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Ukraine Tours & Trips

• Ukraine Group

38 Ukraine tour packages with 10 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Ukraine Untouched

"Please decline the review" productionau, traveled in January 2024

• Sightseeing

Best of Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa

"This tour to Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa is absolutely fantastic! A great way to see the highlights of Ukraine in one week." Maya, traveled in June 2019

Fantastic Western Ukraine Tour 20/21 - Small Group

"The itinerary was well set up to many fascinating places and there was also time periods to go out and venture on my own." Roy, traveled in August 2017

Ethno-Tour to the Carpathian Mountains

"Everything was meticulously organized by Ornamental Tours. Our tour to the Carpathian Mountains was excellent." Lesia, traveled in March 2020

Highlights of Ukraine Trip - 7 Days

• River Cruise

Kiev to the Black Sea Kiev to Odessa

Looking for tours beyond just ukraine.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Ukraine.

Kiev to the Black Sea Odessa to Kiev

Highlights of Western Ukraine

• Hiking & Trekking

Kyiv - Lviv. Two pearls of Ukraine

A GREAT CARPATHIANS TOUR

Fantastic Western Ukraine Tour 20/21

Ukraine Unbreakable. Lviv-Kyiv

Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa 10 Days Tour

What people love about ukraine tours.

Please decline the review

This tour to Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa is absolutely fantastic! A great way to see the highlights of Ukraine in one week. Everything was immaculately organized by Evgenia from Ornament Ukraine Travel Company, who was fantastic. She was quick to reply, very helpful and kept checking in on us throughout our trip. The pick ups, drop offs, tours, hotels and transportation were all seamless, and really enabled us to enjoy our trip. The city tours were informative and well organized, and the local guides were very friendly. We had a great time in Ukraine - definitely recommend everyone to visit!

I had a great tour of Ukraine. Alexandr was quite helpful and he even helped me to purchase and take home a bandura. Everything was quite organized. There was a local guide to show you around in every city. I highly recommend JC Travel be used if you are considering traveling to Ukraine. Safety was not an issue in any city. The food was quite similar to other European cities.

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Big, diverse and largely undiscovered, Ukraine is one of Europe’s last genuine travel frontiers, a nation rich in colourful tradition, warm-hearted people and off-the-map experiences.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

St Sophia's Cathedral

The interior is the most astounding aspect of Kyiv's oldest standing church. Many of the mosaics and frescoes are original, dating back to 1017–31, when…

Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra

Tourists and Orthodox pilgrims alike flock to the Lavra, set on 28 hectares of grassy hills above the Dnipro River in Pechersk. It's easy to see why…

Kamyanets-Podilsky Fortress

Central Ukraine

Built of wood in the 10th to 13th centuries, then redesigned and rebuilt in stone by Italian military engineers in the 16th century, K-P's fortress is a…

Prymorsky Boulevard

Odesa's elegant facade, this tree-lined, clifftop promenade was designed to enchant the passengers of arriving boats with the neoclassical opulence of its…

Between May 1942 and July 1943, Adolf Hitler paid several visits (accounts vary) to his regional military headquarters in a vast bunker 8km north…

Chernivtsi University

The Carpathians

University buildings are often called 'dreaming spires', but Chernivtsi's is more like an acid trip. This fantastic, Unesco-listed red-brick ensemble,…

Lychakivsky Cemetery

Don't leave town until you've seen this amazing 42-hectare cemetery, only a short ride on tram 7 from the centre. This is the Père Lachaise of Eastern…

Palanok Castle

Built atop a 68m-tall volcano, Mukacheve's highlight is this dramatic castle that pops up from the surrounding plain west of town, like something in a…

Latest stories from Ukraine

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Apr 27, 2022 • 2 min read

In an effort to Ukrainian migrants make it safely to their new homes, Lonely Planet and The Points Guy are together launching a campaign to help Miles4Migrants…

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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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Travel Advisory May 22, 2023

Ukraine - level 4: do not travel.

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts.

The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.

There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email [email protected] for assistance. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas . U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passports, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries .

On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each province (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections, among other measures. Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Many in the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, do not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea in 2014, nor the September 2022 purported annexation of four other Ukrainian oblasts -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. There are also abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s occupation.

Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine severely restricts the Embassy’s access and ability to provide services in these areas, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – to the extent possible given security conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ukraine.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps:

• Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas .
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first and how they should share the information.
• Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

If you are currently in Ukraine:

• Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
• Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices related to your travel.
• Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
• Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas .

Embassy Message

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Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry and exit

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for tourism stays of less than 90 days within a 180-day period

Anything over €10,000 or foreign currency equivalent must be declared in writing

Same as restrictions for entry

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy kyiv.

4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova) 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine Telephone:  +38 (044) 521-5000 Fax: +38 (044) 521-5544 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You do not need a visa to enter Ukraine for tourism purposes for visits of up to 90 days in any 180 day period, but must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
• No vaccinations are required for entry, but you should be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations .
• A visa and residency permit is required for stays over 90 days. You must receive the visa in advance at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate. You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border. For information regarding visa requirements and to find the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate, visit the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
• You must have a visa to apply for a Ukrainian residency permit; you may not do so while on visa-free tourist travel. You must apply with the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) for a residency permit no later than 15 working days before your visa’s expiration date. Once you have a residency permit you can reside in Ukraine for as long as it remains valid. More information is available at the SMS website (limited information available in English).

Crimea: There is an extensive Russian Federation military presence in the Crimean Peninsula. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine and defer all travel to Crimea. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware:

• U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea and are unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
• You may only legally enter Crimea from mainland Ukraine.
• Entrance into Crimea by any other entry point other than from mainland Ukraine, such as air, sea, or the Kerch Strait Bridge is illegal. You will be denied entry into mainland Ukraine and banned from entering Ukraine for five years.
• Time spent in Crimea will count against the 90 day visa-free period. 

Eastern Ukraine: Russia-led forces continue to control areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and the ongoing armed conflict has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine , and do not travel there. If you choose to travel to these areas, you should be aware:

• U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to adjacent regions, and the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
• Entering Ukraine through the area of armed conflict is a violation of Ukrainian law. U.S. citizens who enter Ukraine illegally through the area of armed conflict along the Russian border will not be allowed to pass through government checkpoints to territory controlled by the government of Ukraine.
• Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) procedures at entry/exit points require that permit applications be submitted and approved electronically prior to travel in the zone of armed conflict.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ukraine. However, anyone with tuberculosis cannot get permanent residency in Ukraine. There are no waivers or exceptions to this rule.

Information about customs rules can be found on the Ukrainian State Customs Service website and on our Customs Information page.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism Activity: Credible information indicates that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Small-scale bombings continue to occur throughout Ukraine. While most attacks are at night and appear intended to cause property damage and incite fear, multiple attacks within the past year have been fatal, sometimes occurring in populated areas during daylight hours.

Please read the Travel Advisory for Ukraine before traveling. While in Ukraine, you should carry travel documents with you at all times.

Potential for civil disturbances: Large-scale protests have occurred from time to time in cities throughout Ukraine.

• You should avoid large gatherings or protests and adjacent areas.
• In the past, some protests have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries. 
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media.
• The Embassy will post information about sizeable planned protests on the Embassy website .

Crimea: There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea as part of Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of this part of Ukraine, which the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize. There are continuing abuses against and arbitrary imprisonment of foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in Crimea, particularly abuses against individuals who are seen as challenging Russian authority on the peninsula. The U.S. government prohibits employees from traveling to Crimea and is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.

Eastern Ukraine : U.S. citizens should not travel to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to ongoing armed conflict.

• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area.
• U.S. citizens have been specifically targeted by gunmen representing the self-proclaimed authorities and threatened, detained, or kidnapped for hours or days.
• Shortages of water, power, medicine, and food supplies have also been reported in Russian-proxy-controlled territory, and widespread disorder and looting has been confirmed in these areas.

Crime: Criminals may target tourists due to perceived wealth. A new professional and well-trained police force (Patrol Police) has been implemented, but police corruption remains an issue.

• Criminal activity, including burglaries, robberies, muggings, and pickpocketing is increasingly a problem in Ukraine.
• Law enforcement and emergency officials rarely speak English, and interpreters are not readily available.
• Muggings, attacks, armed robberies, harassment, or the drugging at nightspots of unsuspecting victims (who are then robbed and/or assaulted) have been reported.
• Cases of assaults in apartment building corridors, elevators, and stairwells, as well as armed break-ins and crimes involving firearms, have also been reported.
• Recently, there has been an increase in reports of criminals luring unsuspecting visitors to Ukraine with promises of cheap lodging and/or companionship. The criminals then forcibly abduct the visitors and proceed to make unauthorized transactions via their victims’ bank cards and accounts.
• Many incidents of criminal activity occur on the public transport system, including the metro. When riding on public transportation or moving in crowded areas, keep your purse, bag, or backpack tightly under your arm and/or in front of your body. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victim of sexual assault should report crimes to the local police at 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521-5000 after hours. 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• provide you with information about medical facilities
• provide information about reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution (subject to approval)
• help you find temporary accommodation and arrange flights home in cases of destitution
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. The Embassy will be able to assist with contacting police and provide you with a list of local shelters.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not occur everywhere. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide necessary medical treatment, but it may take time for them to arrive. Local law requires foreigners to have medical insurance when traveling to Ukraine. U.S. citizens are encouraged to consider purchasing additional medical evacuation insurance when arranging their medical insurance for traveling to Ukraine. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you are arrested, you can face extended periods, even years, in pre-trial detention. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe, and if convicted you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Furthermore, some violations of laws in Ukraine are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrests: When in a foreign country, you are subject the country’s laws. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

• Ukrainian law permits police to stop you for any reason and check your identification documents.
• You are required to carry your passport at all times; police may check to verify your legal presence in Ukraine.
• Police are permitted to detain you for up to 72 hours without formal charges.
• If stopped by the police for an unclear reason, call the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521 5000.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report and the following webpages for details

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a problem in Ukraine, as LGBTI individuals have been the target of harassment, threats, and acts of violence. For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in Ukraine, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 .  For further information on LGBTI travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Accessibility is an issue in Ukraine. Public transport systems are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Some newer buildings feature ramps and elevators, but older buildings do not. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Ukraine. See our Traveling with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

By Ukrainian law, all foreigners coming to Ukraine must have medical insurance covering their period of travel. Note that the general quality of healthcare in Ukraine does not meet U.S. standards.

• Fees at government clinics and hospitals are lower than those at private clinics, but there have been reports that doctors request bribes or additional payments before treating patients.
• Private physicians and private hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance. 
• Public facilities only accept cash payments, while most private clinics accept credit cards.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the State Register of Medicines (Ukrainian language only) to ensure the medication is legal to bring into the country, as many medications that are legal in the United States are prohibited in Ukraine. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are prevalent in Ukraine:

• Tuberculosis

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Generally, roads outside major urban areas are in bad condition and poorly lit.
• U.S. drivers licenses are not valid in Ukraine as their vehicle categories do not meet the standards enumerated in the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (as amended in 2011). Travelers who do not have a foreign driver’s license that meets these requirements must obtain either a Ukrainian driver’s license or an International Driving Permit .
• You should drive defensively at all times.
• Drivers are often poorly trained; many drive without a valid driver's license.
• Drivers can also be dangerously aggressive; often do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at clearly marked pedestrian crossings; and sometimes drive on the sidewalks.
• Many cars, including some taxis, do not meet U.S. safety standards.

In case of accidents:

• Emergency number: Dial 103 for ambulance service and 102 for police. Ambulance crews do not respond quickly and do not often include trained paramedics.
• Notify the police immediately. By law, police must be notified in the event of an accident. Remain at the scene until the police arrive to conduct an investigation.
• It is a criminal offense to move the vehicle from the site of the accident unless it presents a clear safety concern (causing a traffic jam is not considered a safety concern). In practice, this even includes moving a vehicle to the side of the road.
• You must wait until the police arrive and complete their report; often this can take several hours.
• The police will decide preliminary responsibility, take the drivers’ personal information, seize driver’s licenses, and file an accident report. Temporary driver’s licenses will be issued. Once a court decision has been made regarding responsibility, the original driver’s licenses can be recovered from police. Note that in the vast majority of cases, the police will not speak English.

Traffic Laws:  

• Ukraine has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
• Non-payment of traffic or parking fines may result in travel bans, which means you cannot leave the country until the fines (plus penalties) are paid.
• Using a cellular telephone or texting while driving is illegal.
• Do not turn right on a red light, unless there is a special green arrow sign attached to the stoplight.
• Front seat belts are mandatory.

Public Transportation:

• Only use marked taxis. Fares are given in advance when you order a taxi by phone, but prices are typically negotiated with the driver in advance if hailing a cab in the street.
• Do not sit in the front seat of the taxi, enter a taxi with unknown passengers, or travel to unfamiliar areas.
• Buses and trams are widely used.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ukraine’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ukraine’s air carrier operations. You can find further information on the FAA website at the FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Ukraine should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website ( https:homeport.uscg.mil ), and the NGA broadcast warnings website ( http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal - select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ukraine . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Ukraine Tourism And Travel Guide

Ukraine is an East European country that is often confused with Russia . But it is a different entity in itself, even though it had been under the Russian rule until 1991. The country is a mix of delights, from beaches to ancient cities, mountains to steppes. Tourism in Ukraine is at its best through summer, while it is also quite good, if a little too chilly during winter. If you have already made up your mind to tread to Ukraine for this vacation, here’s a travel guide to help you.

How to Reach

The best and easiest way to reach Ukraine from India is by flight. Trains are good from European countries.

Kiev’s Borispol International Airport and Lviv's and Odessa’s international airports make for Ukraine’s most important ones. From India, you have connecting flights flying from Mumbai and Delhi regularly. You can also take a stopover at cities like Berlin or Istanbul before going forward.

You can reach Ukraine from anywhere in Europe , only, from Western Europe, the trains are changed at Berlin. Direct trains ply to Kiev or Lviv from cities like Budapest, Warsaw, Moscow and Berlin.

Since Ukraine is majorly a landlocked country, you can drive into the borders from Poland , Russia , Hungary , Belarus and Slovakia. Buses and coaches also ply and are cheaper. 

The Black Sea ensures some water routes to reach the port cities of Ukraine. Mediterranean cruises also ply to Ukraine from Greece , Turkey etc.

Getting Around:

For getting around in big cities like Lviv, Odessa and Kiev, you have local buses, metro trains and taxis. In smaller villages and towns you can hire cars to get around or rent a bicycle too.

• How To Reach Ukraine

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Ukraine experiences a continental type of climate and the best time to visit is definitely the summer.

Spring (March to May):

Spring brings flash floods to Ukraine as the snow melts and swells streams and lakes in March. But come May and everything resumes perfection, with longer sunny days and temperature hovering between 15-21°C.

Summer (June to August):

Ukrainian summers are hot and by July the highs may touch 30°C. This is the best season to go hiking, enjoy city tours, revel on beaches and partake in the harvest celebrations done by the local agrarian communities. 

Autumn (September to November):

September blows more heat into Ukraine but its is gone by October. Rains are common during autumn season as temperatures keep dropping with the passage of time. 

Winter (December to February):

Ukraine experiences very cold winters and on some days in December-January the temperature may drop to almost -30°C. Snowfall is thick and continuous, covering the land in sheets of white. This time is good for winter sports and skiing.

• Ukraine Weather And Best Time To Visit Ukraine

Things to Do

Go Trolley-Riding in Kiev:

The capital city of Ukraine is renowned for many things, but the most thrilling of them all is the trolley ride across River Dnieper. You will be thrilled to go across from one bank to the other in less than 40 seconds. On reaching the Trukhaniv Island, you can enjoy the beaches. 

Chill in Odessa:

Odessa boasts of some great beaches by the Black Sea, peppy parties, pubs, restaurants and awesome night life. The International Film Festival is also hosted by this city every summer and the glitz and glamour of Europe descend here to walk the longest red carpet in the world.

Stroll down the Cobbled Streets of Lviv:

Lviv is as much new as it is old. The city has centuries of heritage and rich culture in its art and architecture; all of which is influenced by Western thought. Visit the Lviv Opera House, take strolls through the Rynok Square and walk down the narrow streets that are teeming with coffeehouses.

Climb the Carpathians:

Mount Carpathian is a crown of pride for Ukraine. The paradox of lush meadows and rugged hillscapes make these ranges a coveted tourist attraction for hiking, bike riding, mountain climbing and fishing. You can also stop by in the smaller villages to savour some Ukrainian hospitality.

Visit Chernobyl:

No one’s ignorant of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, but what most people don’t see is how the mishap wrecked havoc in the lives of the villages nearby. Visit the ghost town of Pripyat where the homes are frozen in time, toys scattered, utensils ready to brew soups abandoned as the inhabitants were rushed out half dead after the leak. Only, visit under expert guidance or tour operators as some areas are still highly radioactive.

• Things To Do In Ukraine
• Tourist Places To Visit In Ukraine

What to Eat

The Ukrainian cuisine is influenced and inspired by its neighbours. So while the potatoes and meat dishes come from Russia , the stuffed cabbage rolls are a throwback to Turkey . The strudels are Austrian and pastries are Slovakian. When in Ukraine, do enjoy these lovely delicacies - borscht (beat, meat and veggie soup), Potato Varenyky (dumplings), Holubtsi (rice and meat stuffed cabbage rolls), Nachynka or cornbread and the famous Kotlety Po-Kyivskomy, better known as Chicken Kiev.

What to Shop

Ukraine is a paradise for those who like to pick up souvenirs and local wares, those who are fond of filling their trunks with trinkets from where they holidayed. So here’s the thing about shopping in this country - you enjoy it. You pick up the beautifully painted Eater Eggs made of wood called Pysanky, you take back Babushka toys for kids back home and also pack some rag dolls. Other things to buy from here are Crimean tatar ceramics, folk music CDs and the wood and bead jewellery that is patent to this region. Also, don’t forget chocolate bars from Lviv, the delicately made embroidered folk linen blouses and shirts and the $2 Vodka bottles.

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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

On this page

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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• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the western regions of:

• Zakarpattia
• Ivano-Frankivsk

FCDO  advises against all travel to

• within 50km of the borders of Volyn, Rivne and Zhytomyr with Belarus, due to the ongoing presence of Russian and Belarusian military and security personnel on the Belarusian side of the border
• the rest of Ukraine

Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with missile and drone attacks across the country. Russian missile and drone strikes have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, energy and industrial facilities, injuring and killing civilians.  Ukraine’s airspace remains closed.

There is an ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine, including from missiles and drones that hit unintended targets or from falling debris. Whilst these are more frequent where FCDO advises against all travel, they could also happen in the western regions, where FCDO advice is against all but essential travel.

In the event of attacks, follow the advice of the local authorities, including responding to air raid sirens.

The situation in Ukraine can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change at short notice or with no notification. FCDO cannot confirm that all information here reflects the latest situation in Ukraine.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Explosions continue to be reported near the area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant indicating ongoing military activity. There have been no reports of any radiation release.

Leaving Ukraine

Expect increased documentation checks, transport restrictions and increased security measures. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.

If you are a dual British-Ukrainian national or you have the right to reside in the UK, and want to leave Ukraine, contact the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on [email protected] for advice.

Ukrainian national and dual-national males aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.

The authorities in the countries bordering Ukraine set and enforce their entry rules. Before you travel, check the foreign travel advice for any countries you plan to travel through. If you need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in that country (contact details can be found in the relevant foreign travel advice page).

Assisted departure or evacuation

The British Embassy in Kyiv is unable to provide in-person consular assistance.

FCDO cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine or evacuation. If you are in Ukraine against FCDO advice, or require support to leave Ukraine, take advice from a private security company and take appropriate security measures.

FCDO cannot endorse or recommend any private security companies. Research whether a service provider will be suitable for your requirements and meets code of conduct and safety standards. The Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) has several companies listed on their website. These companies have accredited certification for international standards.

FCDO has not completed due diligence checks on these companies. FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information. FCDO is not able to provide financial assistance for employing private security or medical evacuation companies.

Visas for the UK

If you are a family member of a British national normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, read the guidance on visas for family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine . Call +44 (0)808 164 8810 (select option 1) for assistance before applying.

Under this scheme, which is free, those joining family in the UK can stay in the UK for up to 3 years. They will be able to study, work and access public funds.

Foreign fighters

If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation.  You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK.

British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of mistreatment, is high.

Our ability to provide consular support in these circumstances is very limited.

Supporting Ukraine

There are many ways to support Ukraine from the UK. For further information, see Ukraine: what you can do to help .

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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More From Forbes

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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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Vladimir Putin repeats warning he could send weapons to adversaries of the West

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin also says he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but adds he could not rule out a change to it.

Friday 7 June 2024 17:15, UK

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• Russia economically strong despite 'illegitimate sanctions'
• Ukraine has right to strike targets in Russia - NATO chief
• Russian vessels to make port in Cuba in 'hopes of invoking memory of missile crisis'
• Biden to discuss $225m package with Zelenskyy in France
• Ivor Bennett:  Why is Lavrov in Africa?
• Big picture:  Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered: Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by Andy Hayes and  Ollie Cooper

Thank you for reading.

We will be back soon with more updates from the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said he does not see the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons as set out in Russia's nuclear doctrine - but added he could not rule out a change to the doctrine.

"We have a nuclear doctrine which states that the use of nuclear arms is possible in an exceptional case, when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country is threatened," he told the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"But the doctrine can be changed.

"The same applies to nuclear tests. We will carry out tests if needed, but so far there is no such need."

Russia could send weapons to adversaries of the West, Vladimir Putin has warned for a second time.

The Russian president repeated the warning from earlier this week during the St Petersburg Economic Forum.

He did not say what countries or entities he was referring to, and he stressed that Moscow is not doing it currently.

"If they supply (weapons) to the combat zone and call for using these weapons against our territory, why don't we have the right to do the same?" he told the crowds. 

"But I'm not ready to say that we will be doing it tomorrow, either."

On Wednesday, Putin told international journalists that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory.

He also reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.

Joe Biden has apologised to Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the recent delay in approving new US aid for Ukraine.

Last month, following months of political disagreements, the Senate passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan .

"I apologise for those weeks of not knowing," the US president said.

"Some of our very conservative members [of Congress] were holding it up. 

"But we got it done, finally. We're still in - completely, totally." 

The Ukrainian president thanked his counterpart for American assistance.  

"It's very important that you stay with us," he said. 

"It's very important that in this unity, the United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two - how the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe." 

The two men were speaking in Paris, the day after D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Russia needs to boost its use of non-Western currencies, Vladimir Putin said as he addressed the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He also said his country needs to reduce imports while calling for a major expansion of its domestic financial markets.

Trade with Asia is soaring, he told delegates, adding that almost two fifths of Russian external trade is now in roubles.

The share conducted in US dollars, euros and other Western currencies has declined.

Russia will try to boost the share of settlements conducted in the currencies of BRICS countries - which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Mr Putin said.

"Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the so–called 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly states halved, while the share of the rouble in export and import transactions is growing - it is approaching 40% today," the president said.

Russia has referred to nations that imposed sanctions on it as "unfriendly".

 The session begins with an address by the Russian president. 

Vladimir Putin says there is a race among world powers to establish sovereignty. 

He speaks of the need for countries to both establish partnerships and also to look internally to tackle challenges presented by the current global economic landscape. 

Despite all the "obstacles and illegitimate sanctions", Russia remains one of the world's economic leaders, he says. 

He adds that "friendly countries" - those that have not joined sanctions against Moscow - account for three quarters of Russia's mutual trade turnover, and praises them for that. 

Countries including India and China have strengthened economic ties since Mr Putin launched his war in Ukraine. 

Vladimir Putin has taken to the stage in St Petersburg to address the International Economic Forum there.

He's joined by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwais and Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora. 

Chairing the session is Sergey Karaganov - a Russian political scientist. 

We'll bring you any key lines here in this live blog. 

A T-shirt is on sale at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum printed with a phrase attributed to Vladimir Putin, Sky News has discovered. 

"If a fight is inevitable, throw the first punch," it says.

The Russian president reportedly said it in 2015.

He apparently explained that it was something he had learned while growing up on the streets of Leningrad - a former name of St Petersburg. 

The Russian defence ministry has accused Ukraine of injuring 20 people, including children, in a missile attack on the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk, using US-supplied ATACMS missiles.

Four of five missiles were shot down by air defence systems, the ministry said in a statement.

However, one of the missiles damaged two residential apartment blocks, it added, claiming it was deliberate.

Sky News is unable to verify the allegations.

There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine. 

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country's prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations. 

"Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month," Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram. 

Earlier (7.43am post) we reported that the commission was reportedly ready to recommend that accession talks get underway.

It is part of an attempt to signal support for Kyiv before Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU next month, the Financial Times reported.

The EU announced earlier this year that it was sending an additional £42bn in aid to Ukraine - but only after  weeks of resistance from Hungary , which reportedly has concerns about minority rights in Ukraine. 

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S&P downgrades three Baltic countries due to war in Ukraine

RATING agency S&P announced on Friday (May 31) that it had downgraded the ratings of the three Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, citing the effects of the war in Ukraine and geopolitical risks with Russia.

Estonia saw its sovereign debt rating raised from “AA-“ to “A+“, while Latvia’s has been raised from “A+“ to “A”, as has Lithuania’s, all with a stable outlook.

The downgrades reflect “our view that the impact of the war in Ukraine and the wider regional geopolitical risks” will affect the Baltic region’s “economic growth, public finances, and competitiveness over the medium term,” S&P said.

The countries were particularly hard hit by the hike in inflation that hit the European Union after the Covid-19 pandemic and in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While inflation peaked at around nine per cent for the EU, it exceeded 20 per cent in the Baltic States, which are more dependent on energy from Russia.

The countries were hit the hardest by the shock to gas and oil prices caused by the invasion and subsequent sanctions against Russia.

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Faced with the threat posed by Russia, with which the trio of countries share a border, but also because of their support for Ukraine, the Baltic states have also increased their military spending.

This is bound to weigh on public finances in a context of recession or weak growth, the agency warned.

The stable outlook reflects the rating agency’s confidence that the war in Ukraine “will not spread to the territory of any Nato member country,” the military alliance to which the three countries belong.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that Russia was preparing “provocations” at the borders of the Baltic region, which includes not only Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, but also Finland, a member of the EU and now Nato.

He made the comments a week after Estonia said Russian border guards had removed buoys from the Narva River marking the border. AFP

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• Russia plans tax hikes as Ukraine costs mount

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Canadian border agents may strike Friday. Here's what it means for travel and the supply chain

Canadian border agents are preparing to strike Friday — potentially creating travel disruptions for nearly 400,000 people who cross the U.S.-Canada border every day — unless its government can agree to a new labor agreement.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Customs and Immigration Union — the two unions representing Canada Border Services Agency employees — gave the country's Treasury Board until 4 p.m. ET to come to terms at the bargaining table. And if a new contract isn't reached by then, more than 9,000 CBSA employees will take part in the nationwide job action.

"We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and any potential delays at Canada's borders," said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president. "But the clock is ticking for Trudeau's Liberal government to get to work on a fair contract for our members."

Border agents pushing for the new agreement have been without a contract for more than two years, PSAC said. The union said they're now seeking a bump in pay to align their wages with that of the country's other law enforcement agencies, as well as remote work or telework options, improved retirement benefits and stronger workplace protections.

"Our members have overwhelmingly told us they are prepared to fight for fair wages, equitable retirement and to make CBSA a better place to work," said Mark Weber, CIU national president. "It's time for the government to step up for CBSA employees."

In May, PSAC members voted 96% in favor of a strike mandate, with mediation sessions beginning June 3. The union said that if a strike were to occur, more than 90% of front-line border officers, who are considered essential workers, would still provide basic services. But that still leaves the threat of slowed traffic through the country's national entry points.

In 2021, a work-to-rule action — a form of protest in which employees perform the minimum amount of work their contracts require in order to slow production — caused major delays at airports and the nation's borders until the government and border unions came to an agreement after 36 hours of mediation.

Health Care

Florida can import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, FDA says

A strike is also disruptive to the supply chain between the U.S. and Canada. The partners traded $3.6 billion worth of goods and services across the border each day in 2023, Canada reports, and Bureau of Transportation Statistics data says trucks carried 55% of freight between the two countries in 2022.

On Tuesday, the Canadian Trucking Alliance urged border employee unions and the federal government to come to an agreement to protect the country's trade investment and partnership with the U.S., particularly as it's already facing potential disruptions because of railway labor negotiations and "ongoing volatility" throughout the trucking sector due to significant retirements and "loss of labor/capital productivity because of federal legislation governing sick days."

"These are undoubtedly complex and challenging decisions to make, but the Government of Canada must lead in making those decisions decisively with the principle to prevent economic chaos from threatening Canada's supply chains and economic viability," CTA said.

The Treasury Board of Canada said Wednesday the current threat of another strike undermines the bargaining efforts and is disruptive to the services the country's residents expect while traveling across the border.

"Negotiation is a process of give and take. The government is prepared to make concessions, but there needs to be movement on both sides," the Board said. "We are disappointed that PSAC has threatened labor disruptions when we are ready and willing to negotiate and reach a fair agreement through good faith bargaining."

In the event of a strike Friday, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne said that the CBSA had informed the council that the domestic lane will still remain open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with Cornwall Port of Entry officials assuring that travelers will be able to cross safely and as quickly as possible.

Still, the council warned that increased wait times are likely to occur along with picketing and "wearing of union-related accessories." The CBSA said it will address any delays quickly and will update travelers on its website .

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US says 'Israel has a right to try and target those civilians' in gaffe

State department says spokesperson misspoke, intended to say 'hamas' rather than 'civilians'.

The State Department said Thursday that "Israel has a right to try and target those civilians" in response to questions about an attack on a UN school in central Gaza that killed dozens of people. The remarks were quickly corrected.

Asked by reporters about the overnight strike on the facility where about 6,000 people had sought shelter, spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "It is a difficult situation. If it is true that you have this site where Hamas is hiding inside a school, other militants are hiding inside of the school, those individuals are legitimate targets, but at the same time, they're embedded near civilians."

"Israel has a right to try and target those civilians, but they also have the obligation to minimize civilian harm, and take every step possible to minimize civilian harm," he said. "So that's why we're pressing the government of Israel, and the IDF, to be completely transparent about what happened here."

Asked by Anadolu about the spokesperson's remarks, the State Department said Miller misspoke, and that he intended to say "Hamas" rather than "civilians." A footnote with the correction is expected to be added to the official department transcript of Thursday's briefing.

❝Israel has a right to try and target those civilians❞ US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responds in a gaffe to questions about an attack on a UN school in central Gaza that killed dozens of people https://t.co/YxBwwCsFuq pic.twitter.com/WSB1gNvmuI — Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) June 6, 2024

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), said Thursday that the Israeli strike killed 35 people and left "many more injured" when it struck the facility without any prior warning to the thousands of people who were sheltering there.

"Another horrific day in Gaza. Another UNRWA school turned shelter attacked. This time in Nuseirat, in the Middle Areas, hit overnight by the Israeli Forces without prior warning to the displaced or UNRWA," he wrote on X.

"Attacking, targeting or using UN buildings for military purposes are a blatant disregard of International Humanitarian law. UN staff, premises and operations must be protected at all times," he added.

The Israeli military admitted hitting the UNRWA school in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, claiming Hamas fighters were hiding inside.

Lazzarini said the UN is "unable to verify these claims."

Nearly 200 UN staffers – exactly 192 – have been killed in Gaza, according to the latest information provided by UNRWA. A further 186 agency facilities have been damaged.

Israel has mounted its sweeping offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed less than 1,200 people.

More than 36,600 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, most of them women and children, and over 83,000 others injured, according to local health authorities. Vast tracts of Gaza also lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

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