How to get to Ukraine from the Netherlands in 2025: convenient routes, entry rules and useful tips

In 2025, there will be no restrictions on entry into Ukraine for foreigners. However, the closed air space makes travel difficult, so the route should be planned in more detail. Find out how to get to Ukraine from the Netherlands and which border crossing rules are currently relevant

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

BUY

Despite the imposed martial law, foreigners continue to come to Ukraine on personal visits, on trips and as part of volunteer missions. 

However, taking into account the closed airspace, a trip to Ukraine has its own characteristics. It is also necessary to observe certain safety rules during the trip.

How to get to Ukraine from the Netherlands? What rules for entering Ukraine are relevant in 2024? Useful information for those planning a trip this year is collected in our material.

How to get to Ukraine from Netherlands in 2025?

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Ukraine is to fly to one of the airports in Europe, which is located near the Ukrainian border, and from there continue the journey by train or bus.

Ukraine borders Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. There are many direct flights to these countries from the Netherlands.

📍 Netherlands - Poland

- Warsaw can be reached by direct flight from Amsterdam and Eindhoven. The price of a ticket is from 30 to 300 euros. Travel time is about 1 hour 55 minutes. Departures from Amsterdam are possible several times a day at 10:30, 14:15 and 19:45.

- Krakow is the closest Polish airport to the Ukrainian border, with direct flights from Amsterdam and Eindhoven. Ticket price from 40 euros. Travel time – 1 hour 50 minutes. In general, several airlines fly here, including the popular low-cost carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair.

- You can fly to Rzeszów (Ryaszów) only with a transfer, usually in Warsaw. Flights also depart from Amsterdam and Eindhoven. Travel time from 4 hours. Ticket price from 90 euros. The airport in Rzeszów is the closest Polish airport to the Ukrainian border, it is located 172 km from Lviv (Ukraine).

You can also fly directly from the Netherlands to Katowice and Wroclaw.

Detailed route from Poland to Ukraine in this article.

📍 Netherlands - Moldova

There is a direct flight from Amsterdam to Chisinau Airport from the Netherlands, but only three times a week (on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday). Departure time on Monday is at 09:40, arrival at 13:40, on Wednesday at 15:30, arrival at 19:30, on Saturday at 15:30, arrival at 19:30. Ticket price from 140 euros.

The distance to the Ukrainian border from Chisinau is 130 km - Palanka checkpoint (Odesa region). The nearest large Ukrainian city: Odesa. Tourists planning a trip to the southern regions of Ukraine should choose a flight to Chisinau airport.

There is a direct train from Chisinau to Kyiv. Bus transfers to Odessa are also available.

📍 Netherlands - Slovakia

A direct flight from the Netherlands to Slovakia is carried out from Eindhoven airport, the flight arrives to the Slovak capital Bratislava. Departures four times a week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Departure times are at 10:45, 16:20, 10:30 and 11:10 (depending on the day of the week). The duration of the trip is 1 hour 45 minutes.

You can fly to Kosice or Poprad only with a transfer. Such a trip will last about 4 hours and will cost from 80 euros.

From Kosice you can reach Chopa and Mukachevo. More details in this article.

📍 Netherlands - Hungary

There are direct flights to Budapest from Amsterdam and Eindhoven. Travel time is about 2 hours, ticket price from 60 euros.

There is a direct train from Budapest to Kyiv. Detailed route from Hungary to Ukraine by link.

📍 Netherlands - Romania

There are only connecting flights to Suceava. The price of the ticket is from 90 euros, the duration of the trip is from 5 hours and 30 minutes.

You can easily get to Chernivtsi from Suceava, there is a daily bus from the bus station, the journey to Chernivtsi takes 2-3 hours.

The detailed route from Romania to Ukraine is here.

Pay attention! If you plan to buy tickets for the near future, the prices may be much higher.

Travel to Ukraine by train

At the second stage, it is necessary to continue your trip from the European city to Ukraine by ground transport.

Most of the tourists prefer the railway because of its speed and comfort. Ukraine is connected to European cities by the following trains:

- Poland - from Warsaw you can get to Kyiv, from Przemyśl - to Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, from Chelm - to Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv.

- Hungary – from Budapest there is a direct train to Kyiv, as well as to Mukachevo. From Debrecen you can also get to Mukachevo. Another additional route is from the Hungarian city of Záhony to the Ukrainian Chop.

- Austria – from Vienna there is a direct train to Kyiv and Chop.

- Czech Republic – the train of the Czech carrier Regiojet “Prague - Chop” runs daily.

- Moldova - a direct train goes from Chisinau to Kyiv.

- Slovakia - from Kosice you can reach Mukachevo.

Find a detailed schedule of trains running between Ukraine and European countries by following the link.

By train from the Netherlands to Ukraine

There is no direct train between Amsterdam and Kyiv, but you can arrive with a transfer following the route:

Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Vienna (Austria) – Kyiv (Ukraine)

1. There is a direct night train from Amsterdam to Vienna, departure at 19:00, arrival the next day at 09:17.The price of the ticket is 180 euros.

2. Then the route continues by train: Vienna – Budapest-Keleti – Kyiv.

Departure from Vienna at 16:42, arrival at an intermediate station in Hungary at 19:40, final stop in Kyiv at 16:41.

The price of the ticket is approximately 90 euros.

Travel to Ukraine by bus

The bus transportation market is represented by a large number of companies.

Buses mostly depart from Amsterdam and Eindhoven and arrive in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa. The ticket price ranges from 130 to 190 euros.

You can also get to Ukraine with transfers. Such a trip takes an average of 35 hours and costs from 85 to 140 euros.

When choosing a carrier, be sure to carefully study the conditions of baggage transportation, the available services offered by the carrier (toilet, phone charging facilities, WiFi, free drinks, etc.). Be sure to read the reviews of passengers, and even better - ask friends who have already used the services of the carriers.

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 deals. One of these resources 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 travelling from different European cities to Ukraine and book tickets quickly. The booking process is extremely simple. You simply select the route, carrier and date, and payment can be made directly through the website.

By own car from the Netherlands to Ukraine

Many tourists prefer to travel by their own car. The distance from Amsterdam to Kyiv is about 2,000 km, which, on average, can be covered in 20 hours. Such a trip, taking into account the price of gasoline, can cost from 375 to 550 euros. The route will pass through Germany and Poland.

Importantly! The shortest queues are usually at Polish checkpoints: Dorogusk, Krotsenko, Budomezh. You can check the waiting time at checkpoints with Poland to enter Ukraine by following the link. More details about the work of checkpoints in our material.

To avoid a long wait, prefer traveling at the beginning of the week. From Monday to Wednesday, passenger traffic is lower, and accordingly there are no long queues. Starting from Thursday evening until Sunday, the number of people willing to cross the border increases, which increases the load on checkpoints.

In addition, we draw your attention to the fact that, despite the fact that checkpoints are open 24 hours a day, there is a curfew on the territory of Ukraine due to the state of war.

Rules for entering Ukraine by car for foreigners

A foreigner is allowed to enter Ukraine in his own car, but he can use it only for his own needs. Foreign citizens can drive cars with foreign license plates in Ukraine for up to one year. Also, if you plan to stay in Ukraine for longer than two months, you need to contact the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for temporary car registration. After the expiration of the one-year period, the car with foreign license plates must leave Ukraine.

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

Detailed rules for traveling in Ukraine by car with foreign registration in this article.

Rules of entry for Netherlands citizens to Ukraine 2025

Do Netherlands citizens need a visa to enter Ukraine?

A visa is not required. Netherlands citizens 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 the Netherlands at least 3 months before the planned trip.

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

List of documents for travel to Ukraine from the Netherlands

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. 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 are planning to stay in Ukraine for a long time or are dealing with issues with documents, it is important to have someone who is familiar with Ukrainian law. Visit Ukraine's lawyers work with foreigners, helping them with residence permits, tax numbers, business registration and other issues related to their stay in Ukraine. Legal support means peace of mind and confidence in every step.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine in 2025?

In 2025, Ukraine continues to live in a full-scale war. Despite this, life has not stopped - cafes, hotels, museums, excursions and cultural events are still open. However, the issue of travel safety remains a key one.

The level of threat depends 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. In the central and western parts of the country, the situation is much more stable, although the threat of air attacks remains throughout Ukraine.

Recommendations for safe travel to Ukraine

To ensure safe travel to Ukraine in 2025, please follow these recommendations:

- Check official information. Read the recommendations of your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on travelling to Ukraine. Follow the messages on the websites of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and local authorities.

- Prepare your documents. Make sure that your passport is valid and that your visa (if required) is properly issued. Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance policy, visa) and save them digitally.

- Take care of your health insurance. Your policy should cover treatment in Ukraine, including possible emergencies, and it is advisable to have additional coverage for war-related risks.

- Keep an eye on air alerts. Install the Air Alert mobile application (App Store | Google Play) and learn the rules of behaviour during shelling. In case of an alarm, immediately go to the nearest shelter.

- Do not take pictures of military objects. Photographing checkpoints, military equipment, positions of the Armed Forces and other strategic objects is prohibited.

- Be prepared for inspections. 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 on.

How to take out insurance with war risk coverage for travelling to Ukraine?

War risk insurance is a health insurance policy that provides foreign nationals with financial protection in the event of an accident due to military operations. Given the current situation in the country, such insurance is a critical element of security for foreigners planning a trip or a long stay in Ukraine.

Visit Ukraine portal offers fast and convenient registration of medical insurance with coverage of military risks. Here you can buy insurance online and receive an electronic policy by email immediately after payment.

You need to follow a few simple steps to get a policy:

1. Follow the link.

2. Choose an insurance package (that meets your needs).

3. Select the insurance period (standard policies can be issued for a period of 3 to 180 days, annual insurance Armour+ Year of Protection - only for 365 days) and enter your date of birth. The service will automatically calculate the cost of insurance for 1 person for the selected period.

4. Fill in the form with the insured person's details (full name, e-mail, contact phone number, passport details, citizenship and place of residence). At this stage, you can add information about 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 specified e-mail).

6. Pay for the policy in a way convenient for you.

You will receive a ready-made health insurance policy to the specified e-mail. You do not need to print it out - you can simply save the electronic insurance on your smartphone or other gadget - it has the same legal force as paper insurance.

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. Depending on your interests, you can also plan an individual trip.

● Book hotels here. Rules for renting an apartment in Ukraine for foreigners in this article.

● To feel more mobile while traveling in Ukraine, we recommend renting a car.

● 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.

● How to come to Ukraine as a volunteer, read here.

● Contacts of the Embassy of Netherlands in Ukraine:

- Address: Kontraktova ploshcha, 7, Kyiv, 04070

- Phone: +38 044 490 8200;

- Working hours: Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 13.00, 14.00 - 17.00.

- Mail: KIE@minbuza.nl.

- Official website: netherlandsandyou.nl.

● Stylish clothes and accessories in memory of Ukraine here.

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!

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.

We wish you a good 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.

© 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.