Is It Safe To Visit Europe During The Conflict In Ukraine?

A recent survey by MMGY Travel Intelligence found that the war in Ukraine is now twice as likely to impact Americans’ plans to visit Europe as Covid. Most of Europe has banned Russian airlines from its airspace, and other countries around the world are following suit. The conflict in Ukraine has led to a decline in visitor numbers to surrounding countries, prompting locals to ask foreigners to visit to help refugees and the refugees themselves.

The Russian-led war against Ukraine is reshaping the institutional foundations of security in Europe, with NATO reviving its original mission of deterring and, failing that, preventing attacks. Safety tips for people arriving in the EU after fleeing the war in Ukraine include protecting documents, traveling safely, and staying safe from trafficking.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. However, Mike Susong, an executive with crisis management firm Crisis24, believes that there are no credible reasons to be concerned about the safety of traveling to the EU. The distance between Ukraine and popular European destinations like Croatia is large, while Poland and the Baltics are safe. Belarus and Russia are not.

When traveling to and around the EU, be aware of the risk of trafficking and exploitation, and try to use transport and accommodation organized by organizations. The only scenario where the Russia crisis presents any risk to travel is if things escalate into a NATO v Russia conflict involving nuclear weapons. Global Guardian strongly advises clients, particularly American travelers, to exercise heightened caution and consider avoiding travel to Ukraine.

Can Ukrainians travel to Europe now?

Ukraine’s biometric passport holders will be able to enter most EU countries without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or business purposes. Visa-free travel applies to all EU countries except Ireland and the United Kingdom. Travel to non-EU countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland will also be possible without a visa. The IOM Ukraine Chief of Mission, Manfred Profazi, praised the achievement and emphasized the importance of visa liberalization in promoting regular, temporary, and circular migration, strengthening people-to-people contacts, enhancing business opportunities, and enabling Ukrainians to better understand the EU.

Is it safe to travel to Europe now in war with Ukraine?

Travelers are advised to exercise caution in Europe, particularly in Eastern Europe and countries bordering Ukraine, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The situation is being closely monitored, and while no escalation or impacts outside of Ukraine are anticipated, it is possible that it may change with little to no notice. Travelers should monitor media reports and sign up for country-specific email updates from International SOS and the US Department of State. Protests are also being observed in Europe due to the conflict and rising gas and energy prices. It is advised to avoid protests while abroad, as they can turn violent with little to no notice.

Is it safe to travel to Germany right now in war with Russia?

Terrorist groups are planning attacks in Germany, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. Schools, airports, and other public areas are also targeted. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, follow local authorities’ instructions, monitor local media for breaking events, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter, review the Country Security Report for Germany, visit the CDC page for travel health information, prepare a contingency plan, and review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Is it safe to visit Russia?

The US government advises US citizens to avoid travel to Russia due to the destabilization caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in several border areas with Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Consultations at the US Embassy Moscow and Consulate General Vladivostok are suspended, and all consular services should be contacted at the Embassy Moscow.

Is it safe to travel during Ukraine war?

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.

Is it safe to visit Russia in 2024?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats posed by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Russia is unpredictable, with security incidents like drone attacks occurring in some parts, limited flights to the UK, and limited government assistance. Terrorists are also likely to carry out attacks in major cities. The security situation in Russia is characterized by drone attacks and explosions in western and southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine.

Can Russians travel to Europe?

It is notable that the EU/Schengen still issues visas for Russian nationals, with Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the Czech Republic being the only countries that deny tourist visas out of the 27 member states.

Is it safe to fly to Europe right now?

The uncertainty surrounding Europe is a common issue, with the media often portraying it in a negative light. This can lead to people extrapolating from sensational coverage and assuming that what they read is the only thing going on. This biases are hard to change, as people have misconceptions about other countries and their experiences.

Europe is no more dangerous than any city in the US or anywhere else in the world in terms of gun violence. In fact, 7 of the world’s 10 safest countries are in Europe, including Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, and Switzerland. In terms of terrorism, Europe is safer than it has ever been. Statistically speaking, you are probably safer in Europe than in the US, depending on where you live and where you’re visiting.

Europe has a long history of protests and riots, especially in France, which has always had an issue integrating immigrants into French society. This has been a source of friction for decades and sometimes erupts into riots, especially in the housing developments on the outskirts of Paris. There are no roving bands of youths in central Paris and no “no-go zones” in the city.

The news media is trying to tie this issue to the current refugee situation, but there are no roving bands of youths in central Paris and no “no-go zones” in the city. Not only am I not concerned about safety in Europe, but I’ve also led many group tours around the continent and everyone felt perfectly safe the entire time.

Statistically, you are more likely to get hurt in your bathtub than die in a terrorist attack (over 700 Americans die in their bathtub each year!). While there isn’t an increase in terrorist threats around the world or that we shouldn’t be more vigilant, we never know when we could be in a mass shooting, bus accident, car crash, or lightning strike at home. We’re petrified of being in a terrorist attack while traveling abroad, but we hardly ever give any thought to getting in a car or the bathtub.

Terrorist attacks are rare and it’s very unlikely that the war in Ukraine will sweep across the continent or that Hamas will start attacking European cities. The now-endless media coverage when something happens and the fact that that is all we hear about make it seem like they are more common than they really are.

During your trip to Europe, it is essential to be aware of pick-pocketing and other potential dangers. To protect yourself, follow these safety tips:

1. Be aware of thieves or muggers working in pairs or small groups. Distractions can be used to rob you while you are not paying attention to your belongings. Keep your guard up and pay attention to your surroundings.
2. Keep your belongings out of reach at all times, especially in crowded places near major tourist attractions, markets, or on public transit. Do not leave your purse or bag hanging off the back of your chair while dining in restaurants, especially on the beautiful outdoor terraces that are so common in Europe.
3. Be mindful of your money. Don’t carry every euro you have in your wallet or pocket. Spread it around to ensure you have money elsewhere if someone steals your wallet.
4. Be careful when using ATMs. Only use ATMs inside a bank. Robberies are more common at outdoor ATMs, and skimmers can be placed on outdoor ATMs (to steal your PIN). To stay safe, only use indoor ATMs.
5. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you. Put your real passport away in the lockbox provided by your hotel or hostel and carry around a photocopy or a digital version on your phone or in your email.
6. Never leave your drink unattended. Drinks can be spiked at any moment, so always keep yours close or hand it to someone you trust if needed.
7. Install the Prey app to your phone and laptop. If your devices get stolen, you can track them and remotely turn on your camera to photograph the thief. It costs just $1. 10/month.
8. Download Google Maps and Google Translate for offline use. Bookmark your accommodation on the map and download the local language via Google Translate.
9. Follow your local embassy on social media. Follow your country’s embassy in the destination country and turn on notifications to avoid missing important events.
10. Buy travel insurance. SafetyWing is recommended for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

The war in Ukraine is entirely localized in Ukraine, making the rest of Europe safe to visit. Neighboring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are still perfectly safe, but don’t go too close to the border. The war is completely isolated to Ukraine, so you can travel elsewhere in Europe without worry.

In terms of the safest countries in Europe, Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, and Switzerland are considered some of the safest countries.

Where not to go in Europe right now?

The travel advisory levels for Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia are variable, with some recommending increased caution and others suggesting that normal precautions should be sufficient.

Does Ukraine war affect tourism?

Ukrainian authorities have reported damage to 4, 779 cultural and tourist assets, including heritage sites, art collections, cultural repositories, and tourism facilities. The Kharkiv region was the most severely affected, accounting for almost 25 of the damage. Since February 2022, the culture and tourism sectors have accumulated lost revenues of $19. 6 billion, an increase of 30 in one year. More than half of this loss, $10. 6 billion, has been incurred by Kyiv alone due to the fall in tourist numbers and the sudden slowdown of creative industries.

UNESCO has raised nearly $9 billion between 2024 and 2033 to finance recovery and reconstruction efforts. UNESCO has raised $66 million to alleviate the emergency, with Japan supporting the organization’s efforts in Ukraine with almost $26 million. These funds have been used to implement dozens of short- and medium-term actions in culture, heritage, education, and the media. The organization has also opened a liaison office in Kyiv to coordinate operations.

How safe is Kyiv right now?

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is not entirely safe due to the ongoing threat of Russian rocket attacks, yet many foreign tourists continue to visit the city.