Is It Safe To Travel To Ukraine Right Now?

Almost two years into the war, countries have begun to ease the rules for visiting Ukraine. The British Foreign Office officially allowed visits to four western regions of Ukraine, such as Zakarpattia, on January 22. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe using commercial or private ground transportation options. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action and COVID-19.

Ukraine is quite safe to visit, except for the Donetsk and Lugansk regions (where the war is). Major tourist destinations like Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa, Chernivtsi, and Carpathians are generally safe except for the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. There is an ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including missiles and drones that hit unintended targets.

There is no direct ban on travel to Ukraine for foreigners, as everyone is responsible for their own life and safety. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. VisitUkraine.Today is a service portal for tourists traveling to Ukraine and Ukrainians planning a trip abroad.

Can you still fly to Kyiv?

In the context of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the government has declared a state of emergency, authorizing the entry and exit of foreign nationals across the country’s borders. However, the suspension of air traffic has been implemented to ensure the safety of all individuals within the country. Border crossings with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova remain operational, whereas those with Russia, Belarus, and Transnistria have been temporarily suspended.

Can tourists still enter Ukraine?

The Department of State advises U. S. citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. While a visa is not required for tourism visits of up to 90 days, proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds are required. No vaccinations are required, but it is important to be up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. A visa and residency permit are required for stays over 90 days, and must be obtained in advance at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate. A residency permit must be applied for with the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) no later than 15 working days before the visa’s expiration date.

Crimea, with an extensive Russian Federation military presence in the Crimean Peninsula, is advised to defer all travel to Ukraine. U. S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea and cannot provide emergency services. Entrance into Crimea by any other entry point other than from mainland Ukraine is illegal, and time spent in Crimea will count against the 90-day visa-free period.

Is it safe to travel back to Ukraine?

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine poses a significant security risk, particularly for those involved in active combat. Russia is launching missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure, including city centers and populated areas like Kyiv. If in Ukraine, it is advised to consider leaving the country if possible, as consular services are severely limited.

Which city is safe in Ukraine now?

Lviv, a safe city in western Ukraine near the border with Poland, has been hit by two Russian missiles, killing 53 people and injuring over 270 others. The city is home to tens of thousands of internally displaced people from eastern Ukraine. The distance from Russia allows the Ukrainian military more time to shoot down missiles and drones. The incident has been particularly deadly, with the Bazylevych family among the dead.

Can I fly to Russia now?

Russian security services have arrested US citizens on false charges, denied fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. They have also opened questionable investigations against US citizens engaged in religious activities. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilized southwestern Russia, leading to martial law in border areas with Ukraine. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. U. S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas.

Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia’s interests”, targeting individuals for posting on social media or supporting anti-Russian groups. The current “LGBT propaganda” law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics, and the Supreme Court labeled the “international LGBT movement” as extremist in November 2023.

Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia, targeting tourist areas, transport hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, events, schools, and airports. U. S. government employees under Embassy security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.

Can I travel to Ukraine right now?

The security situation in Ukraine is characterized by significant instability, largely due to ongoing military conflict and the inherent risk to life. It is recommended that individuals refrain from travel to Ukraine and that those currently in the country evacuate when it is safe to do so.

Is it safe to visit Russia now?

The US government has issued a Level 4 warning to US citizens residing or traveling in Russia due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. The warning states that US citizens may face harassment, detention, arbitrary local law enforcement, limited flights, and potential terrorism. The US Embassy has limited assistance in Russia, and the Department has determined that there is a continued risk of wrongful detention by Russian authorities.

The US government has reduced staffing, restricted travel for embassy personnel, and suspended operations at all US consulates in Russia. Additionally, reports of drone attacks and explosions near the Ukraine border have been reported.

Can Russians visit Ukraine?

A Ukrainian visa does not guarantee free entry to Ukraine, and the final decision on border crossing is made by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Visa checks are more thorough, and at the border, proof of purpose, sufficient financial security, and no ban on entry are required. Russians with a residence permit can enter without visas, but expired permits are not grounds for crossing the border without a visa.

Visas and entry into Ukraine are prohibited for Russians on sanctions lists or those posing a threat to Ukraine’s national security. The most effective way to justify a visit is a notarized invitation from Ukrainian citizens.

Is Kyiv airport still operating?

Kyiv Sikorsky International Airport has temporarily ceased all operations as of February 24, 2022. This suspension is a direct consequence of the cessation of cooperation with government agencies in accordance with the prevailing legislation and instructions currently in force in Ukraine.

Am i allowed to go to Ukraine?

The U. S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Ukraine, advising against travel due to increased threats of Russian military action and COVID-19. The advisory also emphasizes the need for increased caution in Ukraine due to crime and civil unrest, with some areas having increased risk. The advisory is consistent with the current Travel Advisory, which advises against all travel to Ukraine. Additionally, the U. S.

Embassy in Kyiv has issued a security alert, stating that there is an increased risk of both nighttime and daytime Russian drone and missile attacks throughout Ukraine during the coming days and through the weekend.

How safe is Kyiv right now?

Despite the ongoing threat of Russian rocket attacks, which render Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, unsafe for many, a considerable number of foreign tourists continue to visit the city.