Queues at the Ukrainian border: where the heaviest traffic is during the holiday season

Passenger traffic on Ukraine's western border has increased due to active holiday travel by Ukrainians. The situation remains dynamic and changes throughout the day. Find out how to plan your trip and avoid long waits at the border

Issuing a Green Card policy for traveling abroad by car

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During the Christmas and New Year holidays, passenger traffic through Ukraine's western border crossing points traditionally increases. This year, increased traffic is primarily observed at crossing points in the Lviv and Volyn regions, where all directions are operating in heavy traffic mode.

After a brief decline immediately after Christmas, there is now another increase in the number of travelers, especially those leaving Ukraine. The situation remains dynamic and changes throughout the day depending on the time and direction of travel.

Who can leave Ukraine in 2025 and what documents are checked at the border read here.

The list of products that can be exported abroad is in this article.

Are you going abroad by car? Don't forget about your Green Card! At Visit Ukraine, you can choose from offers from various insurers and apply for insurance in 5 minutes.

Where are the longest queues for leaving Ukraine at the moment?

The State Border Guard Service emphasizes that the largest traffic jams are recorded at the following border crossing points:

Shehyni

Krakivets

Rava-Ruska

Ustyluh

Ugryniv

These directions are the most popular among citizens traveling to EU countries during the holiday season.

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The least congested border crossing points

For those who plan to cross the border and want to save time, it is worth paying attention to the less congested routes:

Hrushiv

Nyzhankovychi

Smilnytsia

Situation at the entrance to Ukraine

As of now, there are no queues at the entrance to Ukraine, which allows you to return home after the holidays without significant delays.

In order to speed up processing and reduce queues at border crossing points:

the number of border guards has been increased;

additional automated workstations have been opened;

there is constant coordination with Polish border guards.

When planning a trip during the holiday season, it is worth considering the current situation at the border, choosing less busy checkpoints, and, if possible, traveling during off-peak hours. This will help reduce waiting times and make your trip more comfortable.

The Green Card is a mandatory international civil liability insurance policy for drivers traveling abroad in their own car. During the pre-holiday rush, the presence of a valid Green Card is checked especially carefully when passing through control, because without it, crossing the border with Poland and other EU countries is impossible.

Apply for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal in advance to avoid unnecessary delays and cross the border safely even during peak traffic!

Recall! From October 12, 2025, Europe launched a new border control system - EES, according to which the usual stamp in the passport was replaced by biometric registration, and the entry process became completely digital. We have already told you what surprises the EES system is preparing and how to avoid unpleasant surprises when traveling to Europe.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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