Leaving Ukraine for tourism in 2025: visa-free travel rules

As of 2025, Ukrainian citizens can visit 149 countries of the world visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Learn about the current rules for visa-free travel, the list of required documents, requirements for traveling with children, as well as customs restrictions when crossing the border of Ukraine

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As of June 2025, Ukrainian citizens can visit 149 countries (out of 198 independent and partially recognized states) and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Such mobility allows you to plan short-term tourist trips, visit relatives, or participate in conferences, events, or go to concerts.

How can a Ukrainian plan a tourist trip to a visa-free country? About all the nuances of the stay and the list of required documents in our material.

About the package of documents for leaving Ukraine by car, read in this article.

Also, do not forget that the right choice of customs point for departure can significantly affect the time you spend crossing the border. We have already talked about the work of checkpoints and their workload.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

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General rules for visa-free travel in 2025

In 2025, the rules for visa-free entry for Ukrainians remain generally unchanged, but it is worth considering some clarifications and modern requirements:

- Documents: To cross the border of most countries, you must have a valid travel document - a passport, the validity of which is at least 3-6 months from the date of planned departure from the country.

- Schengen zone: Entry into the Schengen countries is possible only with a biometric passport. Old-style passports are not accepted - a visa or residence permit in the EU is required to travel with them.

- Photo for visa on arrival: In countries where visa on arrival is provided, 1-2 current color passport-sized photos may be required.

- Border check: Border guards have the right to request documents confirming: the purpose of the visit (hotel reservation, invitation, etc.), the presence of a return ticket, sufficient financial resources for the period of stay (cash, bank card or statement).

- Possible fees: Some countries have a tourist tax or entry/exit fee, which must be paid in cash or by card (check before traveling).

- Day limits: Each country sets its own maximum stay within the visa-free period (for example, up to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area).

- Overstay ban: Exceeding the permitted stay by even 1 day may result in fines, deportation or a ban on further entry.

- Purpose of travel: Visa-free travel is only permitted for tourist, private or business purposes (without concluding an employment contract). Any employment – ​​even short-term – is prohibited within the visa-free regime.

What to bring from Ukraine as a souvenir? A selection of unusual ideas at the link.

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What documents are required for visa-free travel in 2025?

Although the exact list of documents may vary depending on the destination country, in 2025 most countries require the following documents for visa-free entry:

- A biometric passport valid for at least 3–6 months after the date of return.

- A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses (in some countries this is a mandatory requirement at the border).

Details on the requirements for insurance policies for visa-free travel in this article.

- Proof of financial capacity: cash, bank card, bank statement or certificate from the bank (depending on the country's requirements).

- A return ticket: to confirm that the tourist plans to leave the country within the allowed period.

Read here about trains that run between Ukraine and European countries, which you can use to get to the desired place. Where and how to buy bus and train tickets in Europe at a good price, read the link.

- Confirmation of accommodation: hotel/apartment reservation or official invitation from the host party (individual or legal entity).

Important! In 2025, the travel abroad of Ukrainian men will be limited. Read here which categories of men can freely leave Ukraine and what documents are required for this.

If you have any doubts about the correctness of the prepared documents, reservations or financial confirmation, we recommend that you contact a visa lawyer. Consultation will help you avoid unpleasant refusals when crossing the border.

What documents are needed for a child to travel under visa-free rules in 2025?

- Passport

The main document for crossing the border with a child is the child's personal biometric passport. Each child must have their own passport, regardless of age.

For children under 12 years old, a biometric passport is issued without taking fingerprints, but a photo and personal data are recorded on a chip, which makes the passport biometric.

The validity period of a passport for children under 14 years old is 4 years, for children from 14 to 16 years old - 5 years, after 16 years old, the passport is issued for 10 years, as for adults.

- Accompanying and permission to leave

If a child is not traveling with both parents, a notarized consent of one or both parents to travel abroad is required. If the child is accompanied by both parents, permission is not required.

- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip

Border services may require documents confirming: the purpose of the trip (tourism, visiting relatives, study), financial support for the child (money, bank card, certificate), return ticket, confirmation of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation).

- Medical insurance policy

A child must have an insurance policy covering medical expenses for the entire period of stay abroad. Many countries require this as a condition of entry.

If you are planning a trip with a child, we recommend that you prepare all documents in advance and make sure that they meet the requirements of the destination country.

We tell you more about the rules for traveling abroad with a child in this article.

Which countries can Ukrainians travel to without a visa in 2025?

Europe

Ukrainians can travel without a visa to the Schengen zone and other European countries with which relevant agreements have been concluded. The period of stay on the basis of a visa-free stay in most European countries is 90 days within the last 180 days.

Ukrainians can visit the following countries in the region without a visa:

Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Vatican, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, Aruba, Curacao.

Asia

Israel, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Brunei, Qatar, UAE, Tajikistan, Palestine, Thailand.

America

Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Paraguay, Uruguay.

Africa

Tunisia, Mauritius, Eswatini

Oceania

Micronesia, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Fiji.

Countries where you can get a visa on arrival

Also, certain countries offer tourists a visa on arrival, including:

Asia

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Nepal, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Syria.

Africa

Egypt, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Comoros, East Timor, Seychelles, Senegal, Somalia.

America

Bolivia.

Oceania

Palau, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa.

Important! You can check the current rules for entering any country in the world on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Thanks to the constant updating of information, you will always be aware of changes in visa requirements and other important travel conditions.

Customs rules: what can and cannot be transported across the border of Ukraine in 2025?

Customs control rules are an important part of preparing for a trip abroad, including visa-free travel, because proper registration and compliance with restrictions will help avoid trouble at the border.

- It is forbidden to transport

Food products: lard, sausages, fresh or raw meat, cheese, milk and fermented milk products.

Fish: more than 20 kg.

Sturgeon caviar: more than 125 grams (a special permit is required for larger quantities).

Medicines: medicines with narcotic or psychotropic substances that are not intended for treatment; prescription drugs without a doctor's prescription; medicines in a volume of more than 500 ml.

- Categorically prohibited: weapons, poisonous substances, cultural and historical monuments.

- What is allowed to be transported with restrictions?

Alcohol: spirits – up to 1 liter per person, lower alcohol (up to 22.3%) – up to 2 liters, beer – up to 16 liters, wine – up to 4 liters.

Tobacco: 2 packs of cigarettes, 10 cigars, 10 ml of liquid for electronic cigarettes.

- Additionally:

The Border Guard has the right to check all items crossing the border. Imported items are considered temporarily imported and must be returned upon entry into Ukraine.

- No customs duty is charged if the value of personal belongings does not exceed:

150 euros – for children under 15 years old;

300 euros – for persons over 15 years old.

In order to avoid trouble and confiscation when crossing the border of Ukraine, it is important to be aware and follow customs regulations. In this article, we have already written about what exactly can be imported or exported to/from Ukraine, and which goods are subject to prohibitions or restrictions.

How much currency can be exported from Ukraine and what rules apply in the EU in this material.

Useful tips for travelers under visa-free regime

- Prepare documents in advance

Even with visa-free entry, border guards may request additional documents. We recommend that you prepare all necessary confirmations of accommodation booking, insurance policy and financial documents in advance.

- Follow the rules of stay

Do not exceed the permitted period of stay and avoid violating local laws to avoid fines or a ban on further entry.

- Provide a sufficient budget

Make sure you have enough funds to cover all expenses during the trip - this may be checked at the border.

- Do not carry prohibited goods

Avoid carrying prohibited items or products - they may be confiscated, and in the worst case, you will not be allowed to cross the border.

The Ukrainian passport in 2025 remains one of the most powerful in the region in terms of mobility. Proper preparation for travel, compliance with visa-free rules and timely updating of documents will allow you to avoid unnecessary hassle and enjoy new countries without stress.

Even with visa-free entry, travel insurance remains a mandatory requirement for travel to most countries.

The lack of a policy may be a reason for refusing to cross the border. In addition, it is your financial security in the event of an accident or illness abroad.

You can apply for insurance online - in just a few minutes. Travel responsibly and safely with Visit Ukraine!

Reminder! The EU is launching a new EES entry control system, which will replace stamps in passports. We have already told you how the new system will work, whether queues at the border will increase and how to prepare for travel under the new rules.

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;

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