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19 Feb. 2025

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Rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates: everything you need to know

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Rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates: everything you need to know

Citizens of other countries and Ukrainians have the right to enter Ukraine by car with foreign licence plates. However, the rules for crossing the border are different for them. Find out more about what you need to do to enter Ukraine with a car with foreign registration

Purchase insurance for safe entry to Ukraine
Purchase insurance for safe entry to Ukraine
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In Ukraine, there are fines for drivers who do not comply with the rules for operating cars with foreign licence plates. Here's how to avoid trouble and what you need to know when driving a car with foreign licence plates into Ukraine.


Please note! The rules of entry for cars with foreign registration differ for Ukrainians and foreign citizens.


Read more in the article.


Who can drive a car with foreign licence plates?


An individual, as the owner of a vehicle or as a representative of a legal entity, can cross the state border in a car with foreign licence plates. They can be either a resident of the country or a non-resident.


Residents include companies registered in Ukraine and citizens permanently residing in Ukraine.

Non-residents - foreign enterprises; citizens permanently residing abroad.


Please note! Foreigners who have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine may also be residents.


Rules of entry for non-residents for cars with foreign number plates


Rule 1. Non-residents may import cars with foreign registration into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for personal use.


Rule 2: No customs duties are payable when importing a car for personal use.


Rule 3: Restrictions on the period of operation - cars without Ukrainian registration may be in the country for no more than one year.


Rule 4. A foreigner must obtain a temporary registration at a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs if the car will be in Ukraine for more than two months.


Rules of entry for residents of cars with foreign number plates


Rule 1: The car must be declared and the necessary customs duties paid.


Rule 2: Citizens of Ukraine who are registered with the consulate abroad and reside there need to declare the car, but do not have to pay customs duties.


Please note! The period of stay of such a person's car on the territory of Ukraine should not exceed 60 days within one calendar year (continuously or intermittently).


Rule 3. A resident must obtain a temporary registration at a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs if the car will stay in Ukraine for more than 30 days.


Please note! Citizens who are permanently registered with a consulate abroad must provide documents confirming their ownership of the car and registration in the territory of the respective country in order to obtain a temporary registration.


At the beginning of October 2024 , some changes were made tothe rules for crossing the border by cars with foreign licence plates. All the details of the innovations can be found here.


What documents are required to cross the border?


1. A national driving licence containing the expiry date

(Annex 6 of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic)

2. Car registration certificate

3. Identification mark of the country of origin on the vehicle

4. Contract of compulsory insurance of civil liability of vehicle owners covering the territory of Ukraine (Green Card)

5. Number plate on the car

6. Foreign passport


Car insurance: what do you need to know before travelling?


Car insurance is an important part of preparing for a trip to Ukraine by car. It provides financial protection in the event of a road traffic accident (RTA) and other road accidents.


Green Card - a mandatory policy for entry


To travel to Ukraine by car, foreign drivers need to have a valid international driving licence and a Green Card insurance certificate.


‘A Green Card is an international analogue of a motor third party liability insurance policy that is valid in many countries, including Ukraine. It provides insurance coverage for driver's liability in the event of an accident caused by his vehicle abroad.


It is important to note that the insurance coverage under the Green Card may differ depending on the country where it was issued. Therefore, before travelling, you should carefully read the insurance terms and conditions and make sure they meet your needs.




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Mini Hull Insurance - additional protection for your car


Mini Hull Insurance is the best solution for car owners who want to protect their vehicle but are not ready to overpay for full CASCO. The mini-version has a limited list of insured events, but offers a significantly lower price of the insurance policy. Mini Hull Insurance insurance provides coverage for war risks and is suitable for cars with Ukrainian and foreign registration.


Mini Hull Insurance covers the following insured events at different levels

- indemnity in the event of an accident involving another car;

- indemnity in case of total destruction of the car due to natural disasters;

- protection against passive war risks;

- coverage of tow truck services.


You can take out such insurance from a reliable insurer on the Visit Ukraine portal.


Take out Mini Hull Insurance and feel confident when travelling around Ukraine in your own car!



How to take out car insurance on Visit Ukraine?


Step 1. Specify the insurance period, vehicle type and policy start date


Step 2. Click ‘Search’ and choose a package that meets your needs (Economy, Basic or Maximum + war risks).


Step 3. Fill in the form with the car details and select the country of destination - ‘Ukraine’.


Step 4. Fill in the form with the information about the vehicle owner: the data shall be filled in in accordance with the information specified in the passport document.


Step 5. Confirm the data and agree to the terms of the contract.


Step 6. Pay for the policy in a way convenient for you and receive your Mini Hull Insurance by email.


Penalties for violation of the rules for operating a car with foreign number plates


If the period of temporary import or transit is exceeded, Ukrainian legislation provides for fines:

- up to 1 day - a warning or a fine of UAH 170;

- up to 10 days - a fine of UAH 3400;

- up to 20 days - a fine of UAH 8,500;

- up to 30 days - a fine of UAH 85,000;

- more than 30 days - a fine of UAH 170,000 or confiscation of the car.


Please note! When re-registering a car with Ukrainian licence plates, car owners must take out compulsory motor third party liability insurance (MTPL). You can do this quickly, easily and online on the Visit Ukraine portal. Compare offers from different insurance companies and choose the best one.


Before you leave, check your documents and their validity periods - take care of your insurance in advance!



Photo: Freepik


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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gestellte Fragen

Are the rules for entering Ukraine by cars with foreign registration different for Ukrainians and foreigners?

The rules of entry for cars with foreign registration differ for Ukrainians and foreign citizens.

Are there any fines for drivers in Ukraine who violate the rules for importing cars with foreign number plates?

Who can drive a car with foreign number plates?

Who is a resident?

Who is a non-resident?

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