Rules of entry to Ukraine for EU citizens: visa requirements, insurance, border crossing

Ukraine remains open to EU citizens, but travelling in 2025 requires additional preparation — from knowing the current requirements for documents and insurance to understanding which regions are safe. If you are planning to visit Ukraine this year, it is important to be informed about all the details. Find out more about the rules for entering Ukraine, document requirements and tips for safe travel

Insurance with war risk coverage for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Are you planning a trip to Ukraine in 2025? For citizens of European Union countries, there are special border crossing conditions that should be taken into account in advance.

We will tell you about the visa regime, necessary documents, insurance features, nuances of travelling by car, and everything else you need to know for a safe and comfortable trip.

What to see in Ukraine if you are travelling in summer — read here.

Detailed information you need to know before travelling to Ukraine can be found at the following links:

– Travelling to Ukraine for tourism;

– Working in Ukraine;

– Immigrating to Ukraine;

– Studying in Ukraine;

– Supporting Ukraine.

Will EU citizens need a visa to visit Ukraine in 2025?

As of 2025, there is a visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU. This means that EU citizens can enter Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days within every 180 days.

The visa-free regime applies to tourist trips, visits to friends or relatives, participation in business meetings or cultural events.

However, in the case of long-term stays, study, employment or family reunification, additional documents or a temporary residence permit may be required.

Foreigners who have questions about legalising their stay or need individual assistance in preparing documents are advised to contact trusted migration lawyers. The lawyers at Visit Ukraine help foreigners with legal issues in Ukraine, providing advice and practical support at every stage.

How to cross the border into Ukraine in 2025: features and rules

Documents checked by Ukrainian border guards

When crossing the state border of Ukraine, EU citizens must present a valid foreign passport. The document must be valid for at least the duration of the planned stay. Sometimes border guards may also check return tickets, confirmation of accommodation booking or an invitation from a natural or legal person in Ukraine.

Is there a travel ban to Ukraine for foreigners in 2025 — find out at the link.

How to confirm the purpose of your trip to Ukraine?

The purpose of the visit can be confirmed by documents: tourist booking, participation in an event, business meeting, invitation from relatives or friends, or other accompanying documents. A clear and logical explanation of your plans for your stay increases your chances of entering the country without any problems.

How to confirm the purpose of your trip to Ukraine — find out at the link.

What insurance is required to enter Ukraine?

Foreigners must have medical insurance to cross the border. It must cover the cost of treatment, including COVID-19, as well as other possible risks. Insurance is checked at the border, so it is worth having it in printed or electronic form.

By the way, you can take out medical insurance with military coverage on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

What additional questions may foreigners be asked when entering Ukraine?

Border guards may ask additional questions about the purpose of the trip, the availability of funds for the stay, plans for return, place of residence in Ukraine, as well as previous trips. It is important to answer honestly, calmly and confidently.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine — read here.

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Travelling to Ukraine by car: rules and insurance for foreign-registered cars

To travel to Ukraine by car, you must have:

– car documents;

– an international driving licence;

– a Green Card insurance policy.

What documents are required to drive a car in Ukraine — read more at the link.

For additional protection for your car on Ukrainian roads, we recommend taking out a Mini Hull insurance policy. This policy covers the most common risks: accidents, natural disasters, evacuation and even the risks of war. Depending on the package, drivers receive reliable protection on Ukrainian roads. This is the best solution for those who want to travel safely in their own vehicle.

Tips for travelling to Ukraine

When planning a trip to Ukraine, take care of your comfort in advance. Book a hotel in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa or another city — from modern apartments to hotels with a high level of service.

To avoid unnecessary hassle with transport, use the transfer service from the Visit Ukraine portal. You can order a transfer from Poland, Moldova or Romania directly to your hotel or apartment. Trips are made in safe cars with professional drivers who will take you right to your door. It's convenient, fast and completely safe.

Visit Ukraine is a universal service for organising your trip: medical insurance, car insurance with coverage for military risks, legal services for foreigners, assistance with documents, tours and much more — all in one place. A full list of services for foreigners can be found at on the Visit Ukraine website.

Is it safe to travel to Ukraine in 2025?

The security situation in Ukraine remains tense due to ongoing aggression from Russia. Government and international organisations recommend refraining from travelling to frontline regions, particularly in the east of the country. At the same time, western regions such as Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi are considered relatively safe for travel.

Staying in Ukraine requires caution and vigilance, especially under martial law. To ensure a safe trip to Ukraine in 2025, follow these recommendations:

– Check official information. Read your country's Foreign Ministry's recommendations on travel to Ukraine. Follow the announcements 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.

– Stay tuned for air raid alerts. Install the Air Raid Alert mobile app (App Store | Google Play) and learn the rules of conduct during shelling. In case of an alarm, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.

– Do not photograph military objects. It is prohibited to photograph checkpoints, military equipment, 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 fallen — this is not just a tour, but a place where history lives.

Planning a trip to Ukraine?

Don't forget to get medical insurance that covers the risks of war!

Such a policy is an important step for your safety and peace of mind.

Get insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal and travel safely!

Reminder! Despite the state of war and the presence of dangerous regions, Ukraine attracts tourists from all over the world. Which cities in Ukraine are the safest and what basic rules should be followed when travelling — we tell you here.

Photo: Freepik

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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