There is no ban on entering Ukraine with a car with foreign license plates, but the law provides for a number of restrictions on the use of such a car in Ukraine. Find out what rules apply to Ukrainians and foreigners in 2024

Legal assistance on entry and stay in Ukraine

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Citizens of other countries and Ukrainians have the right to enter Ukraine by car with foreign registration. However, the rules for crossing the border and using such a vehicle are different for them. Moreover, violations of the rules for operating cars with foreign licence plates are subject to fines, so it is important to take into account all restrictions to avoid unnecessary troubles.

What are the general rules and peculiarities of using cars with foreign licence plates in Ukraine and how long such vehicles can stay in the country without the need for customs clearance - we will tell you further in the article.

How to get to Ukraine in 2024, as well as the rules of entry, the list of documents and who may be refused to cross the border, can be found here.

How long can you drive a non-cleared car in 2024?

The issue of using non-cleared cars in Ukraine remains relevant for many drivers. However, it is important to understand that there is no single answer to the permitted period of stay of such vehicles in the country, as the duration of the legal use of a non-customs car differs for Ukrainian citizens and foreigners, and also varies depending on the conditions.

Read more about the rules that apply in Ukraine for different categories of citizens below.

Transit entry to Ukraine with foreign number plates

In accordance with the Customs Code of Ukraine, the period of transit for road transport by residents (i.e. Ukrainians and foreigners with a residence permit in Ukraine) is 10 days (5 days in case of movement within the area of operation of one customs office).

In other words, resident citizens may cross the border in a vehicle with foreign registration and use it for personal purposes in Ukraine in transit.

At the same time, if such a car will stay in Ukraine for more than the specified period and was imported by a resident for personal use, it is necessary to use the import or temporary import regime.

Read more about the rules of transit for non-residents of Ukraine here.

Entry of foreigners into Ukraine by cars with foreign number plates

Citizens of other countries may import cars with foreign registration into Ukraine for personal use only. In this case, no customs duties are payable for the import of such a car.

However, there are restrictions on the period of operation of cars with foreign licence plates in Ukraine. Thus, cars without Ukrainian registration can stay in the country for one year. However, if the car is going to stay in Ukraine for more than two months, it is necessary to obtain a temporary registration at a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Upon expiry of the one-year period, the car with foreign licence plates must leave the territory of Ukraine.

Also, for a safe trip to Ukraine by your own car, you should take care of car insurance in advance, which will additionally protect your vehicle from the risks of war.

Entering Ukraine by car with foreign number plates for residents

Ukrainians have the right to import a car with foreign licence plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties. The same rules apply to foreign citizens who have a residence permit in Ukraine.

Different rules apply to Ukrainian citizens who are registered with the consulate abroad and reside there permanently. When entering Ukraine, they must declare their car in writing, but without paying customs duties. The period of stay of such a car in Ukraine should not exceed 60 days within one calendar year (continuously or intermittently).

In all of the above cases, it is necessary to apply to the service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to obtain a temporary registration if a car with foreign number plates is imported by a resident of Ukraine for a period exceeding 30 days. In this case, Ukrainians who are permanently registered with the consulate abroad must provide documents confirming their ownership of the car and documents of registration in the territory of the relevant country.

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Temporary import of a car into Ukraine for residents: peculiarities

According to the Customs Code of Ukraine, resident citizens may use the regime of temporary importation of personal vehicles for a period of up to one year under a written undertaking to re-export them. However, they are required to pay all customs duties that are required by law to be paid when importing such vehicles.

If a person crosses the border in a vehicle owned by a non-resident company in connection with the performance of their official duties, such a person may also use the temporary importation regime. Such vehicles may be imported for a period of up to 10 days. However, this period may be extended by the customs authorities in the presence of certain documented circumstances, but not more than 60 days.

For a list of items that are allowed and prohibited to be transported across the Ukrainian border with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, please follow the link.

Customs clearance and registration for importing a car with foreign registration into Ukraine

Pursuant to the Customs Code of Ukraine, goods classified under headings 8701-8707, 8711, 8716 of the Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity, which are subject to state registration, when imported by citizens into the customs territory of Ukraine, regardless of their value, are subject to a written declaration and customs clearance with import duty at the full rates of the Customs Tariff of Ukraine, excise tax and value added tax at the rates established by the Tax Code of Ukraine.

For reliable protection of the car against military risks in Ukraine, we recommend considering the option of additional insurance Mini CASCO. This policy is available for both Ukrainians and foreigners. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase a Mini CASCO policy from a reliable insurer for guaranteed protection on the country's roads online. Three package options are available for periods ranging from one month to one year for cars, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, as well as trailers and semi-trailers.

What documents do I need to enter Ukraine with a car with foreign number plates?

In order to enter Ukraine by a car with foreign registration, the following documents are required

- international passport and insurance policy (for foreigners);

- passport of a citizen of Ukraine/residence permit (for residents of the country);

- driver's licence;

- car registration certificate with valid insurance;

- international car insurance card ‘Green Card’.

What is the liability for violating the rules for importing a car with foreign registration?

The Customs Code of Ukraine provides for liability for the transfer of a personal use vehicle temporarily imported into the customs territory of Ukraine or placed in the customs transit regime to a person who did not directly import such a vehicle in the form of a fine of two thousand tax-free minimum incomes.

Liability is also imposed for exceeding the time limit for transit of personal vehicles. Exceeding the term by no more than one day entails a warning or a fine of ten tax-free minimum incomes, and exceeding the term by more than 10 days entails a fine of five hundred tax-free minimum incomes.

How old can a car be imported into Ukraine in 2024?

As of 2024, cars of any age are allowed to be imported into Ukraine, but there are certain requirements regarding environmental standards and customs duties. In particular, imported cars must meet the environmental standard of at least Euro 2 or Euro 5 (depending on the specific law and type of vehicle).

It should also be borne in mind that cars over a certain age may be subject to higher duties, as the rates depend on the year of manufacture and engine size. Before importing, you should consult with the customs authorities or check the latest information on official sources.

Can I enter Ukraine by car under a power of attorney?

Yes, it is possible to enter Ukraine by car under a power of attorney, but there are some important nuances.

A car imported under a power of attorney is subject to the same customs rules and deadlines as a personally imported vehicle. This is usually 10 days for transit or up to 1 year for temporary importation for non-residents.

However, a mandatory condition is that you have a notarised general power of attorney for the use of the car, which allows you to import and export the vehicle outside the owner's country.

It is also worth noting that some countries require additional permission from the owner to drive the car abroad, so it is worth checking the local requirements before you travel.

In addition, you must have the original registration documents for the vehicle, a Green Card insurance policy and all documents confirming the right to drive the car under a power of attorney.

It is worth recalling that in order to legally drive a car with national registration in Ukraine, a valid MTPL insurance policy is a prerequisite.

Remember that a valid insurance policy is a guarantee of compensation in the event of an accident. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can buy a motor third party liability policy from a licensed insurer. Packages with a deductible of UAH 3200, UAH 1600, and UAH 0 are available.

For more information on who does not need motor third party liability insurance in Ukraine and the conditions for exemption from compulsory motor third party liability insurance, please follow the link.

Just to remind you. The Ukrainian government has approved a new mandatory document when selling a car. Read about the new rules for selling a car here.

Photo: Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

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