Rosh Hashanah 2025: what pilgrims need to know before travelling to Ukraine

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 (22-24 September). However, due to the ongoing war, a number of restrictions have been introduced in Ukraine. Here is 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 over 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.

Pilgrims visit the Ukrainian city of Uman every year, which has become a centre for Hasidic pilgrimages thanks to the tomb of the tzaddik (righteous man) Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, the founder of Bratslav Hasidism. Rabbi Nachman instructed his followers to visit his grave on Rosh Hashanah, promising a special blessing to those who celebrate there.

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

A few weeks before the holiday, information appeared in the media, in particular The Times of Israel, that due to the ongoing war and intensified Russian strikes, Ukraine allegedly intends to ban the traditional Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman on Rosh Hashanah 2025.

Representatives of Israel and Ukraine later denied the reports of a ban. Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein, reported:

‘As of today, Ukraine's policy regarding the arrival of believers for the Rosh Hashanah holiday has not changed.’

According to Ravid, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said that as of today, Ukraine's policy on the arrival of believers remains unchanged.

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Uman tightens security and introduces a number of new rules

Security measures will be tightened in Uman starting Monday, 15 September. During the pilgrimage of the Bratslav Hasidim, special rules will be in place in the city regarding entry and exit and the movement of citizens.

As in previous years, special rules will be in place regarding entry and exit and the movement of citizens during the Hasidic pilgrimage.

Police officers will check individuals and vehicles arriving in Uman. Police crews and foot patrols will be on duty.

In particular, the entry of vehicles will be prohibited:

- from the M-30 motorway to Uman, on Derevianko Street (base of Standard Budivelny LLC);

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

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

There will be enhanced control and access restrictions for vehicles on the following streets:

- entry from the M-30 motorway to Uman, on Derevianko Street;

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

- entrance from the village of Horodetsk (Palanska territorial community) to Uman, at the intersection of Horodetska Street and Maksym Zheleznyak Street;

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

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

- entrance from the village of Rodnykivka (Palanska 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 Hasidic Jews only.

The sale of alcoholic beverages, fireworks and pyrotechnics is also prohibited in the pilgrimage microdistrict.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine in 2025? A detailed guide in this article.

How many pilgrims are expected at Rosh HaShana in 2025?

The city has already welcomed thousands of Hasidic pilgrims who have come from all over the world. In total, about 30-35 thousand pilgrims are expected to arrive, although community representatives predict that the number could reach 50 thousand.

Restrictions due to the war

When visiting Ukraine, guests of the country should remember that there is a war going on there. Due to the hostilities, a number of restrictions have been introduced in Ukrainian cities.

For example, curfew in Uman lasts from 00:00 to 4:00. During this time, citizens are prohibited from being on the streets without special passes.

It is also worth knowing that during martial law, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies closely monitor security in the regions. In this regard, citizens may be asked to show their documents.

How to get to Uman?

After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army, the airspace was closed, depriving foreign citizens of air connections with Ukraine.

Currently, trains are the most popular form of transport in Ukraine. However, buses are also popular, operating both international and domestic routes.

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

Before travelling to Ukraine, make sure you have considered all the important aspects for a safe and comfortable trip. Here is a practical checklist:

1. Take out medical insurance.

A medical insurance policy with war risk coverage on the Visit Ukraine portal ensures access to medical care and peace of mind during the celebration.

2. Book a place to stay

Choose proven hotels in Ukraine that guarantee a comfortable and safe stay.

3. Plan your travel itinerary

Organize transfers and book transport tickets in advance, or consider renting a car in Ukraine for convenience and flexibility of routes.

Let us remind you! Even during a full-scale war, tourists continue to visit Ukraine, as it remains a popular destination for foreign tourists in Europe. Why should you choose Ukraine for your next trip - we explain here.

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 – health insurance with coverage of war risks;

Visit Ukraine Mini Hull Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Osago – compulsory motor third party liability insurance for cars with Ukrainian registration;

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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