How to Avoid Scams When Booking Accommodation in Ukraine: A Guide for Foreigners

Safely booking accommodation in Ukraine in 2025 is possible if you know the key rules. Find out how foreigners can avoid scams, which platforms to choose, what to look out for and why you should use the support of Visit Ukraine

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Traveling to Ukraine in 2025 is a unique experience that combines history, culture, and hospitality. Despite martial law, many regions of the country remain safe for tourists. At the same time, one of the risks for foreigners is rental fraud - especially when booking online. In this article, you will learn how to protect yourself from fake ads and unscrupulous landlords.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine and what to see in Ukraine if you are traveling in the summer - we tell you by following the links.

Why are rental fraud schemes possible in Ukraine?

Like in many countries around the world, cases of online real estate fraud occur from time to time in Ukraine. Criminals create fake ads, use stolen photos, promise low prices, and demand full prepayment through dubious services. They most often target foreigners who are unfamiliar with the Ukrainian market, do not know the language, or are unfamiliar with secure platforms.

The most common types of housing fraud in Ukraine

1. Fake ads on online boards

For example, on sites like OLX, scammers post beautiful apartments with photos taken from Booking or Airbnb. They avoid video calls and insist on quick payment.

2. “Too good an offer”

An apartment in the center of Kyiv with designer renovation for 20 euros per day is almost always a scam. Such offers are designed to lure money.

3. Pseudo-agencies or fake intermediaries

Some scammers pose as realtors or travel agencies, create fake websites and pages on social networks.

4. Changing accommodation after arrival

A tourist books one accommodation, but on the spot he is informed that it “suddenly became unavailable”, and is offered a worse option without compensation.

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How can foreigners avoid fraud when booking hotels in Ukraine?

To protect yourself from fraudulent actions, follow these tips:

1. Book only through proven platforms

Use only reliable international services, such as: Booking.com or Airbnb or Ukrainian resources, in particular the Visit Ukraine portal offers only proven accommodation, and the Visit Ukraine team also offers English-language advice, assistance or recommendations at any stage of booking.

2. Do not send money directly

Never send money via Western Union, cryptocurrency or direct transfer to an unknown person. It is better to choose portals that have the ability to pay through proven international systems.

3. Read reviews carefully

Check the number and dates of reviews, the reality of comments, the presence of other ads from the owner. The complete absence of reviews is a reason to be wary.

4. Check the identity of the landlord

Offer a video call, ask for additional photos. If the owner avoids contact, this is a red flag.

5. Do not switch to third-party messengers

Scammers often offer to switch to WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid monitoring the service. Communicate only through the official platform.

6. Do not pay in full in advance (without a guarantee)

Verified services hold funds until check-in. If you negotiate directly, demand an official invoice or link for payment.

7. Ask for documents

If booking directly through an agency or an individual, ask for documents proving ownership, business registration, or a tourist license.

Read here what a foreign tourist in Ukraine must have in their backpack.

Why book a hotel in Ukraine through Visit Ukraine?

- Security and trust

All hotels are verified, and the Visit Ukraine platform is official, with over 7 years of experience in the tourism industry. You book accommodation through a service trusted by thousands of tourists from all over the world.

- 24/7 support

The service team is in touch at any time - before, during and after your booking. You can get advice, help or recommendations when you need it.

- Convenient payment system

Support for international payment systems allows you to easily pay for your booking from any country in the world.

- Transparent conditions and a convenient user account

Everything is done quickly and without unnecessary complications: booking confirmation, travel history, documents - everything is at your fingertips.

What to do if you have become a victim of fraud while renting accommodation in Ukraine?

- Complain on the platform where the booking was made.

- Contact your bank – perhaps the payment can still be canceled.

- Contact the police or your embassy.

- Get advice from a real estate lawyer – this is a specialist who helps protect your rights as a tenant or consumer.

A lawyer analyzes the lease agreement or correspondence with the fraudster, prepares official appeals to law enforcement or payment services, can represent your interests in courts or state bodies, helps with the return of funds if the fraudster operates from the territory of Ukraine, advises on how to avoid repeated fraud in the future.

Is it safe to travel in 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. Familiarise yourself with your country's Foreign Office advice on travel to Ukraine. Keep an eye on 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.

– Take care of medical insurance. Your policy should cover treatment in Ukraine, including possible emergencies, and it is also advisable to have additional coverage for risks related to war.

– Stay alert for air raid sirens. Install the Air Raid Siren 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, Ukrainian 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 dead — this is not just a tour, but a place where history lives.

Rules for entry into Ukraine for EU citizens, as well as nuances of entering Ukraine by car with foreign license plates — read the links.

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 the link on the Visit Ukraine website.

Insurance for safe travel to Ukraine

To feel as safe as possible during your travels and business trips, we recommend that you take out appropriate medical insurance. Such insurance is especially important for foreigners, as any foreign insurance policy automatically becomes invalid upon crossing the Ukrainian border due to the martial law imposed in Ukraine.

The best option for travelling around the country is an insurance policy that covers military risks, as such insurance covers not only standard medical care/treatment/diagnostics, etc., but also accidents and injuries caused by passive or direct military risks.

Take out a policy and travel around Ukraine easily, comfortably and safely with Visit Ukraine!

Renting accommodation in Ukraine can be safe if you follow basic rules: use reliable services, do not trust suspicious offers and do not transfer money directly. In 2025, Ukraine remains open to guests, and most tourists have a positive experience staying here.

Protect yourself - choose accommodation with verification, book through proven platforms, and use insurance and legal services for travelers.

Reminder! Tourism in Ukraine will remain popular among foreigners in 2025, despite the challenges of the times. Which Ukrainian cities will be most visited by foreign tourists in 2025

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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