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.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDOadvice advice.from Consularthe supportForeign, isCommonwealth alsoand severelyDevelopment limitedOffice (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advises against travel.
Crimea
FCDO advises advises against all but essential travel to theCrimea.
Border westernwith regionsBelarus of:
ZakarpattiaIvano-FrankivskTernopilChernivtsiLvivVolynRivneZhytomyr
FCDO advises advises against all travel to
- within 50km of the
bordersborderofwithVolyn,BelarusRivneinandtheZhytomyrfollowingwithregions:-
Volyn
-
Rivne
-
Zhytomyr
This
Belarus,is due to the ongoing presence of Russian and Belarusian military and security personnel on the Belarusian side of theborderborder.All other regions of Ukraine
FCDO advises against all travel to all other regions of Ukraine (with the exception of some Western regions; see below).
Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following regions in western Ukraine:
All parts:
- Zakarpattia
- Ivano-Frankivsk
- Ternopil
- Chernivtsi
- Lviv
Parts further than 50km from the
restborderofwithUkraineBelarus:(see Border with Belarus above)
- Volyn
- Rivne
- Zhytomyr
Russian invasion of Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with missile and drone attacks across the country. Russian missile and drone strikes have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, energy and industrial facilities, injuring and killing civilians. Ukraine’s airspace remains closed.
There is an ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including from missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris.
WhilstWhile these are more frequent where FCDO advises against all travel, theycouldcan and do 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.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Explosions continue to be reported near the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant indicating ongoing military activity. There have been no reports of any radiation release.
IfSupportyoufromaretheinUKUkrainegovernmentWe continue to advise British nationals in regions where FCDO advises against all travel, to leave these areas, if they judge it safe to do so.
The British Embassy in Kyiv is unable to help you in person. FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or your evacuation.
If you are in Ukraine
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.
If you are in Ukraine, you should:
- stay alert to air raid warnings and follow advice of the Ukrainian authorities
- pay close attention to your personal security
- monitor the media for information about security risks in your area
- avoid demonstrations and public gatherings
- take extra care while moving around
- know what curfews are in place
There are a number of air raid alert apps available, including “Air Alert” and “Карта Тривог”.
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.
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 national 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
consularassistanceassistance, contactfrom the UK government, contact the British Embassy in that country.For
(contactinformationdetailsaboutcanleavingbeUkrainefoundbyincar,theseerelevantTransportforeigninformationtravelandadvicepage).risks.Assisted departure or evacuation
TheBritishEmbassyinKyivisunabletoprovidein-personconsularassistance.FCDOcannotfacilitateyourdeparturefromUkraineorevacuation.requireneed 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 is free, those joining family in the UK can stay in the UK for up to 3 years. They will be able to study, work and access public funds.
nationals fighting in UkraineForeignBritish
fightersIf 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.
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.
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.
OurThe British Government’s ability toprovideconsularSupporting Ukraine
There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel despite FCDO advice, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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Update history
2025-01-15 16:54
Updated information on the specific limitations to in-country assistance to British nationals fighting in Ukraine and the extension of visa free entry for British nationals until 30 January 2026 (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
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)