Traveling to Ukraine During the War in 2026: What You Need to Know
In 2026, Ukraine remains an active war zone — yet millions of people continue to live, work and rebuild their cities. Foreign visitors can legally enter Ukraine, provided they follow safety rules and understand the real risks. This guide explains how to travel to Ukraine in 2026 responsibly and safely.
1. Entering Ukraine in 2026
Ukraine’s borders remain open for foreign nationals. Many countries still enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days. Others require a visa from a Ukrainian embassy.
- Airports remain closed due to wartime restrictions.
- Entry is possible only by land — from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova.
- You must carry your passport at all times (checkpoints & ID checks).
2. How to Get to Ukraine in 2026
Train
The safest and most reliable way. Popular entry routes:
- Warsaw → Przemyśl → Lviv / Kyiv
- Budapest / Košice → Uzhhorod → Lviv
- Moldova → Odesa (depending on security)
Bus
Good availability; longer border delays possible.
Car
Possible but requires caution. Expect checkpoints, ID checks, curfews and occasional route closures due to shelling or demining.
3. Martial Law, Curfew & Safety
Curfew
Most regions maintain curfews (often 00:00 – 05:00). You must stay indoors during these hours unless going to a shelter.
Air Alerts
When sirens sound, move to the nearest shelter or safe location. Tours are paused until the all-clear.
Restricted Zones
- Active front-line areas are prohibited.
- Mined zones remain dangerous even far from combat lines.
- Travel only with licensed guides in affected regions.
4. Practical Tips for Travelers
Documents & Insurance
- Carry your passport at all times.
- Ensure your insurance covers war zones and emergency evacuation.
- Keep digital + printed copies of documents.
Connectivity
- Local SIM/eSIM recommended (Kyivstar, Vodafone, Lifecell).
- Download offline maps (Google Maps / Maps.me).
- Carry a power bank due to possible outages.
Accommodation
Most central hotels in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv operate normally with generators and backup internet.
5. Useful Apps, Security Channels & Tools
- Air Alert Bot — receives real-time air raid warnings.
- DeepState Map — frontline map, military activity updates.
- Ukrainian Railways (UZ) — official updates on trains.
- Kyiv City Official — curfew, municipal alerts.
- Air Alert App — push notifications about missile threats.
- Ukrzaliznytsia App — buy train tickets, track schedules.
- Kyiv Digital — shelters map, transport, city services.
- UA Map Shelters — maps of public bomb shelters.
- Ukrzaliznytsia Tickets — official railway ticket portal.
- Government Services Portal — up-to-date restrictions.
6. War Tours in 2026
War tourism in Ukraine is not entertainment — it is respectful historical learning. Our tours help visitors understand the reality of russian aggression while supporting local communities.
- Kyiv War Tour — missile strike sites, destroyed equipment, memorials.
- Bucha & Irpin Tour — liberated areas, reconstruction, memorials.
- Kharkiv Tour — central areas affected by shelling, metro shelters.
