Traveling to Ukraine During the War in 2025. What You Need to Know

In 2025, traveling to Ukraine remains a challenging endeavor, but many people from around the world continue to visit the country for various reasons: support, business, journalism, or volunteering. In this article, we will discuss current travel routes and useful recommendations for foreign guests.

Railways

Train travel remains one of the safest and most convenient ways to get around during wartime. From Poland, the most popular route remains Warsaw – Kyiv. However, booking tickets for this train in advance is very difficult due to high demand. In this case, you can consider combined train options or alternative routes (e.g., Krakow – Lviv – Kyiv).

From Moldova to Ukraine, the most popular route is the Chisinau – Odesa train. It has been restored and offers convenient connections to the coastal cities of Ukraine.

Within the country, Ukrainian Railways offers frequent services and a high level of safety.

Buses

Buses from Poland to Ukraine cover many routes, highlighting the most popular ones: Warsaw – Kyiv, Krakow – Lviv, and Gdansk – Odesa. Bus travel takes longer than trains, but tickets are much easier to find, especially in the last few days before departure.

Visa Regime

Before traveling to Ukraine, make sure your visa status meets the requirements. For citizens of many European countries, entry is visa-free for up to 90 days. A detailed list of countries with visa-free regimes can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine: mfa.gov.ua. However, other countries may require a visa, so check the current requirements on the official websites of Ukrainian consulates or embassies in your country.

Basic Rules During Martial Law

• Observe the curfew, if one is in effect in your region. For example, in Kyiv, it is forbidden to leave the hotel and be outdoors from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM, except to go to a shelter in case of a threat or to visit medical facilities.
• In the event of an air raid siren, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.
• Avoid areas considered dangerous due to hostilities or mine contamination (forests in the Kyiv region).

Current Recommendations for Travelers

Security and Planning:

• Check the relevance of routes and the current state of conflict zones.
• Observe the curfew, if one is in effect in your region. For example, in Kyiv, the curfew lasts from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM.
• In the event of an air raid siren, immediately proceed to the nearest shelter.

Documents:

• Use legal border crossing points. Stock up on copies of your passport, entry permit, and additional contacts of your country’s embassy.

Insurance:

• Obtain medical insurance that covers emergencies in wartime conditions.

  One reliable option is IC Misto, a provider offering tailored medical insurance for foreigners visiting Ukraine. Their plans include comprehensive medical care, coverage for war-related risks, and support in emergencies. With prices starting at just $1 per day, IC Misto ensures accessible and reliable protection. For more details, visit their website.

Communication:

• Stay in touch with relatives and inform them of your route. Install navigation and news apps.
• Subscribe to official Telegram channels that announce danger, such as air raid alerts or other threats. We recommend channels like “Оповіщення ЦЗ” (Civil Defense Alerts) and “Тривога UA” (Alarm UA).

Backup Plan:

• Have a backup travel option in case of changes in transport schedules.

Additional Assistance

If options from Booking.com or Airbnb are unavailable, contact local volunteer organizations or housing search platforms. However, in most cases, it is recommended to choose a hotel or hostel in the city center yourself.

Traveling to Ukraine in 2025 requires caution and preparation, but it is a unique opportunity to support the country and experience its indomitable spirit.