Entering Ukraine in time of war: safety rules, insurance and useful information for foreigners
The imposed martial law on the territory of Ukraine does not prohibit the entry of foreigners, but it does impose some other restrictions. Find out what you need for a safe trip and what nuances you should consider when planning a trip to Ukraine during the war
Despite the fact that Ukraine has been at war for almost two years, the country is open to tourists and foreign visitors. Air travel to Ukraine is currently unavailable, but anyone can enter by land. At the same time, traveling to Ukraine is associated with some risks and restrictions that should be taken into account when planning a personal trip or business visit.
We've talked in detail about visa rules and border crossing earlier. Today we will talk about basic safety rules and other important nuances.
Insurance for entering Ukraine
First of all, when planning a trip to Ukraine, foreigners should take care of appropriate insurance. This is important because any foreign insurance policy automatically terminates after crossing the Ukrainian border. This is due to the fact that insurance companies do not cover risks associated with war in the territory of any countries where military operations or armed conflicts are ongoing.
In addition, according to Ukrainian law, foreigners and stateless persons may cross the state border to enter Ukraine provided that they have an insurance policy (certificate) for the entire period of stay in Ukraine issued by an insurance company registered in Ukraine or a foreign insurance company that has a representative office or contractual relationship with an insurance company - a partner in Ukraine (assistance).
We recommend purchasing not just health insurance, but an insurance policy with war risk coverage, which will cover standard medical care/treatment/diagnosis, etc. as well as 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.
What to do in case of air alert?
Despite the fact that the fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern regions, there are no completely safe cities in Ukraine due to the threat of missile attacks from the russian federation. That is why, while staying in Ukraine, you should closely follow the announcements of danger and, in case of an air raid alert (a long siren signal from loudspeakers on the streets), immediately go to the nearest shelter. Find the addresses of bomb shelters in the cities here. Read more about the rules of behavior during an air raid and in shelters here.
Important! For your own safety, we recommend installing the Air Alert app (from the App Store or Google Play), which additionally notifies you of the threat in the selected region or city.
Under no circumstances should you ignore the threat alert and do not come out of the shelter until the "air raid alert" is announced!
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Rules of behavior at checkpoints and on the streets
In cities and on public roads between the regions of Ukraine, there are checkpoints where documents and vehicles may be checked. When approaching an equipped checkpoint, drivers should slow down and prepare their documents for possible inspection.
If your car has a video recorder, make sure it is turned off and removed from the windshield (as it is prohibited to record military personnel, equipment and defensive structures on photos and videos during martial law).
Before the checkpoint, you must stop, turn off the headlights and turn on the emergency lights. After the military signal, the driver should slowly approach them and lower the side window. The military may check: documents, belongings (luggage/cargo) and the vehicle. You can drive away from the checkpoint only after the signal/permission of the inspector.
Please note! Moving through the streets, both on foot and by car, photo and video recording of the military, military equipment or other military installations is prohibited!
Curfew in Ukraine
When planning a trip to Ukraine, keep in mind that there is a curfew in the country, when citizens are prohibited from being outside and in public places (except when an air alert is declared in the region - in case of a threat signal, you must take your identity documents and go to the nearest shelter).
As a rule, curfews are in effect at night. For detailed information on restrictions in the region you are interested in, please follow the link.
Read more about the rules of behavior during the curfew here.
A responsible attitude to restrictions and prohibitions will help you avoid risks and negative consequences for your life and health. Follow all the rules and recommendations to make your trip to Ukraine comfortable and safe!
We remind you! If you are planning to travel to Ukraine by your own car, it is important to prepare all the necessary documents and a Green Card insurance policy. Read more about the rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign registration in our previous article.
Photo: Official Telegram channel of the Kyiv City Military Administration
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 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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