Queues at the border in 2025: border crossing point congestion and the best places to cross the border by car?

This summer, more and more Ukrainians are choosing to travel abroad by car, which is causing significant queues at many border crossing points. To avoid long waits, it is important to know which border crossing points to choose and not to forget the necessary documents and insurance. Find out more about where the longest queues are at the border and how to prepare for your car trip

Travel insurance is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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With the onset of the summer season, more and more Ukrainians are travelling abroad by car. Demand for travel has increased significantly, and with it, queues at border crossing points.

Where are the biggest traffic jams, which border crossing points are best to choose, and what do you need to have with you? We will tell you more in this article.

The state of queues at the border with the EU: what is known now?

According to the State Border Service, more than 140,000 people cross the state border every day. For example, on the last day of June, one of the peak figures was recorded — more than 140,000 crossings, with Ukrainians accounting for about 85% of all travellers.

The heaviest traffic is traditionally in the direction of Poland, which accounts for almost half of all traffic. Therefore, drivers should plan their route carefully and monitor the situation at the border in advance.

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Checkpoint congestion: where are the longest queues at the border right now?

The busiest checkpoints are located in the Lviv, Volyn and Zakarpattia regions.

Lviv region

– Krakivets and Shehyni are the busiest checkpoints, especially when leaving Ukraine.

– ‘Rava-Ruska’, ‘Hrushiv’ and ‘Ugryniv’ – average congestion.

– “Nizhankovychi” and ‘Smilnytsia’ – least congested, recommended for those who want to avoid long waits.

Volyn region

– The longest queues are at the Yagodin checkpoint due to heavy traffic to Poland.

Zakarpattia region

– The checkpoints to Hungary and Slovakia are less busy, but traffic may also build up at weekends.

To avoid wasting extra hours at the border, check the queues before departure — and don't forget your documents and insurance.

When travelling abroad, it is recommended to take out travel insurance, which provides reliable protection during your holiday. You can purchase such a policy in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Where is the best place to go by car from Ukraine to avoid queues?

– Choose less popular checkpoints, such as Nizhankovychi or Smilnytsia in the Lviv region.

– In Zakarpattia, consider checkpoints to Slovakia (Uzhhorod) or Romania (Dyakove), where queues are usually shorter.

– It is better to leave Ukraine on weekdays, especially in the morning or late evening. For returning, choose weekends.

What do you need to have with you at the border?

Before travelling, check that all your documents are in order and that you have the necessary insurance.

Documents required for travelling abroad in your own car:

1. Foreign passport – must be valid for at least six months after your planned return.

2. Driving licence – must meet the requirements of the country of entry.

3. Vehicle registration certificate – issued in the name of the driver or passenger.

4. UA identification mark – not required if the mark is on the number plate.

5. Green Card insurance policy – required for international travel.

The car must also be equipped with a state number plate with Latin letters, as individual number plates are only valid in Ukraine.

Important! A Green Card insurance policy is mandatory for trips to EU countries. It covers damage caused to third parties in accidents abroad.

You can get a Green Card on Visit Ukraine online in 3 minutes — no queues or extra fees. The policy is available for different time periods (from 15 days to 1 year) and for different vehicles.

Travel insurance for travelling abroad: where to get it?

Planning a trip outside Ukraine? Travel insurance is not just a formality, but your reliable protection in any country in the world. Many EU countries and other countries around the world require medical insurance upon entry.

And even if there is no such requirement, it is worth remembering that the cost of medical services abroad can reach tens of thousands of euros, especially in the case of emergency care.

Travel insurance helps you avoid unexpected expenses and allows you to focus on what matters most — your travel experiences.

When you purchase a policy from Visit Ukraine, you get a number of benefits:

– Speed and convenience. It only takes a few minutes to purchase online, without queues or unnecessary paperwork.

– Reliability. The policy complies with international standards and is suitable for visa applications.

– Accessibility. Affordable price and minimal formalities.

– Security. Your policy is always in digital format and available at any time.

Don't put off protecting your health — get your travel insurance online at Visit Ukraine today and travel with confidence!

Reminder! Lonely Planet has named the 20 best beaches in Europe for summer 2025 — and the list includes not only Mediterranean resorts, but also the cold but charming coastlines of the North. Where to go on holiday in Europe in summer 2025 — find out here.

Photo: State Border Service of Ukraine