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Ukraine travel advisory: is it safe to go now?

Why foreigners continue to visit Ukraine during the war? Tips and tricks for travelers.

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Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been going on for almost two years now, but a large number of foreigners continue to visit Ukraine, and Ukrainians are trying to live normal lives even during the war.

What does the statistics say about foreigners visiting Ukraine? Is it safe to travel now?

Almost two years into the war, countries have begun to ease the rules for visiting Ukraine. For example, on January 22, the British Foreign Office officially allowed visits to four western regions of Ukraine, such as Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, and Ternopil regions. 

Such changes depend on several factors, the most important of which are the geographical location of these regions and the almost complete absence of strategic facilities, that could be attacked.

You can find full information about the security situation in a particular region or city of Ukraine on Visit Ukraine.today.

It is also important to note that Kyiv was recognized as the safest city in Ukraine, as the capital has the largest number of air defense systems that completely cover the sky over the city from air attacks.

Therefore, both central and western parts of Ukraine are safe enough. People continue to live, work, go to restaurants, movies and various events, and, of course, travel around the country.

As for foreigners in Ukraine, according to official statistics from the State Border Guard Service, more than 2.4 million foreigners visited Ukraine in 2023, including more than 136,000 people from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

It is possible because of the high-quality work of the radar units of the Air Defense Forces of Ukraine, which constantly monitor the airspace, track threats and warn the public about the danger regularly. At the same time, the key to a safe stay in Ukraine is not only the work of the military, but also a responsible attitude to the threats. People are warned about it. Thus, as of the end of 2023, more than 61,000 civil defense facilities, in other words, shelters and bomb shelters, were built in Ukraine, where people can wait out the air raid and protect themselves from danger.

How to travel to Ukraine during the war and what do you need to know?

Ukraine's land borders are open to foreigners, and you can enter by car, bus, or train through checkpoints on the borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. The most convenient option is to fly to one of the airports closest to Ukraine and then continue your journey by land.

The rules of entry to Ukraine for foreigners (except for Russian citizens) have not changed during the war. Visa-free regime with Ukraine has been established with most countries of the world, including the EU, the US, Japan and other countries. 

Thus, in order to cross the Ukrainian border, you must have

– a valid foreign passport;

– confirmation of the purpose of the trip (travel voucher, invitation, etc.)/visa;

– proof of sufficient financial support for the period of stay in Ukraine ($45 per person per 1 day);

– health insurance (of the appropriate type).

You should pay attention to the insurance for entry into Ukraine, as it should cover not only basic medical services, but also passive and direct military risks in case of injury or accident. You can take out a reliable insurance policy with war risk coverage and a guarantee of payments here . 

In addition, when planning a trip to Ukraine, we recommend that you install the Air Alert app on your smartphone in advance to instantly learn about the danger, familiarize yourself with the rules of conduct, view a map of shelters in the city where you plan to stay and find out what the curfew is in the region you need. 

All this information, as well as details about the rules, prohibitions and restrictions on visiting Ukraine during the war, the most convenient routes to and through Ukraine, travel recommendations and legal support, can be found on the Visit Ukraine.today service portal . Visit Ukraine is the place where you will find everything for a comfortable trip to Ukraine!

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here

Comments (5)

You don't need an invitation if you are from the EU. You don't even need a visa.

What a pile of shit. Kabul, Baghdad, and plenty of other shit holes are better options.

@Joseph Swanson, Looks like troll 'jack griffin' is impersonating another Kyivpost poster again. Don't worry jack you will never hav to go to Ukraine. They don't want you. In fact if you go your Resort stay will be quite affordable, but it will be behind bars for your efforts to support your thug mast putin. For the rest of us in EU and abroad we can't wait for Ukraines' full inclusion in both the EU and NATO. What a rich and worthy culture we can see they have now that putins lies have been exposes and his oppression thwarted. What a deservedly proud nation Ukraine is. I contrast what a moral cesspool russia has become. Even before the war its was ranked in 141st place on the International Transparency corruption index. The USA was ranked 24th having fallen somewhat under. It fell under trump who flourish in nepotism such as: January 9, 2017". Trump announces that his daughter, Ivanka, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a pair of wealthy real estate heirs with no relevant experience in government, politics, or public service, will accept senior West Wing positions in the new administration."

Insightful article. Can't wait to visit Ukraine. 

The travel insurance portal linked for very affordable enhanced health care coverage in the Ukraine has excellent prices. At the bottom of that site I also found a link to many affordable tour offers some of which are very appealing prices for the aging joint era that I'm entering. 



I made the trip together with my girlfriend who is from Ukraine. End of October 2023. The train is very comfortable and clean, better than most European countries. Lviv was beautiful, the Carpathian Mountains breathtaking, Kyiv was full of life despite the horrible war not far away. Stay safe, peace and love ~ strength from the Netherlands.

Insightful article. Can't wait to visit Ukraine. The travel insurance portal linked for very affordable enhanced health care coverage in the Ukraine has excellent prices. At the bottom of that site I also found a link to many affordable tour offers some of which are very appealing prices for the aging joint era that I'm entering. If manageable sometime this year, I'd do a trip to Ukraine in a blink despite the war. Then again we also took advantage of the many flight discounts available post the USA's 9/11 airborne attacks. A little risk tied to a supporting a good cause always makes the moment more memorable. At any rate as Neil Young would sing "Its better to burn out, than to fade away" .....in a sedentary sheltered life.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK.

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
• 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 2025.

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 .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Ukraine guide .

Accommodation

The ongoing invasion has severely affected the availability of accommodation. You should book and confirm accommodation in advance. Find further information at Visit Ukraine .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken 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. The vehicle cannot be used for commercial purposes, dismantled, sold or rented to other people. If you want to do any of these things, you’ll need to register the vehicle in Ukraine and pay the appropriate customs tax.

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.

If you bring a private vehicle into Ukraine with the intention of travelling through the country, you may be asked to complete a customs declaration form and pay a deposit.

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 oblast
• many of the land border crossings into Luhansk oblast
• all air and sea ports in Crimea and the Kerch Bridge road and rail crossing into Crimea

Information on border crossing procedure, entry and exit regulations, and checkpoints are provided at the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine website .

Leaving Ukraine at international borders

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 .

Related content

Invasion of ukraine.

• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
• Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine
• Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
• Find out about the UK’s response

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Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Ukraine

ALERT:  On Aug. 18, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This extension and redesignation will be in effect from Oct. 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025. For additional information, please see the  Federal Register notice .

If you currently have TPS under Ukraine’s designation and would like to keep your TPS, you must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from Aug. 21, 2023, through Oct. 20, 2023. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the 60-day registration period.

If you are applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under Ukraine’s designation, effective Oct. 20, 2023, you must register during the registration period that runs from Aug. 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025. We encourage you to register as soon as possible within the registration period.

If you are applying for TPS Ukraine, you may file  Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status , online. When filing an initial TPS application, you can also request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , online with your Form I-821.

File Online

If you are filing a paper initial TPS application or re-registering for TPS, or if you are filing for a replacement EAD for TPS you were already granted, send your TPS package to the appropriate address in the table below.

If we approve your TPS registration application and you filed Form I-765 and paid the fee for an EAD (or if we approved your fee waiver request), we will issue you an EAD with an expiration date of April 19, 2025. We will issue employment authorization documentation, as appropriate, during the registration period. See 8 CFR 244.5(b) .

For more information on TPS eligibility requirements and what to file and step-by-step instructions on submitting an initial TPS application package, go to the  TPS webpage . You can find the filing fees for TPS related forms on our Fee Schedule page.

You might be eligible for other immigration options listed on the Explore My Options page.

To apply for a lawful permanent status (Green Card), you must be eligible under one of the categories listed on the Green Card Eligibility Categories page. Once you find the category that may fit your situation, click on the link provided to get information on eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether your family members can also apply with you.

Note on Seeking Asylum: Being granted and maintaining TPS until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circumstance for the purposes of the one-year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS status “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States, if the one-year clock has not already expired. See 8 CFR 208.4(a)(5)(iv).

Please be aware that some unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to obtain legitimate, accurate legal advice and assistance. A list of accredited representatives and free or low-cost legal providers is available on the USCIS finding legal advice webpage.

We don’t want you to become a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.

• Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility
• Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Fee Waiver Guidance

Other USCIS Links

• Working in the U.S.

Non-USCIS Links

• Department of Justice, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Ukraine travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 17, 2024 12:02 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, ukraine - avoid all travel.

Russia launches missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure. These include attacks on city centres and populated areas, including Kyiv. The ongoing Russian invasion poses a significant security risk, even if you are not near the front lines.

If you are in Ukraine, you should consider leaving the country if you can do so safely.

Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited.

Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Back to top

Russian military invasion

On February 24, 2022, Russia began a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, launching attacks across the country, including in major cities. In addition to military targets, Russia has and continues to attack Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure in multiple cities, including Kyiv.

Heavy fighting is ongoing in several areas of the country. Bombardments, explosions and missile launches occur daily. The invasion has directly caused thousands of civilian casualties. There are basic supply shortages and essential services disruptions in areas close to the front lines. Strikes and bombardments could also pose a threat to Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure, notably the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Ukrainian airspace is currently closed. The government of Ukraine has declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law, which gives local authorities broad powers to enforce security measures including:

• security checks
• mandatory evacuation
• prohibition of assembly
• mandatory mobilization

The government of Ukraine decreed a full military mobilization. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ukraine, you may be subject to military obligations and will likely be prevented from leaving the country.

Russian military action in Ukraine could further disrupt key infrastructure and transportation routes and limit the provision of essential services throughout the country.

Security conditions remain extremely unstable. Your safety is at high risk, particularly if you engage in active combat.

If you are in Ukraine, you should follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including air raid warning sirens, curfews and evacuation orders.

If you are near military activity:

• review your personal security plans on a daily basis
• identify the location of the closest bomb shelter
• shelter in a hardened structure away from windows when air raid warning sirens are active

You should leave the country now if you can do so safely. If you choose to stay in Ukraine despite this advisory:

• maintain a supply of basic food, water and medications
• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
• ensure that your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• inform a family member or friend of your whereabouts
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Ukraine to do so

Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited. You should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country.

If you are able to leave Ukraine safely:

• verify your destination’s entry requirements regularly
• expect highly congested routes, checkpoints and delays
• make sure to stop at all checkpoints and roadblocks, even if they appear unattended
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• bring sufficient gasoline if you use your car

Territories illegally occupied by Russia

The Russian Federation illegally occupied and annexed Crimea and holds strict control over the area. It also illegally occupies parts of the following oblasts:

• Zaporizhzhia

These areas are heavily militarized and intense fighting is ongoing. There are reports of war crimes and arbitrary detention of foreigners.

Due to the current situation, the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv has extremely limited access to consular clients. The Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow is only accredited to Russia and therefore cannot provide services in territories of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs, particularly:

• in crowded places
• in tourist areas
• in bars and nightclubs
• on public transportation

In central Kyiv, criminal activity, including mugging, is more prevalent at night.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Harassment and assaults can happen against individuals who act or appear as foreigners. Local authorities may not respond to racially motivated violence and harassment.

Violent crime

Armed robbery and violent outbursts can occur, especially in larger cities.

Weapons, including small arms and explosives, are present in all areas of the country. The number and accessibility of available weapons increased following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Criminal activity can be harder to track and is unpredictable because of the war. Violent outbursts rarely target tourists, but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Be aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is on the rise in Ukraine.

Incidents of attacks and sexual assault, including rape, have been reported throughout the country, particularly in major cities.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark
• Exercise caution on the street near bars and nightclubs
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations

Women or other survivors of gender-based violence may be discouraged or blocked from reporting aggressors to the authorities. If you are a survivor of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Canadian office.

Advice for women travellers

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using credit or debit cards.

• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Investment fraud

Unsolicited emails offering enticing business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent. Don’t travel to Ukraine with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Ukraine, seek legal advice in Canada and in Ukraine. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Scammers often target tourist areas and hotels.

Be aware of street scams. A common scam sees a person dropping a wallet or a bundle of money in front of a tourist, hoping the tourist will pick it up. The scammer then accuses the tourist of stealing some of the money. These scams can involve several criminals, sometimes posing as police officers. Don’t pick up the dropped items if you face this type of behaviour. Simply walk away without engaging in conversation.

Overcharging

Certain establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, may try to inflate your bill or charge you exorbitant prices.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill by the establishment's security guards.

• Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
• Do not leave an open bill
• Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
• Check your bill for accuracy before paying

Romance scams

Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred. Be wary of online advertisements offering dating or marriage services in Ukraine. Do your research and verify the legitimacy of services before paying for anything.

• Beware of people who show a keen interest online
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to Ukraine to visit someone that you met online
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
• Be mindful of the risk of inviting new acquaintances in your hotel room or apartment

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Demonstrations

Mass gatherings, including demonstrations and protests, are prohibited under martial law.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Following a disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in 1986, an exclusion zone of 30 km was established by local authorities which includes the cities of Prypiat and Chornobyl. The exclusion zone remains radioactive. Access to this zone is strictly restricted and must be arranged through a specialized tour operator. Anyone visiting Chornobyl must follow the safety instructions issued by the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management.

Safety instructions  - State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management

Road safety

Travel by road can be hazardous. Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. They may drive at excessive speeds and be reckless. Pedestrians and cyclists should be particularly careful.

Avoid driving at night outside major cities. Limited road visibility, poor vehicle maintenance and intoxicated drivers pose hazards.

While roadside services such as repair facilities exist, they are frequently inadequate.

Road conditions

Most roads outside major cities are poorly maintained. Some roads and bridges may be unusable or damaged by fighting from the Russian military invasion. Drivers experiencing elevated stress and fatigue due to road damage and unpredictable conditions may be aggressive or confrontational. Ensure that your vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed at all times

Public transportation

Kyiv has a reliable metro system. Buses, however, are usually overcrowded and in poor condition.

Public transportation services and infrastructure across the country are susceptible to short- and long-term interruptions due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At public transportation hubs, order a taxi from a designated taxi booth within the arrivals terminal or use a trusted ride-sharing app. Do the same in the city instead of hailing a taxi on the street. Negotiate fares in advance to avoid excessive fares.

There is a risk of robbery and muggings on trains, particularly in overnight sleeper cars

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Store personal belongings and travel documents in a safe place
• Don’t leave the compartment unattended
• Ensure that the door is secured from the inside

Ukrainian airspace is closed.

Every country or territory decides 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 the Ukrainian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

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, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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.

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

• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

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

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care standards vary throughout the country. Facilities are limited outside major cities, even in private institutions. Doctors and nurses may not be able to communicate in English (or French) and not all hospitals have translation services available.

The Russian military invasion may disrupt access to medical services and the capabilities of medical facilities. Supply chains may face constraints, leading to shortages for medical products and medication. Hospitals and clinics may face staff shortages. Frequent power outages may impact the ability of medical facilities to properly sterilise their equipment and spaces.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time.

• Carry adequate identification at all times
• Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a safe place, in case of loss or seizure
• Always cooperate with local authorities and be aware that they could detain you while your identification documents are being verified

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Don’t take pictures of military installations, including mobile or temporary defense equipment or other government buildings. This includes drones flying overhead, air defenses, downed aircraft and drones/missiles as well as damaged or derelict military equipment.

You should be careful when uploading photos or video to social media to ensure that no prohibited buildings or equipment appear in your content, even in the background. You could face arrest and jail time if you take or upload photos or videos with prohibited content visible.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Ukraine.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ukraine, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You may be considered a citizen of Ukraine if you were born in Ukraine or if one or both of your parents are Ukrainian citizens.

Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion, males between 18 and 60 years of age holding Ukrainian citizenship are prohibited from leaving the country.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service (mobilization)

Ukraine has mandatory military service for males over the age of 18. Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years may be subject to mobilization

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Ukraine.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Ukraine, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Ukrainian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Ukraine to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Surrogacy and adoption

If you plan to visit Ukraine despite this advisory for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy or adoption arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Ukrainian and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine has increased the risk of dangerous complications from childbirth. It has also changed legal and social opinions on international surrogacy and adoption. Attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could disrupt medical services. Supply chain disruptions could limit the availability of essential medical supplies. You should consider the risk to your safety and the safety of a newborn before travelling to Ukraine.

You should consult with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on current policies regarding citizenship through descent, as well as on the issuance of Canadian travel documents.

Ukraine has strict laws on adoption, including criteria for prospective adopters. These laws may be different for Canadians holding Ukrainian citizenship.

The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine can’t provide recommendations on the selection of surrogacy or adoption agencies.

International adoption – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence must accredit all travel to Ukraine for media projects. You should consult the Ministry of Defence before you arrive in Ukraine to confirm their advice and regulations.

• How to submit media queries – Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
• Recommendations for media – Armed Forces of Ukraine

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Ukrainian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Despite large and active 2SLGBTQI+ communities in major urban centres, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Ukrainian society. Avoid public displays of affection.

Expect a heavy police presence at Pride parades and certain 2SLGBTQI+ events. Counter-protests and violence are possible. Have a plan for safely exiting the area when participating in Pride parades or other 2SLGBTQI+ events.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

You must carry an international driving permit

Car insurance is mandatory.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH).

There is a withdrawal limit at banks and ATMs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and licensed exchange booths.

Upon entering or leaving Ukraine, you must make a declaration to customs if you have €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies. Undeclared amounts exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 may be seized.

There are strict customs regulations and procedures regarding the export of antiquities and items of historical interest. It is prohibited to export antiques, works of art, historical treasures and other similar items without a special permit from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Ukraine. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Brush and forest fires are common in eastern and southern Ukraine in July and August. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area. Air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

• Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Flooding occurs in western Ukraine during the spring thaw and following sustained heavy rains. This may cause damage to roads and infrastructure. Plan your route carefully.

There is significant damage to Ukraine’s civil infrastructure due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, dams faced attacks and sustained damages. Certain dams were destroyed, including the Nova Kakhovka dam in Kherson.

Following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, many towns and settlements in Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia face long-term impacts from flooding. Unexploded ordnance flowed downriver and into flooded areas. Local authorities have issued boil-water advisories in certain areas due to the risk of water-borne illness.

There are severe disruptions to essential services. Many roads in the area are impassable or closed.

If you are in Kherson Oblast:

• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local news and weather reports
• use only bottled water for drinking and cooking

Snow and Ice Storms

In winter, avalanches, heavy snow and freezing rain pose a risk. They can make roads impassable and can cause power disruptions. These conditions can affect access to isolated areas, including to some tourist resorts. The conditions can also limit the ability of first responders to reach these areas in case of emergency.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101
• general emergencies: 112 (from cell phones only)

Consular assistance

If you are in Ukraine and require consular assistance:

• email: [email protected] or
• contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, at any time

You should also register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Ukraine Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Ukraine in 2023

Welcome to ukraine.

Traveling to Ukraine, including Kyiv, is currently not advised for foreigners due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. A nationwide state of emergency is in place, and martial law has been imposed.

If for any reason, you do need to travel to the country, be sure to take a look at this ultimate Ukraine travel guide with safety tips and practical information.

Document checklist for Ukraine

Visa (if applicable)

Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have two blank pages)

Immigration card

Proof of financial means

Travel insurance that covers COVID-19 observation and treatment, as well as medical evacuation.

Essential Ukraine travel information

Currency - Ukrainian hryvnia (₴). $1 is equivalent to approx. ₴ 37.

Daily budget for 1 person - Plan to spend around ₴ 1286 ($35) per day on a trip to Ukraine.

Languages - The official language is Ukrainian, an East Slavic language, which is the native language of over two-thirds of the population

Number of travelers per year - In 2019, Ukraine received almost 13.7 million international tourists. This number fell significantly from the start of the war in 2022.

Socket type - Types C and F, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Time zone - Eastern European Standard Time (GMT+2).

Visa information for Ukraine

Many visitors could visit Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days. The Ukraine Tourist Visa was available to certain nationalities.

However, due to the ongoing conflict, we recommend getting in touch with the Ukrainian authorities if you need consular assistance for your visit to the country.

Transport and best ways to travel around Ukraine

Despite the suspension of air traffic by the Ukrainian government, foreigners can still enter and leave the country through land borders. However, the latest travel advice from local authorities is not to travel to Ukraine under any circumstance.

Polish, Slovakian, Hungarian, Romanian, and Moldovan checkpoints are open and safe. The checkpoints with Russia, Belarus, and Transnistria are closed.

Safety in Ukraine

Currently, traveling to and around Ukraine is not safe . Attacks against major cities are ongoing as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many towns and cities in eastern and southern Ukraine are currently under Russian control.

Here are some preparation tips for a safe trip to Ukraine:

Check if your country’s embassy is active in Ukraine and write down the address and contacts to ensure you can get in touch if needed.

Take out extended medical insurance for your entire stay in Ukraine.

Store copies of all your travel documents on an electronic device.

Make sure you know the curfew times in the region you are visiting.

Be prepared for air alarms that sound when there is a threat of a missile attack. Download the "Air Raid" mobile app to receive notifications of air raids in your location.

Choose a hotel with a bomb shelter on site or nearby.

Tell your family and friends the details of your trip, including when and where you plan to stay.

Weather in Ukraine

The average annual temperature in Ukraine is 7-9°C (44-48°F). The average summer temperature (May to August) ranges from 18-22°C (64-71°F). Winter temperatures range from -4.8-2°C (64-71°F) from December to March.

Typical Ukrainian food to try

Traditional Ukrainian food is often savory and offers many contrasting flavors in one dish. The climate, rich soil, and hard-working locals have influenced the cuisine over the years. Here are some that you should try:

Borscht - A basic Borscht is cooked with a meat broth, made by placing beef in cold water. Other ingredients are added, and these are cooked together. The meal is served with garlic fritters, called pampushki by locals.

Chicken Kiev - This Ukrainian dish is famous worldwide, even though it consists of a simple crumbed chicken filet stuffed with melting butter. The art lies in not frying the butter while preparing the chicken.

Deruny - These are classic Ukrainian potato pancakes served with sour cream, often eaten for breakfast.

Salo - Many countries have their own national varieties of Salo - bacon and pancetta are just a few examples. Salo is the Ukrainian version of cured pork fat and is the ultimate national food of the country.

Vaccine information for Ukraine

COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter Ukraine , but other entry rules regarding COVID-19 may apply. We advise you to check the CDC website for more info about all vaccine requirements and any recommended medicine.

Ukraine's history and culture

Europe's second-largest nation during the twentieth century is Ukraine. The area of modern-day Kiev, along with many other Ukrainian cities, has been inhabited for centuries.

The country features large plains of fertile soil in the east, where heavy industry is concentrated. Before the war with Russia started in 2022, Ukraine was one of the world's largest exporters of grains.

Since the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, Ukraine has developed closer ties with Western Europe. After the annexation of Crimea and the loss of the industrial Donbas in 2014, the Ukrainian economy plunged, leaving many people in poverty. Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst nuclear accident on April 26, 1986. Due to high radiation levels, this area will be inhabitable only in 24,000 years.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine with Russian forces is causing extreme suffering and leaving millions without food, water, and other essentials. Since February 2022, almost 19,000 innocent civilians have been killed in the conflict.

Ukrainians are extremely generous and hospitable, despite the country's turbulent history. Social occasions usually involve food.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.kmu.gov.ua/

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Ukraine Is Denying Consular Services to Men Outside the Country

New guidance carries a clear message to men abroad who may be avoiding the draft: You don’t get the benefit of state services if you don’t join the fight.

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By Maria Varenikova

Reported from Kyiv

Ukrainian officials have taken several steps in recent weeks to swell the ranks of an army depleted by more than two years of grueling combat. The government passed a new mobilization bill aimed at increasing troop numbers and has stepped up border patrols to catch draft dodgers.

Now, officials are targeting men who have already left the country. This week the government announced that Ukrainian embassies had suspended issuing new passports and providing other consular services for military-age men living abroad.

Men between the ages of 18 and 60 were prohibited from leaving the country after the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022, but some were abroad before the rule took effect and others have left illegally since then.

By suspending consular services, the government said, it was responding to demands for fairness in society.

The new rules will remain in place until a new mobilization law takes effect on May 18. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that it was still working out the details about what services would be provided after the broader mobilization law went into effect, but its message was clear: If you are healthy and can fight, come home and join the military.

“How it looks like now: A man of conscription age went abroad, showing his state that he does not care about its survival, and then comes and wants to receive services from this state,” Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said in a statement. “It does not work this way. Our country is at war.”

Critics have said the move could end up sowing divisions between Ukrainians at home and those abroad while not having a real impact on the drive for more soldiers. There are about 860,000 Ukrainian men now living outside the country, in the European Union.

The drive to bring men back to Ukraine is part of a broader effort to enlist new soldiers urgently as Russia seeks to exploit its advantage in arms and numbers across the eastern front. In certain areas, Russians outnumber Ukrainians by more than seven to one, Gen. Yurii Sodol, the commander of forces in the east, told the Ukrainian news media last month.

As American officials pressed lawmakers in Washington to deliver more military aid for Ukraine, they also pressed the government in Kyiv to address problems with its draft.

James O’Brien, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, noted on a visit to Kyiv this week that the country’s mobilization efforts were every bit as critical to stabilizing the front and turning the tide of war as artillery.

“Ukraine needs to make sure it has the people necessary to fight,” he said at a news conference.

The lack of clarity about how the policy would be carried out added to the heated debate inside Ukraine about the measure.

Many soldiers on the front, including tens of thousands who have been fighting with little rest for more than two years, see the rule as a just and fair move.

“This decision is long overdue,” Alina Mykhailova, a military medic and widow of a commander killed in combat, wrote on Facebook, describing it as the restoration of some “small percentage” of justice for Ukrainian servicemen.

“You don’t like it? Give up your citizenship and go to hell,” she wrote, in comments that reflect growing anger among Ukrainian soldiers and military families at men who have avoided fighting.

However, Volodymyr Viatrovych, former head of Ukraine’s National Memory Institute, warned that the move could create resentment from Ukrainians living abroad.

“This decision will bring nothing but damage,” he wrote on Facebook, arguing that it would not force more people to join the army but only “weaken national unity.”

A majority of Ukrainians living abroad, he wrote, will not abandon their jobs, studies, wives and children “to take a one-way trip right now.”

There is particular concern about teenage boys whose parents took them abroad for their safety when the war broke out and who have since turned 18. Under the new law, they may have to return to Ukraine to get their passports, and then they may not be able to leave.

“There has to be some improvement, the creation of some possibility to get registered with the army at the consulate,” Tetyana Senenko, a Ukrainian living in Georgia, said on social media.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would provide further clarification on the procedure for obtaining consular services, to avoid leaving hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian men abroad in a state of limbo.

Serhiy Fursa, deputy director of the investment company Dragon Capital in Kyiv, said on Facebook that Ukraine should be more wary of alienating men who could be useful to the economy if not to the military: “Yes, these men are needed in Ukraine. And yes, they chose not to be in Ukraine during the war. Ukraine needs all its citizens. And not all citizens of Ukraine are heroes.”

Maria Varenikova covers Ukraine and its war with Russia. More about Maria Varenikova

Ukraine-Russia war latest: 'Large fire' as Russia hits port city with ballistic missile

A Russian ballistic missile struck a postal depot in the Ukrainian port of Odesa and injured 14 people. Meanwhile, drone attacks have targeted Russian energy infrastructure, according to officials. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Thursday 2 May 2024 14:40, UK

• 'Large fire' in Ukrainian port city after missile strike
• Drone attacks 'damage Russian energy infrastructure'
• Russia claims victory over Ukrainian village - reports
• Analysis: Will US aid help turn tide on Russia?
• Your questions answered: Why can't Ukraine destroy key Crimean bridge?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he would consider sending troops to Ukraine if Russian troops broke through the frontline.

The president said it would also be a possibility if Ukraine turned to the French government for help - but stressed that currently there is no consensus between Ukraine and France on this issue.

Speaking to The Economist, Mr Macron said: "I have a clear strategic goal: Russia cannot win in Ukraine. If Russia wins in Ukraine, there will be no security in Europe."

He called Russia "a threat to the security of Europeans" and France would have to "in any case" ask itself the question of sending its troops if they went ahead with a further offensive.

It is the second time Mr Macron discussed sending troops to Ukraine after saying "we cannot exclude anything," in a meeting of Kyiv's partner countries back in February.

It's been around a year since Ukraine was in final preparations for its much-touted spring counteroffensive against Russia.

The aim was to breach Russian lines and recapture large swathes of occupied territory. But despite a surge in military support from the West, the counteroffensive did not live up to expectations and Ukraine failed to push back Russian forces. 

Our military analyst, Sean Bell , says Ukraine has provided an "incredibly robust defence" since then, but a long delay by US Congress in passing a multi-billion dollar aid package for Kyiv has "taken its toll".

"Ukraine has lost ground on the frontline and Russia has momentum, which has impacted Ukrainian morale and cost lives," he explains.

So will the US decision to provide $60bn of military aid turn the tide in Ukraine's favour? This is among the topics discussed by Bell in this week's Red Matrix podcast .

Russia could make advances this summer

Momentum is vital in warfare, Bell says, and Russia has plenty of this after capitalising on Ukraine's much-publicised shortage of weapons to target its energy infrastructure, cities and the frontline.

Despite heavy Russian casualties, Bell says Vladimir Putin will want to seize the window of opportunity to inflict more losses on Ukraine "before US military aid can be brought to bear".  

"Many military analysts believe that Russian advances in key sectors of the frontline look likely to be repeated this summer as there is increasing evidence that Russia is preparing for a large-scale summer offensive," he says.

Putin's long game

Mr Putin is preparing for a long war which will eventually see Western support for Ukraine wane, Bell says.

"Russia has more soldiers, has tripled the size of its defence industrial base to create a sustainable supply of weapons... and can fund the war through huge and sustainable oil revenues," he explains.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is "critically dependent" on Western aid. 

Despite the contrast in military might, Bell doesn't anticipate a strategic Russian breakthrough - with Moscow's battlefield success "not a foregone conclusion".

He points to recent comments from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said Western allies can defend Ukraine in the same way they defended Israel from a recent Iranian attack.

"Why not afford Ukraine the same level of support?" says Bell.

Western hesitation emboldens Putin

The West "has the military might to stop Russia's invasion in its tracks", says Bell, but has so far been deterred by escalating Russian rhetoric.

But longer it "tolerates" Russia's actions, the more emboldened Mr Putin will become, making him a "more dangerous threat to the West in the coming years", he adds.

Regardless of the US's huge military aid package for Ukraine, Mr Zelenskyy and his forces look to be in for a "very difficult spring and summer", Bell says.

This weekend (Sunday 5 May) Ukrainians will celebrate Easter.

As part of the religious holiday Easter cakes will be sent to troops on the frontline. 

Some Ukrainian soldiers attended a church service in Kyiv where all the cakes were blessed by clergymen before being sent to those fighting.  

More than 900 packages worth almost 3m hryvnias (£60,000) were destroyed in a Russian missile strike on a postal depot last night. 

Earlier we reported that 14 people had been injured after the strike in the city of Odesa.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper said a large fire had also broken out as a result. 

In a post on Facebook , the postal company said there were a total of 904 packages waiting to be delivered in the warehouse that was destroyed. 

"Not only our depot and branch was destroyed by the Russian rocket, but also 15.5 tons of your orders from online stores with clothing, appliances, kids toys, treats for pets, medicines, parcels with care for family members," it wrote. 

It said it had started to call affected customers who will receive a full refund. 

Russia used more than 300 missiles, around 300 Shahed-type drones and over 3,200 guided bombs to attack Ukraine in April, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Mr Zelenskyy said cities and communities around the country "suffer every day and every night from this deliberate and vile terror".

He added that only the "force of Ukraine's air defences, the force of the soldiers who hold the frontline and the force of the unity of the world" can stop Russian aggression. 

Mr Zelenskyy has continually asked allies for more air defence systems to protect against Russian strikes - especially Patriot air defence launch systems or the French SAMP/T system. 

Both the US and Germany have agreed to send Patriot defence systems, which White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the start of the week should reach the frontlines "soon".

Away from Russia and Ukraine, violent protests have unfolded in Georgia over so-called "Russian law".

Police have used stun guns and fired tear gas as protesters gathered on the streets of the capital, Tbilisi.

The "foreign agents" bill would require organisations that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence.

Georgian critics say the bill is inspired by laws used to suppress dissent in Russia.

Despite this, the country's parliament passed the bill to a second reading yesterday afternoon, sparking the largest anti-government demonstration yet.

Read the full story here ...

The Russian defence ministry has claimed that troops have taken control of the village of Berdychi in eastern Ukraine, Russian news agency Interfax reported.

Berdychi is in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, around 15km (9.3 miles) away from Avdiivka, which we reported earlier has repelled 39 Russian attacks in the past day.

Russia has been focusing bombardment in other eastern areas like Chasiv Yar and Bakhmut.

Sky News could not verify the report, but if true, it would be the latest in a series of incremental gains for Russia in recent weeks.

The Kremlin has denied accusations made by the US that Russia violated an international treaty by using chemical weapons in Ukraine

The US state department said Russia had deployed the choking agent chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops and used riot control agents "as a method of warfare".

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said today that the accusations were "baseless" and that Moscow remained bound by its obligations under the treaty that bans chemical weapons.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, chloropicrin is an irritant "with characteristics of a tear gas" - it has been banned for military use since the First World War. 

Russian attacks have damaged half of Ukraine's energy system, Ukraine's foreign minister has said. 

In an interview with Foreign Policy magazine, Dmytro Kuleba, said ballistic missiles launched by the Russians were responsible for widespread "energy destruction".

"I will dare to say that if another country suffered this scale of energy destruction, it would look much, much worse than Ukraine," he said.

Last month, Russia destroyed one of Ukraine's largest power plants. Facilities in Dnipro in the south of the country and Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv in the west were also attacked.

Targeting energy infrastructure is a way to damage Ukraine's ability to firstly fund the war, and secondly provide citizens with gal, oil and electricity. 

"Just to give an understanding... half our energy system is damaged and we still have to run the country, run the war effort, and rally the world's support," Mr Kuleba added.

Next month, the first peace summit for Ukraine is being held in Burgenstock, Switzerland.

It has been organised as a way to bring world leaders together to find ways in which long-lasting peace can be achieved and inspire a potential future peace process. 

Anything that is agreed upon will be in accordance to the UN Charter - which aims to maintain peace and security around the globe - and international law.

"I am certain that every peace-loving nation in the world is interested in attending the summit, because its significance extends far beyond Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"It is about every nation's global role, as well as genuine respect for international law and peaceful coexistence throughout the world."

Will Russia be invited?

At this stage, Russia have not been invited to the summit, the Swiss government confirmed today. 

It went on to say that it is "convinced" Russia must be involved in the process. 

"A peace process without Russia is not possible," the government said in a statement.

But last week, Russia said it will not take part in the event. 

Referring to the summit, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that any talks on ending the conflict in Ukraine were pointless without Russian participation.

The summit is due to take place on 15-16 June.

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World Cup 2026: Concerns over fans’ U.S. visa wait times – ‘Your window might already be closed’

Concerns have been raised with the United States government, including an official meeting in the White House, over fears supporters may be deterred from the 2026 men’s World Cup owing to excessive wait times to process visa applications to visit the country.

The tournament begins in 777 days and it will be at least another 18 months before many countries will be assured of qualification, yet the wait times for U.S. visa interviews in two Mexican cities are already in excess of 800 days, while it is 685 days in the Colombian capital of Bogota.

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In a statement to The Athletic , the U.S. Department of State (which oversees international relations) insisted it is determined to reduce wait times but also encouraged supporters in affected countries to start applying for visas now, over two years out from the tournament and with the line-up still unknown.

The 2026 edition of world football’s governing body FIFA ’s flagship tournament will include 48 nations for the first time and will be held in 16 cities in the U.S, Canada and Mexico.

It will also be the first World Cup without an overarching local organising committee, which means FIFA is tasked with pulling everything together, in conjunction with the many layers of stakeholders and bureaucracy across three nations and 16 host cities, each of which have differing levels of private and taxpayer support.

The three host countries also have differing entry criteria for visitors, which has the potential to create visa confusion for fans seeking to follow their team deep into the tournament across multiple borders.

Several host cities, including the location for the final — New York/New Jersey — are also concerned about the wait times for visas, and the potential impact on income from tourism during the tournament, but the cities are currently allowing FIFA and the travel industry to lead the conversations with the government. Some of those who have spoken to The Athletic wished to remain anonymous, owing either to sensitivity around discussions or to protect working relationships.

Travis Murphy is the founder of Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment and a former American diplomat who also once ran international government affairs for the NBA .

“My concern is this could be a disaster (in 2026),” he said. “The concerns are absolutely there on the city level. The cities are thinking, ‘They are FIFA, so they must have it under control.’ But when you realise how FIFA worked in the past with previous hosts in Qatar and Russia, it doesn’t necessarily work in the United States.

“We’re just a completely different animal in terms of how our government operates and how we communicate. And frankly, the emphasis that we place on soccer as a sport in our country.

“If this was the Super Bowl, the World Series or the NBA finals, we’d be having a different conversation. Soccer is not the biggest sport in our country. And I think that’s a fundamental lack of understanding by FIFA, perhaps just taking it for granted that it is the case everywhere in the world. But it’s not yet in the United States.”

In recent months, U.S. travel industry representatives and FIFA have raised concerns with the U.S. Department of State and the White House as the respective groups seek to organise how millions of tourists will enter the U.S. during the five-week tournament in June and July 2026. In January 2024, FIFA strengthened its staff in D.C. when it hired Alex Sopko, the former chief of staff for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House, to be its new Director of Government Relations.

In a statement to The Athletic , a FIFA spokesperson said the organisation is working closely with U.S. Government in the planning and preparation for the World Cup, including regular discussions on critical topics such as immigration and visas, and adding it recognises “the urgency of these matters.”

The visa delays ahead of the World Cup were raised in a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, April 17, with senior administration officials in conversation with the United States Travel Association (U.S. Travel).  

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel, was present in the meeting. He describes visa wait times as a “massive issue” but added: “We came away confident that the White House recognises the significance of the 2026 World Cup and will take concrete steps to streamline aspects of the travel experience for the more than eight million anticipated visitors.”

Freely available data on the website of the Department of Consular affairs details the lengthy wait times currently impacting visitor visas from markets that may be highly relevant during the World Cup, which begins in 778 days.

Forty-one countries, including much of Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia, are part of a visa waiver programme — ESTA — to enter the United States, which means citizens of these countries can travel without obtaining a visa, so as long as their trip for tourism or business does not exceed 90 days.

However, many people, estimated by U.S. Travel to represent 45 per cent of those who visit the States, do require visas for entry. These documents, called a B1/B2 visa, also require in-person appointments at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to take digital photographs and fingerprints, as well as an interview, in which the candidate must state their intention to return to their home countries and explain their reasons for visiting the United States.

Wait times for a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in the Mexican cities of Mexico City and Guadalajara are currently 878 days and 820 days respectively, so an application made today may not be approved before the World Cup begins. In the Colombian capital of Bogota, the current wait time is 685 days, while Panama City is 477 days and Quito in Ecuador is 420.

The 2026 World Cup is guaranteed to include the U.S, Mexico and Canada as hosts but five more nations may yet qualify from North and Central America, while up to seven may enter from the South American Football Confederation. Wait times are also dramatic in the Turkish city of Istanbul, where it takes 553 days for an appointment, as well as in Morocco, semi-finalists at the World Cup in 2022, where the wait time is 225 days.

In a statement to The Athletic, the state department said: “We encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need U.S. visas to apply now – there is no requirement to have purchased event tickets, made hotel reservations, or reserved airline tickets to qualify for a visitor visa.”

Freeman attributes the current visa delays to the shutdown of consular offices during the coronavirus pandemic but also outlines long-standing issues.

“The U.S. is the world’s most desired nation to visit, but our market share is slipping and it’s in a large part due to long visa wait times,” he said. “If you are Colombian and want to come and bring your kids in 2026, your window might already be closed.”

A World Cup is further complicated because many supporters may wait until their nations have secured qualification to organise their trip. For the Americas, this will largely be in winter 2025 — the play-offs may be as late as March 2026 — while nations will only know the cities in which their teams will be competing following the draw, which is usually held eight months out from the tournament.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, visitors were able to expedite their entry into the country by applying for a Hayya card, effectively a fan pass for World Cup ticket holders that acted as a visa for the tournament. A repeat pass is not expected to be approved by the U.S, particularly at a time of global tensions both in the Middle East and following Russia ’s invasion of and continued war against Ukraine .

Freeman warned: “The U.S. is not going to change its visa policies in the short term to frankly cater to FIFA. I think where you may see the U.S. adjust some of its approach is in cooperation with Mexico and Canada . So once teams have qualified within the tournament, how do we streamline their ability to cross borders and attend games in other markets later in the tournament? I believe that’s where there will be greater cooperation and some of those discussions are already taking place.”

The answer may simply be additional staff and investment, such as deploying more consular officers at embassies, a method which has helped significantly reduce wait times from Brazil and India over the past year. Congress set aside $50million for the U.S. State Department to “reduce passport backlogs and reduce visa wait times” in a bill signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden in March but it was not specified how and where the money will be invested.

There is a precedent for visa issues causing delays at major international sporting events in the United States. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who set the African 100metres record of 9.77 seconds in 2021, only received his visa documentation the day before the men’s 100 metres heats began at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon in 2022.

After securing his visa in Kenya, he took a five-hour flight to Qatar, endured a six-hour layover, then a 14-hour flight to Seattle, another three-hour layover and last of all, a one-hour flight to Oregon. He landed at 4.15 pm and immediately went to the track, where the heats commenced at 6.50pm.

The sprinter said: “If you are hosting a championship, you need to waive (visa requirements) for athletes. It’s a lesson for the host country in the future, and the U.S. is hosting the Olympics in 2028 (in Los Angeles), so they need to learn from this and do better next time.”

Murphy added: “There were hundreds of athletes who were unable to travel. The World Athletics Championships was was a relatively small event compared to the magnitude of what we’re talking about with the 48-team World Cup and the millions and millions of people involved, in terms of what needs to happen.”

Playing rosters are usually only approved in the final months before a tournament, but the U.S. is expected to expedite processing to ensure players and support staff from federations are able to arrive in time for the World Cup.

The U.S. Department of State attributes the issues at World Athletics to the pressures felt by consular officers coming out of the pandemic and told The Athletic that wait times for “P-visas”, generally used by members of professional sports teams coming to participate in athletic competitions, are “low worldwide”.

Murphy said the National Security Council has established a working committee on the matter for the White House but caveated his optimism with a reminder that more instant priorities are Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. He said: “This is not a priority beyond the host cities, FIFA itself and the members of Congress who represent those host cities. But in terms of there being a broad approach that is all-encompassing and has a wide swath of support in Congress, there’s just nothing there. There’s no bills or initiatives in Congress that are focused on this.”

He added: “The conversations that needed to have started a year plus ago are not at a point where they need to be. And when you’re talking about the U.S. Government, it is essentially at a state of standstill in terms of any major movement that needs to happen from now until November of this year (when there is a Presidential election).”

The Department of State insisted it is “committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining high national security standards.”

Its statement continued: “We are pleased to be an active participant in a working group with FIFA and other stakeholders on plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bureau of Consular Affairs recognizes the importance of international inbound tourism, including for mega sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, and is working tirelessly to facilitate secure travel to the United States. We have significantly reduced visa wait times over the past two years.”

One of the peculiarities of the U.S. political system is that there is no sports ministry to facilitate such discussions. In its absence, Murphy calls for a special envoy to be appointed, with the World Cup likely to be followed by the women’s edition in 2027 before the Olympics in LA in 2028.

He said: “There has to be somebody centralised to organise those conversations. That’s relatively easy to do. If it’s somebody that has the respect and attention of the cabinet agencies, they can have a conversation with Capitol Hill and that’s going to go a long way to getting things done.”

(Top photo: Patrick Smith/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Adam Crafton covers football for The Athletic. He previously wrote for the Daily Mail. In 2018, he was named the Young Sports Writer of the Year by the Sports' Journalist Association. His debut book,"From Guernica to Guardiola", charting the influence of Spaniards in English football, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2018. He is based in London.