Travel checklist for Ukraine 2025: what to take with you on your trip?

Are you preparing for a trip to Ukraine in 2025? We have compiled a practical checklist with documents, insurance, finances, and useful tips. Find out what you need to take with you for a safe and comfortable trip

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Planning a trip to Ukraine requires careful preparation, especially given the current situation in the country. A properly compiled checklist for traveling to Ukraine in 2025 will help you avoid unpleasant surprises at the border and ensure a comfortable journey. To help you remember all the important things and documents, we have compiled a detailed list of everything you need for a safe and organized trip.

What documents are required to enter Ukraine?

Without documents, the trip simply will not happen. This is the first thing border guards check, and this is where problems most often arise. Therefore, we advise you to make sure that all your papers are in order and that you have reliable copies of them.

● Passport – the main document for crossing the border. EU citizens can enter with a biometric or regular passport valid for at least 6 months. Some countries require a visa – check the travel requirements for Ukraine for your country of citizenship.

● Visa or invitation – citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free regime with Ukraine must obtain a visa in advance at the consulate. An invitation from Ukrainian partners, relatives, or organizations can simplify the visa application process.

● Copies of documents – be sure to make copies of important documents. Keep them separate from the originals and in electronic form in cloud storage.

For complex migration issues, we recommend contacting professional migration lawyers who will help you correctly complete all the necessary documents for entry into Ukraine.

Insurance in Ukraine for foreigners: what kind do you need?

Many travelers underestimate the role of insurance, considering it a formality. In fact, it is your main protection in unpredictable situations. Ukraine requires a medical insurance policy, and without it, border guards have the right to refuse entry. In addition, the Ukrainian healthcare system may be unfamiliar to foreigners, and medical services for tourists are paid.

It is best to choose a policy that covers military risks, as this removes many questions in case of emergencies. Such insurance covers the costs of treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation.

The most convenient way is to take out insurance online through Visit Ukraine — quickly, officially, and with the necessary level of protection.

Why is it important to buy tickets to Ukraine and back in advance?

Tickets are not only a way to get to Ukraine, but also confirmation of your travel plans. Border guards often check the purpose of your trip and the availability of a return ticket, so take care of this in advance.

● Air (to neighboring countries), train, or bus: choose depending on your route and budget.

● Return tickets: confirmation that you plan to leave the country after your trip.

● Booking in advance allows you to avoid overpaying and lack of seats on popular dates.

You can buy tickets to Ukraine online at Visit Ukraine, which saves a lot of time. The website offers a convenient service for searching and booking tickets for various types of transport around the world and transfer services from European countries to Ukraine and back.

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Booking a hotel in Ukraine: where to look for accommodation?

Booking accommodation is not only a matter of convenience but also a requirement for entry. Border guards may ask you to confirm where you plan to stay. In addition, booking in advance helps you avoid stress after a long journey.

Ukraine offers a wide range of accommodation options: hotels of various categories, apartments, hostels, and private apartments. When choosing, pay attention to the proximity to public transport and the availability of shelter.

It is more convenient to book a hotel in Ukraine online. Visit Ukraine provides an up-to-date database of verified hotels throughout Ukraine with the option of online booking and cancellation.

How much money should you take with you to Ukraine?

Financial issues are often underestimated, but they can ruin any trip. Ukraine has its own rules for using currency, so it is better to have several sources of funds.

● Cash: bring euros or dollars with you, as they are easy to exchange at exchange offices and banks. In provincial towns, cash may be needed more often than in large cities. Read How much cash can you take with you to Ukraine at the link.

● Bank cards: International Visa and Mastercard cards work without any problems, but it is better to have several — from different banks. Before traveling, inform your bank about your travel plans.

Essential items: what to take with you to Ukraine?

● Electronics and communications: chargers for all electronic gadgets and a high-capacity power bank. This is especially important in case of possible power outages.

● Power adapter: Ukraine uses C and F standard outlets, which correspond to the European standard voltage of 220V.

● First aid kit: include any medications you regularly take and basic first aid supplies (pain relievers, fever reducers, digestive aids, bandages, antiseptics, etc.). If you take prescription medications, bring a supply and your prescription in case of customs inspection.

● A small supply of food and water: a minimal supply of non-perishable food and drinking water is especially useful for long journeys by train or car.

Useful tips for safe travel in Ukraine

In addition to the standard items, it is worth taking care of your safety, which will help you in unpredictable situations:

● Download offline maps of the cities you plan to visit. The Maps.me or Google Maps apps allow you to use navigation without the internet.

● Save important phone numbers: your country's embassy in Ukraine, emergency services, hotels, local contacts.

● Download the Air Alarm app (Google Play|App Store) and select the region where you plan to stay to receive alerts about threats directly to your smartphone.

● Check the availability and accessibility of shelters near your location.

● Use Visit Ukraine services to purchase insurance, consult with lawyers, find accommodation, book tickets, and receive the latest security news.

Proper preparation for a trip to Ukraine is the key to a peaceful and safe vacation. Our checklist for traveling to Ukraine in 2025 covers all the necessary aspects: from mandatory documents to practical details.

Don't forget the most important things: get medical insurance with coverage for war risks, book reliable accommodation, and buy tickets in advance. The Visit Ukraine platform will help you organize all aspects of your trip in one place — from insurance to hotel reservations and up-to-date safety recommendations.

We remind you! An air raid alert in Ukraine is an important signal that helps protect residents and visitors to the country in case of danger. Even despite the war, tourism in Ukraine continues, and it is important for foreigners to know how to respond to sirens and where to find shelter. Read how to stay safe and where to seek help during an air raid in our previous article.

Photo: Freepik

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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