How to avoid risks and make traveling to Ukraine as safe as possible in 2025?

Ukraine is a country with a rich history, unique cultural heritage and hospitable people. However, due to the ongoing hostilities, you should carefully prepare for such a trip. Learn more about how to make your trip to Ukraine as safe as possible and avoid possible risks

Take care of insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Despite the full-scale invasion, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world continue to visit Ukraine. According to preliminary estimates, approximately 2.7 million foreigners visited Ukraine in 2024. Foreign visitors share their fascinating impressions of Ukrainian cities, note the high level of security and professional tourist infrastructure, and plan to return again.

In this article, we will explain how to plan a safe trip to Ukraine and discuss possible risks.

Preparing for a trip and the list of documents required to cross the border of Ukraine

Before you travel, we advise you to take several important steps:

- Check whether your country's embassy in Ukraine is open, write down its contacts and address and keep them in quick access;

- Make electronic copies of your documents;

- When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the availability of bomb shelters;

- Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them;

- Obtain health insurance through a Ukrainian insurer (as long as martial law is in effect in Ukraine, any foreign insurance automatically terminates after crossing the Ukrainian border).

In this case, we recommend that you take out insurance with military risk coverage. This coverage will cover not only standard medical care/treatment/diagnosis, etc., but also accidents and injuries caused by passive or direct military risks.

You can take out such insurance on the Visit Ukraine website. Follow the link and choose an insurance policy with the appropriate coverage and indemnity amount for the required period.

The introduction of martial law on the territory of Ukraine does not imply any changes or restrictions in the rules of border crossing for foreigners (except for citizens of the aggressor country). The Ministry of Internal Affairs informs that in order to cross the border of Ukraine, you must provide:

- A valid foreign passport (except for citizens of Turkey and Georgia, who can enter based on an ID card);

- A visa (unless otherwise provided by law or a visa-free regime is established with the country);

- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (invitation from a citizen of Ukraine or to participate in events/conferences, travel voucher, hotel reservation, etc;)

- Confirmation of sufficient funds for the entire period of stay in Ukraine and for returning to the country of origin;

- Insurance policy.

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How to get to Ukraine?

Due to the closure of the airspace over Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, direct flights to the country are currently unavailable. However, the land borders remain open, allowing entry by land.

The most convenient way to get to Ukraine is to fly to the nearest airports in neighboring countries and then continue by train or bus. Popular routes include flights to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, or Moldova, from where there are regular flights to Ukrainian cities. This is the best option for travelers who want to get to Ukraine quickly and comfortably.

Here is a full list of checkpoints on the border with Poland, Slovakia, Moldova, Romania, and Hungary.

You can find out more about the schedule, prices and countries of connection of international trains to and from Ukraine here.

You can quickly buy bus and train tickets on the Visit Ukraine portal.

In our previous materials, we told you how to get to Ukraine from the following countries:

USA ● Canada ● Poland ● Germany ● Slovakia ● Hungary ● Italy ● France ● Netherlands ● Czech Republic ● Lithuania ● Switzerland ● Sweden ● Turkey ● Austria ● Denmark ● Portugal ● Georgia ● Bulgaria ● India 

● Greece ● Croatia ● Estonia ● Finland ● Latvia ● Belgium ● Slovenia ● Moldova ● Ireland ● Norway ● Spain
● russia ●  United Kingdom ● Romania ● Armenia ● Egypt

Which regions of Ukraine are safe for tourists to visit?

Safety is a top priority for any traveler, and Western Ukraine remains one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its geographical location. The region is actively developing its tourist infrastructure: there are modern hotels with comfortable facilities and English-speaking staff, restaurants serving authentic cuisine, and a transportation system that provides convenient travel between cities.

The Carpathians are a real find for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, hiking trails lead to picturesque mountain meadows where you can meet the sunrise among the mountains and enjoy the clean air. In winter, the region becomes an ideal place for skiing and snowboarding.

Gastronomic tourism is another interesting component of the trip. In western Ukraine, you can taste traditional Hutsul dishes: banosh, Carpathian cheeses, fragrant mushrooms, and homemade pastries. It is also worth visiting local wineries where you can enjoy tastings of unique wines.

Fans of cultural recreation should take part in master classes in Easter egg making, pottery, or weaving, learn more about folk traditions, and even learn to play the trembita.

To make your trip as comfortable and safe as possible, Visit Ukraine offers customized tours with professional guides and proven routes. The portal also contains the best options for traveling to the most picturesque corners of Ukraine, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.

Contact Visit Ukraine managers (Telegram | WhatsApp). Our specialists will create an individualized selection of interesting tours for you, organize transfers, guide services, ticket and hotel reservations. Travel around Ukraine with us!

Martial law rules and restrictions

Foreigners staying in Ukraine have the same rights and obligations as citizens of the state. The martial law conditions force guests and citizens to follow a number of rules and be prepared for restrictions:

- Always carry your documents with you;

- It is strictly forbidden to pick up suspicious objects;

- Officials have the right to check documents, conduct a cursory inspection of a person and a car if necessary;

- It is strictly forbidden to take photos and videos at checkpoints, near military units, medical facilities, administrative buildings and other strategic objects;

- Checkpoints - mobile checkpoints have been set up at the entrance and exit of regions, districts, cities and villages. At the checkpoints, documents will be checked and cars will be inspected. Military or police officers may ask you several questions about your route and purpose of travel.

We also recommend that you consider the availability of nearby shelters in case of a threat of rocket fire and air raid alert when developing your travel route.

Before visiting tourist attractions, we recommend checking the opening hours in advance.

Prohibitions while traveling in Ukraine

- Excursions, walks, rafting and other types of recreation near military and strategic facilities, as well as critical infrastructure.

- Public events such as concerts, festivals, etc.

- Visit tourist sites on the border with Russia and Belarus, as well as along the front line.

- In certain regions, there are restrictions on visiting forests, water bodies, and mountain routes. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this information in advance.

- You should refrain from traveling to the regions under occupation on your own.

Read more about the prohibited areas for recreation in this article.

Curfews in different regions of Ukraine

Ukraine is under a curfew imposed due to the full-scale invasion of Russia. Its restrictions apply to the entire country, but the exact time and rules may vary from region to region.

During the curfew, it is forbidden to be outside or in public places without a special permit. The only exception is when an air raid is declared. In this case, citizens can leave their homes with their documents and go to the nearest shelter.

Public transportation is not available at this time, but this rule does not apply to railroad connections - trains run on schedule. In cities with subways, underground stations remain open to citizens as shelters 24/7.

Violation of the curfew rules without a special permit may lead to document checks and other consequences by the applicable law.

For up-to-date information on the duration of curfews in different regions, please follow the link.

How does Ukraine ensure the safety of tourists during the war?

The Ukrainian government is actively working to ensure the safety of everyone in the country, including foreign tourists. One of the key elements of protection is the air alert system, which allows for prompt notification of potential threats.

The Air Alert mobile application, available in several languages, provides up-to-date information about the danger in real time. Ukraine also has a traditional siren system that signals the need to immediately take shelter. The combination of these two methods allows for maximum risk awareness.

Shelters are available in all regions of the country and are marked on special online maps to help you quickly find a safe place. They are regularly checked for compliance with safety standards.

An additional level of protection is provided by law enforcement agencies, including the National Police and the State Emergency Service, which operate around the clock. Thanks to close cooperation with international partners, a stable situation is maintained in the regions that receive tourists.

Safe tourism during the war in Ukraine with Visit Ukraine

Visit Ukraine is implementing a comprehensive approach to protect foreign tourists and create safe routes. The company has developed special tourist programs that are constantly updated in line with the current situation in the country. Each route is closely monitored and accompanied by professional guides who have undergone special security training.

To ensure round-the-clock support for travelers, Visit Ukraine's support team is available 24/7, responding promptly to inquiries and emergencies. The company also cooperates with leading insurance agencies, offering tourists reliable insurance coverage, including coverage of military risks.

One of Visit Ukraine's key projects was the opening of the Tourist Information Center in partnership with Ukr Pass. It is located at Kyiv's central bus station (1 Nauky Avenue) and is an important hub for domestic and foreign tourists.

Travelers can use the following services at the TIC:

1. Organization of tours around Ukraine of various levels of complexity;

2. Issuance of insurance policies, including coverage of military risks;

3. Legal advice on border crossing and travel;

4. Purchase of souvenirs and Ukrainian symbols;

5. Booking and purchase of tickets for bus routes in Ukraine and abroad;

Thanks to its convenient location and professional team, the TIC is a reliable information center for everyone traveling in Ukraine.

War risk insurance in Ukraine for foreigners

War is usually a standard exclusion in insurance contracts around the world, so only a limited number of companies offer policies covering war risks. However, Visit Ukraine offers reliable insurance that provides compensation in case of traumatic injuries, accidents, or death as a result of hostilities.

Citizens of Ukraine, foreigners (except russian citizens) and stateless persons can purchase an insurance policy. It is important that there are no age restrictions - both minors and elderly people over 70 can take out insurance.

What does an insurance policy with war risks cover?

1. Medical services: emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization;

2. Repatriation in case of death (transportation of the body to the place of permanent residence);

3. Compensation in case of injuries as a result of hostilities, terrorist attacks or passive war risks;

4. Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19;

5. Coverage for medicines prescribed by a doctor;

6. Insurance payment to the family in case of death of the insured person.

You can take out an insurance policy for a period of 3 to 180 days. For those planning a long-term stay in Ukraine, annual insurance policies are available, which have extended coverage and are suitable for obtaining a residence permit.

It takes only a few minutes to apply - just choose the package you need on the Visit Ukraine website and receive an electronic policy. The support team is always ready to help you choose the best option and answer all your questions.

Don't waste your time searching - take out insurance covering military risks on Visit Ukraine in 5 minutes and be sure of your own safety!

We remind you! The rules for crossing the border with minor children have changed since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Read more about how to leave Ukraine with a child in 2025 and what documents you need to have.

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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