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As Ukraine navigates the ongoing conflict, the State Agency for Tourism Development (SATD) has outlined essential travel guidelines for tourists planning to visit the country.
While it is not prohibited to travel within Ukraine, there are strict regulations in place that all travellers must adhere to, particularly in the central and western regions.
Travel Permissions and Key Restrictions
The SATD has clarified that travel within Ukraine is permitted, but safety measures are enforced by military authorities, local governments, and law enforcement.
Tourists are advised to consult with these bodies to confirm the safety of their intended routes, including which locations are accessible and which are restricted.
Important Safety Measures
Tourists must be aware of potential hazards along their journey, including military operations and the presence of bomb shelters.
Tour operators are required to design routes that prioritize safety, accounting for areas with potential bomb threats.
Travellers should also verify the operational status of tourist destinations before visiting.
Additionally, a curfew is enforced across the country, typically from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, which must be observed.
Prohibited Activities
- Rafting, Hiking, and Excursions: These activities are banned near critical infrastructure, military zones, and strategic sites across Ukraine.
- Mass Gatherings: Festivals, concerts, and large-scale events are not permitted due to wartime conditions.
- Border Areas: Tourist locations near the borders with Russia and Belarus are off-limits for safety reasons.
- Frontline Zones: Eastern Ukraine, particularly areas near active combat zones, remains highly dangerous and is not recommended for tourists.
Regional Travel Guidelines
The central and western regions of Ukraine are considered relatively safe but still have specific travel restrictions, which vary by area:
- Kyiv and Kyiv Region: Visitors are prohibited from entering forests and green spaces outside of residential areas.
- Cherkasy: Resting near the reservoir is allowed, but only at designated beaches. Forest visits are prohibited.
- Poltava: Forest visits are not allowed. Swimming is permitted, but only under the conditions of organized sports events.
- Volyn: Due to its proximity to the Belarusian border, forest visits are entirely prohibited.
- Lviv: Forest visits are allowed on foot or by bike, but vehicles are restricted. Rafting on kayaks and catamarans is allowed, and swimming is permitted at approved beaches.
- Transcarpathia: Forest visits are allowed, though some areas, such as parts of the Uzhan National Park, are closed. Flights on single-engine planes are prohibited.
- Ivano-Frankivsk: Forests and mountains can be visited, but off-road vehicles like jeeps and ATVs are prohibited in certain areas, including Bukovel resort.
- Ternopil: Forest visits are allowed, but fires are prohibited. Tourist facilities continue to operate as usual.
- Vinnytsia: Tourist attractions are open, but forest visits are banned. Activities near critical infrastructure and the border zone are restricted.
- Rivne: Forest access is allowed for berry picking in specific areas. The northern parts of certain territorial communities are off-limits.
- Zhytomyr: Berry-picking and plant collection are permitted in most forests, except those near the Belarusian border. Cultural institutions are operating under adjusted schedules, with online or remote events offered where applicable.
