Is there a ban on travel to Ukraine for foreigners in 2025?

Foreign tourists can travel to Ukraine. However, due to the martial law, citizens of other countries need to prepare a package of documents and comply with migration laws. Learn more about the current rules of entry to Ukraine for foreigners in 2025 and prohibitions

Apply for an insurance policy covering military risks for entry and stay in Ukraine

BUY

For more than three years, martial law has been in effect in Ukraine, which was introduced in connection with the full-scale Russian invasion on 24 February 2022. Of course, this special regime has certain restrictions, which is why most foreign tourists are faced with the question: is it possible to travel to Ukraine now? We will tell you more below.

For information about entry requirements for Ukraine and mandatory conditions for safe travel, please follow the link.

Is there a ban on entering Ukraine during the war?

Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine's borders are open to visitors. Foreigners enter the country for various purposes, including volunteer work, employment, vacation, and visiting relatives. According to official information provided by the State Border Service at the request of Visit Ukraine, in 2024, more than 2.54 million foreign citizens entered Ukraine.

Therefore, there is no ban on entry into Ukraine during the war. The main thing is to prepare the necessary documents and comply with immigration laws.

Foreign tourists regularly visit Ukraine, explore its corners and discover genuine Ukrainian hospitality. For example, Mark, a tourist from Great Britain, came to Ukraine for 11 days and saw the country's life in wartime. Why he considers this trip life-changing and how to organise a similar itinerary with Visit Ukraine - we tell you here.

Which cities in Ukraine are most often visited by foreign tourists - read the link.

Rules of entry into Ukraine for foreigners in 2025

Crossing the border of Ukraine is carried out on the basis of a foreign passport. The ID card entitles only citizens of Turkey and Georgia to enter.

Visa requirements in Ukraine depend on the citizenship of a foreigner: a visa-free regime has been established with certain countries in Ukraine, citizens of the rest of the countries must obtain a visa for entry before traveling. You can check whether you need a visa to enter Ukraine on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Train to Ukraine: we tell you which cities you can travel to Ukraine from here.

Top questions foreigners ask about Ukraine: about the history, traditions and culture of the Ukrainian people - follow the link.

List of documents for visa-free travel to Ukraine

1. Health insurance policy.

2. Confirmation of the purpose of the trip: a notarized invitation from citizens of Ukraine (relatives, acquaintances, friends), travel vouchers, confirmation of accommodation reservations, invitations from companies or organizations, tickets to seminars, exhibitions, fairs, documents about treatment in medical facilities, etc.

3. Confirmation of financial support (cash, bank statement, check from an ATM, etc.) - proof that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your planned stay in Ukraine or transit to a third country ($45 per person for each day of your stay in Ukraine ).

4. Absence of a ban from the authorized body on entry into Ukraine.

Read about who can be refused entry to Ukraine in our article.

If you plan to travel to Ukraine by private transport, it is worth researching the rules for foreign cars in Ukraine in 2025 in advance. Find out what foreign drivers need to know in Ukraine by following the link.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Procedure for issuing a visa to Ukraine

If your country does not have a visa-free regime, an application for a Ukrainian visa must be submitted in the country of residence to one of the representative offices of Ukraine: an embassy, consulate or visa center. It is better to start the permit procedure at least 3 weeks before the planned trip.

Approximate list of documents for obtaining a visa to Ukraine: application form, international passport, valid for at least 3 months after entering Ukraine, two passport-size photos, medical insurance policy, confirmation of the purpose of the trip, availability of a place to live, financial support, return ticket, paid visa fee, other documents that will confirm the purpose of the trip.

Citizens of 52 countries can also apply for an e-Visa to Ukraine - this is a short-term permit with a simplified procedure.

The rules for entering Ukraine for foreigners (except citizens of the russian federation) remain unchanged, so you can freely visit the country even during war.

Need help with paperwork, visa issues or legal advice? Our experienced immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine are ready to provide you with full support and assistance in all matters related to immigration to Ukraine.

Don't waste time on complicated bureaucratic procedures — trust the professionals! Visit Ukraine will help you quickly and safely resolve all migration issues in Ukraine.

Book a consultation and get answers to all your legal questions!

What to see in Ukraine?

Ukraine is an incredible country that amazes with its fantastic nature, rich culture, delicious cuisine and strong character. Despite the full-scale Russian invasion, more and more tourists are interested in Ukraine and plan to spend their holidays here.

How to find a tour to Ukraine during the war - we explain here.

Ukraine has many unique places to visit. Undoubtedly, the most popular destination among tourists is Kyiv, the invincible capital of Ukraine, as it is one of the oldest capitals in Europe, with over 2,000 historical and cultural monuments on its streets.

Lviv, the cultural centre of Ukraine, the seaside pearl of Odessa, as well as Ivano-Frankivsk and other Ukrainian cities and towns also attract travellers.

The natural pearl of Ukraine and its soul is the Carpathian Mountains, powerful and amazing mountains. Many active holidaymakers dream of conquering Hoverla, the highest peak in Ukraine.

For tourists looking for relaxation and wellness, we recommend visiting Transcarpathia.

The Visit Ukraine website has the largest database of safe tours in Ukraine. Additionally, depending on your interests, we can help you plan a personalised trip.

How to find an English-speaking guide for a tour in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and other cities in Ukraine - read the link.

Visit Ukraine has also launched a special project – Donate Tours to Ukraine – a way to experience Ukrainian culture, communicate with Ukrainians, immerse yourself in the life of a country at war, and make a personal contribution not only to supporting the country but also to our common victory. Each participant in this project will be able to independently choose the format of the tour and the direction in which they want to participate, and accordingly, the area to which they wish to make a donation. Upon arriving in Ukraine on a donation tour, tourists will be able to become real volunteers for a few days and make a personal contribution to helping Ukraine and Ukrainians.

We offer journalists, representatives of official delegations and diplomatic missions, as well as opinion leaders, accompaniment through the de-occupied regions of Ukraine. These are places that became known to the whole world after the Russian army brought horror and pain there in 2022. You can learn first-hand about the atrocities committed by the Russians during a trip to the cities destroyed by the war.

Ukraine is a courageous and indomitable country in the heart of Europe that has everything it needs to become a true tourist destination: high mountains, warm seas, vast steppes, cosy villages, bustling cities, luxurious palaces, golden-domed cathedrals, numerous monuments, as well as delicious cuisine and friendly people.

Is Ukraine open to tourism and a guide to superstitions for foreigners in Ukraine - follow the links.

Planning a trip to Ukraine?

In the context of thorough preparation for a trip to Ukraine, taking out medical insurance is not just recommended, but an absolutely necessary step. It is especially important to choose a policy that covers military risks.

A reliable and convenient way to purchase such insurance is through the Visit Ukraine portal. Here you can easily find and purchase a medical insurance policy that includes coverage for treatment in case of injuries caused by military events.

Reminder! Despite the state of war and the presence of dangerous regions, Ukraine attracts tourists from all over the world. Is it safe in Ukraine now and what are the main rules to follow when travelling? We tell you here.

Photo: TOBIAS HASE/DPA/EAST NEWS

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.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.