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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nIf you are a permanent resident of Ukraine, you do not need to show proof of insurance.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nAt the border you will need to:
\n\nYou can find more information on:
\n\n\n\nBritish 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf you intend to go to any of the areas not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities, you must apply to the State Migration Service.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ukraine guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nNon-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:
\n\nIf you want to do any of these things, you’ll need to register the vehicle in Ukraine and pay the appropriate customs duty.
\n\nYou must take the vehicle out of Ukraine within the required timeframe, or place it into the customs regime of the State.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nFor further information on bringing your car to Ukraine, contact the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
\n\nIt 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.
\n\nInternational border crossings that are not currently under the control of the Ukrainian authorities include:
\n\nFor information on border crossing procedures, entry and exit regulations, and checkpoints, see the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) website.
\n\nFor information on leaving Ukraine by car, see Transport information and risks.
\n\nIf you plan to travel to Poland, check the travel advice page for Poland which includes information on entry requirements.
\n\nThe Ukrainian government website lists the main border crossings into Poland.
\n\nIf you plan to travel to Hungary, check our travel advice page for Hungary, which includes information on entry requirements.
\n\nThe Hungarian police website gives more information on crossing the Ukraine-Hungary border.
\n\nIf you plan to travel to Slovakia, check our travel advice for Slovakia, which includes information on entry requirements.
\n\nFor information about cross-border rail connections, see the Slovak national rail website. For information on crossing the border see Slovak government advice.
\n\nIf you plan to travel to Romania, check our travel advice for Romania, which includes information on entry requirements.
\n\nIf you plan to travel to Moldova, check our travel advice for Moldova, which includes information on entry requirements.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
\n\nUkraine’s border with Belarus is currently closed.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. See FCDO Travel Advice for Belarus.
\n\nUkraine’s border with Russia is currently closed.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Russia. See FCDO Travel Advice for Russia.
\n\n","safety_html":"You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Ukraine cannot be ruled out.
\n\nA state of emergency, put in place by the Government of Ukraine in February 2022, remains in effect, and martial law is in force throughout Ukraine.
\n\nThere is a hazard from unexploded weapons throughout Ukraine, but particularly in the South and East of the country along the current conflict frontlines, and in areas where ground fighting occurred (particularly since 2022). Drone and missile strikes occur frequently across Ukraine and can deposit unexploded weapons in public areas. This includes cluster munitions, which scatter round the landing site and can cause delayed explosions. Flooding in the Kherson Oblast, following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023, spread unexploded weapons across the region.
\n\nIf you come across an unexploded weapon, such as a landmine, do not approach it or touch it. Make a note of where you saw it and notify the authorities on 101. Beware of more unexploded weapons nearby.
\n\nExplosions continue to be reported near the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant indicating ongoing military activity. There have been no reports of any radiation release.
\n\nBefore the full-scale invasion, serious crime against foreigners was relatively rare, but incidents did occur, with some cases being racially motivated.
\n\nIf you are a victim of crime, report it to the police by calling 102. FCDO has a list of local translators in Ukraine. We cannot confirm whether these translators are still offering services during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
\n\nBe alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft. Foreigners may appear to be lucrative targets.
\n\nTheft of and from vehicles is common. Do not leave documents or money in your vehicle.
\n\nDo not leave drinks or food unattended as they could be spiked. Beware of accepting drinks from casual acquaintances.
\n\nCloning of credit and debit cards is common. Be aware of who is around you when using ATMs and do not let your card out of your sight during transactions.
\n\nUkraine is a target for large cyber-attacks which disrupt basic services and risk data security, including personal data. In March 2025, a large-scale attack targeted Ukraine’s national railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia, impacting ticket purchasing.
\n\nIn December 2023, there was a high-impact cyber attack on Ukrainian networks. Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, suffered a cyber attack which left users without a mobile signal or the ability to use the internet. It also disrupted air raid apps, some banks, ATMs, and point-of-sale terminals. The Ukrainian bank Monobank was also targeted, disrupting access to the bank’s website.
\n\nUkrainian officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian.
\n\nCarry your passport at all times to use as identification and to demonstrate your legal status in Ukraine if asked by the police. Police should identify themselves and show identification. If you’re detained because you have not been able to present your passport, ask for an official report.
\n\nATMs are available and credit cards are widely used in cities. However, as a result of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ATMs might not be refilled with cash and some bank cards might not be accepted. During power cuts, ATMs and card terminals may not work.
\n\nMake sure you have sufficient cash in local currency. US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange in Ukraine. You may be able to exchange sterling, but in fewer places. Scottish and Northern Irish notes are not accepted. Only use official exchange booths and make sure you’re given a receipt. You’ll need to present your passport to exchange currency worth 150,000 Ukrainian hryvnia or more. You’ll need the receipt to exchange money back on departure.
\n\nThere is a risk that cyber attacks could disrupt mobile, internet and banking services.
\n\nIt is illegal to smoke or drink alcohol in public places, including on public transport, at bus stops, underground crossings, cultural, sports and governmental establishments, playgrounds and parks.
\n\nPenalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe.
\n\nDo not take photographs near government or military establishments.
\n\nAlthough same-sex relationships are not illegal, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There’s no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nDue to the security challenges across all of Ukraine, we must currently advise against commissioning any surrogacy arrangements there. Further information about surrogacy overseas can be found here.
\n\nCommissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. If you want to bring your child born through surrogacy from Ukraine to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport.
\n\nThe FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine.
\n\nIf you are considering changing your surrogacy arrangements, or making a new arrangement with a Ukrainian woman in another country, check surrogacy advice for that country also.
\n\nDue to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, expect disruption to travel and transport networks. Only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. We cannot confirm which services are operating. Where possible, check before travelling.
\n\nUnregulated taxi drivers can overcharge. Use official taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Ukraine, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC’s Ukraine guide.
\n\nYou must have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence to drive in Ukraine. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nYou need to carry a green card to drive in Ukraine. A green card is proof that you have vehicle insurance when driving abroad.
\n\nYou must carry original vehicle registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers at all times. You must show them when crossing borders and if you are stopped by the police. This also applies to rental vehicles. If you do not have these papers when stopped by the police they have the right to impound your vehicle and charge you for this.
\n\nIf you intend to rent a vehicle for your travel in Ukraine, check with the car hire company and insurance company about their policy on renting cars in Ukraine and any other country you will pass through, especially non-EU countries. Ensure they provide you with a rental agreement permitting you to cross the Ukrainian border.
\n\nRoads are of variable quality and routes may be affected by the ongoing invasion. Avoid night-time travel wherever possible.
\n\nLocal driving standards are poor. Street lights are weak and road users often ignore speed limits, traffic lights and road signs. Drivers frequently make turns and change lane without indicating. There are a high number of traffic accidents, including fatalities. Speeding, drink driving and infrequent use of helmets, seat belts and child restraints in vehicles are the main contributing factors.
\n\nIf you have a road accident, you must wait for the police to assess the accident. Call the police on 102. Local officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian.
\n\nIt is illegal to drive with any alcohol content in your blood.
\n\nPolice can stop vehicles and give fines for minor offences such as illegal parking or jumping a red light. They may carry a credit card terminal to collect payment on the spot, or fines can be paid online or at a bank within 15 days. See payment options (in Ukrainian). The police officer should give their name and rank, explain why you have been stopped and make an administrative offence report. The police may film interactions with members of the public.
\n\nYou can leave Ukraine by car through most border crossing points, but Ukraine’s border crossings with Russia and Belarus are closed to regular traffic.
\n\nThere could be long queues at the border crossing points with EU member states and Moldova. Have a good supply of food, water, warm clothing, medication and fuel.
\n\nThe State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) website has a map showing the border crossing locations. The State Customs Service lists waiting times at border crossing points.
\n\nAt the border crossing, the SBGSU will check:
\n\nFor more information see the SBGSU website or call the SBGSU hotline on 1598 from a Ukrainian mobile.
\n\nIf you leave the country in a vehicle registered in the UK, which you temporarily imported to Ukraine, you will have to provide your import customs declaration when leaving.
\n\nYou may need additional documents. For further information on leaving Ukraine by car, contact the State Customs Service of Ukraine (site in Ukrainian).
\n\nIf you travel by train, make sure your belongings are secure. Do not agree to look after the luggage of a fellow traveller or allow it to be stored in your compartment.
\n\nUkraine’s air space is closed.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nFloods can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Ukraine’s Hydrometeorological Center before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.
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