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The Shatsk Lakes, located in the north of Volyn Oblast, have been a popular tourist destination among Ukrainians even during the war. However, due to its close proximity to the border with Belarus, new rules and restrictions are being introduced this year. According to Bohdan Tymoshuk, the secretary of the Shatsk village council, in a commentary for RBK-Ukraine, residents and tourists will need special passes issued by border guards to stay in a 5-kilometer strip near the border.

The article below explains the reasons for the new restrictions and how to get a pass.

Read this article to find out which areas are off-limits for recreation in Ukraine during the war.

What should tourists traveling to the Shatsk Lakes consider?

On December 7, 2023, the government amended the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of July 27, 1998, No. 1147 “On Border Regime” by adopting Resolution No. 1292. Since then, a special regime has been in place in the border area and a special permit is required to stay in such areas.

Recreation areas on the Shatsk Lakes and the nearest settlements are not included in the 5-kilometer zone where the enhanced regime is in effect, meaning that tourists and locals don`t need to obtain passes to visit these locations. 

Facebook, Shatsk National Nature Park

In addition, as the secretary of the village council told the publication, there are excursions in the Shatsk National Nature Park that take place along forest trails. Some of the routes run through the 5-kilometer border zone, but local entrepreneurs are already developing other routes that will not cross the special regime zone, so there will be no need for visitor passes.

Facebook, Shatsk National Nature Park

However, guests will have to obtain permits to visit certain parts of the forest. 

For example, “if a person goes mushroom picking outside a settlement in a 5-kilometer strip, he or she must have a pass issued by the border guard unit,” says Bohdan Tymoshuk. 

In addition, he said, many recreation centers and lakes popular with fishermen are also located in the zone where the special regime is in effect. So, people are already sending in requests for passes.

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How to get a pass to visit the border areas in Volyn region?

To obtain a pass, you need to contact the border guard unit. The permits are issued by the 6th Border Guard Detachment in Volyn Oblast. According to Bohdan Tymoshuk, the permit is prepared within 10 days. 

Documents can be submitted via e-mail by writing an application and attaching copies of documents (passport and identification code). The border guard unit will send the permit to the specified e-mail address or to the post office at the applicant's place of residence.

According to the secretary, the Shatsk City Council assists with the issuance of permits.

Please note! After receiving the permit, a person can safely stay in the special regime zone. However, the absence of such a document will be considered an offense and will result in a fine of about UAH 800.

Is vacationing on the Shatsk Lakes safe?

According to Bohdan Tymoshuk, Ukrainians come to rest even despite the war. The Shatsk Lakes welcomed guests in 2022 and 2023, so this year they are also waiting for tourists.

However, he noted that no festivals are held on the territory, and currently they offer a quiet vacation so that you can come with your family, enjoy the sun, water and nature's gifts: fish, mushrooms and berries.

 “As of today, it is relatively safe in our community, border guards are protecting the state border. According to the latest information, there are no groups on the territory of Belarus that can move to the territory of Ukraine from our side. We are waiting for tourists,” summarizes Bohdan Tymoshuk.

We remind you! Khortytsia National Reserve in Zaporizhzhia has finally reopened and welcomes visitors. Read more about the updated working hours and available locations in our previous article.

Main photo: blog.pokupon