How to travel safely in Ukraine: life hacks for foreigners

It is possible to travel safely in Ukraine even during the war — you just need to prepare properly. Find out how to make your trip comfortable and safe

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Ukraine is a country of incredible strength of spirit, rich culture and stunning landscapes. Even in the midst of war, it remains open to travellers who want to see its beauty and support its people. With the right preparation, travelling in Ukraine can be safe and leave you with unforgettable memories. Below, we have published practical tips to help you travel safely and confidently.

Update your information daily

The situation in Ukraine can change quickly, so it is extremely important to check the news and official recommendations daily. Use reliable sources:

▪️ Visit Ukraine portal — latest news, tips and essential products for tourists.

▪️ Official channels of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, regional military administrations and other government services.

▪️ The Air Alarm app to track threats in your area.

This simple habit will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations and adapt your plans in real time.

Choose safe routes

When planning your route, give preference to regions that are considered relatively safe:

🔻 Western Ukraine (Lviv, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk).

🔻 The Carpathians are a great place for nature tours.

🔻 Large cities such as Kyiv or Lviv, provided basic safety measures are observed.

Avoid areas near the front line and frontline regions.

It is safest to travel in an organised manner — for example, book a tour through Visit Ukraine, where routes are planned by experienced guides taking into account the current situation.

Check transport and communication services

Before travelling, check bus, train and flight schedules (if available). It is also worth checking for possible route changes.

In addition, make sure that your mobile operator provides stable communication and internet in your destination region. This will help you avoid unexpected disruptions to your travel and communication.

Read also: Where to go for help for foreigners in Ukraine. List of all emergency services.

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Keep all documents and insurance policies with you

When travelling in Ukraine, always have the following with you:

▪️ Passport or ID card.

▪️ Visa (if your country requires one for entry).

▪️ Vehicle documents, if you are driving.

It is also recommended to take out medical insurance that covers military risks in advance. This will provide additional protection in case of an emergency.

If you are travelling by car, consider taking out Mini Hull insurance — it will help compensate for damage caused by shelling, falling debris or other emergencies not covered by standard motor insurance.

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Download the necessary apps

Prepare your smartphone:

1. Air Alarm — instant alerts.

2. Google Maps with offline maps — in case you don't have internet access.

3. Shelter trackers (you can use the government app Diia) — help you quickly find the nearest safe place.

This will increase your mobility and safety even in unfamiliar areas.

Follow safety rules

Certain precautions are in place in Ukraine:

❗️ Shelter during an alarm: find the nearest shelter using apps or by following signs in the city.

❗️ Photography: be careful when photographing infrastructure and military facilities — this may raise questions from the police.

❗️ Crowds: avoid large gatherings whenever possible, especially without prior notification of the event's safety.

❗️ In case of an emergency: follow the instructions of the security services and local authorities.

Don't ignore insurance

In the unpredictable situation in Ukraine, an insurance policy is not just a formality, but a vital element of protection. Medical insurance covering military risks will provide you with the necessary assistance in case of force majeure. And if you are travelling by car, Mini Hull insurance will provide additional protection for your vehicle.

All necessary insurance policies can be quickly arranged online through the Visit Ukraine portal — no queues, no paperwork and no wasted time.

We remind you! Travelling to Ukraine in 2025 involves safety issues, entry rules, and certain restrictions and precautions. However, despite the military actions, the country remains open to tourists, and many regions continue to welcome guests, offering them a rich cultural, historical and simply life experience. Find out about the current rules for staying in Ukraine and its safe cities so that your trip to this country leaves only positive memories.

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 – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

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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