How to get to Ukraine from Turkey in 2025: convenient routes and entry rules

Unfortunately, the airspace over Ukraine remains closed, and therefore the route to Ukraine has to be planned exclusively by land or with transfers. Find out how to get to Ukraine from Turkey in 2025 and what documents foreigners need to enter the country

Take care of insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Foreign tourists continue to visit Ukraine despite the martial law. In 2024 alone, more than 2.5 million foreigners entered the country, including 47,240 citizens of Turkey. This trend continues in 2025.

Foreigners travel to Ukraine on personal visits, on trips and as part of volunteer missions.

However, given the closed airspace, travelling to Ukraine currently has its own peculiarities. It is also necessary to follow certain safety rules when travelling.

How to get to Ukraine from Turkey? What are the entry rules for Ukraine in 2025? Useful information for those planning to travel this year is compiled in our article.

Flight from Turkey to the Ukrainian border + train/bus

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Ukraine is to fly to one of the European airports located near the Ukrainian border and then continue your journey by ground transport – train or bus.

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

● Turkey – Poland

- Warsaw can be reached by direct flight from Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Istanbul and Bodrum. Ticket prices start at 45 euros. Flights are available daily. The flight is operated by both low-cost airlines (Pegasus Airlines, LOT) and national carriers (Turkish Airlines). The flight time is about 2 hours.

- Krakow is one of the Polish airports closest to the Ukrainian border. The distance from Krakow to Lviv is 328 km. You can get here by direct flight from Ankara (twice a week – on Mondays and Thursdays), Antalya (four times a week) and Istanbul (daily). Ticket prices start at €80. The flight takes about 2 hours.

- Rzeszów (Rzeszów) is a small airport near the Ukrainian border (172 km from Lviv). You can also fly here on a direct flight from Turkey. Flights depart from Antalya and Bodrum several times a week. Ticket prices start at €250. You can also get here with a transfer, most often in Warsaw. The duration of such a trip is from 4 hours, but you can save on tickets if you choose flights from low-cost airlines.

You can also fly directly from Turkey to Katowice and Lublin.

A detailed itinerary for travelling from Poland to Ukraine can be found in this article.

● Turkey – Moldova

You can get from Turkey to Chisinau by direct flight from Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman. Ticket prices start at 60 euros. Flights depart daily, with four flights a day available from Istanbul. The flight time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

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

● Turkey – Slovakia

The countries are connected by several direct flights to Bratislava from Dalaman, Antalya and Istanbul. The ticket price starts at 30 euros. The journey time is 2 hours 30 minutes.

The closest airports to the Ukrainian border are Košice and Poprad. You can only get there with a transfer. Such a trip will take 4 hours and cost from 120 euros.

● Turkey – Hungary

You can fly to Budapest from Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul. The journey takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets cost from €35.

There is a direct train from Budapest to Kyiv. 

● Turkey – Romania

The closest Romanian airport to the Ukrainian border is Suceava, which is only accessible by direct flights from Antalya. Tickets cost from €160, and the journey takes 2 hours.

From Suceava, you can easily get to Chernivtsi by bus, which runs daily from the bus station. The journey to Chernivtsi takes 2-3 hours.

Please note! If you plan to buy tickets for the nearest time, prices may be significantly higher.

By train from Turkey to Ukraine

There is no direct train between Istanbul and Kyiv, but you can get there with a transfer.

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 Chełm – to Kyiv and Kharkiv.

- Hungary – there is a direct train from Budapest to Kyiv.

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

- Moldova – there is a direct train from Chisinau to Kyiv.

- Slovakia – from Košice, you can get to Chop and Mukachevo.

Detailed timetable of trains running between Ukraine and European countries can be found here.

Tickets for most Ukrzaliznytsia trains from abroad can be purchased online on the official UZ website, in the mobile app, and through official chatbots.

By bus from Turkey to Ukraine

A convenient and economical way to get from Turkey to Ukraine is by bus. There are many routes connecting Turkey with various Ukrainian cities, for example:

- Istanbul – Odesa, travel time – 20 hours, ticket price – from 60 euros;

- Istanbul – Kyiv, travel time – 27 hours, ticket price – from 80 euros.

Due to the large number of bus routes, it is much easier to find a direct flight, which will allow you not to worry about possible delays when travelling with a transfer. You also won't need to take out and carry heavy luggage around bus stations.

However, it is impossible to predict how long border checks will take. Therefore, your arrival at your destination may be significantly delayed.

Where to buy bus tickets from Turkey 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 simply select the route, carrier and date, and payment can be made directly through the website.

By own car from Turkey to Ukraine 

The distance from Istanbul to Kyiv is 1558 km. The route will pass through Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova. Such a trip, taking into account the price of gasoline, can cost from 240 to 350 euros.

Importantly! All checkpoints on the border between Moldova and Ukraine are open 24 hours a day. The biggest queues are usually at the Rososhany checkpoint. You can check the waiting time at checkpoints 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. If you plan to stay in Ukraine 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 Green Card insurance policy.

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

Entry rules for citizens of Turkey to Ukraine in 2024

Visa requirements

Visa is not required. Citizens of Turkey 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 your trip you need to apply for a long-term visa (type "D") at the embassy or consulate of Ukraine in Turkey. It is better to start the procedure at least 3 months before the planned trip.

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List of documents for traveling to Ukraine from Turkey

Entry into Ukraine is based on a valid foreign passport, which must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Turkish citizens also have the right to enter Ukraine on the basis of biometric passports in the form of an ID card.

In addition, 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 ).

Importantly! Foreigners who have been banned from entering Ukraine by an authorized state body will not be able to cross the border.

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 state of full-scale war. Despite this, life has not stopped — cafes, hotels, museums, excursions and cultural events are all still operating. However, the issue of safety while travelling remains a key concern.

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 attacks 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. Click on the 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 Turkey in Ukraine: 

- Address: 22 Panasa Myrny Street, Kyiv, 01011.

- Phone: +380 44 281 07 50 / +380 44 281 07 51.

- Opening hours: 14:30-17:30.

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.

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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