What Ukrainians need to know before traveling through Poland: an important checklist

Ukrainians traveling to Ukraine via Poland should check their documents and residency status in advance. Learn more about the basic requirements to avoid problems at the border

Green Card insurance policy for traveling abroad by car

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Before traveling to Ukraine via Poland, you should check all your documents and your current immigration status in advance. Even a single mistake—such as not having a biometric passport or proof of legal status—can result in a delay or refusal to cross the border.

To avoid unpleasant situations on the road, it’s helpful to use a short checklist and make sure all requirements are met before departure.

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Passport for Crossing the Border

To travel to Ukraine via Poland, you must have a valid biometric passport. This document is the primary requirement for visa-free border crossing.

Before departure, check:

- The passport is valid (extended documents are not accepted)

- Each child has their own biometric passport

- The child is not simply listed in their parents’ passport

If your passport is lost or stolen:

- You must contact the Ukrainian consulate

- Obtain an identity document for return to Ukraine (“white passport”)

❗️Please note! If you are transiting through Poland from a non-Schengen country with a “white” or non-biometric passport, you need a Polish visa. Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area is only possible with a biometric passport and within the 90/180-day rule.

Documents proving legal residence

If you are returning to your country of residence in the EU after a trip to Ukraine, you must have proof of your legal status. Without this, you may encounter problems upon re-entry into your country of residence.

Such documents include:

- Temporary protection document

- Visa

- Temporary or permanent residence card

- EU long-term resident card

It is important to note that the format of the document varies by country. It can be either a plastic card or an electronic document. For example, in Poland, proof of status is available via the mObywatel app, while in the Czech Republic, it is provided in the form of a temporary protection visa.

If you have PESEL UKR status in Poland, you should check the validity of your data in the app before traveling and update it if necessary. If you encounter any issues, contact your local urzędu (municipality or city office).

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Traveling with Children

When traveling with children, it is important to check all documents in advance. Separate requirements apply to minors, and failure to comply may result in being denied entry at the border.

Be sure to prepare:

- The child’s own biometric passport

- A document confirming legal residence

❗️Important to note! When returning from Ukraine to Poland, you must also provide proof of the child’s temporary protection.

If the child has PESEL UKR status in Poland, the following rules apply:

- Under 13 years old – the child’s data must be entered into one parent’s mObywatel app

- 13 years and older – the child may have their own profile

If the child is traveling not with their parents but with relatives or acquaintances, a notarized consent for departure from Ukraine from one or both parents must be obtained.

Crossing the border in a car with foreign license plates

If you plan to cross the border in a car with foreign registration, it is important to check the entry requirements in advance to avoid additional fees or delays.

Entry without paying customs duties is possible only if the car owner is registered with the Ukrainian consulate abroad.

Before your trip, you should:

- Check whether you are registered with the consulate

- If necessary, register with the Ukrainian consulate at your place of residence

- Prepare documents confirming your right to use the vehicle

You can obtain temporary consular registration at a Ukrainian consulate. A detailed list of required documents and requirements is usually available on the official websites of consular offices.

Before traveling to Ukraine by car, you should also ensure you have Green Card international insurance, which is mandatory for traveling abroad. The policy covers the driver’s liability in the event of a traffic accident in other countries and helps avoid significant expenses in unforeseen situations. You can quickly apply for a Green Card online through Visit Ukraine—it’s convenient, reliable, and takes just a few minutes🚗