Checklist for foreigners: is your car ready for a trip to Ukraine?

Travelling by car is a great way to explore Ukraine at your own pace. But to make your trip stress-free, you need to take care of all the nuances in advance - from documents to the technical condition of the car. Find out more about how to prepare for a car trip in Ukraine
Travelling around Ukraine by car is not only convenient but also exciting. More and more foreign tourists are discovering Ukraine's picturesque landscapes, historic cities and distinctive culture by driving their own vehicles. However, before you set off, you should make sure that your car is really ready for the journey.
In this article, we have compiled a complete checklist that will help you not only avoid unpleasant situations but also make your journey as comfortable and safe as possible.
Travelling by car in Ukraine in 2025: a checklist for preparing your vehicle
Crossing the Ukrainian border by car: documents required
For a safe journey and to avoid problems at the border or on the road, make sure you have
- A valid driving licence and an international driving permit (if required).
- Registration documents for the car.
- Green Card is a compulsory third party liability insurance for travelling to Ukraine.
- It is also recommended to take out a Mini Hull insurance policy for foreign drivers. Mini Hull insurance is a voluntary insurance for cars with foreign registration with basic but effective coverage. It is favourable in price, covers the most common risks (including war risks) and is suitable for cars with foreign registration.
In addition, be sure to have with you:
- International passport.
- Visa (if required).
- Documents confirming the purpose of the trip.
- Proof of financial solvency.
- Health insurance valid on the territory of Ukraine. You can apply for such a policy in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.
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Car insurance for foreigners in Ukraine: how to apply for a policy online?
Mini Hull insurance is a simple process that can be completed online on the Visit Ukraine portal:
1. Follow the link.
2. Specify your citizenship, car type, insurance period and policy start date.
3. Choose a convenient package (Economy, Basic or Maximum with military coverage).
4. Fill in the car details and select the country of destination - Ukraine.
5. Add personal data according to your passport.
6. Confirm the information, agree to the terms and conditions, and receive an email with a code.
7. Pay in a convenient way - the policy will be sent to your email.
Technical condition of the car
Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. It is worth checking:
- brake system;
- tyre condition (tread depth, pressure);
- lighting;
- oil, coolant, brake and washer fluid levels.
Also, be sure to check if the car has a spare wheel, jack, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Navigation and communication
- Install updated maps or a GPS device.
- Buy a SIM card of a Ukrainian mobile operator or activate roaming for communication.
Other
- Always have some cash in UAH for parking, tolls or small expenses.
- Read the traffic rules in Ukraine - they may differ from your home country.
Tips for safe travel in Ukraine
- Avoid travelling to regions with a high level of insecurity (check the latest information).
- Follow the traffic rules and do not exceed the speed limit.
- Keep contact details of emergency services and insurance company.
- Regularly check for safety updates on official websites.
Mini Hull insurance from Visit Ukraine is your reliable companion on the roads of Ukraine!
Don't risk your safety and comfort - take out Mini Hull insurance at Visit Ukraine right now and travel safely. This is the best option for foreign drivers, which allows you to get basic but effective insurance coverage, including coverage of war risks.
Take out Mini Hull insurance in a few minutes and travel to Ukraine with confidence!
Just a reminder! Are you planning a trip to Ukraine in a car that does not belong to you? It is important to get acquainted with all legal and customs requirements in advance to avoid troubles at the border. Read here about the rules for entering Ukraine in someone else's car, the necessary documents and insurance requirements.
Photo: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
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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