Uman will soon be welcoming Hasidic pilgrims travelling for the annual Rosh Hashanah celebration. Due to the war, some restrictions are being imposed on visitors to Ukraine. Find out what to prepare for and what the rules are for Hasidic pilgrims in Ukraine

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Ukraine is preparing to welcome Hasidic pilgrims who will soon arrive in the country to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (2, 3 and 4 October). However, due to the ongoing war, a number of restrictions have been imposed in Ukraine. Here's what pilgrims need to know before travelling.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, one of the most important holidays in Judaism. Its name translates as ‘Head of the Year’ or ‘Beginning of the Year’. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated for two days at the beginning of the month of Tishrei (usually in September or October according to the Gregorian calendar) and symbolises the beginning of the new year according to the Jewish calendar.

Every year, pilgrims visit the Ukrainian city of Uman, which has become a centre of Hasidic pilgrimage thanks to the tomb of the tzaddik (righteous man) Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, the founder of Bratslav Hasidism. Rabbi Nachman commanded his followers to come to his grave on Rosh Hashanah, promising a special blessing to those who spend the holiday there.

Are there any restrictions on entry to Ukraine for Israeli citizens?

As you know, in June of this year, Israel announced the introduction of an ETA-IL permit for Ukrainians to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

In response to Israel's actions, Ukraine promised to introduce its own restrictions for Israeli citizens. The new rules were supposed to affect thousands of Israeli pilgrims who visit Ukraine every year. 

However, official Tel Aviv later announced that it would postpone the introduction of ETA-IL for Ukrainians until 2025. In this regard, the Ukrainian side has not yet taken any measures in response. Therefore, Israeli citizens can enter Ukraine without any further complications.

Uman is strengthening security and introducing a number of new rules

Starting 23 September, security measures will be tightened in Uman in connection with the Hasidic pilgrimage. The city will also introduce a special regime for entry/exit and movement of citizens.

The special regime for entry and exit and movement of citizens will be in place as in previous years during the Hasidic pilgrimage.

In particular, the entry of vehicles will be prohibited:

- from the M-30 motorway to Uman, to Derevyanka Street (the base of Standard Construction LLC);

- from the M-30 motorway to Uman, to Horikhova street;

- from the village of Rodnykivka to the city of Uman, on Pavlova Street.

The following streets will be subject to a tighter traffic control regime

- entrance from the M-30 motorway to Uman, on Derevyanka Street;

- entrance from the M-05 motorway to Uman, to Internatsionalna Street;

- entrance from the village of Horodetske (Palanska territorial community) to Uman, at the intersection of Horodetska Street and Maksyma Zaliznyaka Street;

- entrance from the M-30 motorway to Uman, on Mykhailivska Street;

- entrance from the motorway M-30 to Uman to Vokzalna Street;

- entrance from the village of Rodnykivka (Palanska territorial community) to Uman, on Kyivska Street;

- at the entrance from the M-05 Kyiv-Odesa motorway to the city of Uman, on Vyzvolyteliv Street, for Hasidim only.

Also, the sale of alcoholic beverages, fireworks and pyrotechnics is prohibited in the pilgrimage neighbourhood.

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Restrictions amid the war

When travelling to Ukraine, visitors to the country should remember that there is a war going on. A number of restrictions have been imposed in Ukrainian cities due to the hostilities.

For example, the curfew in Uman lasts from 00:00 to 4:00. During this time, citizens are not allowed to be outside without special permits.

It is also worth knowing that during martial law, Ukrainian law enforcement officers closely monitor security in the regions. In this regard, citizens may have their documents checked.

How do I get to Uman?

After the full-scale invasion of the Russian army, the airspace over Ukraine was closed, which deprived foreign citizens of air travel to Ukraine.

Now, the most popular means of transport in Ukraine are trains. However, buses are equally popular, operating both international and domestic flights.

The fastest way to get to Uman from Israel is to fly to Romania or Moldova, and then take a bus directly to Uman.

By the way, you can find bus tickets at favourable prices on our website using the ticket booking service.

Also, don't forget that travelling to Ukraine during the war should be done with the utmost care. We advise you to prepare for your trip in advance by taking out an insurance policy in case of unforeseen situations. Moreover, on the Visit Ukraine portal you can find not just insurance, but a policy that covers military risks.