Is it safe to drive across Ukraine in wartime? Tips for foreign tourists

Car trips across Ukraine in 2025 are attracting more and more foreigners, despite the state of war. Travelling by car allows you to see the real country, but requires caution and a responsible approach. Find out more about safe routes, traffic rules, car rental and compulsory insurance for tourists

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Despite the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, millions of people continue to live, work, move around and travel here. Foreign tourists visiting Ukraine in 2025 are increasingly choosing road trips as a way to discover the real country — beyond the tourist routes. But a logical question arises: is it safe? The short answer is yes, provided that certain rules are followed and a cautious approach is taken. Many regions of Ukraine remain relatively calm and open to tourists.

And given the developed infrastructure, numerous travel services and overall mobility, a road trip can be a safe and eventful adventure.

In this article, we have compiled everything you need to know: from routes and checkpoints to car rental and relevant types of insurance for safe travel in Ukraine.

How many foreigners visited Ukraine in 2024 and what you need to know about military tourism in Ukraine — read more at the links.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

Car travel in Ukraine 2025: is it safe to drive across Ukraine?

Some parts of Ukraine are regularly shelled, while others live in relative peace. The western and central parts of the country, in particular the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Chernivtsi, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia regions, as well as Kyiv, continue to welcome tourists and are safe for travel, provided that caution is exercised.

However, the southern, eastern, and partly northern regions are areas of increased risk. It is particularly not recommended to visit the frontline regions: Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, part of Kharkiv, Kherson, as well as the border areas of Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

Are tourists welcome in Ukraine? We discussed this in our previous article.

Before travelling, be sure to consult with local authorities or check the latest news on the Visit Ukraine portal, where information on safe routes and recommendations for tourists is updated daily.

The most important thing is to travel consciously: plan your route in advance, avoid unfamiliar destinations, and take out medical insurance that covers military risks. You can quickly arrange this online in a few minutes at Visit Ukraine.

Driving in Ukraine during war: rules and road conditions

During the war, traffic in Ukraine has generally remained stable. Roads between cities are mostly in good condition, with the exception of a few damaged sections near the front line. However, travellers should be prepared for the specific conditions of wartime.

First and foremost, there are checkpoints. These have been set up to control movement and ensure safety.

When approaching a checkpoint, slow down, turn on your hazard lights and have your documents ready: passport, driving licence, vehicle registration documents or rental agreement. Be polite and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers or military personnel. What to do during an alarm — we have described this in detail here.

Even if your route seems safe, it is worth having additional protection. The best option is Mini Hull insurance — it covers car damage even in the event of a natural disaster, accident or damage caused by war. You can take out such a policy online in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Can foreigners rent a car in Ukraine?

The car rental process in Ukraine remains simple and straightforward even during martial law. Foreign citizens can rent a car in most major cities, as well as at train stations and airports.

To do so, you will need:

– The passport you used to enter Ukraine.

– Driver's licence (international standard).

The most convenient way to rent a car is online at Visit Ukraine. The rental procedure takes only a few minutes:

1. Go to the Visit Ukraine portal.

2. In the ‘Travel’ section, select ‘Car Rental’.

3. Select the location, service category (transfer, car with driver or self-drive) and rental period.

4. The system will offer all available car options. Use the filters to specify the class, make and other parameters.

5. Fill out the booking form in Latin letters.

6. Make the payment (VISA/Mastercard/American Express/cashless payment are available).

7. Complete the booking and receive a confirmation email.

Just a few clicks, and a car for your trip around Ukraine is already waiting for you. Fast, safe and hassle-free.

Safety tips for driving in Ukraine: insurance for foreign drivers in Ukraine

Insurance is a key aspect of safety when travelling in 2025.

In Ukraine, compulsory national motor insurance applies only to vehicles registered in Ukraine. If you rent a car in Ukraine, motor insurance is already included in the rental price.

If you are entering the country with a foreign-registered vehicle, you will need a Green Card valid in Ukraine.

To make your trip to Ukraine as safe as possible, we recommend taking a comprehensive approach to insurance. For maximum protection, we recommend purchasing:

– Medical insurance with coverage for military risks — this covers not only basic medical care, but also risks associated with military action.

– Mini Hull insurance — voluntary car insurance that compensates for damage not only in the event of an accident, but also in the event of natural disasters and even the risks of war.

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Practical driving tips for travelling across Ukraine

To make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible, keep a few practical points in mind:

– Plan your route in advance, avoiding border or military zones.

– Download the apps: Air Alarm (Google Play|App Store), Diia (Google Play|App Store).

– Do not ignore sirens — it is better to spend time taking cover than to take risks.

– Only stop at verified locations — verified hotels, services with reviews. How to rent accommodation in Ukraine as a foreigner and choose a safe area — read our separate guide.

Final thoughts: is it worth the drive?

Travelling in Ukraine during wartime is both a challenge and a unique experience. You will see not only picturesque towns and villages, but also the strength and resilience of people living in the realities of war. With proper preparation, adherence to safety rules and respect for the country, such a trip can be safe and extremely valuable.

To make it easy and carefree, use trusted services. Get medical insurance with war risk coverage and reliable car insurance, book a car and plan the best route — all in one evening on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Travel responsibly and discover Ukraine — the real, strong, and unbreakable country.

Reminder! Road trips in Ukraine are a great way to feel free, see diverse landscapes, and discover new routes. In 2025, such trips will become even more accessible and convenient, but they require careful preparation. Read about exploring Ukraine by car in 2025 and what to expect on the road here.

Photo: Pexels

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 – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

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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