Visit Ukraine - What do foreign tourists think about traveling to Ukraine during the war?

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14 Dec. 2023

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What do foreign tourists think about traveling to Ukraine during the war?

Tourists in Ukraine

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Travel

War

Ukraine

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Why do foreign tourists come to Ukraine even during the war?
Is it safe to travel in Ukraine now?

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What do foreign tourists think about traveling to Ukraine during the war?

Despite the war, tourists from all over the world continue to come to Ukraine, even from as far away as Australia. Find out how and why Gabi Mimovich traveled so far to Ukraine, why she has been trying to do so since 2014, and what her impression of Ukraine was after her trip

Take care of insurance for safe entry into Ukraine

Take care of insurance for safe entry into Ukraine

BUY

It would seem that a foreigner would not want to go to Ukraine during the war, where there is a constant danger from russia, and the road to the country is complicated due to the closed skies and can sometimes take several days. But thousands of our tourists who have visited Ukraine during the war know exactly why and what they are doing.

And for one of our tourists, a trip to Ukraine was, without exaggeration, the trip of her life, as she had been trying to come since 2014. And only this fall she was able to realize her dream with Visit Ukraine.

Gabi Mimovich is an Australian, formerly a doctor, who came to Ukraine to see Ukraine and Ukrainian life with her own eyes. She has traveled a very long way from Australia. And her sincere admiration for Ukraine is another proof of how amazing Ukraine is even during the war.

How Gabi Mimovich's trip went, how her family reacted to her decision, and what impressions she got from her trip to Ukraine are described in the article below.

Why do foreign tourists come to Ukraine even during the war?

Gabi had been trying to come since 2014, but unfortunately, all flights were canceled, so she was unable to get to Ukraine. However, she tried again in 2015, got a new visa, but on the way there was a tragedy with the airline, so she couldn't come again. And in 2023, when her business was closed due to Covid-19, she decided that she had enough time and had to do it now, despite the war. During the interview, she said she felt she had to do it, otherwise she would never be able to get to Ukraine.

"I know it's (ed.: war) terrible, but I came during the war," she concluded.

Gabi also told us that she is fascinated by centuries-old Ukrainian history and culture, as Australia does not have such architectural monuments, religious buildings and other buildings that have survived from ancient times. That's why she booked 9 different tours and excursions to see as many Ukrainian cities and attractions as possible. In total, Gabi visited Lviv, Kyiv, and the de-occupied cities of the Kyiv region, as well as Odesa. As our tourist summarized, she was impressed by the diversity of Ukraine.

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Is it safe to travel in Ukraine now?

We asked Gabi how her family and friends reacted to her decision to come to Ukraine, how she felt here, and whether she would recommend traveling to Ukraine during the war. And her answers were quite unequivocal.

Our tourist's family and friends were against her trip. According to Gabi, they do not understand that Ukraine is a country like any other. Yes, there is a war going on here, but Ukraine remains completely safe to travel.

"They don't realise things in Ukraine, that Kyiv is a proper city and, you know, people and shops and businesses and everything is like normal city. They think, it's all just bombed. But I know, that there are normal cities..." she summarized. She also added that she definitely recommends others to visit Ukraine and see everything with their own eyes.

"Just want to say, that Ukraine is like any other country. There're lot of wonderful cities and wonderful restaurants and wonderful people. There is no reason that you should not come. It is quite safe and I'll be coming back, so I think everyone should make Ukraine a part of their journey as well in life"

It should be noted that Gabi will visit Ukraine again in the spring of 2024 to help the country and make a personal contribution, and she has a very principled position on this issue.

"And the main reason is that, I offence the horrific way, how russia just came to this country and treated innocent people and basically Ukraine is fighting in war for us all. Because if they don't fight, it's just a matter of time for any country and take them over. They are fighting for peace in a whole world"

We are grateful to Geba for her courage, bravery and willingness to make a personal contribution to support Ukraine. This is an important step for Ukraine's victory and a loud reminder of the world's solidarity with Ukrainians!

Watch the full video interview with Gabi Mimovich on our YouTube channel. The impressive facts shared by our tourist will definitely not leave you indifferent!

And if you want to get to know Ukraine better, or help Ukraine on its way to victory, Visit Ukraine will be proud to be your guide and help you organize an interesting and, most importantly, safe trip.

You can book tours of Ukrainian cities on our website. On the page you will find more than 500 different tours of Ukraine.

To contact our managers about traveling to Ukraine, please contact the hotline daily from 08:00 to 02:00 (Kyiv time), in a messenger convenient for you:

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Thank you for choosing us. Best regards, Visit Ukraine!

We remind you! Recent events have made the world talk about how the US and Americans are tired of the war and are reducing their support for Ukraine. But is this really true? Read more about how U.S. citizens are helping Ukraine by personally traveling to the country during the war in our previous article.

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 - 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.

© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

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About us

VisitUkraine.Today is a service portal for tourists traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians planning a trip abroad.

On the portal you can order the following products/services:
• medical insurance for entry into Ukraine with coverage of military risks;
• travel and health insurance for leaving the country;
• legal advice (professional legal support on visa and migration issues);
• Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad

To order, you need to fill out an electronic form and make a payment, after which the finished insurance document will be sent to the specified e-mail within 30 minutes.

The website also contains the necessary and most up-to-date information on:
• rules of crossing the Ukrainian border by foreign citizens;
• rules of entry of Ukrainians to 200 countries of the world for tourism, work (business), study or immigration purposes;
• visa information.

All information on the website is updated daily and is available in three languages - Ukrainian, English and Russian.

Customer support (English speaking) is available - online chats (around the clock) and a call center (08:00-21:00 Kyiv time) - if you need clarification of the information provided or prompt assistance in resolving problems and misunderstandings related to ordering.

The portal was developed by the Ukrainian organization Visit Ukraine.
VisitUkraine is a public union that, since 2018, has been engaged in the promotion and popularization of Ukrainian tourism on the domestic and foreign markets, but the war made its adjustments. Now we are working on the information front.

In addition to the help portal, we have created several other projects:

Visit Ukraine Tours is the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste.
Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation – cooperation and advertising integrations with the Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
Visit Ukraine Tickets- purchase tickets for several types of transport - buses, trains (in Ukraine and Europe) and flights (in Europe)
Visit Ukraine Hotel is a search engine where you can easily and affordably book a hotel in a number of Ukrainian cities.
Visit Ukraine Donate is a charity project that organizes fundraisers to support Ukrainians and the needs of the military. Anyone can donate any amount in a convenient way from anywhere in the world. Let's bring victory closer together!

We transfer 25% of the proceeds from the sale to the Armed Forces and aid to Ukrainian refugees.

PUBLIC ORGANIZATION «VISIT UKRAINE»
01012, Kyiv, Independence Square Street, 2 , office 814-А
01001, Kyiv, Krestovy lane, 8/9
EDRPOU 41805188
Tel: +380939724145
[email protected]

Our partners

Cooperation with guides and tour operators

Visit Ukraine is a service portal where every user can get up-to-date information on entering Ukraine for citizens of 200+ countries, as well as purchase extended war risk insurance, train/bus/plane tickets, branded merchandise and order a safe tour of Ukraine.

Currently, we have the largest bank of tours in Ukraine and we plan to expand it!

We offer cooperation to guides and tour operators who conduct a tour of Ukraine.
Namely, free placement of your tours on our website.

To get additional information about cooperation - please fill out the form and our manager will contact you!

FAQ

- - What COVID documents do I need to have with me when entering Ukraine now?
    On July 1, 2023, the Ukrainian authorities lifted the quarantine and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From now on, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result or wear a protective mask to enter Ukraine.
  - Is it safe to visit Ukraine during the war?
    Recently, the number of foreign travelers has increased in Ukraine. They visit the country for various purposes: volunteering, participating in humanitarian programs, filming reports or documentaries, setting up a business, etc. There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is subject to regular rocket attacks.
  - What are your safety recommendations before traveling to Ukraine?
    Here are some important tips:
    • Make electronic copies of all documents and save them on your electronic device so that you always have access to them.
    • Find out in advance the curfew time in the region where you are going.
    • Install the Air Alert app on your smartphone and, upon receiving the signal, immediately go to the nearest shelter. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
    • When choosing a hotel, consider the availability of bomb shelters.
    • Inform your family and friends about your route and keep in touch with them.
    • Take out health insurance with extended coverage.
    Do foreigners need to register their stay in Ukraine?
    No, if the period of stay in the country is no more than 90 days. If a foreigner arrives for a period longer than 90 days, in this case, he or she needs a temporary or permanent residence permit, as well as registration at the place of residence.
    Can I enter Ukraine with an expired residence permit?
    Yes. Foreigners (except for citizens of the Russian Federation) and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after February 24, 2022.
    How to enter Ukraine with pets?
    Currently, entry to Ukraine with pets is subject to a simplified procedure. Pet owners must provide the following documents to customs:
    • a veterinary passport of the European standard or a certificate of animal health;
    • proof of valid rabies vaccination;
    • a document on the animal's chipping.
    How do I enter Ukraine with my own car with foreign registration?
    Foreign citizens can import cars with foreign license plates into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use. To cross the border in a car with foreign registration, you need the following documents:
    • foreign passport;
    • driver's license;
    • certificate of registration for the car with valid insurance;
    • international automobile insurance card "Green Card".
    Important: foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
    What happens to foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine?
    Foreigners and stateless persons who are not allowed to enter Ukraine, when attempting to enter Ukraine at a checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine, do not cross the state border of Ukraine and return as soon as possible to the state from which they came or to the state that issued their passport document. If it is not possible to return a foreigner or stateless person immediately, they stay at the checkpoint across the state border of Ukraine until their return.
    What should I do if I have been banned from entering Ukraine?
    If you become aware of a ban on entry to Ukraine while trying to pass passport control at the border of Ukraine, you should politely ask for a decision to refuse to cross the border, indicating the specific reason for the entry ban. You can appeal the decision to deny entry within 30 days from the date of familiarization with it. It is strictly forbidden to argue with border guards or violate the rules of stay at the checkpoint, otherwise you may be held administratively liable. You should remember the rules of staying at the checkpoint.
  Insurance policy
  Is insurance required to enter Ukraine?
  All foreign citizens are required to have an insurance policy covering the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Ukraine.
  For how long do I have to take out an insurance policy?
  According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1236, an insurance policy must be issued for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. The minimum period is not specified.
  Where can I get acquainted with the terms of the insurance contract?
  You can familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contract on our website in the section on insurance policy issuance.
  Is it necessary to buy an insurance policy for children?
  Yes, if a child has foreign citizenship, regardless of age, he or she must have an insurance policy for the entire period of stay in Ukraine.
  I am a foreign citizen, can I buy a policy in Ukraine?
  No, the insurance policy must be presented at the border control.
  What is war risk insurance and what war risks does it cover?
  This policy guarantees monetary compensation in the event of an accident as a result of military operations, passive military risks, terrorist acts, including emergency care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization and repatriation of the insured person (or his/her body in case of death) from the place of stay to the place of his/her permanent residence.
  Who can take out insurance?
  The insurance policy applies to foreign nationals, citizens of another state and stateless persons. There are no age restrictions: minors and people over 70 can buy insurance. In addition, insurance is mandatory for journalists, reporters, correspondents, opinion leaders, and media representatives. This is enshrined in the Law of Ukraine on Insurance (Article 7).
  What is the territory covered by the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance policy is valid on the territory of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the territories of direct combat operations (front line).
  Are there any restrictions on the validity period of the insurance policy covering war risks?
  The insurance contract comes into force from the moment the insurance premium is paid in full, but not before the date and time of crossing the state border of Ukraine. You choose the duration of the insurance - it depends on the number of days of your stay in Ukraine.
  I can't pay for the insurance, what should I do?
  If your payment fails, we recommend contacting your bank, as they often do not trust payment systems. You need to confirm that it is you who is making the transaction.
  I have taken out insurance, but I have not received a code. What should I do?
  In this case, we advise you to reload the page, clear the cache, change the language on the page, or use a different browser.
  What should I do if the policy does not arrive at the specified mail for more than 30 minutes?
  Please contact the hotline and provide the data that was specified when applying for insurance.
  Do I need to print out the electronic policy?
  You do not need to print out the electronic insurance policy. It is enough to save it to your phone or tablet to always have access to the document and present it to border control representatives.
  What should I do if I have purchased a policy but my trip is canceled?
  Please inform the portal hotline about the reasons for the trip cancellation and we will be happy to reschedule the dates for you.
  What should I do if I provided incorrect data when applying for an insurance policy?
  You can always contact the portal hotline and we will make the necessary changes to the insurance policy free of charge and promptly.