Ukraine travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Ukraine’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ukraine set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK. The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has the final decision on whether a person is eligible to enter Ukraine.

Permanent residents

If you are a permanent resident of Ukraine, you do not need to show proof of insurance.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re travelling without a visa, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. If you’re applying for a visa, your passport may need to have an additional period of validity. Check with the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK for further details.

Additional requirements at the border

At the border you will need to:

• complete an immigration card
• scan your fingerprints as part of biometric data collection at border crossing points if requested by the immigration officer
• have evidence of sufficient funds. You can show:
  • cash
  • bank cards with bank statements
  • accommodation bookings
  • tourist vouchers
  • a letter of financial support from your sponsor
  • return or onward travel tickets

You can find more information on:

• Ukrainian Embassy in the UK
• State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Visa requirements

British Citizen passport holders can enter Ukraine without a visa for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ukraine has confirmed that this policy will continue to apply to British citizens until 30 January 2027.

If you’re planning to stay in Ukraine for longer than 90 days in a 180 day period, you need to get a visa. For more advice contact the Ukrainian Embassy in London or Consulate General in Edinburgh.

Expired residence cards

If you have a temporary or permanent residence card that’s expired, you are still allowed to return to Ukraine. The expired document will remain valid while martial law remains in place and for 30 days afterwards. For more information see the Visit Ukraine website or contact the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

Visa overstays

If you need to extend your stay in Ukraine, check with the State Migration Service. If you overstay the 90 day allowance, you will be fined and may not be able to return to Ukraine for 90 days after leaving the country.

Non-government controlled areas

If you intend to go to any of the areas not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities, you must apply to the State Migration Service.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ukraine guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Ukraine (in Ukrainian), including antiques and items of historical interest. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. If in doubt seek prior permission from the customs authorities.

Bringing your car to Ukraine

Non-residents are allowed to bring a vehicle for personal use into Ukraine for up to one year. There’s no need to complete a customs declaration form. The vehicle can only be used in Ukraine by the person that brought it into the country. An undeclared vehicle cannot be:

• used for commercial purposes
• dismantled
• sold
• rented to other people
• used to travel through Ukraine

If you want to do any of these things, you’ll need to register the vehicle in Ukraine and pay the appropriate customs duty.

You must take the vehicle out of Ukraine within the required timeframe, or place it into the customs regime of the State.

If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed, you should inform the State Customs Service and provide them with evidence that it cannot be repaired. You may then dispose of the vehicle through the official channels of the State Customs Service.

For further information on bringing your car to Ukraine, contact the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

Crossing international borders

It is illegal to enter internationally recognised Ukrainian territory through a border point that is not currently controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. If you do, you risk arrest or a fine, and a travel ban.

International border crossings that are not currently under the control of the Ukrainian authorities include:

• all land border crossings into Donetsk region
• all land border crossings and seaports in Luhansk region
• all seaports in Kherson region east of the Dnipro river
• all airports and seaports in Crimea and the Kerch Bridge road and rail crossing into Crimea

For information on border crossing procedures, entry and exit regulations, and checkpoints, see the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) website.

Leaving Ukraine at international borders

For information on leaving Ukraine by car, see Transport information and risks.

Travelling from Ukraine to Poland

If you plan to travel to Poland, check the travel advice page for Poland which includes information on entry requirements.

The Ukrainian government website lists the main border crossings into Poland.

Travelling from Ukraine to Hungary

If you plan to travel to Hungary, check our travel advice page for Hungary, which includes information on entry requirements.

The Hungarian police website gives more information on crossing the Ukraine-Hungary border.

Travelling from Ukraine to Slovakia

If you plan to travel to Slovakia, check our travel advice for Slovakia, which includes information on entry requirements.

For information about cross-border rail connections, see the Slovak national rail website. For information on crossing the border see Slovak government advice.

Travelling from Ukraine to Romania

If you plan to travel to Romania, check our travel advice for Romania, which includes information on entry requirements.

Travelling from Ukraine to Moldova

If you plan to travel to Moldova, check our travel advice for Moldova, which includes information on entry requirements.

FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.

Border with Belarus

Ukraine’s border with Belarus is currently closed.

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. See FCDO Travel Advice for Belarus.

Border with Russia

Ukraine’s border with Russia is currently closed.

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia. See FCDO Travel Advice for Russia.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Ukraine.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Work permit: required

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa prior to entering the country. For further details on visas and work permits, please contact the Embassy of Ukraine to Canada.

You must have an invitation from a Ukrainian company or individual if travelling to Ukraine for any other purpose than tourism. Before you travel, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy for more information about the invitation process.

Useful links

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Ukrainian visa information - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Foreign fighters

Foreigners who join the Ukrainian Armed Forces must sign a six-month contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and are not allowed to leave the country during this period.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Ukraine. In some cases, border authorities have refused to let dual citizens of Canada and Ukraine (both men and women) leave Ukraine on their Canadian passports.

If you were born in Ukraine and lived there after 1991, and have not renounced your Ukrainian citizenship, you are considered a Ukrainian citizen and must travel on a Ukrainian passport. Travelling on a foreign passport is a violation of local migration laws, and you may have to pay a fine.

Canadian citizens born to Ukrainian parents may unknowingly have Ukrainian citizenship. If you have family ties to Ukraine, you should contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate about potential citizenship obligations before travelling to Ukraine.

Other entry requirements

Immigration officials may ask for proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ukraine.

Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts

Areas of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia are active combat zones and all designated checkpoints for entry and exit to these areas are closed.

Ukrainian authorities will refuse entry to foreigners who attempt to enter Ukraine from Russia through Crimea or areas in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts illegally occupied by Russia. You may be subject to arrest and detention for questioning to verify your identity. Entry to Ukraine from illegally occupied areas may be possible via specially organized humanitarian corridors or as a refugee.

Children and travel

Children and travel

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).