Leaving Ukraine in 2025: which border is best to cross?

Choosing the right customs checkpoint for departure can significantly affect the time you spend crossing the border. Learn more about how checkpoints work, their traffic load, and tips on the best time to depart

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Every day, thousands of Ukrainians cross the border to travel, go to work or for other reasons. Choosing a customs checkpoint is an important step in planning your trip, as it will determine the speed and comfort of your journey. After all, not all checkpoints have the same traffic load. To minimise travel time, it is important to choose your route carefully and take various factors into account.

How to choose the right checkpoint and what to consider when planning — we will tell you more in this article.

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Checkpoints on the Ukrainian border: pros and cons

With Poland

Poland is one of the most popular destinations for travelling from Ukraine, so checkpoints on the border with this country are often very busy.

– Working hours: border crossing points with Poland are open 24/7, but there are periods of peak traffic, especially on holidays and weekends.

– Average waiting time: crossing time can vary from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the day of the week and the time of day.

– Possibility of crossing on foot: most checkpoints with Poland allow pedestrian crossing.

– Public transport access: buses and trains are available to the main checkpoints.

– Useful tips: to reduce travel time, it is recommended to leave early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues.

For more information about the operation of border crossing points between Ukraine and Poland and the current state of queues, please visit the website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

With Moldova

There are fewer border crossing points with Moldova, but this does not mean that they are not popular. Crossing this border is usually less congested, making it attractive to travellers.

– Opening hours: As with Poland, the checkpoints are open 24 hours a day, but queues are usually shorter.

– Average waiting time: Waiting times can range from 15 minutes to an hour.

– Possibility of crossing on foot: Pedestrian crossing is possible at some checkpoints.

– Public transport access: only some checkpoints have regular public transport access.

– Useful tips: it is recommended to cross the border during the working week when the border is less busy.

For more information about the operation of checkpoints between Ukraine and Moldova and the current state of queues, please visit the website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

With Romania

The border with Romania can be a great option for those planning to travel through southwestern Ukraine.

– Working hours: checkpoints are open 24 hours a day, but traffic can be heavy during holiday periods.

– Average waiting time: from 30 minutes to several hours.

– Possibility of crossing on foot: there is no pedestrian crossing at the main checkpoints.

– Public transport access: there is a well-developed network of buses and minibuses to the main checkpoints.

– Useful tips: it is best to travel on weekdays when the border is usually less busy.

For more information about the operation of checkpoints between Ukraine and Romania and the current state of queues, please visit the website

of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

With Slovakia

The border with Slovakia is also an important point of departure from Ukraine, especially for those planning to travel to Central Europe.

– Working hours: checkpoints are open 24 hours a day, but peak hours are in the morning and evening, so it is advisable to plan your departure during off-peak hours.

– Average waiting time: waiting times can vary from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

– Possibility of crossing on foot: pedestrian crossing is permitted at some checkpoints.

– Public transport access: there is a well-developed transport network with buses and trains to the main checkpoints.

– Useful tips: it is recommended to leave during the day when the border is less busy, especially on working days.

For more information about the operation of checkpoints between Ukraine and Slovakia and the current state of queues, please visit the website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

With Hungary

The border with Hungary is another important route for leaving Ukraine, especially for those planning to travel through Western Europe.

– Working hours: checkpoints are open 24/7, but, as with other destinations, there may be longer queues on weekends and public holidays.

– Average waiting time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

– Possibility of crossing on foot: pedestrians are allowed to cross at some checkpoints.

– Public transport access: there are buses and trains providing access to the checkpoints.

– Useful tips: it is best to choose checkpoints located near major cities such as Uzhhorod, where the transport infrastructure is well developed.

For more information about the operation of checkpoints between Ukraine and Hungary and the current state of queues, please visit the website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

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What to consider before travelling abroad?

Before leaving Ukraine, it is important to take care of several important aspects.

– Make sure you have all the necessary documents for your trip: passport, visa (if required), car documents (if you plan to travel by car), birth certificates of children (if they are with you), as well as medical documents, if required by the country of arrival.

– If you plan to travel by car, be sure to check the technical condition of the car, fuel level and availability of necessary spare parts before departure. Don't forget to fill up the car before the trip.

– Check that you have medical insurance that covers expenses in case of illness or accident abroad, as well as car insurance (if you are crossing the border by car).

Remember that insurance is an important aspect that can save your finances in unforeseen situations.

You can purchase reliable travel insurance for a safe trip abroad on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

Choose the policy that best suits your needs and protect yourself while travelling!

Reminder! Before travelling abroad by car, it is important to familiarise yourself with the entry rules and document requirements of your destination country. Pay particular attention to the validity of all documents and ensure that you have the originals with you. What documents are required for travelling abroad by car — find out here.

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