How to enter Ukraine by car with European license plates as a Ukrainian citizen and what is a consular certificate – explained by Visit Ukraine lawyers

Entering Ukraine by car with foreign registration raises a number of questions among Ukrainians. Find out whether a consular certificate is required and what documents are checked by customs using a real request to VU migration lawyers as an example

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

GET

Do you live in a European country, drive a locally registered car, and plan to vacation in Ukraine this summer? If so, you have probably already come across conflicting information about the so-called “consular form” or travel certificate. In this article, Visit Ukraine lawyers explain what this document is, whether it is really necessary, and what documents you will need at the border, using a real request to the team as an example.

Request: Hello, I live in Denmark and bought a car with local license plates here. In July, I was planning to go on vacation to Ukraine with my Danish car. I have European insurance and bought Ukrainian insurance for one month. But I found information on the Internet that I also need a consular note. What is this, and why is this document necessary? Can I travel without it? And what exactly is the list of documents required to enter Ukraine with European license plates? Thank you.

How to enter Ukraine with European license plates as a Ukrainian citizen – legal advice from Visit Ukraine

What is a consular note (travel note)?

A “consular travel note,” or “consular note” as it is commonly known, is an official document issued by a Ukrainian consular office abroad. It certifies that:

● You are a citizen of Ukraine temporarily residing abroad;

● The car really belongs to you;

● You are temporarily importing it into Ukraine not for sale, but for personal use;

● After the end of your stay in Ukraine, you undertake to take the car back.

This document simplifies customs control in Ukraine, reduces the risk of additional questions at the border, and protects you from having to pay a deposit or customs duties.

Is a consular certificate mandatory?

In practice, no, it is not always necessary. However:

● If you are crossing the border in a car with European registration and you are a citizen of Ukraine, customs has the right to ask questions about the purpose of importing the car.

● A consular certificate greatly simplifies customs control and confirms the temporary nature of the import, especially if you are abroad for more than 183 days a year.

● If you do not have a certificate, customs officers may require a cash deposit or limit the car's stay in Ukraine to 10 days, and in some cases, refuse duty-free temporary import.

Thus, it is not formally mandatory, but highly desirable in cases where a Ukrainian citizen who is not a resident but uses a foreign-registered car enters the country.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

What is required to obtain a consular travel certificate (in Denmark, in particular)?

Contact the nearest Ukrainian Embassy in Copenhagen (in this case, in Copenhagen) and provide:

1. Ukrainian passport.

2. Documents confirming residence in the country (residence permit, certificate from the municipality, etc.).

3. Vehicle registration certificate.

4. Insurance policy (European and/or Ukrainian).

5. Application addressed to the consul (can be filled out at the consulate).

6. Payment of the consular fee (usually between 20 and 30 euros).

Tip: contact the consulate in advance, as the waiting time for an appointment can be several days.

What documents are required for a Ukrainian citizen to enter Ukraine in a European car?

List of documents required for Ukrainians to enter Ukraine in a foreign-registered car:

● Ukrainian passport;

● Document proving ownership of the car (technical passport);

● International driver's license;

● Valid insurance policy (Green Card is mandatory; Ukrainian motor insurance/mini Hull insurance is desirable);

● Consular certificate (if available);

● Certificate of residence abroad (to confirm non-resident status);

● Registration documents (license plates, insurance, technical inspection — for foreign cars).

It is possible to enter Ukraine by car with European registration. However, to avoid misunderstandings with customs officers and protect your car, we recommend that you prepare the documents for crossing the border in advance and obtain a consular travel certificate.

If you need legal advice or assistance with paperwork, please contact the specialists at Visit Ukraine.

To schedule a consultation:

1. Select a convenient format (support, written or oral consultation)

2. Fill out the form with your details (full name, email, contact phone number).

4. Select a convenient date for the consultation.

5. Read the terms of the agreement and make the payment.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

We remind you! Planning a trip to Ukraine in a rented car from Europe? Read what you need to know about border crossing, documents, insurance, and the rules for 2025 in our previous article.

Photo: Depositphotos

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.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.