How to get to Ukraine from Moldova in 2025: convenient routes and visa rules

Ukraine's airspace is still closed, so you need to carefully plan your route and familiarize yourself with the entry rules. Find out more about how to get from Moldova to Ukraine and what documents you need to cross the border

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

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Martial law has been in place in Ukraine for more than three years, but the country's borders remain open. According to official information provided by the State Border Service at the request of Visit Ukraine, more than 2.54 million foreigners entered Ukraine in 2024. The absolute leader in this ranking is Moldova, with 1,128,486 people arriving in Ukraine from its neighbouring country last year.

Ukraine and Moldova share a border, so the journey will not be too long or complicated. However, given the closed airspace, it is worth planning your route in advance. You will also need to have a full set of documents to cross the border quickly.

What are the most convenient travel routes from Moldova to Ukraine and what are the entry rules for 2025? We will tell you more below.

How to get to Ukraine from Moldova in 2025?

You can only enter Ukraine from Moldova by land transport – by train, bus or private car. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

● Train

Ukraine and Moldova are connected by rail. Currently, there is one train running between the two countries:

➤ Train No. 351 ‘Chisinau - Kyiv’ runs on even and odd days: departure from Chisinau at 17:05, arrival in Kyiv at 12:15.

Travelling by train has many advantages, including being the fastest way to cross the border. In general, passing through Moldovan and Ukrainian customs takes about 2-2.5 hours. Thanks to the comfortable seating, passengers can also rest during the journey.

Possible delays are among the disadvantages, so if your route includes transfers, it is better to allow for more than 1 hour between them.

Where to buy train tickets from Moldova to Ukraine?

Tickets for the Chisinau-Kyiv route can be purchased online on the official website of UZ, in the mobile app and through official chatbots.

Tickets go on sale at 8:00 a.m. 20 days before the trip. Returned tickets appear on the website 1-2 days before departure.

● Bus

The bus transport market is represented by a large number of companies, from experienced carriers with a large fleet to newcomers to the industry. Most of them offer several trips a day from the following cities: Chisinau, Orhei, Edineț, Bălți.

Buses go to Kyiv and Odesa, but you can also buy a ticket to one of the transit cities. In addition, the route to Chernivtsi is gaining popularity.

Ticket prices start at 40 euros. The approximate travel time is 5 hours (to Odesa), 7 hours (to Chernivtsi) and 9 hours (to Kyiv).

Where to buy bus tickets from Moldova to Ukraine?

When looking for tickets to travel to Ukraine, it is important to use convenient services that allow you to quickly compare prices and choose the best offers. One such resource is the Visit Ukraine portal, where you can find and buy tickets online in just a few minutes.

The portal allows you to compare prices for trains departing from various European cities to Ukraine and quickly book tickets. The booking process on the website is extremely simple. You just select the route, carrier and date, and you can pay directly through the website.

● Own car

Many foreigners prefer to travel by car.

There are 58 checkpoints and control points on the border between Ukraine and Moldova, 41 of which are for cars. The main ones are: Mogyliv-Podilskyi – Otaci, Bronnytsia – Ungri, Mamalyga – Kryva, Kelmentsi – Larga, Rossoshany – Briceni, Sokyriany – Oknitsa, Vashkivtsi – Grimenkeutsi, Starokozache – Tudora, Mayaky-Udobne-Palanka, Maloyaroslavets 1 - Chadyr-Lunga, Lisne - Seits, Reni - Giurgiulesti, Tabaky - Mirne, Vinogradivka - Vulkenesti, Dolynske - Chishmiki, Novi Troyan - Chadyr-Lunga.

Important! You can check the waiting time at checkpoints with Moldova for entry into Ukraine by following the link.

To avoid long waits, it is recommended to travel at the beginning of the week. From Monday to Wednesday, passenger traffic is lower, and therefore there are no long queues. From Thursday evening to Sunday, the number of people wishing to cross the border increases, which increases the load on the checkpoints.

In addition, please note that although the checkpoints are open 24 hours a day, a curfew is in effect in Ukraine due to the martial law.

Rules for entering Ukraine by car for foreigners

Foreigners are allowed to enter Ukraine in their own cars, but they can only use them for their own needs. Foreign citizens can drive cars with foreign number plates in Ukraine for up to one year. Also, if you plan to stay in Ukraine for more than two months, you must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centre for temporary car registration. After the one-year period expires, the car with foreign number plates must leave Ukraine.

To enter Ukraine by car, you must have a Green Card insurance policy.

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Rules of entry for citizens of Moldova to Ukraine in 2025

Visa requirements

Visa is not required. Citizens of Moldova have the right to stay in Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days, if the purpose of the trip is tourism, visiting relatives, treatment, etc.

If the duration of your stay exceeds 90 days or you plan to work or study in Ukraine, then before traveling you need to issue a long-term visa (type "D"). To do this, contact the embassy or consulate of Ukraine in Moldova at least 3 months before the planned trip.

List of documents for a trip to Ukraine from Moldova

Entry into Ukraine is based on a valid foreign passport, which must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Also, to cross the Ukrainian border, you must provide:

1. Medical insurance policy.

2. Proof of purpose of travel: a notarised invitation from Ukrainian citizens (relatives, acquaintances, friends), tourist vouchers, confirmation of accommodation booking, invitations from companies or organisations, tickets for seminars, exhibitions, fairs, documents on treatment in medical institutions, etc.

3. Proof of financial means (cash, bank statement, ATM receipt, etc.) – proof that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your planned stay in Ukraine or transit to a third country (45 USD per person per day of stay in Ukraine).

4. No ban on entry into Ukraine from an authorised body.

Who may be denied entry into Ukraine, read in our article.

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time or are sorting out your documents, it is important to have someone who is familiar with Ukrainian legislation. The lawyers at Visit Ukraine work with foreigners, helping them to obtain residence permits, tax numbers, register businesses and with other issues related to their stay in Ukraine. Legal support means peace of mind and confidence in every step you take.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine in 2025?

In 2025, Ukraine continues to live in a state of full-scale war. Despite this, life has not stopped — cafes, hotels and museums are open, and tours and cultural events are taking place. However, the issue of safety while travelling remains key.

The level of threat varies depending on the region. In the frontline areas in the east and south of the country, the situation is difficult, with periodic shelling and drone strikes. Meanwhile, in the central and western parts of the country, the situation is much more stable, although the threat of air strikes remains throughout Ukraine.

Recommendations for safe travel to Ukraine

To ensure a safe trip to Ukraine in 2025, follow these recommendations:

– Check official information. Read the travel advice for Ukraine issued by your country's foreign ministry. Follow the updates on the websites of the State Border Service of Ukraine and local authorities.

– Prepare your documents. Make sure your passport is valid and your visa (if required) is in order. Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance policy, visa) and save them in digital form.

– Arrange for medical insurance. Your policy should cover treatment in Ukraine, including possible emergencies, and it is advisable to have additional coverage for risks related to war.

– Keep an eye on air raid alerts. Install the Air Raid Alert mobile app (App Store | Google Play) and learn the rules of conduct during shelling. In the event of an alarm, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.

– Do not photograph military objects. It is prohibited to photograph checkpoints, military equipment, Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, and other strategic objects.

– Be prepared for checks. During wartime, law enforcement officers may check your documents. Always have them with you.

– Follow the guide's instructions, especially in areas near destroyed objects.

– Respect the memory of the dead — this is not just a tour, but a place where history lives.

How to get insurance covering military risks for travel to Ukraine?

War risk insurance is a medical insurance policy that provides foreign citizens with financial protection in the event of an accident resulting from military action. Given the current situation in the country, such insurance is a critical safety element for foreigners planning a trip or long-term stay in Ukraine.

The Visit Ukraine portal offers quick and convenient medical insurance with war risk coverage. You can purchase insurance online and receive an electronic policy by email immediately after payment.

To purchase a policy, follow these simple steps:

1. Follow this link.

2. Select the insurance package that suits your needs.

3. Select the insurance period (standard policies can be taken out for a period of 3 to 180 days, annual insurance Bronya+ Year of Protection – only for 365 days) and enter your date of birth. The service will automatically calculate the cost of insurance for one person for the selected period.

4. Fill in the form with the insured person's details (full name, email, contact phone number, passport details, citizenship and place of residence). At this stage, you can add details of other insured persons if you plan to travel with someone else.

5. Read the terms and conditions of the contract and confirm the policy (you will need to enter a special code that will be sent to the email address you provided).

6. Pay for the policy using your preferred payment method.

You will receive your medical insurance policy at the email address you provided. You do not need to print it out — simply save the electronic insurance policy on your smartphone or other device, as it has the same legal force as a paper copy.

Useful links for those planning a trip to Ukraine

● You can buy tickets to Ukraine by plane, train or bus on the Visit Ukraine portal. See the schedule and book using the link.

● If the purpose of the trip is tourism, be sure to search for a tour in advance. The largest database of routes from proven tourist operators is collected at the link. 

● Book hotels here. 

● To feel more mobile while traveling in Ukraine, we recommend renting a car. Detailed instructions at the link.

● Safety rules must be strictly followed when traveling through Ukraine under martial law. In addition, make sure you have military risk insurance. 

● In the conditions of martial law, certain rights of citizens may be limited, therefore, if you need the help of a lawyer while traveling in Ukraine, you can contact the specialists at the link.

● Stylish clothes and accessories in memory of Ukraine here.

● Contacts of the Embassy of Moldova in Ukraine:

- Address: 2 Yagotynska St., Kyiv, Kyiv region, 01901

- Phone: +38 044 521-22-80

- Fax: +38 044 521-22-72

- E-mail: kiev@mfa.gov.md

- Working hours: Monday – Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, lunch break: 12:00 to 13:00.

Are you planning a trip to Ukraine?

In today's realities, it is important to take care not only of comfort but also of safety. Medical insurance covering military risks is a necessary protection during your trip. The policy is valid even in case of emergencies related to military events, provides access to medical care and covers treatment costs.

Take out insurance and travel with confidence!

We wish you a good trip!

Just a reminder. To plan a trip to Ukraine, a foreigner needs to resolve a large number of issues related to entry and stay in the country. Read here about the rules of entry to Ukraine in 2025, as well as what is important to consider before planning a trip.

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 – health insurance with coverage of war risks;

Visit Ukraine Mini Hull Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Osago – compulsory motor third party liability insurance for cars with Ukrainian registration;

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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