Poltava

Permanent residents

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

Passport validity requirements

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

Additional requirements at the border

At the border you will need to:

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

You can find more information on:

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

Visa requirements

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

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

Expired residence cards

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

Visa overstays

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

Non-government controlled areas

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

Vaccine requirements

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

Customs rules

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

Bringing your car to Ukraine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crossing international borders

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

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

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

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

Leaving Ukraine at international borders

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

Travelling from Ukraine to Poland

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

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

Travelling from Ukraine to Hungary

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

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

Travelling from Ukraine to Slovakia

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

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

Travelling from Ukraine to Romania

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

Travelling from Ukraine to Moldova

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

FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.

Border with Belarus

Ukraine’s border with Belarus is currently closed.

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

Border with Russia

Ukraine’s border with Russia is currently closed.

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

Customs rules

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

Bringing your car to Ukraine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emergency services in Ukraine

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police: 102

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Ukraine
• dealing with a death in Ukraine
• being arrested or imprisoned in Ukraine
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Or in an emergency you can call our 24-hour helpline and select the option for ‘consular services for British nationals’:

• For a domestic call from Ukraine, call +380 (0)44 490 3660
• For an international call to the UK call +44 (0)20 7008 5000

The British Embassy in Kyiv is unable to provide in-person assistance.

Full consular services are available at British embassies in neighbouring countries.

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Areas where FCDO advises against travel 

Crimea  

FCDO advises against all travel to Crimea.

Border with Belarus  

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the border with Belarus in the following regions: 

• Volyn 

• Rivne 

• Zhytomyr 

This is due to the ongoing presence of Russian and Belarusian military and security personnel on the Belarusian side of the border. 

All other regions of Ukraine 

FCDO advises against all travel to all other regions of Ukraine (with the exception of some Western regions; see below).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following regions in western Ukraine: 

All parts: 

• Zakarpattia  
• Ivano-Frankivsk 
• Ternopil 
• Chernivtsi 
• Lviv 

Parts further than 50km from the border with Belarus:

(see Border with Belarus above)

• Volyn 
• Rivne 
• Zhytomyr

Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with frequent missile and drone attacks across the country, which injure and kill civilians and cause significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, energy, industrial, rail and related facilities. Russian Military activity against Ukraine has intensified over the last year. The last 3 months have seen continually high drone and missile strikes with over 5,000 drones and over 100 missiles launched in these months on average. In July 2026 , Russia launched around 150 ballistic missiles against Ukraine. This 3 month period also saw the highest monthly civilian casualty counts since April 2022, with over 2,000 casualties in each month.

British nationals are advised to exercise heightened awareness and be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced. Be extra vigilant whilst travelling in urban centres.

There is an ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including from missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris. While these are more frequent where FCDO advises against all travel, they can and do also happen in the western regions, where FCDO advice is against all but essential travel.

Conferences and events that are attended by the Ukrainian government and military are more likely to be targeted.

In the event of attacks, follow the advice of the local authorities, including responding to air raid alerts and train evacuation instructions.

Russian attacks on the energy network may result in unscheduled blackouts or emergency power cuts with little notice. Rolling scheduled blackouts may be required in some areas. Electricity outages may also affect district heating and water supplies. Be aware that temperatures may drop below -20°C in the depths of winter.

Ukraine’s airspace remains closed.

The situation in Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.

Support from the UK government   

We continue to advise British nationals in regions where FCDO advises against all travel, to leave these areas, if they judge it safe to do so.

The British Embassy in Kyiv is unable to help you in person. FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or your evacuation.

If you are in Ukraine

Martial law is in place. Follow the instructions of the Ukrainian authorities and check any measures in place in your location, as they will vary by region.

If you are in Ukraine, you should:

• monitor local media for updates about security risks in your area
• identify shelter locations in advance of any air alert
• immediately take shelter if an air alert is announced
• follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency
• take precautions including conserving water, food, and mobile phone charge and having warm clothing/sleeping bags to hand, and monitor local media for updates, including on power cut schedules
• pay close attention to your personal security
• avoid demonstrations and public gatherings
• take extra care while moving around
• know what curfews are in place

There are a number of air raid alert apps available, including “Air Alert”.

Get travel advice updates

Monitor travel advice regularly. Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

See FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.

Leaving Ukraine

Expect increased documentation checks, transport restrictions and increased security measures. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.

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

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and want to leave Ukraine, contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on adpsu@dpsu.gov.ua for advice.

Ukrainian national and dual-national males aged 23 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country. Dual-nationals have to comply to the same military conscription laws as Ukrainian mono-nationals.

Even if you do not consider Ukrainian to be your primary nationality, the Ukrainian authorities may see you as a Ukrainian national: for example, if you have a Ukrainian parent, or if you were born in Ukraine.

For any information regarding nationality issues, you would need to seek advice from local authorities or legal experts.

The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you travel, check the foreign travel advice for any countries you plan to travel through. If you need assistance from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in that country.

Assisted departure or evacuation

If you are in Ukraine against FCDO advice, or need support to leave Ukraine, take advice from a private security company and take appropriate security measures.

FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. Research whether a service provider will be suitable for your requirements and meets code of conduct and safety standards. The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) has several companies listed on their website. These companies have accredited certification for international standards.

FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. FCDO is not able to provide financial assistance for employing private security or medical evacuation companies.

British nationals fighting in Ukraine

If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation.  You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.

Since 18 May 2024, British nationals who join the International Legion or Ukraine Armed Forces have to serve at least six months and are not allowed to leave Ukraine during this period.

British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high.

The British Government’s ability to support you in these circumstances is very limited. It cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine, your medical repatriation, or termination of your military contract. Find out more about FCDO consular assistance.

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel despite FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

The FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Laws and cultural differences

Language

Ukrainian officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian.

Personal ID

Carry your passport at all times to use as identification and to demonstrate your legal status in Ukraine if asked by the police. Police should identify themselves and show identification. If you’re detained because you have not been able to present your passport, ask for an official report.

Access to money

ATMs are available and credit cards are widely used in cities. However, as a result of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ATMs might not be refilled with cash and some bank cards might not be accepted. During power cuts, ATMs and card terminals may not work.

Make sure you have sufficient cash in local currency. US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange in Ukraine. You may be able to exchange sterling, but in fewer places. Scottish and Northern Irish notes are not accepted. Only use official exchange booths and make sure you’re given a receipt. You’ll need to present your passport to exchange currency worth 150,000 Ukrainian hryvnia or more. You’ll need the receipt to exchange money back on departure.

There is a risk that cyber attacks could disrupt mobile, internet and banking services.

Alcohol and smoking

It is illegal to smoke or drink alcohol in public places, including on public transport, at bus stops, underground crossings, cultural, sports and governmental establishments, playgrounds and parks.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe.

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not take photographs near government or military establishments.

LGBT+ travellers

Although same-sex relationships are not illegal, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There’s no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.