Ukraine
Summary
Warnings and insurance
The
FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continuesprovides advice about risks of travel to advisehelp British nationals againstmake allinformed traveldecisions. toFind Ukraine.out Thismore isabout becauseFCDO thetravel risksadvice.
FCDO areadvises tooagainst high.all travel to Ukraine
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
FCDO continues to advise British nationals against all travel to Ukraine. This is because the risks are too high.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks against a number of major cities, including Kyiv. Several towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine are temporarily under Russian control. Ukraine’s airspace is closed. There is a real risk to life.
The situation in Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
There have been reports of military activity and shelling in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. There have been no reports of any radiation release.
Kakhovka Dam
Flooding in the Kherson region following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam onin 6 June 2023 has caused widespread damage to infrastructure. There are serious risks to life and health from contaminated water, unexploded ordnancebombs and debris. Those in the area should refer to the advice of local authorities for evacuations.
The
If situationyou inare Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.Ukraine
Leave Ukraine if safe to do so
We continue to advise British nationals still in Ukraine to leaveleave, now, if they judge it safe to leave. See our Returning to the UK page for information on leaving Ukraine.
Transport networks are likely to be severely disrupted. Expect increased documentation checks, transport restrictions and increased security measures. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.
Ukrainian nationals and dual-national males aged 18-60 are prohibited from leaving the country.
If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and youwant are seeking to leave Ukraine, please contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine:Ukraine on adpsu@dpsu.gov.ua for advice.
Ukrainian nationals and dual-national males aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.
The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you travel, check the foreign travel advice for any countries you plan to travel through. If you need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in that country.
If you cannot leave now
If the risks are too high (including if you are close to military activity) or you cannot leave for another reason you should:
- stay indoors whenever possible
- keep away from windows
- monitor the media for developments that would allow you to leave safely
- stay alert to air raid warnings and follow advice of the Ukrainian authorities
- keep your departure plans under constant review
- ensure your travel documents are up to
date.date
Martial law is in place. Follow the instructions of the Ukrainian authorities and check any measures in place in your location, as they will vary by region.
Find out more about leaving Ukraine. Monitor travel advice regularly. Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. See FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
HelpAssisted anddeparture supportor for British Nationals in Ukraine
evacuation
The British Embassy is operating with a limited capacity in Kyiv. We cannot provide any in-person consular assistance.
If you require consular assistance in Ukraine, call our 24-hour helpline +380 (0)44 490 3660 (domestic call in Ukraine), +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (international call to the UK) and select the option for “consular services for British nationals,” or send an enquiry via the web contact form.
Full consular services are available in neighbouring countries.
Assisted departure or evacuation
The FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or evacuation. If you are in Ukraine against FCDO advice, or require support to leave Ukraine, take advice from a private security company and take appropriate security measures.
The FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. YouResearch should research whether a service provider will be suitable for your requirements and meets code of conduct and safety standards. The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) has several companies listed on their website. These companies have accredited certification for international standards.
The FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. The FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. The FCDO is not able to provide financial assistance for employing private security or medical evacuation companies.
Visas for the UK
If you are a family member of a British national normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, read the guidance on visas for family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine. Call +44 (0)808 164 8810 for assistance before applying.
Under this scheme, which will be free, those joining family in the UK will be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months. They will be able to work and access public funds.
Supporting Ukraine
There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help.
The
FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continuesprovides advice about risks of travel to advisehelp British nationals againstmake allinformed traveldecisions. toFind Ukraine.out Thismore isabout becauseFCDO thetravel risksadvice.
FCDO areadvises tooagainst high.all travel to Ukraine
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
FCDO continues to advise British nationals against all travel to Ukraine. This is because the risks are too high.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks against a number of major cities, including Kyiv. Several towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine are temporarily under Russian control. Ukraine’s airspace is closed. There is a real risk to life.
The situation in Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
There have been reports of military activity and shelling in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. There have been no reports of any radiation release.
Kakhovka Dam
Flooding in the Kherson region following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam onin 6 June 2023 has caused widespread damage to infrastructure. There are serious risks to life and health from contaminated water, unexploded ordnancebombs and debris. Those in the area should refer to the advice of local authorities for evacuations.
The
If situationyou inare Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.Ukraine
Leave Ukraine if safe to do so
We continue to advise British nationals still in Ukraine to leaveleave, now, if they judge it safe to leave. See our Returning to the UK page for information on leaving Ukraine.
Transport networks are likely to be severely disrupted. Expect increased documentation checks, transport restrictions and increased security measures. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.
Ukrainian nationals and dual-national males aged 18-60 are prohibited from leaving the country.
If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and youwant are seeking to leave Ukraine, please contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine:Ukraine on adpsu@dpsu.gov.ua for advice.
Ukrainian nationals and dual-national males aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.
The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you travel, check the foreign travel advice for any countries you plan to travel through. If you need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in that country.
If you cannot leave now
FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
Leave Ukraine if safe to do so
If the risks are too high (including if you are close to military activity) or you cannot leave for another reason you should:
- stay indoors whenever possible
- keep away from windows
- monitor the media for developments that would allow you to leave safely
- stay alert to air raid warnings and follow advice of the Ukrainian authorities
- keep your departure plans under constant review
- ensure your travel documents are up to
date.date
Martial law is in place. Follow the instructions of the Ukrainian authorities and check any measures in place in your location, as they will vary by region.
Find out more about leaving Ukraine. Monitor travel advice regularly. Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. See FCDO advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
HelpAssisted anddeparture supportor for British Nationals in Ukraine
evacuation
The British Embassy is operating with a limited capacity in Kyiv. We cannot provide any in-person consular assistance.
If you require consular assistance in Ukraine, call our 24-hour helpline +380 (0)44 490 3660 (domestic call in Ukraine), +44 (0)20 7008 5000 (international call to the UK) and select the option for “consular services for British nationals,” or send an enquiry via the web contact form.
Full consular services are available in neighbouring countries.
Assisted departure or evacuation
The FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or evacuation. If you are in Ukraine against FCDO advice, or require support to leave Ukraine, take advice from a private security company and take appropriate security measures.
The FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. YouResearch should research whether a service provider will be suitable for your requirements and meets code of conduct and safety standards. The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) has several companies listed on their website. These companies have accredited certification for international standards.
The FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. The FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. The FCDO is not able to provide financial assistance for employing private security or medical evacuation companies.
Visas for the UK
If you are a family member of a British national normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, read the guidance on visas for family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine. Call +44 (0)808 164 8810 for assistance before applying.
Under this scheme, which will be free, those joining family in the UK will be granted leave for an initial period of 12 months. They will be able to work and access public funds.
Supporting Ukraine
There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help.
Update history
2024-11-20 11:56
Information on ongoing risks from frequent missile and drone attacks across the country. Exercise heightened awareness and be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
2024-10-25 12:57
This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy and there are no significant updates.
2024-08-07 16:22
New information that since 18 May, British nationals who join the International Legion or Ukraine Armed Forces have to serve at least six months and are not allowed to leave Ukraine during this period (See ‘Foreign fighters’ on the ‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-05-03 07:04
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the western regions (oblasts) of Lviv, Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr and against all travel to within 50km of the borders of Volyn, Rivne and Zhytomyr with Belarus. The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil and Chernivtsi and against all travel to the rest of Ukraine. (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ page).
2024-01-22 12:30
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the western regions (oblasts) of Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi, and continues to advise against all travel to the rest of Ukraine (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ page).
2024-01-10 14:46
Information on visa-free entry for British Citizen passport holders extended until 30 January 2025 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-12-20 12:57
Information on cyber attacks and access to money (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-09-05 16:59
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-04 16:26
Information on flooding in the Kherson region following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam (‘Summary’ page), and the lifting of all quarantine measures (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-06-22 10:43
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-06 10:40
Information on the damage to the Kakhovka dam in the Kherson region (‘Summary’ page).
2023-05-19 12:49
Information added on applying for an Emergency Travel Document (‘Local Laws and Customs’). This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-01-13 09:29
Updated information on vaccination recommendations for UK travellers to Ukraine (‘Health’ page).
2023-01-03 12:32
Updated information on policy for British citizen passport holders entering Ukraine without a visa (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-12-08 15:06
Addition of information on permanent resident cards that have expired after 24 February 2022 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-09-07 11:05
Removal of information about Ukrainian Independence Day and updated information on reports of military activity and shelling in the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. There have been no reports of any radiation release. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-08-25 22:33
New information on the situation at Zaporizhzhia power plant. The FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine (see ‘Summary’)
2022-08-23 16:01
Updated information that the Ukrainian authorities have stated that Russia may step up efforts to launch strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days to coincide with Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-07-04 14:30
Updated information regarding issues around Russia’s invasion (‘Returning to UK’, ‘Safety and security’, ‘Local laws and customs’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
2022-05-06 16:31
Updated information regarding issues around Russia’s invasion (‘Returning to UK’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-29 16:22
Updated information on the British Embassy in Kyiv (‘Summary’ page)
2022-04-22 15:27
Update on British Embassy Kyiv (See ‘Summary’)
2022-03-24 18:59
Update on FCDO support with surrogacy arrangements in Ukraine (See ‘Surrogacy’ under ‘Local laws and customs’)
2022-03-23 14:55
Information on private companies operating in Ukraine who may be able to offer assistance leaving Ukraine. (‘Summary’ page)
2022-03-15 18:50
Updated information on how you can support Ukraine and on the Ukraine Family Scheme visa (See ‘Summary’ and ‘Return to the UK’ pages)
2022-03-09 15:10
Updated information on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-03-07 12:43
Updated with information about the UK diplomatic presence in Ukraine, Ukraine’s establishment of a hotline for foreign students, and information for people who are not fully vaccinated travelling from Ukraine to England (‘Summary’ page).
2022-03-02 21:45
Update on checking the travel advice for entering neighbouring countries and other minor editorial changes throughout
2022-02-26 19:58
Update on curfew in Kyiv and other cities and regions. Update on prohibition on Ukrainian (including dual national) males aged 18-60 leaving Ukraine (See ‘Summary’ page).
2022-02-25 21:09
Update on closure of Ukraine’s airspace and enhancing of consular support in neighbouring countries
2022-02-24 18:41
Update on the introduction of martial law and advice to leave Ukraine if safe to do so (Summary)
2022-02-24 06:37
Further update on travel – Ukraine’s airspace is closed. It is likely that commercial routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted and roads across Ukraine could be closed.
2022-02-24 04:52
Russia has announced the start of military operations in Ukraine. There are multiple reports of a military activity. We advise British nationals to leave Ukraine immediately if you judge it is safe to do so and to follow the advice of the Ukrainian authorities while you remain in Ukraine. If you are in the vicinity of military activity and you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows, and remain alert to developments that would allow you to leave safely.
2022-02-23 21:18
Updated information on Ukraine introducing a State of Emergency from 24 February for a minimum of 30 days (‘Summary’) and on travel between Ukraine and Belarus (‘Returning to the UK’).
2022-02-22 16:43
Updated with information about troop deployments into the non-government-controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, and how to get advice on visas for immediate family members of British nationals (‘Summary’ and ‘Returning to the UK’ pages).
2022-02-19 14:56
British nationals should leave while commercial options remain. In the event of a military incursion, it is likely that commercial routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted and roads across Ukraine could be closed.
2022-02-18 22:31
Temporary relocation of British Embassy; how to request consular assistance; and updated travel information (‘Summary’ and ‘Returning to the UK’ pages).
2022-02-18 19:04
Temporary relocation of British Embassy and updated travel information (‘Summary’ and ‘Returning to the UK’ pages).
2022-02-18 13:28
Updated information on consular assistance, travel within Ukraine and surrogacy (‘Summary’, ‘Returning to the UK’ and ‘Local laws and customs’ pages)