ukrainian roads.

Do not risk your car - take out Mini CASCO right now on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Customs regulations in Ukraine

Individuals may transport personal belongings across the border of Ukraine without a written declaration, including two mobile phones, one video camera, a camera, two laptops, sports equipment, jewelry, clothing, and footwear for their own use.

It is also allowed to import goods with a total value of up to 500 euros or weighing up to 50 kg, cash equivalent to no more than 10,000 euros, alcohol (up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 5 liters of beer), and tobacco products (up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars). Food products are allowed for up to 200 euros, and medicines—up to 5 packages of each item.

Searching for accommodation

The rental market in Ukraine is well developed, but finding a place to live can be difficult due to high demand in certain regions. The most popular search platforms are:

- OLX (olx.ua)

- Lun (lun.ua)

- Dom.ria (dom.ria.com)

- Rent.ua (rent.ua)

Important: Most owners require an advance payment of 1-2 months in advance, as well as a security deposit. A formal lease agreement guarantees your rights as a tenant.

Finding a job

Ukraine has a wide job market, particularly in IT, logistics, finance, construction, and agriculture. Popular job search sites:

- Work.ua

- Robota.ua

- LinkedIn

- Djinni.co (for IT professionals)

The minimum wage in Ukraine in 2024 is UAH 7100, the average is about UAH 17,000, but varies significantly depending on the profession. The standard payroll tax is 18% + 5% military fee.

Banking system

Ukraine has a well-developed banking system, and most financial transactions can be conducted through mobile applications. A passport and TIN are required to open an account.

Popular banks:

- PrivatBank

- Monobank (online bank)

- Oschadbank

- Raiffeisen Bank

Air alert

Ukraine has an air raid warning system. Notifications are received through the street warning system, the Air Alert app (Android, iOS), Telegram channels, and local authorities.

During the alarm, it is recommended to immediately take cover. This can be a basement, bomb shelter, subway, or other safe place provided for such situations. If there is no shelter nearby, go to the nearest building with strong walls and no windows. A map of shelters is available in Diia, through the Kyiv Digital app, or on the websites of city administrations.

Curfews

In connection with the full-scale invasion of russia, a curfew has been introduced in Ukraine. It applies to the entire territory of the country (except for the Transcarpathian region), but restrictions vary from region to region.

In general, during the curfew, citizens are prohibited from being outside and in public places, unless an air alert is declared in the region. If an air raid alert is announced in a locality during the curfew, citizens should take their identification documents and go to the nearest shelter. Moving around the streets during the curfew without the appropriate documents (passes) is prohibited.

Blackouts

Russia continues to shell the territory of Ukraine. As a result of massive missile attacks, there may be power outages throughout the country. 

We advise you to always have power banks, preferably several, with a capacity of 10,000 mAh or more to charge your smartphones and laptops. Portable charging stations (EcoFlow, Bluetti) or a generator can provide power for important devices. It is also worth preparing a supply of water and easy-to-prepare long-term storage foods (dried fruits, chocolate, nuts, muesli, canned food, breakfast cereals, cereals, etc.)

Healthcare

Treatment in public hospitals is free for Ukrainians, but paid for by non-residents. Private clinics are also popular:

- Dobrobut (dobrobut.com)

- Into-Sana (into-sana.ua)

- ADONIS (adonis.com.ua)

It is recommended to take out health insurance covering military risks to be protected during your stay in the country. You can do this on the Visit Ukraine portal. The policies available on our website cover medical expenses in case of injuries or accidents caused by hostilities.

Emergency numbers

- 112 - general number

- 103 - ambulance

- 102 - police

- 101 - fire service

Public transportation

Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa have an electronic ticketing system (Kyiv Digital, EasyPay). Fares: subway - UAH 8, bus/trolleybus - UAH 10-15. In Kharkiv, public transportation is completely free. 

Public transportation during air alert

Ukrzaliznytsia operates stably, tickets can be purchased through uz.gov.ua (official website) and the Ukrzaliznytsia app. During air alerts, passenger, evacuation, medical and other Ukrzaliznytsia trains, including Kyiv City Express and Dnipro City Express, run on schedule.

In most Ukrainian cities, trams and trolleybuses do not stop during air raids. In Kyiv, ground public transportation stops during air raids. Passengers must leave the vehicle and go to the nearest shelter. Kyiv residents and visitors are forced to use minibuses or taxis.

Public transportation during the curfew

Public transportation does not run during the curfew. Trains run on their own schedule. Metro stations are open around the clock as shelters.

Taxis and car-sharing

- Uklon

- Bolt

- Uber

War risk insurance in Ukraine for foreigners

Most insurance companies around the world exclude war risks from their policies, but Visit Ukraine offers a unique insurance that covers the consequences of hostilities. This policy guarantees financial compensation in case of injury, accident, or death as a result of military operations.

All foreigners (except russian citizens) can take out the insurance. It is available to people of all ages, including minors and people over 70.

What does the insurance policy cover?

- Medical care: outpatient treatment, hospitalization, emergency care;

- Repatriation in case of death;

- Compensation for injuries caused by hostilities;

- Treatment of COVID-19 and coverage of medicines.

The insurance can be taken out for a period of 3 to 180 days, and annual policies are available for long-term stays in Ukraine. It takes only a few minutes to apply - just choose the appropriate option on the Visit Ukraine website.

Don't waste your time searching - take out insurance covering military risks on Visit Ukraine in 5 minutes and be sure of your own safety!

We remind you! The rules for crossing the border with minor children have changed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Read more about how to leave Ukraine with a child in 2025 and what documents you need to have.

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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