Travel in Ukraine, explained clearly

Citizens of the EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If your nationality requires a visa, apply online via evisa.mfa.gov.ua before travelling. Check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs list for your specific nationality.

Yes. Ukraine has not closed its borders to tourists and receives visitors regularly, particularly in western and central regions including Lviv and Kyiv. Entry is by land only — Ukrainian airspace is closed to civilian flights. You should understand the security situation, get appropriate insurance, and follow local safety protocols.

By land from a neighbouring country. The most popular route is by train from Poland (Przemyśl → Lviv, 3–4 hours). Buses run from Warsaw, Kraków, and other Polish cities. You can also enter from Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova by train or bus. There are no civilian flights into Ukraine.

Ukraine uses the hryvnia (UAH, ₴). As of 2026, 1 EUR ≈ 45 UAH and 1 USD ≈ 41 UAH, though rates fluctuate. Withdraw from bank ATMs in cities for the best rates. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in urban areas.

Yes, Visa and Mastercard work at ATMs and most point-of-sale terminals in cities. Contactless payment, Apple Pay, and Google Pay all function on Ukrainian terminals. American Express has limited acceptance. In smaller towns and markets, cash is often preferred or required.

Ukrainian is the official language and is spoken everywhere. Russian was historically spoken in eastern Ukraine and Kyiv, but its use has declined significantly since 2022. English is understood in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger people in major cities. Learning a few Ukrainian phrases (дякую — dyakuyu — thank you) is appreciated.