Ukraine
Warnings and insurance
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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.
FCDO advises continuesagainst all but essential travel to advisethe Britishwestern nationalsregions of:
- Zakarpattia
- Ivano-Frankivsk
- Ternopil
- Chernivtsi
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Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacksmissile againstand adrone numberattacks ofacross majorthe cities,country. includingRussian Kyiv.missile Severaland townsdrone andstrikes citieshave incaused southernsignificant anddamage easternto Ukrainecivilian areinfrastructure temporarilyand underinjured Russianand control.killed civilians. Ukraine’s airspace isremains closed.
There is aan realongoing risk of harm to life.British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including from missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris. Whilst these are more frequent where FCDO advises against all travel, they could also happen in the western regions, where FCDO advice is against all but essential travel.
In the event of attacks, follow the advice of the local authorities, including responding to air raid sirens.
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.
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Leaving Ukraine
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.
If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and want to leave Ukraine, contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on adpsu@dpsu.gov.ua for advice.
Ukrainian nationalsnational 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.
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Ifbe thefound risks are too high (including if you are close to military activity) or you cannot leave for another reason you should:
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Martial law is in place. Follow the instructionsrelevant offoreign the Ukrainian authorities and check any measures in place in your location, as they will vary by region.
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.page).
Assisted departure or evacuation
The British Embassy is operating with a limited capacity in Kyiv.Kyiv Weis cannotunable to provide any in-person consular assistance.
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.
FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. 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.
FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. 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 (select option 1) for assistance before applying.
Under this scheme, which willis be free, those joining family in the UK willcan bestay grantedin leavethe UK for anup initialto period3 ofyears. 12 months. They will be able to study, work and access public funds.
Foreign fighters
If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation. You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.
British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of mistreatment, is high.
Our ability to provide consular support in these circumstances is very limited.
Supporting Ukraine
There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help.