Border crossing rules to enter Ukraine: Recommendations VisitUkraine.Today

Today, you can enter Ukraine only by land, and there are several important details to consider in order to cross the border quickly. Find out how to prepare for a trip to Ukraine and what you need to pass passport control

War risk insurance is a guarantee of your protected stay on the territory of Ukraine

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For all foreign nationals, entry into Ukraine begins with crossing the border and passing through passport control. Currently, you can only enter by land, in particular, through the border crossings with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.

We have prepared a universal checklist to help you prepare in advance for crossing the Ukrainian border.

Read here to find out how to enter Ukraine in 2025, as well as about checkpoints and queues at the borders.

The rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign registration are described here.

Permanent residence permit in Ukraine: the procedure and required documents.

General rules for foreigners entering Ukraine

Authorised officials of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine are governed by the Law of Ukraine ‘On Border Control’ and grant a foreigner or stateless person a permit to cross the state border of Ukraine provided that:

1. A valid passport (the passport must be valid for the entire period of stay in the country). Citizens of Turkey and Georgia can enter Ukraine on the basis of an ID card;

2. Absence of a decision of an authorised state body of Ukraine to ban entry to Ukraine;

3. Having an entry visa, unless otherwise provided by the legislation of Ukraine (instructions on how to apply for a visa are available here);

4. Confirmation of the purpose of the planned stay;

5. Availability of sufficient financial support for the period of the planned stay and for returning to the state of origin / transit to a third state / the possibility of obtaining sufficient financial support in a legal way on the territory of Ukraine.

6. Availability of an appropriate insurance policy (due to the martial law imposed on the territory of Ukraine, any foreign insurance automatically terminates after crossing the Ukrainian border; we recommend taking out insurance with war risk coverage, which will cover not only standard medical care/treatment/diagnosis, etc. but also accidents and injuries caused by passive or direct military risks).

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Health insurance with war risk coverage for travelling to Ukraine

Are you planning a visit to Ukraine? Take care of your safety in advance. A special health insurance policy for foreigners not only covers standard medical expenses, but also protects you in cases related to war risks.

Our insurance coverage includes emergency medical care, hospitalisation and transportation in case of accidents, including those caused by military operations. We provide round-the-clock support and rapid organisation of medical care throughout Ukraine.

It takes only a few minutes to apply for an insurance policy, and its cost is significantly lower than the potential cost of treatment. Moreover, having health insurance is a prerequisite for foreigners to enter Ukraine.

Protect yourself right now! Take out an insurance policy on the Visit Ukraine portal - it's fast, easy and reliable. After payment, you will instantly receive the policy by email.

D-14 spouse visa for entry to Ukraine: who can apply for it and how to do it?

How can a foreigner move to live in Ukraine? Find out here.

How to check the ban on entry to Ukraine?

To find out whether a foreigner has a valid entry ban to Ukraine, you must submit an application in advance to the State of Ukraine on the possible existence of a decision to ban entry in respect of a foreigner or stateless person.

The application must be submitted in person and/or sent in writing (sealed in an envelope) to the address of the Main Centre for Processing Special Information of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

How to act in case of refusal to enter Ukraine can be found here.

How to confirm the purpose of entry into Ukraine?

The easiest and most effective way to justify the purpose of your visit to Ukraine is to have a notarised invitation from Ukrainian citizens - relatives, acquaintances, friends, etc.

In the absence of an invitation, the purpose of the visit may be justified by:

- hotel reservations or apartment rental agreements;

- travel vouchers;

- invitations/tickets to seminars, exhibitions, fairs;

- documents confirming the need for treatment in medical institutions;

- written confirmation of a meeting, conference, etc;

- invitations from companies and organisations;

- a visa or tickets to a third country (to justify the purpose of the trip ‘transit to a third country’).

When obtaining visas at the consulates of third countries (e.g., the United States) in Ukraine, the purpose of the visit must be confirmed by an appropriate document (e.g., a completed application form, an appointment with the Consulate).

For foreigners and stateless persons to extend their stay in Ukraine: instructions here.

How much money do I need to have to enter Ukraine?

Entry and stay of foreigners on the territory of Ukraine is subject to the availability of sufficient funds or the possibility to legally obtain these funds (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 884 of 04.12.2013).

Financial security is checked by authorised officials.

The State Border Guard Service is selective, i.e. there is always a possibility that you will not have to prove

your solvency.

The amount of money required to live in Ukraine is calculated using the following formula: FZ = ((20 × Pmin) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where:

FS - sufficient financial security;

Pmin - subsistence minimum per person per month;

Days - number of days spent in Ukraine.

According to the methodology for calculating the minimum amount that a foreigner must have to visit Ukraine, the subsistence minimum established on the day of entry into the country is taken for calculation.

Starting from 1 January 2024, the subsistence minimum per person per month is UAH 2,920.

Thus, the required amount for an adult for 7 days:

((20×2920 UAH): 30) x (7+5) = 23,360 UAH (which is ~ $600)

Holders of a residence permit in Ukraine, minor children, diplomats, refugees, and cruise tourists are exempt from financial verification. Other categories of citizens need only present the following documents to confirm that they have sufficient financial security:

- cash in hryvnia or other convertible foreign currency;

- bank cards, ATM statements and cheques;

- a letter of guarantee from the host party undertaking to pay all expenses incurred by the foreigner in connection with his/her stay in Ukraine and travel abroad;

- confirmation of booking or payment for accommodation and meals;

- a contract for tourist services (voucher, voucher);

- a travel ticket for returning to the country of permanent residence or to a third country with a fixed date.

Please note that any document must be written in English or translated into English in order to be read by the Border Guard Service representatives.

What should I do if my documents expire while I am in Ukraine?

Has your passport expired? It is important to know that your residence permit remains valid. However, the mere fact of living with an invalid passport is a violation of the law and may result in a fine of UAH 1700 to 5100.

If your residence permit expires after 24 February 2022, you can legally stay in Ukraine until the end of martial law and for another 30 days after it ends. This rule does not apply to Russian citizens.

If both documents are overdue, you will need to obtain a new passport at the representative office of your country. After returning to Ukraine, you must notify the Migration Service within three business days and submit documents to enter information about the residence permit in the new passport.

Read more about what to do if your passport or residence permit has expired, how to act in different situations, and what peculiarities exist for citizens of different countries here.

Travelling to Ukraine by car: details that foreigners should know

A foreigner is allowed to enter Ukraine in his or her own car, but it can only be used for his or her own needs. Foreign citizens can drive cars with foreign licence plates in Ukraine for up to one year. If you plan to stay in Ukraine for longer than two months, you need to contact a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a temporary registration of your car. After the one-year period expires, the car with foreign number plates must leave Ukraine.

To enter Ukraine by car, you must have a Green Card insurance policy.

Car insurance against war risks for a safe trip to Ukraine

Make your trip to Ukraine as safe as possible with a Mini CASCO policy. This is a special voluntary insurance that will protect your car from damage, including as a result of war risks.

The Mini CASCO policy is designed specifically for the current conditions in Ukraine. You get the necessary protection at an affordable price and the opportunity to quickly restore your car in case of damage. This is especially important for foreigners travelling on Ukrainian roads and wanting to feel confident.

Taking out Mini CASCO is your financial airbag and peace of mind during your stay in Ukraine. In the event of an insured event, you will receive compensation quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy.

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

The protection of your car will be activated immediately after paying for the policy, and you will receive all documents by email.

Legal assistance on entering Ukraine

Planning a trip to Ukraine and have doubts about your documents? Our certified migration lawyers will help you cross the border with confidence and stay in Ukraine legally.

Migration legislation and entry rules are changing every day, especially under martial law. Entrust your documents to experts who work with government agencies on a daily basis and know the current requirements for foreigners. We will help you deal with visas, residence permits, work permits and other important documents.

Our migration lawyers will provide you with step-by-step instructions and personalised advice on your situation. We will analyse your documents, identify potential risks and offer you the best solution for a legal stay in Ukraine.

Don't risk your time and the possibility of entry - order a consultation with a migration lawyer right now on the Visit Ukraine portal. 

Travel to Ukraine with confidence with the support of professionals!

Just a reminder! The imposed martial law on the territory of Ukraine imposes certain restrictions on the validity of insurance policies of foreign citizens. Read here to find out why foreigners need to take out health insurance when entering Ukraine and what are its main advantages.

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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