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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Ukraine travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 4, 2024 08:03 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, ukraine - avoid all travel.

Russia launches missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure. These include attacks on city centres and populated areas, including Kyiv. The ongoing Russian invasion poses a significant security risk, even if you are not near the front lines.

If you are in Ukraine, you should consider leaving the country if you can do so safely.

Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited.

Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

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Russian military invasion

On February 24, 2022, Russia began a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, launching attacks across the country, including in major cities. In addition to military targets, Russia has and continues to attack Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure in multiple cities, including Kyiv.

Heavy fighting is ongoing in several areas of the country. Bombardments, explosions and missile launches occur daily. The invasion has directly caused thousands of civilian casualties. There are basic supply shortages and essential services disruptions in areas close to the front lines. Strikes and bombardments could also pose a threat to Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure, notably the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Ukrainian airspace is currently closed. The government of Ukraine has declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law, which gives local authorities broad powers to enforce security measures including:

• security checks
• mandatory evacuation
• prohibition of assembly
• mandatory mobilization

The government of Ukraine decreed a full military mobilization. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ukraine, you may be subject to military obligations and will likely be prevented from leaving the country.

Russian military action in Ukraine could further disrupt key infrastructure and transportation routes and limit the provision of essential services throughout the country.

Security conditions remain extremely unstable. Your safety is at high risk, particularly if you engage in active combat.

If you are in Ukraine, you should follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including air raid warning sirens, curfews and evacuation orders.

If you are near military activity:

• review your personal security plans on a daily basis
• identify the location of the closest bomb shelter
• shelter in a hardened structure away from windows when air raid warning sirens are active

You should leave the country now if you can do so safely. If you choose to stay in Ukraine despite this advisory:

• maintain a supply of basic food, water and medications
• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
• ensure that your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• inform a family member or friend of your whereabouts
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Ukraine to do so

Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited. You should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country.

If you are able to leave Ukraine safely:

• verify your destination’s entry requirements regularly
• expect highly congested routes, checkpoints and delays
• make sure to stop at all checkpoints and roadblocks, even if they appear unattended
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• bring sufficient gasoline if you use your car

Territories illegally occupied by Russia

The Russian Federation illegally occupied and annexed Crimea and holds strict control over the area. It also illegally occupies parts of the following oblasts:

• Zaporizhzhia

These areas are heavily militarized and intense fighting is ongoing. There are reports of war crimes and arbitrary detention of foreigners.

Due to the current situation, the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv has extremely limited access to consular clients. The Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow is only accredited to Russia and therefore cannot provide services in territories of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs, particularly:

• in crowded places
• in tourist areas
• in bars and nightclubs
• on public transportation

In central Kyiv, criminal activity, including mugging, is more prevalent at night.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Harassment and assaults can happen against individuals who act or appear as foreigners. Local authorities may not respond to racially motivated violence and harassment.

Violent crime

Armed robbery and violent outbursts can occur, especially in larger cities.

Weapons, including small arms and explosives, are present in all areas of the country. The number and accessibility of available weapons increased following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Criminal activity can be harder to track and is unpredictable because of the war. Violent outbursts rarely target tourists, but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Be aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is on the rise in Ukraine.

Incidents of attacks and sexual assault, including rape, have been reported throughout the country, particularly in major cities.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark
• Exercise caution on the street near bars and nightclubs
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations

Women or other survivors of gender-based violence may be discouraged or blocked from reporting aggressors to the authorities. If you are a survivor of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Canadian office.

Advice for women travellers

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using credit or debit cards.

• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Investment fraud

Unsolicited emails offering enticing business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent. Don’t travel to Ukraine with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Ukraine, seek legal advice in Canada and in Ukraine. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Scammers often target tourist areas and hotels.

Be aware of street scams. A common scam sees a person dropping a wallet or a bundle of money in front of a tourist, hoping the tourist will pick it up. The scammer then accuses the tourist of stealing some of the money. These scams can involve several criminals, sometimes posing as police officers. Don’t pick up the dropped items if you face this type of behaviour. Simply walk away without engaging in conversation.

Overcharging

Certain establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, may try to inflate your bill or charge you exorbitant prices.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill by the establishment's security guards.

• Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
• Do not leave an open bill
• Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
• Check your bill for accuracy before paying

Romance scams

Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred. Be wary of online advertisements offering dating or marriage services in Ukraine. Do your research and verify the legitimacy of services before paying for anything.

• Beware of people who show a keen interest online
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to Ukraine to visit someone that you met online
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
• Be mindful of the risk of inviting new acquaintances in your hotel room or apartment

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Demonstrations

Mass gatherings, including demonstrations and protests, are prohibited under martial law.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Following a disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in 1986, an exclusion zone of 30 km was established by local authorities which includes the cities of Prypiat and Chornobyl. The exclusion zone remains radioactive. Access to this zone is strictly restricted and must be arranged through a specialized tour operator. Anyone visiting Chornobyl must follow the safety instructions issued by the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management.

Safety instructions  - State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management

Road safety

Travel by road can be hazardous. Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. They may drive at excessive speeds and be reckless. Pedestrians and cyclists should be particularly careful.

Avoid driving at night outside major cities. Limited road visibility, poor vehicle maintenance and intoxicated drivers pose hazards.

While roadside services such as repair facilities exist, they are frequently inadequate.

Road conditions

Most roads outside major cities are poorly maintained. Some roads and bridges may be unusable or damaged by fighting from the Russian military invasion. Drivers experiencing elevated stress and fatigue due to road damage and unpredictable conditions may be aggressive or confrontational. Ensure that your vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed at all times

Public transportation

Kyiv has a reliable metro system. Buses, however, are usually overcrowded and in poor condition.

Public transportation services and infrastructure across the country are susceptible to short- and long-term interruptions due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At public transportation hubs, order a taxi from a designated taxi booth within the arrivals terminal or use a trusted ride-sharing app. Do the same in the city instead of hailing a taxi on the street. Negotiate fares in advance to avoid excessive fares.

There is a risk of robbery and muggings on trains, particularly in overnight sleeper cars

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Store personal belongings and travel documents in a safe place
• Don’t leave the compartment unattended
• Ensure that the door is secured from the inside

Ukrainian airspace is closed.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Ukrainian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Ukraine.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period Work permit: required

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa prior to entering the country. For further details on visas and work permits, please contact the Embassy of Ukraine to Canada.

You must have an invitation from a Ukrainian company or individual if travelling to Ukraine for any other purpose than tourism. Before you travel, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy for more information about the invitation process.

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Ukrainian visa information - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Other entry requirements

Immigration officials may ask for proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ukraine.

Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts

Areas of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia are active combat zones and all designated checkpoints for entry and exit to these areas are closed.

Ukrainian authorities will refuse entry to foreigners who attempt to enter Ukraine from Russia through Crimea or areas in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts illegally occupied by Russia. You may be subject to arrest and detention for questioning to verify your identity. Entry to Ukraine from illegally occupied areas may be possible via specially organized humanitarian corridors or as a refugee.

• Children and travel

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care standards vary throughout the country. Facilities are limited outside major cities, even in private institutions. Doctors and nurses may not be able to communicate in English (or French) and not all hospitals have translation services available.

The Russian military invasion may disrupt access to medical services and the capabilities of medical facilities. Supply chains may face constraints, leading to shortages for medical products and medication. Hospitals and clinics may face staff shortages. Frequent power outages may impact the ability of medical facilities to properly sterilise their equipment and spaces.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time.

• Carry adequate identification at all times
• Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a safe place, in case of loss or seizure
• Always cooperate with local authorities and be aware that they could detain you while your identification documents are being verified

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Don’t take pictures of military installations, including mobile or temporary defense equipment or other government buildings. This includes drones flying overhead, air defenses, downed aircraft and drones/missiles as well as damaged or derelict military equipment.

You should be careful when uploading photos or video to social media to ensure that no prohibited buildings or equipment appear in your content, even in the background. You could face arrest and jail time if you take or upload photos or videos with prohibited content visible.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Ukraine.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ukraine, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You may be considered a citizen of Ukraine if you were born in Ukraine or if one or both of your parents are Ukrainian citizens.

Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion, males between 18 and 60 years of age holding Ukrainian citizenship are prohibited from leaving the country.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service (mobilization)

Ukraine has mandatory military service for males over the age of 18. Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years may be subject to mobilization

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Ukraine.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Ukraine, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Ukrainian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Ukraine to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Surrogacy and adoption

If you plan to visit Ukraine despite this advisory for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy or adoption arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Ukrainian and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine has increased the risk of dangerous complications from childbirth. It has also changed legal and social opinions on international surrogacy and adoption. Attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could disrupt medical services. Supply chain disruptions could limit the availability of essential medical supplies. You should consider the risk to your safety and the safety of a newborn before travelling to Ukraine.

You should consult with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on current policies regarding citizenship through descent, as well as on the issuance of Canadian travel documents.

Ukraine has strict laws on adoption, including criteria for prospective adopters. These laws may be different for Canadians holding Ukrainian citizenship.

The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine can’t provide recommendations on the selection of surrogacy or adoption agencies.

International adoption – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence must accredit all travel to Ukraine for media projects. You should consult the Ministry of Defence before you arrive in Ukraine to confirm their advice and regulations.

• How to submit media queries – Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
• Recommendations for media – Armed Forces of Ukraine

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Ukrainian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Despite large and active 2SLGBTQI+ communities in major urban centres, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Ukrainian society. Avoid public displays of affection.

Expect a heavy police presence at Pride parades and certain 2SLGBTQI+ events. Counter-protests and violence are possible. Have a plan for safely exiting the area when participating in Pride parades or other 2SLGBTQI+ events.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

You must carry an international driving permit

Car insurance is mandatory.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH).

There is a withdrawal limit at banks and ATMs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and licensed exchange booths.

Upon entering or leaving Ukraine, you must make a declaration to customs if you have €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies. Undeclared amounts exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 may be seized.

There are strict customs regulations and procedures regarding the export of antiquities and items of historical interest. It is prohibited to export antiques, works of art, historical treasures and other similar items without a special permit from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Ukraine. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Brush and forest fires are common in eastern and southern Ukraine in July and August. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area. Air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

• Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Flooding occurs in western Ukraine during the spring thaw and following sustained heavy rains. This may cause damage to roads and infrastructure. Plan your route carefully.

There is significant damage to Ukraine’s civil infrastructure due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, dams faced attacks and sustained damages. Certain dams were destroyed, including the Nova Kakhovka dam in Kherson.

Following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, many towns and settlements in Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia face long-term impacts from flooding. Unexploded ordnance flowed downriver and into flooded areas. Local authorities have issued boil-water advisories in certain areas due to the risk of water-borne illness.

There are severe disruptions to essential services. Many roads in the area are impassable or closed.

If you are in Kherson Oblast:

• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local news and weather reports
• use only bottled water for drinking and cooking

Snow and Ice Storms

In winter, avalanches, heavy snow and freezing rain pose a risk. They can make roads impassable and can cause power disruptions. These conditions can affect access to isolated areas, including to some tourist resorts. The conditions can also limit the ability of first responders to reach these areas in case of emergency.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101
• general emergencies: 112 (from cell phones only)

Consular assistance

If you are in Ukraine and require consular assistance:

• email: [email protected] or
• contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, at any time

You should also register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Latest update

We continue to advise:

Do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict.

Ukraine (PDF 447.96 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Medical emergencies, general (mobile phones only), advice levels.

Do not travel to Ukraine.

Do not travel to Ukraine, including Crimea and the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. 

See  Safety

We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. If you're currently in Ukraine, we urge you to depart if it's safe to do so.

• Russia has launched intensified attacks against Ukraine's civilian and government infrastructure; attacks are ongoing. Russian strikes in Ukraine pose a continued threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russian actions also pose a threat to Ukraine's active nuclear power plants, with particular concern for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
• The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Several towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine are temporarily under Russian control. The security situation continues to be volatile. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. Rocket, drone, and missile attacks have struck infrastructure and military facilities.
• There have been civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Your safety is at the highest risk if you engage in active combat. Do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. There is a risk to life. For more information on what to do if you're caught in armed conflict, see our general advice: ' There's an armed conflict '.
• A nationwide state of emergency is in place, and martial law has been imposed. Other local restrictions may be implemented with little warning. Check the measures in place in your location, as they may vary from region to region and follow the instructions of the local Ukrainian authorities. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections. Carry identification with you at all times.
• If you hear a loud explosion or sirens are activated, seek shelter in a hardened structure away from windows. In some cities, subway stations may be available as shelters. Ensure you have an adequate supply of basic food, water and medications. Have a list of emergency contacts on you. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Follow the advice of Ukrainian authorities and avoid areas where military forces are gathered. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place.
• Where it's safe to do so, you should depart Ukraine. You need to carefully consider the safest departure options. Make contingency plans for how and when you're going to leave Ukraine. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or be damaged. Confirm the entry requirements of the  destination  to which you are travelling. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Ensure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication, and fuel. Keep your travel documents up to date, including for your immediate family. Continue to review your personal security plans. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. 
• If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia. Contact your family and friends, so they're aware of your location and situation. Keep them up to date with your travel plans. Don't wait. Communication infrastructure may become damaged or blocked, and cyber-attacks have occurred. Russian military action could disrupt essential services, including banks, transport, and communications.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
• Infectious diseases include polio, tuberculosis, measles, diphtheria, hepatitis, and rabies. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. If an animal bites or scratches you, get immediate medical help.
• Chernobyl remains radioactive.
• Outside major cities, the standard of state medical facilities is low. There are frequent shortages of medical supplies. Russian military action could disrupt access to essential services, including healthcare.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Always carry your passport. Local police or military may ask to see your passport and visa.
• Ukrainian males (including Australian/Ukrainian dual nationals) from 18 to 60 years of age are being stopped from leaving Ukraine.
• Ukraine doesn't recognise dual nationality. We may not be able to help you if you have Ukrainian nationality. Under Ukrainian law, you may be a Ukrainian citizen if you were born in Ukraine or have a parent born in Ukraine.
• Russian military action in Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular and passport assistance to Australians. The Australian Embassy in Kyiv has temporarily relocated to Warsaw, Poland. It won't always be possible for the Australian Government to assist you. The Australian Government can't evacuate you from Ukraine. 
• Do not enter into surrogacy arrangements. Due to the Russian invasion, the security situation continues to be volatile and could deteriorate suddenly (see ' Safety '). If, despite our advice, you take part in commercial surrogacy arrangements, you'll need to travel to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate, at your own expense, to obtain a travel document for your child. Your child must stay in Ukraine with appropriate care at your expense while you obtain the appropriate travel documents. The Australian Government can't evacuate you or your child from Ukraine.
• Australian law prohibits Australian citizens, residents, and holders of Australian visas from engaging in hostile activities overseas unless they are serving in the armed forces of a foreign country. If you travel to Ukraine to fight with a non-government armed group on either side of the conflict – or recruit another person to do so (including inducing, inciting or encouraging) – your activities may amount to criminal offences. Russian proxies have given foreign nationals death sentences for engaging in the war in Ukraine.
• Same-sex activity is legal in Ukraine, but local attitudes are less tolerant than in Australia. Violence has occurred at some gay pride events and gay venues in Ukraine.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• The security situation continues to be volatile. A nationwide state of emergency is in place. Other local restrictions may be implemented with little warning. Check the measures in place in your location, as they may vary from region to region and follow the instructions of the local Ukrainian authorities. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections.  
• When it's safe to do so, you should depart Ukraine. You need to have a plan for how and when you're going to leave. Remain alert as conditions could change with little warning. 
• Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Ukraine airspace is closed. Some roads may be crowded, exposed to military activity or damaged. Other transport options in Ukraine may close at short notice.
• New restrictions or changes to entry requirements for other destinations could be imposed suddenly. See ' Full advice - Travel ' for information on Ukraine border regions, land border crossing wait times and rules on border crossing points. 
• Plan for delays at land border crossings. Ensure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication, and fuel. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. 
• Ensure your registration, ownership, insurance, and Green Card are in order for border crossings. Carry identification with you at all times and communicate with family and friends about your travel plans. Expect delays on roads and disruptions to services, including communications and transport. Be prepared for weather conditions.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.
• Our embassy is temporarily operating from Warsaw, Poland. 
• Our ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is severely limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine. 
• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• See the  Ukraine page  on the Department of Home Affairs website for Australian visa enquiries.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Security situation.

Russia has launched intensified attacks against Ukraine's civilian and Government infrastructure. Attacks are ongoing. Russian strikes in Ukraine pose a continued threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russian actions also pose a threat to Ukraine's active nuclear power plants, with particular concern for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Several towns and cities in southern and eastern Ukraine are temporarily under Russian control. The security situation continues to be volatile. Heavy fighting is occurring in some areas of Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in various locations across the country, including in major cities. Rocket, drone, and missile attacks have struck infrastructure and civilian and military facilities. There have been many casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Your safety is at the highest risk if you engage in active combat. Do not travel to Ukraine. There is a risk to life.

The US Government issued travel advice reporting US citizens being singled out and detained by the Russian military in Ukraine. This may occur when citizens are forcibly deported or evacuated by land through temporarily Russian-occupied territory or to Russia.

A nationwide state of emergency is in place. Other local restrictions may be implemented with little warning. Check the measures in place in your location, as they may vary from region to region and follow the instructions of the local Ukrainian authorities. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections.

If you hear a loud explosion or sirens are activated, seek shelter in a hardened structure away from windows. Subway stations may be available as shelters. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Ensure you have an adequate supply of basic food, water and medications. Have a list of emergency contacts on you and screenshot any online content you may need to refer to in case of a communications or digital blackout. Review your personal security plans. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place.

When it's safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine. Carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Large amounts of unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in conflict and post-conflict areas. Follow the advice of local authorities about where these areas are and avoid them.

Communication infrastructure may become damaged or blocked, and cyber-attacks have occurred. Contact your family and friends to let them know your travel plans and where and how you are. 

Australians in need of consular assistance should call the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Leaving Ukraine

Where it's safe to do so, you should depart Ukraine. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Transport routes may be disrupted. Ukrainian airspace is closed. 

Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.

Continue to read the travel advice of your destination to make sure you meet the entry requirements, as these may differ when entering by road or rail. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. 

For more information on entry requirements for countries bordering Ukraine, read the travel advice:

• Russia (Do Not Travel)
• Belarus (Do Not Travel)

In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.

Consular assistance

If you need consular assistance or you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians, and you should not expect increased consular support. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine. Subscribe and follow the advice on the  Smartraveller website  and  social media .

If, despite our advice, you remain in Ukraine:

• follow the advice of Ukrainian authorities.
• keep your passport and other travel documentation safe.
• contact your friends and family in Australia so they’re aware of your location, situation and any travel plans.
• make contingency plans to leave as soon as you judge it’s safe to do so.
• stay in a safe place and limit your movements. Ensure you have supplies of food, water, batteries, money and other essentials.
• adopt effective personal security measures. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• shelter in a hardened structure, and stay away from windows. Identify the location of the closest bomb shelter.
• keep up to date with developments on the security situation. Monitor reputable local and international media. Regularly check our travel advice.
• avoid large gatherings and areas with groups of fighters and military equipment.

Civil unrest and political tension

The security situation in Ukraine continues to be volatile. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Large demonstrations took place in Kyiv before Russia's full-scale invasion around the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, St Michael's Square, outside the Presidential Administration, Parliament and other government offices.

Civil unrest can cause road closures and disrupt local transport.

Political unrest can occur in Ukraine without warning. Actions include occupying public areas and government buildings or blockages of roads by large groups of people.

Be aware of protests from November to March to mark the anniversaries of the Maidan Revolution.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid large gatherings
• check local media
• follow advice from Ukrainian authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Ukraine, they can still happen.

Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities in recent years. Targets include:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• places foreigners visit

European security services have disrupted some planned attacks.

Be alert in public places, including

• shopping areas
• places of worship
• sporting venues
• airports and other transport hubs
• places where people gather

To stay safe:

• be wary in places known to be possible targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of Ukrainian authorities

If there is an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Assassinations involving gun or car-bomb attacks have occurred in Ukraine in recent years. These attacks have targeted specific people but can be a danger to the public.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Petty crime

Serious crime targeting foreigners isn't frequent.

Robberies , pickpocketing and bag snatching occur:

• on public transport
• at crowded markets
• in popular tourist areas
• in bars and nightclubs

Street crime and muggings increase at night.

To protect yourself from crime:

• pay close attention to your belongings
• carry only what you need
• leave valuables in a safe location
• take extra care at night

Cases of drink spiking have been followed by robbery. To reduce your risk:

• don't accept food or drinks from anyone you don't know
• never leave food or drinks unattended

Be careful with your credit card.  Scams  such as card skimming and those related to using ATMs occur.

Street scams are very common. Criminals often target foreigners.

Beware of bogus internet friendships, dating and marriage schemes from Ukraine.

If a virtual friendship develops, you may be asked by your new friend or prospective partner to send money so they can travel to Australia or pay bills. In some cases, the relationship ends with very little chance that any money can be recovered.

Be wary of any dating or marriage proposals from people you meet online.

Online scammers may also claim to be stuck at a Ukrainian hospital, airport or an isolated place and need money to leave. They will often reference the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine. They regularly make false claims about being Australian citizens. 

We can't offer advice on specific schemes.

To avoid scams:

• use ATMs in banks and reputable international hotels
• avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night
• always keep your credit card in sight
• be wary of anyone asking for bank account details or personal data
• be wary of people you meet online who then begin asking for money

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. There is an increased risk in Ukraine. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

Cyber attacks

In December 2023, there was a major cyber attack on Ukrainian networks. Ukraine's largest mobile network provider was affected, leaving millions of users without a mobile signal or the ability to use the internet. It also disrupted air raid apps, some banks and ATMs.

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

Kidnapping  

Climate and natural disasters

If you're visiting an area recently affected by  severe weather :

• confirm your plans with your tour operator
• check conditions with local tour operators and hotels

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel insurance

Most Australian travel insurance policies won't cover you for travel to Ukraine. Do not travel to Ukraine. See ' Safety '

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Physical and mental health

Do not travel to Ukraine. If, despite our advice, you travel to Ukraine, consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical or mental health condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ukraine. Take enough legal medicine for your trip, plus a contingency supply owing to the volatile security situation in Ukraine.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 
• Medication  

Health risks

Tick-borne encephalitis.

Tick-borne diseases, including  tick-borne encephalitis  (World Health Organization), are a risk in forested areas.

Ticks are common from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests.

Remove ticks from your body as soon as you can.

Measles cases can routinely occur in Ukraine, with the country currently experiencing an increase in measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before travelling.

• Measles Outbreaks 2019  (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Measles immunisation service  (Department of Health and Aged Care)

HIV/AIDS  is a risk for travellers.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Ukraine’s last reported outbreak of  polio  was in October 2021. The outbreak was officially closed by the World Health Organization in September 2023. Due to low vaccination rates in Ukraine, polio poses a serious risk to young children.

Check your  polio  (World Health Organization) vaccinations are up to date before you travel. You may need a booster dose.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If an animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Radiation poisoning

A catastrophic nuclear accident occurred at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986. It spread radioactive material across northern Ukraine and beyond. Radioactivity remains a risk in and around the plant.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of state medical facilities is low outside major cities, such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Lviv. There are frequent shortages of medical supplies.  Russian military action could disrupt access to essential services, including healthcare.

Private healthcare services are of a better standard. You'll need to guarantee payment before they'll treat you.

Medical staff outside of major centres often do not speak English, except in private clinics. Reports, prescriptions and other documents won't be in English.

If you become ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Ukrainian males (including Australian/Ukrainian dual nationals) from 18 to 60 years of age are being stopped from leaving Ukraine. Military conscription is occurring.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Always carry your passport.

Local police may stop foreigners and ask them to see their passports and visas.

Do not enter into surrogacy arrangements. Due to the Russian invasion, the security situation continues to be volatile and could deteriorate suddenly. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. There's a risk to life.

Some surrogacy agencies have been prevented from fulfilling their contractual obligations since Russia's invasion, causing a significant increase in costs for the intended parents. Ukrainian Government agencies may take longer than you expect to issue documents. 

If, despite our advice, you take part in commercial surrogacy arrangements, the Australian Government can't evacuate you or your child from Ukraine. Russian military action in Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular and passport assistance to Australians. Our embassy has temporarily relocated to Poland. It won't always be possible for the Australian Government to assist you. 

You may need to spend time in Ukraine before and after the birth. You will need to travel to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate, at your own expense and risk, to obtain a travel document for your child. Your child must stay in Ukraine with appropriate care at your expense while you obtain the appropriate travel documents. Be aware of all legal and other risks involved.

Surrogacy is regulated by Ukrainian law. Get independent legal advice. 

The Australian embassy can't provide the following:

• legal advice about surrogacy
• information on clinics.

If, despite our advice, you choose to enter Ukraine, make sure you have up-to-date visas and passports. Subscribe and follow the advice on the  Smartraveller website  and  social media .

You need to carefully consider the risks when entering and departing Ukraine. Any travel options you pursue are at your own risk. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. The Australian Government can't advise on the safety of travelling to departure points.

If you're in Ukraine, make sure you have plans to leave Ukraine as soon as it's safe to do so. If your departure plan involves a vehicle, see ' Local Travel '.

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Australian laws

Australian law prohibits Australian citizens, residents, and holders of Australian visas from engaging in hostile activities overseas unless they are serving in the armed forces of a foreign country. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Your safety is at the highest risk if you engage in active combat.

Do not travel to Ukraine. There is a risk to life. If, despite our advice, you travel to Ukraine to fight with a non-government armed group on either side of the conflict – or recruit another person to do so (including inducing, inciting or encouraging) – your activities may be criminal offences. Russian proxies have given foreign nationals death sentences in the Donetsk region for engaging in the war in Ukraine.

Russian military action in Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular and passport assistance to Australians. Our embassy is temporarily closed, and officials have relocated to Warsaw, Poland. It won't always be possible for the Australian Government to assist you. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is severely limited. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

Ukraine doesn't recognise dual nationality.

Under Ukrainian law, you may be a Ukrainian national if you were either:

• born in Ukraine, or
• have a parent born in Ukraine.

We may be unable to help you if you're in Ukraine and have Ukrainian nationality.

Male citizens over 18 years may be conscripted.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that you won't be granted a tourist visa if you're considered to be a Ukrainian national.

Speak to the  embassy or consulate of Ukraine  before you travel.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Same-sex relationships are legal in Ukraine. However, public attitudes are less tolerant than in Australia.

Violence has occurred at some LGBTI pride events and venues in Ukraine.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas and border measures

We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to Ukraine, you can enter without a visa for visits of up to 90 days within 180 days.

To apply for temporary, long-term or permanent residency, contact the  State Migration Service of Ukraine .

Border measures

Entry requirements are subject to frequent change. 

You must have valid health insurance to enter Ukraine. Check the  Visit Ukraine  website before travelling.

Border issues

You need to carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. Roads, including bridges and facilities, may be crowded, exposed to military action or damaged. Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect disruption to travel and changes at short notice.

Ensure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication, and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. If you judge it's safe to leave Ukraine and travel by road, check the entry requirements for where you travel, such as  Poland ,  Romania ,  Moldova ,  Slovakia  and  Hungary , for more information. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. 

If you judge it's safe to leave Ukraine, see the following websites on land border crossing wait times and rules on border crossing points: 

• Waiting time at cross-border points
• Visit Ukraine
• State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Other formalities

Contact an  embassy or consulate of Ukraine  for updates on how much cash you can take in and out of the country and what you must declare at customs on arrival and departure. If you take more cash than is allowed, officials may confiscate it.

Undeclared items may be confiscated.

Customs rules control the export of:

• items of historical significance

Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of Ukraine  for details on import and export conditions.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• in Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service
• if you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate  
• With the Australian Embassy working temporarily from Warsaw, Poland, obtaining a replacement passport is not straightforward, and you should expect delays.  

Ukrainian citizens aged under 16 years need consent from both parents to leave Ukraine unaccompanied. This includes dual nationals. See  Local laws

• Advice for people travelling with children

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH).

ATMs are available, and credit cards are widely used in cities. However, as a result of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ATMs might not be refilled with cash, and some bank cards might not be accepted. During power cuts, ATMs and card terminals may not work.

Outside major cities, carry enough cash in local currency.

There's a risk that cyber attacks could disrupt mobile, internet and banking services.

Local travel

Mh17 crash site.

On 17 July 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down near Hrabovo in the Russian-controlled part of Donetsk province.

Investigations into the crash have been suspended.

Do not travel to this area due to ongoing armed conflict in the surrounding vicinity.

Driving permit

You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Ukraine. 

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

When you drive, you must carry the following:

• original vehicle registration papers
• ownership documents
• insurance papers

You'll need to show them at border crossings or if stopped by police. This includes rental vehicles.

When crossing a border in a private vehicle, you'll need to carry a Green Card to prove you have the minimum insurance required by the country you're driving in. You may be able to obtain a Green Card at the insurance company offices at some border crossings, or you should contact your insurance provider. 

Read more information from the  Ukrainian Government on border crossing  or call the SBGSU Hotline on 1598 from a Ukrainian mobile.

If you decide to leave Ukraine by road, check the travel advice on  Smartraveller  for the safety risks and entry requirements of the country you're entering.

Road travel

Driving in Ukraine can be dangerous. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or damaged; this extends to bridges and facilities. See ' Safety '.

Hazards include:

• poorly lit and maintained roads
• aggressive or speeding drivers
• drivers who ignore road rules
• drunk drivers
• ice and snow
• unsafe vehicles on rural roads.

It's common to park on footpaths.

Driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0% is illegal.

Check your travel insurance covers you before driving in Ukraine.

Don't expect vehicles to stop for you or to follow road rules.

• Driving or riding

Use official taxis or services such as Uber, Bolt or Uklon.

Agree on the fare before getting in the taxi.

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you before riding a motorcycle, or electric scooter.

Always wear a helmet.

Public transport

Buses can be crowded, particularly around public holidays and peak commuting times.

They may not meet safety standards.

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

Watch your belongings on trains.

Don't agree to look after anyone else's luggage or store it in your compartment.

• Ukrainian Railways

Commercial flights are not operating within Ukraine due to Russia’s ongoing invasion.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Ukraine's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

In February 2022, the Australian Government directed the departure of Australian Embassy staff from Ukraine due to the volatile security situation. All staff have departed. Our Embassy has temporarily relocated to Warsaw, Poland.

Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia.

Russian military action in Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians. It will not always be possible for the Australian Government to assist you, and Australians should not expect increased consular support. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.

For all visa enquiries, see the  Ukraine page  on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Australian Embassy Ukraine  (temporarily operating from Warsaw, Poland)

Email for consular assistance:  [email protected]

Website:  ukraine.embassy.gov.au

X:  @AUinUA

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Ukraine

Terrorist attacks in Ukraine cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

A state of emergency, put in place by the Government of Ukraine in February 2022, remains in effect.

Kakhovka Dam

Flooding in the Kherson region following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023 caused widespread damage to infrastructure. There are serious risks to life and health from contaminated water, unexploded ordnance and debris.

Before the invasion, serious crime against foreigners was relatively rare, but incidents did occur, with some cases being racially motivated.

If you are a victim of crime, report it to the police by calling 102. FCDO has a list of local translators in Ukraine . We cannot confirm whether these translators are still offering services during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Protecting your belongings

Be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft. Foreigners may appear to be lucrative targets.

Theft of and from vehicles is common. Do not leave documents or money in your vehicle.

Drink and food spiking

Do not leave drinks or food unattended as they could be spiked. Beware of accepting drinks from casual acquaintances.

Cloning of credit and debit cards is common. Be aware of who is around you when using ATMs and do not let your card out of your sight during transactions.

Cyber attacks

In December 2023, there was a high-impact cyber attack on Ukrainian networks. Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, suffered a cyber attack which left users without a mobile signal or the ability to use the internet. It also disrupted air raid apps, some banks, ATMs, and point-of-sale terminals. The Ukrainian bank Monobank was also targeted, disrupting access to the bank’s website.

Laws and cultural differences

Ukrainian officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian.

Personal ID

Carry your passport at all times to use as identification and to demonstrate your legal status in Ukraine if asked by the police. Police should identify themselves and show identification. If you’re detained because you have not been able to present your passport, ask for an official report.

Access to money

ATMs are available and credit cards are widely used in cities. However, as a result of the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ATMs might not be refilled with cash and some bank cards might not be accepted. During powercuts, ATMs and card terminals may not work.

Make sure you have sufficient cash in local currency. US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange in Ukraine. You may be able to exchange sterling, but in fewer places. Scottish and Northern Irish notes are not accepted. Only use official exchange booths and make sure you’re given a receipt. You’ll need to present your passport to exchange currency worth 150,000 Ukrainian hryvnia or more. You’ll need the receipt to exchange money back on departure.

There is a risk that cyber attacks could disrupt mobile, internet and banking services.

Alcohol and smoking

It is illegal to smoke or drink alcohol in public places, including on public transport, at bus stops, underground crossings, cultural, sports and governmental establishments, playgrounds and parks.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe.

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not take photographs near government or military establishments.

LGBT+ travellers

Although same-sex relationships are not illegal, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There’s no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Due to the security challenges across all of Ukraine, we currently advise against commissioning new surrogacy arrangements.

Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. If you want to bring your child born through surrogacy from Ukraine to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport .

The FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine.

If you are considering changing your surrogacy arrangements, or making a new arrangement with a Ukrainian woman in another country, you should read about surrogacy arrangements in foreign countries .

A surrogacy arrangement in a country near Ukraine must comply with the law of that country, not Ukrainian law. In some other countries, surrogacy arrangements may, in certain circumstances, be illegal.

We strongly advise you to seek specialist independent UK and in-country legal advice. We cannot confirm which Ukrainian lawyers are offering services.

Transport information and risks

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, expect disruption to travel and transport networks. Only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. We cannot confirm which services below are operating. Where possible, check before travelling.

Unregulated taxi drivers can overcharge. Use official taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Ukraine, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC guide .

Driving standards

Roads are of variable quality and routes may be affected by the ongoing invasion. Avoid night-time travel wherever possible.

Local driving standards are poor. Street lights are weak and speed limits, traffic lights and road signs are often ignored. Drivers frequently do not indicate before manoeuvring. There are a high number of traffic accidents, including fatalities. Speeding, drink driving and infrequent use of helmets, seat belts and child restraints in vehicles are the main contributing factors.

If you have a road accident, you must wait for the police to assess the accident. Call the police on 102. Local officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian.

Driving regulations

You must wear a seat belt.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.

It is illegal to drive with any alcohol content in your blood.

Police can stop vehicles and give fines for minor offences such as illegal parking or jumping a red light. They may carry a credit card terminal to collect payment on the spot, or fines can be paid online or at a bank within 15 days. See payment options (in Ukrainian). The police officer should give their name and rank, explain why you have been stopped and make an administrative offence report. The police may film interactions with members of the public.

Licences and permits

You must have a 1968 international driving permit ( IDP ) as well as your UK driving licence to drive in Ukraine. The 1949 IDP is not accepted anymore. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

You need to carry a green card to drive in Ukraine. A green card is proof that you have vehicle insurance when driving abroad.

You must carry original vehicle registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers at all times. You must show them when crossing borders and if you are stopped by the police. This also applies to rental vehicles. If you do not have these papers when stopped by the police they have the right to impound your vehicle and charge you for this.

If you intend to rent a vehicle for your travel in Ukraine, check with the car hire company and insurance company about their policy on renting cars in Ukraine and any other country you will pass through, especially non-EU countries. Ensure they provide you with a rental agreement permitting you to cross the Ukrainian border.

Leaving Ukraine by car

You can leave Ukraine by car through most border crossing points, but Ukraine’s border crossings with Russia and Belarus are closed to regular traffic.

There could be long queues at the border crossing points with EU member states and Moldova. Have a good supply of food, water, warm clothing, medication and fuel.

Check waiting times at border crossings from:

• https://dpsu.gov.ua/en/map - Ukrainian Govt. Border Force on border crossing points
• https://visitukraine.today/ - In English/ Ukrainian – rules on border crossing points
• https://kordon.customs.gov.ua/en - updates on waiting times at border crossing points

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU) will check the following documents:

• registration documents for the car
• International Insurance Certificate for the vehicle (Green Card), which you can buy from Ukrainian or International Insurance companies.

Read more information from the Ukrainian Government on border crossing or call the SBGSU hotline on 1598 from a Ukrainian mobile.

If you leave the country in a vehicle registered in the UK, which you temporarily imported to Ukraine, you will have to provide your import customs declaration when leaving. Depending on your circumstances, the Customs Service of Ukraine may require additional documents. Check information (in Ukrainian) or call Customs Service of Ukraine hotline on+380 (0)44 247 27 06.

If you are non-resident in Ukraine, you are allowed to bring a vehicle into Ukraine for personal use for a maximum of 1 year (see our advice in the entry requirements section) before registering it. If your car does not meet this requirement you will not be able to exit Ukraine.

For further information on leaving Ukraine by car, contact the State Customs Service of Ukraine .

Rail travel

If you travel by train, make sure your belongings are secure. Do not agree to look after the luggage of a fellow traveller or allow it to be stored in your compartment.

Ukraine’s air space is closed.

Related content

Invasion of ukraine.

• UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals
• Move to the UK if you're coming from Ukraine
• Homes for Ukraine: record your interest
• Find out about the UK’s response

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Ukraine Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Ukraine.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Ukraine.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Ukraine. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Ukraine.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Ukraine.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Ukraine, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Counsel your patients on actions they can take on their trip to stay healthy and safe.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Ukraine. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Ukraine include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Ukraine’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Ukraine may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Ukraine, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Remind your patients to pack health and safety items. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Ukraine for a list of health-related items they should consider packing.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Jun. 6—Summer 2024 is nearly here, and you know what that means: Vacation time!

As Americans across the nation plan getaways to all parts of the globe, travelers need to keep in mind that certain areas of the world are safer than others — after all, with two wars raging in Israel and Ukraine, the world at large is tense.

But those two locations aren't the only ones to try and avoid; in fact, even popular vacation hotspots for Americans are being named in travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

Here are the countries Americans should keep an eye on as they make travel arrangements this summer, according to the Department of State:

—Antarctica: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 29, 2024)

—Armenia: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (April 9, 2024)

—Benin: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 24, 2024)

—Botswana: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (Feb. 26, 2024)

—Burma (Myanmar): Level Four — Do not travel (Jan. 22, 2024)

—Colombia: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 2, 2024)

—Comoros: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 28, 2024)

—Côte d'Ivoire: Level Two: Exercise increased caution (April 8, 2024)

—Cuba: Level Two: Exercise increased caution (Jan. 5, 2024)

—Ecuador: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (April 15, 2024)

—Equatorial Guinea: Level Two — Exercise Increased caution (April 4, 2024)

—Gaza: Level Four — Do not travel (April 11, 2024)

—Germany: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 1, 2024)

—Hong Kong: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (April 12, 2024)

—Iran: Level Four — Do not travel (Jan. 11, 2024)

—Iraq: Level Four — Do not travel (April 24, 2024)

—Israel: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 11, 2024)

—Jamaica: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 23, 2024)

—Japan: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (Jan. 8, 2024)

—Kyrgyz Republic: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (March 8, 2024)

—Lebanon: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 29, 2024)

—Macau: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 12, 2024)

—Mainland China: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 12, 2024)

—Marshall Islands: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (May 28, 2024)

—Moldova: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (March 14, 2024)

—New Caledonia: Level Three — Reconsider travel (June 4, 2024)

—Nicaragua: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 11, 2024)

—Niger: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 8, 2024)

—Papua New Guinea: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 17, 2024)

—Philippines: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 16, 2024)

—Poland: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (May 1, 2024)

—Rwanda: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (March 29, 2024)

—Saudi Arabia: Level Three — Reconsider travel (Jan. 24, 2024)

—South Africa: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (Feb. 5, 2024)

—The Bahamas: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (Jan. 26, 2024)

—Tunisia: Level Two — Exercise increased caution (May 14, 2024)

—Turkmenistan: Level One — Exercise normal precautions (Jan. 22, 2024)

—Venezuela: Level Four — Do not travel (May 13, 2024)

—West Bank: Level Three — Reconsider travel (April 11, 2024)

(c)2024 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The Ukrainian borderland has long been a place where cultures merge and interchange. Now it is again a place of combat.

Through relentless loss, it is being transformed, possibly forever, into a treacherous and abandoned gray zone.

What was once a shared way of life, and faith, is dwindling.

Getting even daily essentials to the few who remain is a dangerous struggle.

Between the Offensives: Images From a Journey in Ukraine’s Borderland

Photographs by David Guttenfelder

Written by Peter Robins

David Guttenfelder traveled along Ukraine’s northeastern border twice in the months before Russian troops again poured through.

Leer en español

The invaders had not returned. Not yet. But along about 600 miles of Ukraine’s northeastern border territory that The New York Times visited late last year and again in the early spring, the war has never left.

Much of this area, in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, was farmland once. Now a farmhouse hosted a counter-saboteur unit — made up of anti-Putin Russians, to avoid sending Ukrainian troops into Russia — preparing before dawn for a cross-border raid.

The fields are far too exposed to Russian fire for anyone to try a harvest. Instead, they are sown with “dragons’ teeth,” concrete antitank barriers typically bound together with cables and threaded with razor wire.

In 2022, Russian troops rolled over this area and almost to the doorstep of major cities like Kharkiv and Sumy. Then, before the end of that year, Ukrainian forces pushed them back across the border.

Russian troops began a new offensive in the Kharkiv region last month. But these villages, within 10 miles of the border, were always in range of artillery fire.

Sirens cannot provide enough warning time for a bombardment from this close, and air defenses cannot repel it. Residents rely on deliveries of humanitarian aid, and the long, cold wait for supplies takes place under near daily shelling.

Bombing and drone attacks were already intensifying before the new ground offensive.

And Ukraine’s military was already transforming the landscape: new mazes of trenches and bunkers, more closed-off zones and vast fields and forests of land mines. At checkpoints, nervous soldiers flew drones to scan the approaching roads.

Soon, said the mayor of one village that lies within range of Russian artillery, there will be nothing to photograph but stray dogs and ruins.

The civilian government has struggled to provide supplies and basic needs or to persuade residents to evacuate fully. Schools teach remotely or inside underground bunkers.

The war is bringing stark change to an area where families often have members in both Russia and Ukraine and where a common faith and culture spread across the border. Even now, a border crossing has remained open for civilians in the Sumy region.

In the village of Richky, about seven miles from the Russian border in the Sumy region, Father Bohdan Oprysko, an Orthodox priest, said that after an increase in Russian attacks, very few people could attend services. Now, “It’s only on holidays, like Easter, that the church is full,” he said.

His two sons moved to Poland with their families before the full-scale war started in February 2022. He and his wife have resisted their urging to move abroad as well.

“It’s my hometown,” he said. “How can I go somewhere else?”

In some towns and villages, only a few people remained, largely women and older people with nowhere to go. Vovchansk, which became a battlefield again in May after Russian forces came over the border in the Kharkiv region, had about 2,000 residents by December, down from its prewar population of about 17,000. It had visibly deteriorated by the spring.

The scars of invasion and bombardment had rendered some reclaimed settlements uninhabitable.

Russia’s new push in Kharkiv began at perhaps Ukraine’s most vulnerable moment since the beginning of the full-scale war — its forces stretched, its store of weapons and ammunition depleted after months of delay by its most important supplier, the United States.

Now, more American aid is coming and Ukraine’s Parliament has changed military recruitment rules to try to recruit more troops. But Russia appears to be intensifying the pressure.

As they have argued recently for more leeway to fire American-made weapons into Russian territory, Ukrainian officials have pointed to further gathering of troops, including just across from the Sumy region.

Ukraine’s borderlands may be about to become more dangerous still.

Yurii Shyvala , Dzvinka Pinchuk and Oleksandr Chubko contributed reporting.

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Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

President Biden asserted that defending democracy  in Ukraine is as vital  as the day that American troops joined the allies on D-Day to begin rescuing Europe from Hitler, hours after apologizing to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine for the delay in military aid.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia warned that Western nations supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles and allowing them to be used to attack inside Russia could prompt Moscow to reciprocate against Western targets .

The decision by the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia  with American-made weapons fulfills a long-held wish by officials in Kyiv  that they claimed was essential to level the playing field.

Zelensky Interview: In an interview with The New York Times, Zelensky challenged the West  over its reluctance to take bolder action.

Tug of War:  Fueled in part by the Ukraine war, tensions have been mounting in former Soviet states like Georgia and Moldova , pitting those favoring closer relations with Russia against those orientated more toward Europe.

Fleeing a War Zone: A 98-year-old Ukrainian grandmother stumbled past corpses and bomb craters  to escape Russia’s attacks.

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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Europe casts off constraints to help Ukraine, as US cautiously wobbles

Putin warns France and Germany of ‘serious consequences’ as the pair claim Ukraine should be able to hit Russian military targets.

Europe began to throw off some of its self-imposed constraints on helping Ukraine militarily during the past week, as the United States remained cautious and Russia warned against actions that could cause “a World War” – an oft-repeated threat to use nuclear weapons.

On the ground, Ukraine arrested the Russian advance in its northern Kharkiv region, taking back some territory northeast of Lyptsi, and held the defence of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town on the eastern front.

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Its Military Media Center said on Sunday it had killed or wounded 8,650 Russian soldiers in a week, the equivalent of 17 battalions, and destroyed 81 tanks and 153 armoured vehicles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian losses in Kharkiv were eight times Ukraine’s.

But he warned that new Russian offensive forces were building up in Belgorod, northwest of Kharkiv.

Al Jazeera was unable to independently verify the toll and figures announced by Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he would allow Ukraine to use French weapons to strike inside Russia – a demand Ukraine has raised with new urgency since the Kharkiv incursion on May 10.

“We think that we should allow them to neutralise the military sites from which the missiles are fired and, basically, the military sites from which Ukraine is attacked,” Macron said during a news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a three-day trip to Germany.

“Ukrainian soil is being attacked from bases in Russia. So how do we explain to the Ukrainians that we’re going to have to protect these towns … if we tell them you are not allowed to hit the point from which the missiles are fired?”

Macron clarified that civilian facilities could not be targeted.

His statement came a day after Russia fired missiles into a shopping centre in Kharkiv , burning it to the ground, killing 16 people and hospitalising 45. Many are still missing.

“This attack on Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness. There is simply no other way to call it. Only madmen like Putin are capable of killing and terrorising people in such a vile way,” Zelenskyy declared.

Ukraine’s air defences often aren’t sufficient to intercept hailstorms of missiles and drones fired from Russia and Crimea, and Ukraine has said it needs to strike Russia’s missile launch sites and airfields.

From those airfields, Russia flies out aircraft that drop roughly 3,000 glide bombs a month – massive munitions usually weighing 250kg or 500kg (550lb or 1100lb) – which military analysts say have done much to give it the initiative on the front lines.

Currently, Ukraine can only down the bombers that deliver these glide bombs, and it did so twice this week, when it shot down Sukhoi-25s over Kharkiv on May 22 and Donetsk the following day. It has also partially blinded Russian pilots by grounding their A-50 radar planes that facilitate reconnaissance and targeting.

But that is not enough, says Ukraine, because Russian missiles, glide bombs and drones keep coming, and now there are new ground invasions. It also needs to hit airfields, missile launch sites and offensive battalions marshalling on Russian soil a few kilometres from the Ukrainian border.

Standing in a bombed-out printing press in Kharkiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy said a new ground invasion was imminent: “Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90km [56 miles] northwest from here – they gather another group of troops near our border,” he told reporters.

Currently, Ukraine is only able to strike Russia with its Soviet-era S-200/S-300 air defence missiles or domestically produced drones, which carry small charges and are easily shot down by Russian air defences.

Ukraine’s NATO allies have begun to recognise this, and on Monday the NATO Parliamentary Assembly voted to expand the use of weapons and speed up their delivery.

The adopted Declaration 489 called on allies “to support Ukraine in its international right to defend itself by lifting some restrictions on the use of weapons provided by NATO Allies to strike legitimate targets in Russia”.

Most remarkably, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg went against the policy of the alliance’s largest member, the US, to urge allies to do so.

“The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg told The Economist.

“Especially now when a lot of the fighting is going on in Kharkiv, close to the border [with Russia], to deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves.”

Macron is not the first NATO leader to lift the restrictions.

Britain’s foreign secretary, David Cameron, did so during a visit to Kyiv on May 3.

France and the United Kingdom have since May 2023, provided Ukraine with the 250km-range (155-mile) Scalp/Storm Shadow missile, for a year its longest-range weapon, joined last month by the 300km-range (186-mile) ATACMS being provided by the US.

Despite the NATO declaration, the US Pentagon’s spokeswoman, Sabrina Singh, said on Wednesday, “Our position hasn’t changed in terms of how we believe the Ukrainians can be successful on the battlefield. But I leave it to other countries to speak to their own weapons that they provide.”

But its position appeared to be the subject of debate.

The New York Times reported that Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in disagreement with other cabinet members over the prohibition against using US weapons in Russia.

During a visit to Kyiv on May 15, Blinken had said, “We have not encouraged or enabled strikes outside of Ukraine, but ultimately Ukraine has to make decisions for itself about how it’s going to conduct this war,” a statement that seemed to hint at a shift in policy.

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, told a news conference in Belarus on Friday that the White House was in no dilemma at all: “Washington is trying … to pretend the decision has not yet been made. It is a trick. We are certain that American and other Western-supplied weapons are being used to strike targets on Russian territory.”

Germany, the other major holdout, shifted towards Macron’s position on Monday, when Chancellor Scholz told reporters Ukraine could strike military sites within Russia.

“Ukraine has every possibility to do this, under international law,” Scholz said. “It must be said clearly, if Ukraine is attacked, it can defend itself.”

Scholz did not also shift on providing 500km-range (316-mile) Taurus missiles, which Germany produces, and Ukraine has asked for.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wasted no time warning that there would be “serious consequences” should Ukraine use European weapons inside Russia, and the traditionally frank Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on X that “Americans hitting our targets means starting a world war”.

France, meanwhile, was already holding talks on lifting another NATO taboo and sending its troops to train Ukrainian units inside Ukraine – something Stoltenberg did not endorse.

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskii announced on Telegram that French instructors would “visit” training facilities on Ukrainian soil soon.

“I welcome France’s initiative to send instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian military personnel,” he wrote on Monday. “I have already signed the documents that will allow the first French instructors to visit our training centres soon.”

Poland, another leading Ukraine ally, has said it was considering felling another taboo – shooting down incoming Russian missiles from its own airspace. Ukraine asked its allies to do this after an international task force in the Red Sea helped shoot down 307 Iranian missiles and drones bound for Israel on April 13.

Ukraine also signed three new multiyear bilateral military agreements during the week, with Spain, Belgium and Portugal. Spain and Belgium each promised 1 billion euros ($1.1bn) in aid this year, and Belgium said it would send 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2028. Ukraine has said it needs 120-130 F-16s to defend its airspace.

Not everyone in the alliance was on board with accelerating and expanding military aid to Ukraine.

Hungary’s Viktor Orban told Kossuth Radio that he was not satisfied that NATO would not become a party to the conflict and that Brussels had “task forces working on ways for NATO to take part in this war”.

“Hungary is opposed to this. The government is working intensively to figure out how to avoid participating in the war while remaining a NATO member,” Russian state news agency TASS quoted Orban as saying. “There aren’t many situations in NATO’s history where member states openly took a distinct stance like Hungary is now doing.”

Hungary maintains strong economic and energy ties with Russia and has forbidden military aid to transit its territory en route to Ukraine.

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Forget last-minute: here’s when to book cruises for the best deals.

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Cruise ships are proving a popular vacation choice in 2024, resulting in fewer last-minute deals.

When it comes to booking a cruise, conventional travel wisdom often points travelers towards last-minute deals as the golden ticket for savings. While this tactic may have worked well in the past, the landscape of cruising today has changed.

With the increased demand and popularity of cruises in recent years, relying solely on last-minute bargains could leave you either paying a lot more than usual, or missing out on a trip altogether.

Changing Dynamics Of Cruise Bookings

In 2024, the cruise industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in popularity . This revival is partly fueled by enhanced cruise experiences, new destinations, and larger, more resort-style ships.

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 35.7 million passengers are expected to cruise in 2024. That’s 13% more than last year, and 6% higher than the last pre-pandemic cruise year in 2019.

Such high demand means that waiting for last-minute deals is less likely to result in significant savings. Instead, cruise enthusiasts are discovering that the best booking strategies involve timing that might not be as intuitive.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, cruise itinerary launch deals.

The day a cruise line releases its itineraries (often as much as two years in advance) is now seen as the prime time to secure a good deal.

Most major lines have recently opened their bookings for the 2026 season. Early reservations not only ensure wider cabin availability but often come with perks such as reduced deposits, potential cabin upgrades, and onboard credit incentives.

More importantly, early prices tend to be lower, and securing your booking early gives you leverage to monitor price changes and possibly even rebook or claim a refund if prices drop, if your terms and conditions allow.

However, such early deals are often snapped up by cruise lines’ frequent cruiser program members. At the very least, make sure you’re signed up to the email newsletters of relevant cruise lines to be sure you’re notified of the earliest deals.

Three Months Before Departure

Another strategic booking window opens approximately 90 days before departure. This is when final payments are due, and a small percentage of travelers, uncertain about their plans or having experienced a change in their financial circumstances, opt to cancel their bookings.

As a result, cruise lines re-release these cabins, sometimes at reduced rates to fill the ship. This period is particularly advantageous for those with flexible travel plans and can be a sweet spot for securing a great deal.

The Importance Of Travel Agents

The internet changed the game for booking flights and hotels, but in many cases using a travel agent to book a cruise is often better than booking independently.

Travel agents often have access to unique deals and cruise lines may offer unsold inventory through them at a discount in order to protect the prices in their own sales channels.

Even if not, travel agents will likely be amongst the first to hear about unsold cabins and upcoming sales.

Partnering with a travel agent and making sure they know the kind of deals to look out for will save significant amounts of time, and potentially money.

You won't be alone. The latest CLIA industry report states that 73% of cruisers say that “travel advisors have a meaningful influence” on their decisions.

How To Bag A Last-Minute Cruise Deal

Last-minute bookings can still offer savings, especially for itineraries out of high season. But such a tactic comes with downsides.

First and foremost, your options will be limited, and not just in terms of itineraries. If you find availability at a good price, you’re unlikely to find much choice in staterooms, potentially forcing you to settle for accommodation in a non-optimal position on the ship, such as at the very front of the ship where movement is greater, or below a nightclub, galley, or other crew area.

If you don't live close to the port of departure, you’re likely to face high air fares, potentially wiping out any saving offered by booking a last-minute deal on the cruise.

Finally, don’t overlook the stress caused by the uncertainty. Scrambling to book last-minute travel arrangements can add unnecessary stress to what should be relaxing vacation preparation.

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