New rules for traveling abroad: eCherha has begun canceling appointments for those without a Green Card

Starting May 12, 2026, the “eCherha” system will automatically verify the presence and validity of the “Green Card” for vehicles crossing the border. If the insurance is missing or inactive, the queue entry may be canceled. Find out how the new system works, who it applies to, and what carriers need to keep in mind

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New rules for carriers using the eCherha system when crossing the state border took effect in Ukraine on May 12, 2026. From now on, the service will automatically verify the existence and validity of the Green Card international insurance certificate. If the insurance is found to be invalid or missing, the queue entry may be automatically canceled.

The new feature was implemented in collaboration with the Motor (Transport) Insurance Bureau of Ukraine (MTIBU). Its main goal is to prevent situations where drivers only discover insurance issues once they arrive at the border crossing

How the new border verification system will work

When reserving a spot in the online queue, the “eCherga” system now automatically queries the MTIBU database to verify whether a Green Card has been issued, whether the insurance certificate is valid, and the duration of the insurance coverage.

Information about the insurance status will be displayed in the driver’s personal account. There, you will also be able to see the expiration date of the insurance policy.

The Ministry of Development explains that this will allow carriers to check their documents in advance and avoid problems when traveling abroad.

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When an eCherha entry may be canceled

The most important change is that the system will automatically cancel a reservation if the vehicle does not have a valid “Green Card” at the time it receives “Entry” status at the border crossing point.

At the same time, there is an important clarification. If insurance was purchased in advance but has not yet taken effect at the time of registration in the queue, the reservation will not be canceled immediately. It will remain active until the vehicle approaches the checkpoint.

However, by the time of actual entry at the checkpoint, the insurance policy must already be active. If this does not happen, the system will automatically cancel the spot in the online queue.

For whom is the Green Card mandatory

Possession of an international insurance certificate is mandatory for all commercial vehicles leaving Ukraine. First and foremost, this applies to:

trucks;

buses;

international carriers;

transport companies operating commercial routes.

Important! Without valid insurance, drivers may be denied entry at the border.

Why carriers should carefully check their insurance

The “Green Card” is an international motor third-party liability insurance certificate valid in many European countries and other member states of the system.

Its absence creates several risks at once:

denial of exit from Ukraine;

cancellation of a spot in eCherha;

financial costs in the event of a traffic accident abroad;

fines and issues with local regulatory authorities.

Additionally, if the trip is delayed, the driver can track the policy’s validity period directly in the system’s personal account and ensure the insurance is renewed in a timely manner.

The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development notes that the new mechanism is intended to make the border-crossing process more predictable and faster.

Thanks to automatic document verification, the number of rejections at border checkpoints will decrease, delays in queues will be reduced, carriers will be able to respond more quickly to insurance issues, and the system will become more transparent and automated.

The innovation should also help avoid situations where vehicles arrive at the border without the necessary documents and create additional congestion at checkpoints.

To avoid having their eCherha appointment canceled, drivers and transport companies are advised to:

check the Green Card’s effective date;

purchase insurance in advance;

monitor the policy’s status in their personal account;

ensure that the insurance is valid at the exact moment of arrival at the border crossing point.

Carriers who purchase a policy the day before their trip should be especially careful, as the insurance certificate may not activate immediately.

For drivers, this means more responsibility when planning trips. Before traveling abroad by car, it is important to check the validity of the policy and the accuracy of the data in advance. Conveniently, today you can apply for an electronic Green Card online without paperwork and queues through Visit Ukraine — this allows you to prepare for your trip in advance and avoid unpleasant surprises at the border.

We remind you! A Green Card is international compulsory insurance for traveling abroad by car, which works on the principle of a motorist's citizenship. Read how to check the validity of an insurance policy and its term of validity through the Central Database of the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ukraine.

Photo: freepik

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