How foreigners can organize a trip to Ukraine in 2025: a detailed guide

Ukraine is always happy to welcome foreign visitors. Despite the war, its borders are open to tourists. Learn more about the peculiarities of organizing a trip to Ukraine for foreigners in 2025

Take care of insurance for safe entry into Ukraine

Get

The borders of Ukraine are always open to foreign visitors. And although the country lives under martial law, tourists and foreign citizens have the right to enter the country. However, such a trip requires a full package of documents, insurance and compliance with safety rules.

We will tell you about the current rules for entering Ukraine in 2025 below.

Learn more about life in Ukraine:

▶ tourism opportunities;

▶ how to get to Ukraine by car;

▶ popular travel destinations;

▶ specifics of employment;

▶ features of education;

▶ immigration procedure to Ukraine;

▶ how you can support Ukraine.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine in 2025?

The short answer: it depends on the region. 

Ukraine is not a continuous war zone. Active fighting is limited to certain frontline regions – it is not the entire country. Most of the territory of western and central Ukraine, including Kyiv, Lviv, Chernivtsi and the Carpathians, does not directly suffer from active fighting. Despite the war, these cities live a normal life: cafes are open, transport runs, concerts and festivals are held.

What to see in Ukraine? TOP places that are definitely worth seeing in Ukraine

Ukraine amazes with the diversity of landscapes, cultures and moods. There are mountain peaks, sea coast, ancient cities and forgotten peasant farms with an incredible atmosphere. Here is a selection of locations that are definitely worth including in your itinerary - depending on the season and your interests:

Summer - ideal for nature, sea and active recreation

- Odessa coast - sea, historical center, gastronomic tourism.

- Carpathians - trekking, waterfalls, climbing Hoverla or Pip Ivan.

- Shatsk Lakes - ideal for camping, relaxing by the water and silence.

- Bakota - a flooded village with incredible views, which became popular thanks to Instagram.

Read more about places worth visiting in Ukraine in the summer here.

Autumn is the season of wine, warm colors and mystical atmosphere

- Lviv – coffee, old quarters, warm rain and street musicians.

- Vynohradiv and Mukachevo – tasting of Transcarpathian wines, castles, ethno festivals.

- Sofiivka in Uman – a landscape park that is especially beautiful in autumn.

Top 10 locations in Ukraine to go to in the fall of 2025 in this article.

Winter – festive spirit, fairs, mountains

- Yaremche and Bukovel – skiing, sledding, Hutsul cuisine.

- Kyiv – New Year’s locations, museums, Sofiivska and Mykhailivska squares.

- Lutsk – an atmospheric city with Lyubart Castle and a puppet theater in an old prison.

Spring is a time for blooming cities and easy travels

- Uzhhorod – blooming sakura, old town, wine cellars.

- Kamianets-Podilskyi – a medieval fortress, canyon and festivals.

- Chernivtsi – exquisite architecture and a university that amazes with its beauty.

Planning the perfect trip does not have to be complicated. Regardless of whether you are looking for the best route, want to book a tour of Ukraine, arrange medical insurance, rent a car or order a Meet & Greet service – the Visit Ukraine team will help you at every stage.

Contact a personal manager who will select all the services according to your wishes. Save time, travel confidently and discover Ukraine safely and comfortably.

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

How to get to Ukraine?

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the airspace over Ukraine has been closed, so it is currently impossible to fly directly to Ukraine. However, the country's land borders are operating normally, even despite the prolonged martial law.

However, there are other ways to get to Ukraine from Europe. The fastest and most convenient option is to fly to one of the airports closest to the Ukrainian border and then continue your journey by train or bus. Among European countries, Ukraine shares borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.

You can find out more about the schedule, prices and countries of connection of international trains to and from Ukraine here.

How to get to Ukraine from:

USA ● Canada ● Poland ● Germany ● Slovakia ● Hungary ● Italy ● France ● Netherlands

● Czech Republic ● Lithuania ● Switzerland ● Sweden ● Turkey ● Austria ● Denmark ● Portugal

● Georgia ● Bulgaria ● India ● Greece ● Croatia ● Estonia ● Finland ● Latvia ● Belgium ● Slovenia

● Moldova ● Ireland ● Norway ● Spain ● russia ●  United Kingdom ● Romania ● Armenia

● Egypt ● Argentina ● Iceland ● Brazil ● Mexico ● Azerbaijan ● Montenegro ● Thailand ● Albania

● Kazakhstan 

Book tickets in advance and choose a convenient route - by train or bus. Guarantee yourself a comfortable trip even during peak hours and holidays!

What security measures should I take when traveling to Ukraine?

Under martial law, traveling requires special attention to security issues. Foreign tourists should be prepared to follow specific rules, in particular at checkpoints and in public places. Even in relatively calm regions, there is a threat of missile attacks, so air raid warnings should not be ignored.

- Curfew is a special regime introduced in connection with martial law to ensure public order and security. It defines a period of time when citizens are prohibited from being on the streets and in public places without special permits. In most regions, it lasts from 23:00 to 05:00.

For more information on the duration of the curfew in different regions of Ukraine, please follow the link.

- If a missile warning is announced, you should immediately go to the nearest shelter. Download the Air Alert app (available in the App Store | Google Play) and check the map of shelters in your location in advance.

Visit Ukraine recommends that all foreigners take out an insurance policy in advance that takes into account the risks of wartime. War risk insurance covers injuries sustained as a result of hostilities or terrorist attacks, as well as medical care, including outpatient treatment.

Which regions of Ukraine are banned from traveling to?

Although there is no direct ban on entry to Ukraine for foreigners, they are strongly advised to refrain from traveling to certain regions due to the high level of security. Currently, most foreigners visiting the frontline areas are volunteers of humanitarian missions, diplomats of special delegations, and journalists covering the events.

Restrictions apply to many types of tourist activities. Rafting, hiking, and excursions along routes that pass near critical facilities, such as military or energy infrastructure, are prohibited. It is also forbidden to visit tourist destinations near the borders with Belarus and Russia, as well as a number of mountain routes, forests and water bodies.

Vacationing in eastern and southern Ukraine, particularly in the frontline areas, is dangerous due to active hostilities. 

Rules for entering Ukraine in 2025

To enter Ukraine, foreigners and stateless persons need to have a basic package of documents. Depending on the country of origin, the requirements may vary slightly. The main documents for crossing the border:

1. A passport valid for the entire period of stay.

Citizens of Turkey and Georgia can enter on the basis of an ID card.

2. A visa is required only for citizens of countries with which a visa-free regime does not apply

In general, representatives of most countries of the world, including citizens of the EU, Japan, Kuwait, the USA, the UK and Canada, have the right to visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can check whether you need a visa on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Read more about visa requirements in Ukraine here.

Important! Also, be sure to check before traveling whether you need a Schengen transit visa for your trip.

3. Documents confirming the purpose of the trip

Tourist voucher, hotel and ticket reservations, tour, invitations to events or information about family ties.

4. Financial support

Cash, bank cards, checks, bank statements, a letter of guarantee from the host party or confirmation of paid tour and accommodation.

5. Insurance policy

Issued by an insurance company registered in Ukraine or a foreign insurance company that has a representative office in Ukraine or contractual relations (assistance).

It will be a nice advantage if, in addition to basic medical services, it also covers military risks. It is better to apply for a policy online at Visit Ukraine, because it is simply fast and affordable, and the electronic policy is valid on a par with a printed one.

Rules for entering Ukraine by car with foreign registration

Foreign nationals can enter Ukraine by their own car, but they are allowed to use it exclusively for personal needs. A car with foreign registration can be used on the territory of Ukraine for up to one year. If you plan to stay in the country for more than two months, you need to contact a service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for temporary registration of the vehicle. After the one-year period expires, the car must be taken out of Ukraine.

The following documents are required to enter the country by car:

- Foreign passport or residence permit (for residents);

- Driver's license;

- Certificate of car registration;

- International insurance “Green Card”.

The key is to have a Green Card insurance policy that covers liability to third parties. For additional car protection in wartime, it is worth taking out a Mini Hull insurance policy. You can take out a policy for a car with both Ukrainian and foreign registration.

Customs regulations in Ukraine

Individuals may transport the following items across the border of Ukraine without a written declaration to the customs authority:

- Personal belongings: up to two mobile phones, one video camera, one camera, two laptop computers, sports equipment, used jewelry, clothing and footwear for personal use, 500 ml of eau de toilette or 100 ml of perfume;

- Goods: with a total value of no more than 500 euros or weighing up to 50 kg;

- Cash: up to 10 thousand euros (equivalent) without declaration;

- Alcohol: up to 1 liter of spirits (vodka, whiskey, cognac, etc.), 2 liters of wine and 5 liters of beer;

- Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;

- Food: for your own consumption up to 200 euros;

- Medicines: up to 5 packages of each item, except for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances.

Compliance with these rules allows you to avoid problems at customs and quickly cross the border of Ukraine.

Who can be banned from entering Ukraine?

Ukraine is open to foreign visitors, but the Border Guard Service closely monitors the list of persons who are banned from entering. These persons include:

- Threat to national security: persons who pose a risk to state security;

- Violators of visitation rules: those who have visited the occupied territories, in particular Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk regions, without complying with Ukrainian legislation;

- Violations at the checkpoint: if a person has committed an offense at the border;

- Protection of citizens: if entry may pose a threat to the health or rights of Ukrainian citizens;

- Previous violations: established facts of non-compliance with Ukrainian laws during previous visits;

- Forged documents: attempts to enter with false papers.

If you are denied entry for any reason, it is important to seek legal assistance. Experienced lawyers will help you understand the situation, advise on possible solutions to the problem, and prepare the necessary documents for further action.

Let us remind you! The picturesque landscapes of Ukraine continue to attract foreign tourists despite the realities of the war. Read here what foreign citizens must take on a plane / train / car and how to plan the perfect trip to 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.

© 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.