How to come to Ukraine from the USA: convenient routes, visa and security measures
Due to the war, Ukraine's airspace is closed, so you need to carefully consider your route. Find out more about how to get from the US to Ukraine and travel tips
Both Ukrainians and foreigners can enter Ukraine, because the state border works as usual. However, the closed airspace in Ukraine and the lack of direct flights significantly complicate the road to the country.
It should be noted that in the first half of 2023, more than 26 thousand tourists from the United States visited Ukraine.
How to get to Ukraine from the USA? Convenient routes and necessary documents are in our material.
Find the 7 best countries for Americans to visit here.
Travel route from the USA to Ukraine
Currently, you can get from the USA to Ukraine by at least two types of transport: first by plane to a European country neighboring Ukraine (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc.), and then continue the journey by land transport - train or bus.
- By plane to Europe from the USA
Poland
The Polish airline LOT operates a direct flight from New York to Rzeszów once a week. The price of tickets from Rzeszów, Poland to New York starts at 4,200 zlotys ($980) both ways with hand luggage. The price of a ticket when traveling with luggage up to 23 kg starts from 4,700 zlotys ($1,100). New York-Rzeszów flight schedule at the link.
You can also fly to Rzeszów and Krakow from Boston. There is a direct flight from Chicago to Krakow.
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, can be reached by direct flight from New York. Ticket price starts at 11,000 hryvnias ($300).
Moldova
There is also a direct flight from Boston to Chisinau. The ticket price starts at 17,000 hryvnias ($460).
- On the train from Europe to Ukraine
Ukraine is connected by direct rail to many European cities:
- from Warsaw you can get to Kyiv
- from Przemyśl to Kyiv, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia
- from Khelm - to Kyiv and Kharkiv
- a direct train goes to Kyiv from Budapest, Vienna and Chisinau
- from Kosice in Slovakia you can reach Chopa and Mukachevo.
Read more details about the trains running between Ukraine and European countries at the link.
Train tickets from Europe to Ukraine are very popular among travelers. Therefore, we advise you to buy tickets in advance.
- By bus from Europe to Ukraine
Bus transportation to Ukraine from Europe is carried out by many carriers: LeoExpress, FlixBus, Ecolines, RedioJet etc.
Routes depart from many European cities and go to most Ukrainian cities. Ticket prices start at 500 hryvnias ($15). The duration of the trip can be up to 20 hours.
You can buy a ticket for a plane, train or bus to Ukraine using the link.
How can a Ukrainian leave the USA and not lose U4U protection?
Ukrainians who have obtained protection in the USA under the U4U Uniting for Ukraine USA program can go home only if there is a good reason. Travel without valid reasons is prohibited.
Form I-131 (Advance Parol) must be issued for departure. The registration fee is $575 for 1 form, the waiting period is at least 6 months, depending on the download of the service. If the issue requires immediate departure, then you can ask for quick processing of documents in connection with an urgent situation.
However, there is no 100% guarantee that the border guard will allow you to re-enter the US.
Ukrainians living in the USA on the basis of a long-term tourist visa have the right to leave the country without restrictions.
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List of documents for entry into Ukraine for US citizens
- Passport valid at the time of entry and exit with at least one blank page.
- A visa is not required (for a tourist stay of no more than 90 days within a 180-day period). A visa and a residence permit are required for stays of more than 90 days. The visa must be obtained in advance at the Ukrainian embassy or consulate. You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border.
- There are no mandatory vaccinations and quarantine restrictions.
- Cash in the amount exceeding 10,000 euros or the equivalent in foreign currency must be declared in writing when passing border control.
According to Ukrainian legislation, all foreigners who come to Ukraine must have medical insurance that covers the entire period of travel.
Read more about visa rules and obtaining a visa to Ukraine for US citizens here.
Contacts of the US Embassy in Ukraine
- St. A. I. Sikorskogo, 4 (former Tankova), 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Phone: +38 (044) 521-5000
- Fax: +38 (044) 521-5544
- Email: [email protected]
Restrictions on travel to Ukraine and safety rules
The State Department continues to recommend that US citizens not travel to Ukraine because of russia's war against Ukraine. However, those who wish to come should know the current entry and security rules. Rules and useful information for entering Ukraine during the war at the link.
When traveling to Ukraine during the war, take care of proper insurance. There are three policy options available that cover accidental damage due to acts of war or terrorism, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and emergency care. You can buy insurance by following the link.
Read more about the benefits of military risk insurance in Ukraine here.
Is it safe for foreign tourists to travel to Ukraine now? Read in this article.
Hotels in Ukraine
When choosing a hotel in Ukraine, be sure to pay attention to the availability of storage facilities, because the threat of rocket attacks persists throughout the territory of Ukraine.
A large database of the best accommodation facilities in Ukraine is collected at the link.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
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