How to buy UZ tickets for foreigners and those who do not have a Diia?

New rules introduced by Ukrzaliznytsia have made it more difficult for foreigners and Ukrainians without the Diya app to purchase tickets. Find out more about how to verify your identity, what you need to register, and which routes are affected by the restrictions

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Starting August 1, 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia has new rules for buying tickets—now you need to verify your identity through Diia.Sign to book or return a train ticket. This applies not only to international trains but also to the five most popular domestic routes.

But what should foreigners or Ukrainians who do not use the Diia app do? There are alternatives, and here's how to use them.

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How can foreigners buy a ticket without Diia?

Foreign citizens can purchase tickets through a special service provided by Ukrzaliznytsia. The procedure is as follows:

1. Download the mobile app UZ.

2. Register in the app:

Enter your current phone number and email address.

3. Pass identity verification:

Follow the link and fill out the form:

- First and last name in Latin characters;

- The same phone number and email address used during registration;

- Photo of your passport with a unique security code (issued by the system);

- Selfie with your passport in your hands.

4. Wait for confirmation:

The form will be processed within 12 hours. Once approved, the user will be able to purchase or return tickets for certain flights online.

Alternative: help from Ukrainian acquaintances

If a foreigner has friends or relatives in Ukraine, they can book a ticket from their profile, indicating the name of the foreign passenger. But it is important to note that during the trip, the passenger must have documents confirming their identity.

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What should Ukrainians without Diia do?

For Ukrainians who do not have “Diia.Sign,” the following option is currently available:

- Choose alternative flights that are not included in the list of routes with mandatory verification.

- Wait for the launch of authorization via BankID — this feature is currently being developed and will be implemented in the near future.

What do you need to know about the new UZ rules?

Tickets for flights from Odesa to Kyiv, Lviv to Kyiv, Kyiv to Uzhhorod, Lviv to Odesa, and Kyiv to Chop can no longer be purchased at ticket offices — only online and only with proof of identity.

Military personnel can purchase tickets through the Army+ system — these rules do not apply to them.

It is impossible to purchase or return a ticket without verification.

Why was verification introduced?

Ukrzaliznytsia explains that the main goal is to combat ticket scalpers. The mass purchase of tickets by bots for resale at inflated prices has become a serious problem.

The new identity verification mechanisms are designed to make the process transparent and fair for all passengers.

Despite the stricter rules, both foreigners and Ukrainians without a “Dii” card can purchase tickets on the Ukrainian Railways website. The main thing is to go through the verification procedure or ask a friend for help. Soon, another tool will appear — BankID, which should simplify access to tickets for those who do not use “Dii.”

Where to buy tickets?

You can always book tickets for trains, buses, and flights to any destination on the Visit Ukraine portal. Through our booking system, you can easily plan your route, compare prices, choose the best time to travel, and purchase tickets online right away.

Stay tuned for updates and use Visit Ukraine, a service that helps you travel conveniently and safely, to plan your trip.

We remind you! During the period of martial law, tourism continues to develop despite the challenges. Foreigners who identify the best places to visit in Ukraine in 2025 often choose the Ukrainian Carpathians. We told you whether it is safe to travel there now, how to make it as comfortable as possible and what unique opportunities the Carpathian Mountains will offer you.

Photo: facebook.com/Ukrzaliznytsia

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