o2 travel ukraine

Home » Reviews » O2 » O2 Travel

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

• This funds the production of our content, keeping the website free for everyone to use.
• You'll always get the same price (or better) than if you went direct.

Learn more about how Ken's Tech Tips is funded →

O2 Travel International Roaming Review: Countries, Speeds & Fair Usage

On O2, you can use your mobile phone abroad at no extra cost in up to 75 destinations, depending on your price plan.

The countries in which you’re able to use the O2 Travel offer depends on the price plan you have. On O2’s Pay As You Go plans, you’ll have access to international roaming at no extra cost in 43 European destinations. This increases to 48 destinations on Pay Monthly plans, and to 75 destinations on Pay Monthly Plus (and on regular Pay Monthly plans if you’re living in a Virgin Media household ).

In this article, we’ll review the O2 Travel offer including the countries where you’re able to use it and how much it will cost. We’ll also look at data speeds when abroad, the fair usage policy on O2 Travel and alternative roaming offers from other networks. Finally, we’ll look at how you can keep your current phone number if you’re moving to O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer.

• 1.1 O2 Europe Zone Countries
• 1.2 O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries
• 1.3 O2 Travel Countries
• 2 Roaming Speeds
• 3.1 Within Europe
• 3.2 Outside Europe
• 4 Keeping Your Phone Number
• 5 More Information

What is O2 Travel?

On most O2 price plans, it’s possible to use your mobile phone abroad when travelling to other countries. The destinations that are included within the O2 Travel offer depend on the type of price plan you have:

For customers with an O2 mobile broadband plan , the O2 Travel offer isn’t currently available. This is because international roaming is not available on O2’s mobile broadband service.

O2 Europe Zone Countries

The following destinations are part of O2’s European roaming zone (locations marked with a † are only available on Pay Monthly plans) :

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man†
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland†
• Vatican City

† If you’re an O2 Pay As You Go customer, inclusive roaming is not available in 5 European destinations (Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland). Instead, you’ll need to pay £1.99/day for up to 100MB of data in these countries.

Within Europe, you’re able to use your inclusive minutes and texts to contact any other number within O2’s Europe Zone. Your usage of European roaming is subject to the fair usage policy described here : the most important being that it should only be used “for periodic travel, like holidays or short breaks”. If you use your mobile phone abroad for 63 days or more in any four-month period, O2 reserves the right to apply a regulated surcharge to your usage (currently 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £3.50/GB).

You’ll be able to use up to 25GB data per month when abroad (or less if your normal UK data allowance is less than 25GB).

On O2’s Pay As You Go plans including Big Bundles , roaming is not included in Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland. In these places, you can pay £1.99/day for 100MB of data.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries

Within O2’s Travel Inclusive Zone countries, you’ll get unlimited minutes, texts and data when abroad in the following destinations:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

There’s traffic management applied when you’re abroad, so your download speeds could be slowed down, depending on your usage.

O2 Travel Countries

You can use the £6 per day O2 Travel offer in all of the following destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica*
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador*
• Madagascar*
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Zealand*
• Saint Lucia
• South Africa
• St Kitts & Nevis
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States*

* This country is also part of the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone offer. If your tariff includes this offer, you won’t need to pay the £4.99/day charge.

To opt-in to the O2 Travel offer, text TRAVEL to 23336. It can take up to 24 hours for O2 Travel to be enabled on your account so it’s best to opt-in before departing on your trip. To opt-out of the offer and to pay O2’s standard international roaming rates instead, text NOTRAVEL to 23336.

The £6 per day O2 Travel offer isn’t available to customers on O2 Pay As You Go .

Roaming Speeds

According to their terms and conditions , there’s now a download speed limit of 2Mbps when you’re travelling abroad in other countries. This has applied from June 2022.

The 2Mbps speed limit should be enough for most day-to-day use such as browsing the web, sending messages and using social media. It’s also enough for things like maps and for listening to music. If you’re streaming online video, it should be possible to stream in standard-definition. However, it won’t be possible to stream in HD quality.

Fair Usage Policy

O2 has a fair usage policy for their O2 Travel international roaming service. The fair usage policy depends on whether you’re travelling to another European country or to a country outside of Europe.

Within Europe

According to O2’s terms and conditions , a surcharge may be applied for your usage if you spend more 63 days abroad in Europe over a rolling 4-month period. If you exceed the 63-day limit, O2 should give you the opportunity to demonstrate prevailing use in the UK. They should also give you two weeks notice before a surcharge is applied at a rate of 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £4.50/GB of data.

Outside Europe

• The download speeds available for file transfer, online gaming, peer-to-peer downloads and network backup services is restricted. According to O2, these services “may not work with O2 Travel”.
• Audio and video streaming optimisation are in use. This may reduce the quality of your streaming content when abroad.
• The use of tethering and personal hotspot is not permitted in O2 Travel countries. This means you’re unable to share your data connection with other devices.
• When using O2 Travel outside Europe, your SIM card can only be used inside a smartphone.

Keeping Your Phone Number

If you’re joining O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer, it’s a straightforward process to keep your current phone number .

To do so, ask your current mobile network to provide you with a PAC Code . You can get this through your mobile network’s website or app, or by texting PAC to 65075.

Once you’ve received the PAC Code from your old network, order your new mobile phone or SIM card from the O2 website. When it arrives, you can provide the PAC Code to O2 by submitting it through this online form . Your phone number transfer will then be scheduled by O2, normally for the next working day.

For a step-by-step guide on moving your phone number to O2 , please select your current mobile network from the drop down menu below:

Select your current mobile network:

Your current mobile network... BT Mobile EE giffgaff O2 Sky Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone 1pMobile ASDA Mobile Honest Mobile iD Mobile Lebara Mobile Lycamobile Orange Plusnet Mobile Smarty Superdrug Mobile Talk Home Talkmobile TalkTalk Mobile Tesco Mobile T-Mobile Vectone Mobile VOXI

   More Options

More Information

For more information about O2 Travel, please see O2’s official website .

Related Articles

Your Comments

We'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you may have. You can add your own comment here .

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please let me know by e-mail when there is a reply to my message.

Your cookie preferences

We use cookies and similar technologies. You can use the settings below to accept all cookies (which we recommend to give you the best experience) or to enable specific categories of cookies as explained below. Find out more by reading our Cookie Policy .

Select cookie preferences

• Performance
• Functionality
• Account Overview

Popular Search Terms

• Samsung Galaxy deals
• iPhone deals
• SIM Only deals
• Credit Cards
• Pay as you Go
• Uswitch.com >
• Mobiles >
• Guides >

O2 international roaming FAQ

Staying connected while travelling abroad can be tricky and often costly. However, O2 has one of the most extensive international roaming policies of the UK's major networks – helping them to make the most of their mobile services while overseas.

EU roaming without charges

One of the standout features of O2's international roaming policy is its commitment to providing EU roaming without additional charges. Currently, O2 is the only major network operator that has continued to offer EU roaming without fees for data, calls, and texts up to 25GB. This means customers can use their mobile phones just like they would in the UK when travelling to any of the 48 destinations within O2's Europe Zone.

Those 48 destinations are:

Canary Islands

Czech Republic

French Guiana

Isle of Man

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Saint Barthelemy

Saint Martin

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Vatican City

O2 Fair Usage Limit

To ensure international roaming remains fair for all users, O2 has implemented a Fair Usage Limit (FUP). This limit is designed to prevent continuous and excessive use of services outside the UK in its Europe Zone. 

Customers can use O2's services for periodic travel, such as holidays or short breaks. However, if you use O2’s services outside the UK in the Europe Zone for 63 or more days within any four-month period – and cannot demonstrate significant use or presence in the UK – charges may apply after two weeks. The charges for Pay Monthly customers include £3.50/GB for data, 3.3p/minute for calls, and 1p/text.

Roaming limits for O2 tariffs

The roaming limits differ based on the customer's monthly data allowance:

Tariffs with more than 25GB of monthly data: Customers with a UK monthly data allowance exceeding 25GB will have a roaming limit of 25GB within the Europe Zone. Once the limit is reached, customers can still use data, but they will be charged £3.50 per additional gigabyte until they return to the UK, use up their UK data allowance, or reach their next bill cycle.

Tariffs with 25GB or less of monthly data: These tariffs are not subject to the 25GB roaming limit within the Europe Zone. However, customers who exhaust their UK data allowance while roaming abroad will need to purchase a data Bolt On to continue using data. 

What's included and not included

O2's international roaming policy includes making calls and sending texts within the Europe Zone (excluding the UK), receiving calls and texts in the Europe Zone, and using your monthly data allowance while in the Europe Zone. 

However, it does not include making calls or sending texts from the UK to countries outside of the UK, making calls or sending texts to premium rate numbers, directory service numbers, and some non-geographic numbers. 

Additionally, mobile broadband tariffs are only valid for use within the UK, and mobile data usage while on a cruise ship is subject to separate charges.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and O2 Travel Bolt On

For travellers seeking even more extensive coverage and flexibility, O2 offers a couple of options:

1. O2 Travel Inclusive Zone

If you have a O2 Travel Inclusive Zone included in your tariff, you're in luck. This feature provides you with unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming privileges in 27 destinations worldwide. Among the covered locations are popular destinations like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring that you stay connected without worry during your international adventures. The full list of destinations included in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone can be found here.  

2. O2 Travel Bolt On

If O2 Travel Inclusive Zone isn't part of your current plan you can still enjoy communication while abroad by adding the O2 Travel Bolt On to your account. For £6 per day Bolt On grants you unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming access in 63 destinations worldwide. To explore the full list of destinations covered by the O2 Travel Bolt On, follow this link .

3. Virgin Media O2’s Volt

If you have a Virgin Media broadband connection and an O2 mobile contract, you can access the Inclusive Zone at no extra cost in all Plus Plans and Volt bundles which allows you unlimited data, texts and calls in 27 international destinations as well as in Europe. 

In the event that you're not eligible for O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and haven't opted for the O2 Travel Bolt On, or you find yourself roaming in a destination not encompassed by these services, O2's standard roaming rates will apply.

Read more...

Best network for roaming 2024 - Uswitch

All networks have their own packages for those going away either on holiday or business. Here's we break them down & find the best.

What are mobile roaming and data roaming charges? - Uswitch

Using your phone while travelling overseas can result in some pretty serious charges if you're not careful. Here's what you need to know about mobile roaming and data roaming charges.

EU roaming charges explained - Uswitch

Since Brexit, UK networks have slowly begun reintroducing EU roaming charges. If you want to have access to data, calls and text during your next trip overseas, here's what you'll be charged.

O2 roaming explained for international & EU countries

You can roam and use O2 within most countries around the world.

You can use your regular allowance for free within 48 European countries, with a data fair usage policy of 25GB per month.

With selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans, you also get the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, which allows you to use unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 27 international destinations outside the EU.

Alternatively, all O2 mobile customers can get the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 per day, which gives you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 63 international destinations outside the EU.

What's the best O2 SIM for roaming?

O2 eu roaming - after brexit, o2 travel inclusive zone bolt on, o2 travel bolt on, what’s the difference between the o2 travel bolt on and o2 travel inclusive zone bolt on, does o2 have a fair usage policy when roaming, will i be charged if i exceed my allowance when roaming with o2, can i get 5g when roaming with o2, can i roam for free in the eu with o2, how can i setup my phone to roam with o2, will i be charged if i go over my allowance when roaming with o2, can i tether to another device when roaming with o2, how can i get the o2 travel bolt on.

You can use your allowance for free within the EU with all O2 SIMs .

You can find the cheapest O2 SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. O2 SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

With O2 Europe Zone, you can continue to roam for free and use your allowance within the EU.

O2 Europe Zone is included with all plans at no additional cost.

O2 are one of the few networks which will not introduce charges for roaming within the EU after Brexit .

In accordance with the fair usage policy, if your regular allowance is greater than 25GB, you cannot exceed 25GB per month when roaming in the EU.

If you go over your regular allowance, or you exceed the fair usage policy of 25GB per month, you will be charged £3.50 for each additional GB you use when roaming in the EU.

You must also be considered a permanent UK resident. You cannot roam within qualifying European countries for excessive or consecutive periods at a time.

You can use your allowance for free within 48 European destinations:

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

With the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you will get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts within 27 international countries.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is included at no additional cost with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It is not included with any 30 day SIM only plans or pay as you go plans.

If your plan doesn't include the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, you can choose it as your O2 Extra with the following plans:

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, excessive usage may see your data speeds temporarily restricted.

The following 27 international countries are covered by the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

If you’re not eligible for the free O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you cannot pay for it. However, you can purchase the similar O2 Travel Bolt On, which covers 63 international destinations for £6 per day. See below for more information.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available for £6 per day, and covers 63 international destinations.

Similar to the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 or by enabling it via your O2 account.

The £6 daily fee will automatically be charged when you use mobile data, make a call or send a text message. Using Wi-Fi or receiving calls and texts will not trigger the charge.

The moment the charge is triggered, you'll have access for 24 hours, until the trigger resets. There are no limits on the amount of consecutive days you can trigger the Bolt On.

It is important to note you must enable the O2 Travel Bolt On before you use data, make a call or send a text. If you don't enable the Bolt On, you won't be charged the £6 daily fee - instead, you will be charged at a standard roaming rate, which can be expensive.

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

The O2 Travel Bolt On works in the following 63 destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands Antilles
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• United Arab Emirates

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is free with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It works in 27 international countries. You cannot buy the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On if you are not eligible for free, however you can choose it as an O2 Extra with select tariffs.

On the other hand, the O2 Travel Bolt On is available to all pay monthly customers for £6 per day and works in 63 international destinations.

Both Bolt Ons give you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, the O2 Travel Bolt On comes with a 2Mbps speed limit.

If you’re using your allowance for free within O2’s Europe Zone, you cannot exceed 25GB data per month if your regular allowance is greater than this amount. If you go over this limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your allowance resets during the next month.

In addition, you cannot roam within the O2 Europe Zone for more than 63 days within a 4 month period - the offer is not intended for extended holidays. If O2 thinks you are abusing the free EU roaming policy, you will be given a 2 week notice, before a surcharge is applied:

The surcharge will be dropped when you return and stay in the UK for a reasonable time.

For the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, there is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use, however O2 states they may implement a temporary speed limit if your usage is deemed excessive. The O2 Travel Bolt On does not have a fair usage policy, however there is a permanent 2Mbps speed limit in place at all times.

If you exceed your data allowance or go over the 25GB limit when roaming for free in the Europe Zone, you will be charged £3.50 per GB, until your plan resets during the next month.

If you don't have an roaming Bolt On when travelling outside of Europe, or you're not in an eligible country, you will charged at a standard out of plan rate.

The out of plan rate is typically expensive, and varies between countries. For full charges, see O2 roaming rates

The following shows the O2 out of plan rates within a few international destinations.

No, 5G is only available within the UK with O2 . The maximum signal you can get when roaming with O2 is 4G.

Yes, all O2 customers can use their regular allowance for free with O2 Europe Zone, covering 48 European destinations.

Before roaming with O2 , you must enable roaming in your phone’s settings.

For Android users:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
• Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

• Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
• Enable Data Roaming

If you're roaming in the EU and go over your data allowance or the 25GB limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your plan resets at the next month.

Yes, you can tether to as many devices as you like when roaming with O2 . Any regular data limitations that apply when roaming will also apply when tethering while roaming.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available with all pay monthly plans for £6 per day. You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 . Alternatively, you can purchase the Bolt On through your O2 account.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is available for free on selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only contracts and Volt plans. You may also choose it for free as an O2 Extra, with eligible plans.

Both Bolt Ons come with unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, they each cover different destinations.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Where is the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone? Phone provider’s data policy explained

Share this with

We’ve all been there – the plane lands, you whip out your phone and then feel a moment of panic over whether to turn on data roaming.

Let alone agonising over how much it will cost to call home.

Depending on your contract, and your network, using your phone on holiday can be just the same as at home – or very pricey.

It’s all got so much more complicated since Brexit , as some companies reintroduced roaming charges .

The trick is to get clued up and sorted before you go, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Because when you’re hitting the beach for some much-needed R&R , fretting about your phone bill will just pile on the stress.

So if you’re on the O2 network, what’s included – and what isn’t?

Here’s what you need to know.

Is O2 free in Europe?

In its Europe Zone, O2 contracts work as they do in the UK – so you’ll get the same number of minutes, texts and the same data allowance (up to a limit of 25GB). You can use this for up to 63 days in any four-month period – more than this will trigger a ‘fair usage’ text and after that you could be charged £3.50 per GB for data, 3.3p per minute for calls and 1p per text.

If your data allowance is more than 25GB in the UK, it will be capped at that level in Europe – you can use more, but you’ll have to pay for it.

The Europe Zone also applies to pay-as-you-go – data will come out of your allowance or be charged as it would in the UK.

Note that a handful of Europe Zone destinations on pay-as-you-go are slightly different: in Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland, you can buy a travel bolt-on £1.99 for 100MB of data, texts are 1p and calls within these countries or back to the UK for 4p a minute.

Countries in the O2 Europe roaming zone are:

• Canary Islands
• Cyprus* (excluding Northern Cyprus)
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City  

What’s the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone?

The ‘Travel Inclusive Zone’ is a list of 27 countries outside of the Europe Zone.

Countries in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone are:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

Who can get the Travel Inclusive zone?

It’s offered as a bolt-on on certain O2 Selected Plus Plans (including pay monthly and 12 and 24-month sim-only) to cover unlimited minutes, texts and data roaming in these areas (with no cap on the data).

It’s not available on 30-day sim-only tariffs or on pay-as-you-go.

What about outside the Travel Inclusive zone?

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

If you’re travelling outside of the Europe Zone and do not have the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, then if you’re on pay monthly you can buy the the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 a day which gives unlimited minutes, texts and data in selected destinations.

O2 has a dedicated page where you can check to see if the country you’re visiting is covered. You can add the bolt-on by texting TRAVELON to 21300.

For pay as you go, it’s not offered, so you’ll be charged international roaming rates outside of the Europe Zone.

Your Daily Horoscope

What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for April 29 to May 5

You can check international roaming rates on O2’s dedicated page – in the US, for example, data is a whopping £7.20 per MB on pay-as-you-go, and calls cost £2 a minute to make and receive.

MORE : List of WhatsApp changes in 2023 – from Chat lock to message edits

MORE : What you can and can’t pack in your hand luggage – from liquids to gadgets

MORE : Rhodes, rest and relax: The Greek island that saved me from burnout

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

The beautiful redhead with her friend, Paulie, who got off the eastbound…

To the tall man I used to see every evening on the Metro commute from…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• 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 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 and injured and killed 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

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Useful tips and how to travel to Ukraine (2024)

By Joan Torres 10 Comments Last updated on April 12, 2024

Bordering Russia to the east and the EU to the west, Ukraine is a massive piece of land barely discovered by the average traveler.

Intrepid adventurers will travel to Ukraine for visiting Kiev , and then pay a short visit to other big cities such as Lviv or Odesa, but the rest of the country remains pretty unknown to most of us.

However, Ukraine has a lot to offer and after spending 45 days roaming around the country, discovering everything from intriguing medieval castles to a nuclear missile launch facility, this is the best travel guide available on the internet, containing everything  you need to know for traveling to Ukraine , from transportation tips to top experiences, cultural facts, visas, safety and much more!

Interested in Belarus as well? Read my useful tips and how to travel to Belarus

In this Ukraine travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Best time to visit
• Top experiences
• Travel insurance
• Ukraine and Russia
• Culture, language, and religion
• Transportation
• More information

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Ukraine

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Ukraine from home with just 2 clicks.

5% discount with the following code:

AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Introduction: why travel to Ukraine?

Traveling in Ukraine is a unique experience, like nowhere else.

Do you know why?

Because here, you could spend weeks admiring dreamy, Medieval castles and fortresses and perfectly-shaped, cute old towns and, at the same time, you could discover the most offbeat places in Europe, ranging from a nuclear missile launch facility to the ghost city of Prypiat , and a vast range of Soviet and Communist heritage.

There isn’t another single country in Europe where you can do so much of the above in one single trip.

And the best of it is that, except for a few places, most of the country remains raw, authentic and very, very Ukrainian.

Traveling in Ukraine can be a real offbeat European adventure, like nowhere else on the continent.

🪪 How to get a visa for traveling to Ukraine

Remember that Ukraine is in neither EU nor the Schengen area, so different visa rules apply.

Typically, most nationalities can get a 90-day free visa on arrival.

However, WATCH OUT! Because there are a couple of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico whose citizens, unexpectedly, will need to pre-arrange an e-visa.

I traveled to Ukraine with my Mexican girlfriend and, since Mexicans can get a free visa on arrival in absolutely every country in Europe, we just assumed that she wouldn’t need one for visiting Ukraine but apparently, she did and, on our arrival, she was deported.

We traveled to Moldova to apply and wait for her visa which, by the way, took almost two weeks, plus she had to submit a lot of documents, from travel insurance to the flight or train ticket out of the country.

Anyways, here you have more information about this painful process.

⛅ Best time to visit Ukraine

Visiting ukraine in winter.

Winters in Ukraine are deadly – as you already know – but if you are just planning to visit Kiev , Lviv or any other big city, as long as you wear proper clothes, you should be fine. In any case, traveling in Ukraine, in winter, onboard a Soviet train can be a unique experience.

Visiting Ukraine in summer

I traveled in Ukraine during the last two weeks of August and, whereas Lviv was mostly all right, the countryside was utterly hot, with temperatures around 30-35ºC.

Visiting Ukraine in spring and autumn

The best seasons to visit Ukraine. Not so hot, not so cold. I spent the whole month of October in the country and colors were at their very best, absolutely beautiful.

Traveling in Ukraine by marshrutka in summer Most marshrutkas don’t have AC and, for some incomprehensible reason, old women – and they have full authority to do it – will always close the windows because they feel cold, even when it’s 40ºC inside the minivan, and funnily enough, nobody will complain. If you are backpacking in Ukraine in summer, be aware of that.

📚 Best books for independent travel in Ukraine

Ukraine travel guide by bradt.

The best guide book is, by far, the one written by Bradt, as they provide so many details about each and every region in the country, including many mentions of real offbeat gems and deep and useful travel tips for Ukraine.

Ukraine travel guide by Lonely Planet

A good purchase as well, but I prefer Bradt, as the Lonely Planet doesn’t get that deep into the different destinations.

Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich

If you are visiting Ukraine, it means that you may visit Chernobyl as well and, for that, I recommend you get this book, written by a Nobel prize winning author, a compilation of testimonies directly related to the disaster. A useful book for anyone wanting to empathize with all victims.

Why visit Ukraine: Top 5 experiences

Travel insurance for Ukraine I recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount Get your discount when buying through this link

Just a small glimpse of some of the things you can do when you travel to Ukraine:

1 – Explore one of the greatest cities in Europe

Kiev is an amazing city with loads to see, loads to do and so much going on.

I spent two weeks in the capital and they were the best days of my trip.

From epic churches to bizarre Soviet places and great nightlife, Kiev is a city which you will want to return to.

Read my guide: How to spend 4 days in Kiev

2 – Wander around remote mountain villages in the Carpathians

If you want to visit and check out authentic rural life in Ukraine, head to the Carpathians and spend a few days hiking from village to village.

The mountains are pretty and the region has never had much exposure to the outside world, not even during the USSR, as these remote lands were difficult to control.

3 – Check out the dreamy castles & cute old towns in Western Ukraine

Most of Western Ukraine used to belong to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then to Poland, so it is easy to understand why they have so many castles, and the different towns and villages have Central European-like architecture.

4 – Pay your respects to the victims in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

You already know about Chernobyl, so I won’t go into details, but the exclusion zone is 150km north of Kiev and, even though it is becoming too popular and kind of touristy, it is good to go and see with your own eyes the consequences of one of the worst human disaster in our history.

Read my guide: How to visit Chernobyl responsibly

5 – Visit a nuclear missile launch facility

An old Soviet nuclear missile launch facility has been turned into an awesome museum where, besides checking out all the military nuclear arsenal, you can go into one of the silos and the underground control room.

Read: Offbeat places to visit in Belarus

🛫 How to travel to Ukraine

By air – Both Lviv and Kiev have daily flights to pretty much any country in Europe and it’s not difficult to find a budget flight.

By land – Ukraine shares a border with:

• European Union: Hungary, Romania, Poland and Slovakia. Crossing these borders should be very easy, with no secret procedures.
• Belarus : You can cross the border but be aware that the visa on arrival (for Belarus) is only available if you fly in & out from Minsk so, if you want to enter/exit Ukraine via Belarus, you need to apply for a Belarussian visa at the embassy.
• Moldova: Countless borders to choose from but most people seem to prefer taking the train from Odesa to Chisinau. I personally entered Ukraine from the northern Moldovan border, near Chernivtsi, on my way to the Carpathians. Read my Moldova travel guide .
• Russia: Despite the ongoing conflict, the border is open. Check this report to find out how to do it.

By sea – There is the possibility of traveling to Ukraine by ferry from Batumi (Georgia) to Odesa. There are two companies offering this service, Ukrferry , and Ferrysped , and detailed schedules may be found on their websites. A ticket costs around 100USD. Read my travel guide to Georgia .

🚑 Travel insurance for Ukraine

For Ukraine, get IATI Insurance because:

• All types of plans: from families to backpackers
• Covers both short-term trips and up to 1-year long trips.
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount .

Ukraine and Russia: What the hell is going on

CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW WHEN YOU TRAVEL IN UKRAINE Ukraine is not Russia!

Ukraine is not Russia the same way that Canada is not the USA or New Zealand is not Australia.

Sure, they share a good piece of history and some cultural aspects, but you don’t need to spend much time in the country to realize that they are indeed very different, especially when you travel in Western Ukraine, which wasn’t part of the USSR until the end of WWII.

Ukrainians are particularly sensitive on this topic, to the extent that they even get offended when you write Kiev instead of Kyiv, as Kiev is the direct Russian transliteration, even though both terms are accepted in English.

The Ukraine-Russia war

Today, as you may know, there is an ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

It is an actual war.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea to themselves and yes, Crimea isn’t part of Ukraine anymore.

Their map has changed and whatever Ukrainian map in which you see Crimea, is already outdated – unfortunately .

Nowadays, the ongoing conflict is happening in another region named Donbas, a historical region in eastern Ukraine, today covering Donetsk and Lugansk provinces (oblasts).

Most people living in these provinces are ethnically Russian and, after Crimea was annexed to Russia, these pro-Russian people declared their independence from Ukraine and the problem arose when Russia decided to support the rebels.

I don’t know what the end of this will be of this but Ukraine’s map might be altered again in the next few years.

These are reasons why, in the rest of Ukraine, especially in the West, the people absolutely despise the Russian Government and don’t like it when foreigners identify Ukrainian culture as a mere variant or extension of Russian, so be aware of that.

Culture, people, language, and religion

Modern Ukraine as it is known today, with its current borders had never existed before the country got its independence in 1991.

Over the centuries, different parts of the country have been ruled by different civilizations, from the Kievan Rus – a federation found by Slavic people which Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus claim their cultural ancestors come from – to the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia – which used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Poland and it was only annexed to the USSR after WWII .

Ukrainians claim that their modern culture directly derives from both the Kievan Rus and the Kingdom of Galicia, so their traditional culture is a mix of east and west – well, not that western but Central European – and their traditional clothes are named vyshyvanka , which are also worn in Belarus and are quite similar to Polish and Moldovan ones.

During the independence day, sometime at the end of August, I noticed that many Ukrainians were wearing the vyshyvanka.

The people: Ukrainians

Some travelers say that Ukrainians are serious, or that they can sometimes be unfriendly, but this is just a classic Soviet attitude, seen in other former Soviet countries as well.

Yes, some of them do look serious but, once you get to know them, Ukrainians are great people and are very hospitable as well, especially in the rural areas.

In the Carpathians, for example, we were randomly hosted by some locals who followed us on Instagram and their level of hospitality was comparable to that you experience when traveling in Iran 😉

Ukrainian is the official language and, in order to understand how it differs from Russian, take Spanish and Portuguese as examples.

Many Portuguese understand Spanish and vice-versa because both languages are very close but very different at the same time, same as with Ukrainian and Russian.

The Russian language, however, is widely spoken across the country and, in Donbas and the Crimea it is also recognized as an official language along with Ukrainian.

In Western Ukraine, Ukrainian is the language that prevails.

By the way, Ukrainians use the Cyrillic alphabet and if you can’t read it yet, I strongly recommend you do learn it, because it will be a real game-changer for traveling in Ukraine.

Most Ukrainians belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and they affirm that this is the original Church of ancient Kievan Rus .

Something that surprised me about Ukraine was that religion plays a very important role in their society, more than any other European country I have been to.

In smaller towns and cities, churches are packed with young people during Sunday services and in big cities such as Kiev or Lviv, while the young generation doesn’t really practice their religion, they do believe in God, generally speaking.

Visiting the endless churches and amazing Orthodox complexes will always be one of the highlights of any Ukraine travel guide and I highly recommend you go to Pochaiv, the second holiest monastery in the country, after Kiev Lavra, but the one in Pochaiv is nicer, for the simple reason that it is bigger and located in a rural, mystical area.

🍲 Food in Ukraine

Ukrainian cuisine isn’t the highlight of the country but it is all right, not bad at all.

Sometimes it is difficult to determine which dishes are Ukrainian and which ones are Russian, as you can find them in both countries but in any case, Ukrainian cuisine is hearty and made for feeding masses.

Some Ukrainian foods you are likely to taste during your trip

• Borsch – The national food which they are most proud of is borsch , a beetroot soup widely eaten across all the former USSR, but Ukrainians affirm and re-affirm it is originally from Ukraine, and I believe them, because borsch is nowhere else as available as on Ukrainian menus; well maybe in Belarus as well. Borsch is the way to go and it is traditionally served with sour cream and with something named salo .
• Salo – Slices of pork fat, very salty and very popular. Ukrainians find it a real delicacy but I don’t like it.
• Varenyky – When you don’t know what to order, you order varenyky , the classic dumplings available in many Slavic countries, but they always differ in shape, filling and have different names. Ukrainian varenyky are usually filled with brynza (local cheese) or potatoes.
• Syrniki – Typically eaten for breakfast or brunch, these are some small, thick, local pancakes filled with cottage cheese, but they can also contain apple and other ingredients.
• Chicken Kyiv – This was weird, and not my favorite, but it is very traditional. It consists of fried chicken filled with dairy butter and herbs. A real bomb.

And there’s more.

Local restaurants in big cities will have many other choices but, in the rural areas, the options will be limited to borsch and varenyky.

I once had borsch + varenyky for 4 days in a row!

Then, in the Western part of the country, since that area used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and then Poland, traditional dishes are more Central European, so you find things like goulash , whereas in the Carpathians, you find Moldovan and Romanian dishes such as banusz .

This blog is purely about Ukrainian food and has some really good information.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Ukraine?

Because of recent events, some people may perceive Ukraine as a dangerous destination to travel to but trust me, it is not.

Maidan protests (2014)

In 2014, Kiev witnessed a series of protests against the Government that lasted for more than 3 months, resulting in several peaceful demonstrators being murdered by the police.

It was crazy and such was the gravity of those protests and repression, that they were all over the international news for weeks.

During those 3 months, traveling to Kiev wasn’t recommended, of course, but this was a past episode that ended with the Prime Minister Yanukovych fleeing the country and the celebration of new elections

As we previously discussed, there is a conflict going on in Donetsk and Lugansk, in which according to the UN, more than 13,000 people have died as of 2019 .

The war, however, solely affects those two provinces, doesn’t go beyond them and, even if you wanted to go there, you couldn’t because foreigners aren’t allowed anymore.

Other than that, besides all the regular crime-related stuff, such as pickpocketing, that happens in any city – or the problem with Ukraine brides , but that’s another story – traveling in Ukraine is safe, very safe, and any Ukrainian will tell you that.

💻 Internet and connectivity in Ukraine

Ukraine has amazing 4G coverage and getting a SIM Card is very straightforward, as they didn’t even ask me for my passport.

I personally bought Lifecell, but Kyivstar seems to be the most popular one.

Prices are ridiculously cheap and I think I paid around 75UAH (3€) for a SIM Card packed with 4GB of data.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Ukraine

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Ukraine . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Ukraine

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Ukraine. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money in Ukraine

In Ukraine, they use the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) and, approximately:

1 USD = 36.74 UAH

Credit cards are generally accepted anywhere and most banks will accept international cards, even though they tend to charge a small fee.

How much does it cost to travel in Ukraine?

As per costs, Ukraine is a cheap country to travel around, especially because their currency has devalued massively since the Crimea crisis, when 1€ used to be equal to 10UAH.

Backpacking budget for Ukraine:

Assuming you stay in dorms and eat in budget cafeterias, you can easily travel in Ukraine for 25€ a day .

Typical costs (approx.)

• Dorm in a budget hostel: 200 UAH
• Budget apartment in Kiev or Lviv: from 600 UAH
• Local meal in a cafeteria: 100UAH
• Local beer: 40UAH
• Night train from Lviv to Odesa economical class: 200 UAH

🛺 Transportation tips: How to travel around Ukraine

The country is big but the public transportation system is great, which makes traveling in Ukraine fairly easy.

Soviet trains at their best. Amazing way to see the vastness of the country.

If you have traveled in other Soviet countries such as Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan or Russia itself, their train system doesn’t vary much. In fact, it is the same.

You can get to pretty much any city but do book your tickets in advance, especially during high season, as the cheap ones run out quickly.

There are different types of carriages but the Soviet system has 3 classes:

• berth: no compartments but bunk beds are placed all over the carriage.
• compartment: 4-bed compartment.
• deluxe: 2-bed fancy compartment.

If you have never ridden a Soviet train, I recommend you travel in berth .

In case you are wondering, economical class in Ukraine (berth) isn’t like in India or Sri Lanka, not even close. They provide you with clean bed linen and the beds are relatively comfortable.

You can check prices, timings and book your ticket on this link (official governmental site).

By marshrutka

Marshrutka means minivan in Russian and you may use them when going to smaller towns.

If you count by kilometer, it is much more expensive than traveling by train and around 5 times more uncomfortable, but if you are getting deep into Ukraine, this might be your only choice more often than you think.

Apparently, buses also run between major cities but I don’t see a good reason for taking them, apart from when train tickets to your destination are sold out but in any case, for long distances, it is also recommended to book your ticket in advance.

Anyways, you can book your tickets on this website .

❗ More information for traveling to Ukraine

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Ukraine destination

• Travel Guide to Chernobyl
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Lviv Travel Guide
• Ukraine Itinerary

Travel guides to former Soviet countries

• Georgia Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Moldova
• Azerbaijan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
• Travel Guide to Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Kazakhstan Travel Guide

I hope you enjoyed my Ukraine travel blog. Please, leave a comment for any questions you might have.

10 comments

Awesome guide on traveling Ukraine! As a Ukrainian, I can say that information you provided is useful and accurate. Keep on that track! 🙂

Thanks Irina, I am happy that you like this post as an Ukrainian 🙂

Una vez más, Joan, nos dejas con ganas de más.

It would be great if I could actually read the content on the site without the pop up! I

You mentioned in another guide that you see a lot of misery in Ukraine, but you didn’t mention it in this guide. I think it’d be interesting to include more information like that.

I want to travel to Odesa from Romania by car. How would I do that?

Excuse me, but the Donbas conflict wasn’t started because “Most people living in these provinces are ethnically Russian and […] declared their independence from Ukraine and the problem arose when Russia decided to support the rebels.” Russia started the rebellion itself, pretending it to be started by those Ukrainians, just as Russia did it with all other neighboring countries, where they have disputed areas. I have a lot of friends in all parts of Ukraine, and I know what I’m talking about. And it wasn’t Prime-Minister Yanukovych who fleed, he was the President.

This blog post is very outdates and in many sections factually wrong, I don’t know why google is recommending this as if it was recently updated, when it obviously isn’t keeping up with the latest developments in Ukraine.

Im jone ukraine diffens

The correct spelling is KYIV

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

• Backpacking Venezuela Travel Guide (2024)
• How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)
• How to visit Los Llanos in Venezuela
• How to visit Angel Falls and Canaima National Park
• Things to do in Haiti in a 1-week itinerary

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Ukraine Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 4, 2023

In recent years, Ukraine has evolved into a popular budget travel destination. While it might not have the polish and attractions you find in Western Europe, it more than makes up for that with cheap prices, beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, and sparse crowds.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and is actually Europe’s second-largest country, after Russia. Its history includes domination by various countries other than USSR including Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Russia.

Ukraine is home to the deepest metro station in the world, one of the world’s most visited McDonald’s, and some of Europe’s oldest coffee houses. There are seven places here that have been recognized by UNESCO, it has tons of ghost towns here and you can also find the famous Tunnel of Love. While the recent annexation of Crimea by Russia means you’ll want to be careful around the borders with Russia, the country itself is still safe to travel.

Personally, I didn’t have many expectations for when I arrived — but I absolutely loved my time here. It’s affordable, fun, and has a lot to offer if you step off the beaten path. The people are really welcoming, the country is inexpensive, and there’s a real sense of stepping back in time as you explore the cities and countryside. I can’t praise it enough.

This travel guide to Ukraine can help you plan your trip there while helping you stay on budget.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Ukraine

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in ukraine.

1. Visit the Tunnel of Love in Klevan

Just outside of Klevan, an old railway line has been turned into a natural tunnel lined it with trees. The tunnel is at its lushest during the spring and summer when the green leaves form a seemingly impenetrable barrier. It’s very beautiful and romantic (and Insta-worthy). Plus, it’s free!

2. Go skiing

Ukraine has cold, snowy winters that make it the perfect destination for budget-friendly winter sports. There are several resorts dotting the Carpathians with lift tickets starting at just 350 UAH. It’s one of the cheapest places to ski in Europe!

3. Explore Chernobyl

This nuclear plant had a critical meltdown in 1986. It was one of the worst nuclear disaster in human history. The radiation is weak enough now that people to visit the complex and the abandoned, ghost-like town nearby. Tours cost about 2,900 UAH and last a full day.

4. Visit Kyiv

The capital of Ukraine is home to an odd mix of Soviet-area communist housing, Baroque buildings, and cobblestone streets. For theater lovers, the Kyiv Opera House is host to world-class operas and ballets and the Ivan Franko Theater hosts dramas, comedies, and musicals.

5. Hike the Carpathian Mountains

One of the most popular destinations in the country, this 1,500-kilometer (932-mile) chain of mountains are a magical collection of forests, meadows, and villages. There are lakes for swimming and plenty of trails for hiking. For a full-day hike, climb to the peak of Hoverla.

Other Things to See and Do in Ukraine

1. visit chernivtsi university.

Founded in 1875, this university is the most fascinating piece of architecture in Chernivtsi, a city in western Ukraine. It’s constructed from beautifully-laid red bricks and decorated with thousands of colored tiles. The design of the building was influenced by a pseudo-Byzantine-Hanseatic-Moorish style. You can book guided tours from the university for 80 UAH.

2. Relax at Arcadia Beach

This is the country’s most famous beach. Located in Odessa, it was created to be the country’s main summer getaway spot so there’s a multitude of bars, clubs, resorts, and cafes here, making it a popular place to visit during the warmer summer months (May-September). The main beach has a waterslide and plenty of space to swim and lounge. Just be sure to arrive early to get a good spot as it does get crowded in the summer.

3. Wander the Odessa catacombs

This is the largest catacomb system in the world. There are over 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) of catacombs under the city, created in the 17th century and expanded when the city mined for limestone in the early 19th century (the limestone was used to build the city). The catacombs were used by Soviet rebels during World War II after the Germans forced them to retreat. While dangerous to explore alone (people still get lost and die down here), you can join a 2-4-hour tour to show you around. Prices start at 350 UAH. For Star Wars fans, be sure to check out the nearby statue that was originally a tribute to Lenin and which has been transformed into a replica of Darth Vader! The Odessa Opera and Ballet is worth a visit too as it is super cheap and in a beautiful historic building.

4. See the Bohdan & Varvara Khanenko Arts Museum

Located in Kyiv, this museum hosts an impressive collection of European art. The interior is decadently coated in frescoes, intricately-carved woodwork, priceless antique furniture, and boasts an array of masterful art. Expect to see paintings from Western Europe (including works by Peter Paul Rubens, Gentile Bellini, Jacob Jordaens, and Luis de Morales), artifacts, and works from Egyptian and Greek antiquity, Persian Ceramics, Chinese paintings, and much more! Admission is 120 UAH and free on the first Wednesday of the month.

5. Hang out in Ploshcha Svobody

Located in Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, this massive city square is one of the largest in the world. At the western end stands the first Soviet skyscraper, complete with geometrically-set concrete and glass blocks and bridges. Renamed Freedom Square after Ukrainian independence, it spans a massive 30 acres. Don’t miss the empty pedestal where the statue of Lenin used to be (it was toppled during protests in 2014).

6. Spot wildlife at Askania-Nova Reserve

Established in 1898, this vast reserve spans over 333 square kilometers (128 sq mi)and is home to a plethora of animal life like buffalo, deer, antelope, horses, zebras, camels, gnus, the rare Central Asian Saiga antelope, and a huge array of birds. Within the reserve, there are a few small villages and one town which you can reach by bus. From April to November you can take a safari for around 150 UAH.

7. See Lutsk Castle

This fortress is located in Lutsk’s old quarter and dates back to the 14th century. The castle walls stand 13 meters (42 feet) high and are between 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) thick. It’s topped with three broad towers that have repelled several sieges, including attacks by Casimir the Great (1349), Jogaila (1431), and Sigismund K stutaitis (1436). During the Nazi occupation, over 1,000 Jews were murdered here (though there sadly is no monument or marker to commemorate the tragedy). Today, there are archeological remains dating back to the 12th century preserved and on display. The castle is featured on the 200 UAH bill and you can walk the ramparts and tour the three towers that make up the main defensive fortifications. Admission is 10 UAH.

8. Visit the National Chernobyl Museum

Located in Kyiv, this small museum is a good prelude to a trip to Chernobyl. There are three exhibits on display that highlight the accident, the aftermath, and the lessons we need to learn to avoid this happening again. It’s equally sobering and educational. Admission is 10 UAH or 60 UAH with an audio guide.

9. Visit the Museum of the Great Patriotic War

This is one of the largest museums in Ukraine and highlights the story of the German-Soviet conflict during World War II. Located in Kyiv, the museum contains over 300,000 exhibits as well as several monuments and memorials spanning over 25 acres overlooking the Dnieper River (including the 62-meter-tall Motherland statue). This museum offers a sobering and unique look at the war’s Eastern conflict. Admission is 50 UAH.

10. Tour St. Sophia’s Cathedral

Built in the 11th century in Kyiv, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has an elaborate Baroque exterior with 13 golden domes. Inside the cathedral, there are beautiful murals, mosaics, and centuries-old frescoes. The cathedral was used as a burial place for Kyivan rulers during the Middle Ages. Named after Hagia Sophia in Turkey, the cathedral offers some stunning views over Kyiv from the bell tower. Admission to see the cathedral’s museum is 20 UAH while access to the bell tower is 60 UAH.

11. Visit Lviv

Lviv is the cultural capital of Ukraine. Located 540 kilometers (335 miles) west of Kyiv, it has a Central European vibe and is full of history and incredible architecture. Don’t miss wandering the Old Town (another place that has made UNESCO’s World Heritage List), visiting the Lviv Historical Museum, and enjoying the view from High Castle. For a glimpse at the city’s past, visit the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life (it’s an outdoor museum with all kinds of traditional wooden buildings). As a university town, it’s a youthful city and hosts many of the country’s foreign students from around Europe!

12. Take a walking tour

One of my favorite things to do when I arrive anywhere new is to take a walking tour. It’s the best way to get your bearings and you might even meet and make some new friends. Kyiv Walking Tours, Guru Walk, and Free Tour all offer free walking tours in Kyiv covering most of the main points of interest. If you do take a free tour, be sure to tip your guide at the end! Get Your Guide also has a ton of tours around the country, including museum tours and trips to Chernobyl!

13. Go to a unique museum

Ukraine has to be home to some of the most interesting museums in the world. There’s a museum dedicated to the Ukrainian Easter egg in Kolomyya, a Museum of Unnecessary Things in Kyiv, a Micro Miniature Museum in Kyiv, and a Toilet History Museum in Kyiv. While we’re looking at random places and things, check out the giant crossword in Lviv, the brass Beer Belly of Ukraine (also in Lviv), and the statues of Peeing Colors in Kyiv.

14. Check out the sunflower fields

Sunflower oil is one of Ukraine’s largest exports. Reportedly with enough fields of sunflowers to cover Slovenia, it isn’t too hard to find one. Go in late July for the best views (the season lasts from July to mid-August).

Ukraine Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels start at 130-250 UAH for a bed in a 6-10-bed dorm. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have a kitchen. For a private room, prices start at 260 UAH.

Budget hotels start at 560 UAH per night. You can find cheaper options but they tend to be pretty gross places. Most budget hotels are a little outdated when it comes to decor. Don’t expect many amenities either.

Airbnb is available in larger cities throughout the country. Private rooms start at 520 UAH per night while an entire home/apartment costs at 1,000 UAH.

Wild camping is allowed in Ukraine, as long as you aren’t in nature preserves or near highways. There are also plenty of campgrounds around the country with a basic plot (without electricity) costing from 60-600 UAH per night.

Food – Food in Ukraine is similar to that in neighboring Eastern Europe and Russia. Borscht (beetroot soup), varenyky (pierogies), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), kovbasa (sausage), and deruny (potato pancakes) are some of the most popular and most common dishes.

For a meal of traditional cuisine, expect to pay 145 UAH or less. Portions are filling and hearty too. Fast food (like McDonald’s) can be found in the larger cities around the country and costs around 120 UAH for a combo meal. For Thai or Indian food, main dishes cost around 200 UAH. Expect to pay around 180 UAH for a large pizza.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal of traditional cuisine costs around 300 UAH. Beer can be found for just 30 UAH while a latte or cappuccino costs around 35 UAH.

For a week of groceries that includes pasta, vegetables, chicken, and seasonal produce, expect to pay around 750 UAH.

Backpacking Ukraine Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Ukraine, my suggested budget is 885 UAH per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, doing free activities like walking tours and hiking, limiting your drinking, visiting some cheap attractions like museums or galleries, and using local transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of 2,425 UAH per day, you can stay in a budget hotel or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at cheap restaurants serving traditional cuisine, go out for some drinks, take some guided tours, take the occasional taxi to get around and take the bus between cities, and tour of Chernobyl.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,950 UAH or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out at any restaurant you want, rent a car or take taxis everywhere, take higher-end guided tours, drink as much as you want, go skiing, take domestic flights to get around the country, and see as many castles and museums as you can handle. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in UAH.

Ukraine Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ukraine is an affordable country to visit. You’re going to be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money unless you go out of your way to do so. That said, it’s always good to make sure you get the best deals so here are some money-saving tips for Ukraine:

• Eat local – By eating at restaurants serving traditional cuisine, you keep your food expenses low. Skip the western food.
• Buy beer at the supermarkets – If you plan on drinking, buy your beer at the supermarket. Beer at the bar is cheap, but this is even cheaper!
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to meet awesome people, get a local perspective, and get a place to stay for free. I used it while I was in the country and met a lot of great people through it. The community here is pretty small so be sure to make your requests in advance.
• Book overnight trains – Take advantage of the slow and cheap trains in Ukraine by taking overnight trains. You save one night’s accommodation by doing this.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is way cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi. Currently, Uber is available in Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhia, and Dnipro.
• Get the Kyiv PASS – If you’re planning on being in Kyiv for a few days, the Kyiv PASS gets you free admissions to certain attractions, discounts to partner restaurants, free Metro trips (offline cards only), and an audio guide. It’s available for 24, 48, and 72 hours and costs 447 UAH, 746 UAH, and 1,045 UAH respectively.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Ukraine is not safe to drink. Avoid single-use plastic by bringing a reusable water bottle with a filter with you. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles that also filter your water so it’s safe and clean to drink — no matter where you are in the world!
• Take a free walking tour – Kyiv Walking Tours offers a free tour around the city. It’s the best way to see the main sights on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide!

Where to Stay in Ukraine

Ukraine has a growing hostel scene and you can now find hostels in most of the larger cities. Here are my favorite places to stay around the country:

• Gar’is Hostel (Kyiv)
• DREAM Hostel (Kyiv)
• Mama Hostel (Odessa)
• Park Plus Hostel (Lviv)
• Yard Hostel & Coffee (Chernivtsi)

How to Get Around Ukraine

Bus – Ukraine has a mix of small, crowded, and outdated buses as well as larger, more modern coaches. FlixBus is your best choice here, as their buses are clean, reliable, and cheap.

You can take a bus pretty much anywhere in the country for under 700 UAH although if you’re prepared to change busses mid-way, the price can be half that.

Trains – Trains are perfect for longer journeys around the country. Many of the trains have an old, Soviet feel to them but they are safe, reliable, and cheap. And, because there are lots of overnight options, you can usually take an overnight train to save yourself a night of accommodation.

First-class couchettes, private and shared sleepers, and regular seats are all available. Most clerks do not speak English so buy your ticket online or have your hostel/hotel write down what you need/where you’re going.

The 9-hour trip from Kyiv to Odessa can cost as little as 300 UAH. The 7-hour trip from Kyiv to Lviv costs about the same while the 13-hour journey from Kyiv to Loskutivka (near Luhansk) costs 340 UAH.

Air – Ukraine International Airlines is the main domestic carrier here. Flights are relatively affordable, with most domestic flights costing as little as 1,000 UAH.

Car Rental – Car rentals in Ukraine can be found for as little as 575 UAH per day for a multi-day rental. The roads here are in rough shape, however, so drive carefully. Additionally, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a vehicle here.

When to Go to Ukraine

The summer is the most popular time to visit Ukraine. June-August offers plenty of warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 18-24°C (64-75°F). This is also the busiest time of year as well. However, the country only sees around 14 million tourists each year (that’s a fraction of the 90 million visitors a popular destination like France receives) so don’t expect massive crowds.

If you want to avoid the peak summer season, consider visiting in May or September/October. It won’t be as warm, but you can see the flowers blossom in the Carpathians or watch the leaves change in the autumn. It’s chilly at night, but the days are still perfect for sightseeing and hiking.

The winters in Ukraine are cold, with temperatures well below 0°C (32°F). Unless you’re here to ski or do winter sports, I’d avoid visiting in the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Ukraine

Crime and petty theft in Ukraine are on par with much of Europe. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity so as long as you keep your valuables out of reach when in crowded areas and on public transportation, you can avoid the most common issues. Don’t flash your valuables when out and about and avoid walking alone at night in the larger cities just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though they should take the standard precautions (not leaving their drink unattended at the bar, not walking home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Credit card fraud is a concern in Ukraine so stick to using ATMs inside of banks (and not random ATMs on the street).

The roads here are pretty terrible, so be extra careful if renting a car. Follow all the rules of the road, obey the speed limits, and wear a seatbelt. Drivers here are aggressive so be prepared. Also, don’t leave your valuables in your vehicle overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

With the rise of the far-right and Russian interference, attacks against people of color have been on the rise. Travelers of color need to take extra precautions and avoid traveling alone at night.

The war with Russia in Crimea is localized to the region (for now) so as long as you avoid visiting Crimea (which you need a special permit for) you won’t have to worry. While it is possible to visit Crimea (and there is a lot to see there), most governments have issued warnings and don’t provide assistance should an issue arise. In short, avoid visiting Crimea for now.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 102 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ukraine Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Ukraine Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

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

View Alerts and Messages Archive

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.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, ukraine map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• News & Views
• Innovation Hub
• Responsible Business

Virgin Media O2 extends its support for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

Measures include emergency connectivity solutions, zero rating educational resources and donations to support relief efforts at home and abroad

As one of the UK’s largest businesses we are committed to playing our part in helping those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. That’s why we’ve taken a range of actions – from providing devices and data to those relying on vital connectivity at this time, to working with and donating to expert charity partners who are assisting with relief efforts and enabling our people to help where they can.

Charitable donations and support of more than £800,000

Making a difference with charity donations and providing connectivity to those in need

In light of the escalating conflict and growing humanitarian impacts in the region, we have increased our donation to the  DEC  (Disasters Emergency Committee)  Appeal for Ukraine. This money will help support humanitarian relief efforts being run by 15 of the UK’s leading aid charities and NGOs working on the ground in affected areas, specialising in different areas of disaster response to provide targeted support.

We’ve also formed a new partnership with  Jangala , a UK-based charity that enables internet access for people in need of urgent humanitarian aid, providing them with two years of funding. This will initially be used to establish an ‘Emergency Deployment’ connectivity programme for Ukrainians through the distribution of  ‘Big Boxes’  – lightweight briefcase-sized devices that transform any form of internet connectivity into Wi-Fi that can be managed and scaled for thousands of users.  The boxes will be deployed along the Polish border to support those fleeing the conflict and to help humanitarian efforts in the area.

As part of our ongoing work with the National Databank, powered by  Good Things Foundation , we have committed to providing free mobile data to Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK, alongside those from other conflict zones, to enable them to easily get online and stay in contact with friends and family.

In addition, through our  Community Calling programme with Hubbub , we’ve boosted our contribution to the charity  Migrant Help ,  who are already in receipt of 1250 devices and free data for refugees and asylum seekers here in the UK. We intend to gift a further 5000 devices (on top of the 1,250 already rehomed) along with free data to help them respond to the needs of incoming asylum seekers and refugees, including those arriving from the Ukraine, as well as additional investment in the charity to support their broader digital inclusion activities.

Helping our people make a difference

As the impact of the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, our employees have been telling us they’re keen to help.  Our Take Five employee volunteering programme enables our people to take up to five days of paid leave to volunteer in communities across the UK.

In partnership with Neighbourly, we’re signposting our people to relevant charities and community organisations who are leading the humanitarian relief effort in the UK, including refugee-supporting organisations in the towns and cities where our offices are based.

Our thoughts remain with those impacted by this conflict. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep under review any additional measures of support that Virgin Media O2 can offer.

Subscribe for Alerts

• Financial results
• Press releases

By completing this form, you agree to Virgin Media O2 using your details for the intended purpose.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

More articles

Press release

26 April 2024

Virgin Media O2 has removed 65 tonnes of single-use plastic from its operations and products since 2021 – the equivalent weight of…

25 April 2024

  Virgin Media O2 Business has today published its Q1 Movers Index, revealing Gen Z’s rising office attendance as companies introduce money-saving…

22 April 2024

By Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Virgin Media O2  Today marks the 54th celebration of Earth Day, a day set out to…

(anything related to Virgin Media specific services)

(anything related to O2 specific services)

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Take That review – oddly packaged pop still packs a wallop

O2 Arena, London There’s some magic amid the cheese as the trio revisit a stacked catalogue of hits – and gamely give their old choreography a go

I t’s difficult to say exactly what Take That are going for on their This Life tour: a 41-date behemoth that has shifted more than 700,000 tickets. Video interstitials show the three remaining members doing their very best at acting in retrofuturist infomercials. The set is sometimes done up like a 1950s sitcom, sometimes just with sterile white staircases. At times we’re at a pop show and at others a museum retrospective. It’s confusing packaging for three decades’ worth of songs.

But you simply have to relinquish reason and give into the vibe, which is Butlins’ redcoats doing Britain’s Got Talent. The trio emerge dressed like youth pastors by way of Balenciaga for a downbeat start to the show, but soon nudge it up a gear with crowd favourites nestled among the new material. Gary Barlow makes the most sense when he’s safely ensconced behind a piano, bashing out a ballad. A Million Love Songs absolutely shines, while Back for Good sounds as good as it ever has – which is very. Barlow never delivered these songs with much in the way of youthful energy, so the intervening 30 years have taken nothing from them.

The eras section, which comes with enthusiastic narration, a fake phonecall bit and never once mentions Robbie Williams or Jason Orange, is a fun if incomplete history of Britain’s most unlikely boyband. They gamely give the original Pray choreo a go, and for some reason their slinkiest hit, Sure, gets a big-band breakdown before lurching back in the direction of R&B to end. “Oh, you’re enjoying the 90s stuff,” Barlow says, with the undeniable air of a local radio DJ giving it everything he’s got.

There is still no question that beyond the 90s stuff, Shine is an absolute roof-raising banger (despite the urge to buy discount products from big box retailers hanging over it), and The Flood comes into its own on the stage, crackling with energy. Each member gets his moment in the spotlight – Owen’s solo hit Clementine is when he really comes alive, while Donald’s mournful rendition of Speak Without Words (“Well, this never got released but here it is anyway”) is a reminder that his own solo career never took off.

after newsletter promotion

Amid the cheese and baffling stagecraft, there are further flashes of magic. Never Forget is a reminder of the power Take That wield: a slow burn, a heady shot of nostalgia and a euphoric passing of the baton to whatever comes next. They’ve come a long way – but they’re still not too sure where they’ve been.

• Pop and rock
• live music reviews

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• - K-town Now
• Asia-Pacific
• - Storm Tracker
• Middle East
• Map of Memorials
• Entertainment
• - Video Games
• Europe Travel
• - Quick Trips
• - After Hours
• Pacific Travel
• The Meat and Potatoes of Life
• U.S. Travel
• Storm Tracker
• Rewards for readers
• Get Stripes
• Stripes Lite
• Archives/Library
• Special Publications
• Mobile Apps
• Email Newsletters
• Digital Access
• Home Delivery
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• Archive photo of the day
• - Schedules Europe
• - Scoreboards Europe
• - Schedules Pacific
• - Scoreboards Pacific
• - Pacific Sports Blog
• - Military Matters
• - Force for Hire
• Out of Uniform
• Communities
• Stripes Europe
• Stripes Guam
• Stripes Japan
• Stripes Korea
• Stripes Okinawa
• Our Other Websites
• In Memoriam
• Month of the Military Child
• Best of Germany
• Best of the Pacific
• Letters to Santa

Ukraine’s army chief reports tactical retreat in the east and warns of front-line pressure

Nurses clean up after a Russian attack on mental hospital No. 3 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Andrii Marienko/AP)

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country’s army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.

Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian forces continue to attack “along the entire front line” of more than 620 miles, with pitched battles raging west of Avdiivka, the eastern city they took in February after a grueling, monthslong fight.

“The most difficult situation is in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, where fierce battles continue,” Syrskyi’s said in an update posted to the Telegram messaging app, referencing two Ukrainian-held cities in the war-torn Donetsk region, once a hub of industry.

“The enemy has engaged up to four brigades in these directions, is trying to develop an offensive west of Avdiivka and Marinka, making its way to Pokrovsk and Kurakhove,” Syrskyi added. “Units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, preserving the lives and health of our defenders, moved to new frontiers west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka.”

Two of these front-line villages lie less than 31 miles east of Pokrovsk, while the third is located just over 19 miles by road from Kurakhove.

A Washington-based think tank predicted late Saturday that Russian forces “will likely make significant tactical gains in the coming weeks,” as acute ammunition shortages continue to hobble Ukraine’s defense efforts.

In its latest operational assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said that Moscow’s forces have opportunities to push forward around Avdiivka, and also threaten nearby Chasiv Yar. Its capture would give Russia control of a hilltop from which it can attack other key cities forming the backbone of Ukraine’s eastern defenses.

Despite this, the think tank assessed that neither of these efforts by Moscow are likely to cause Kyiv’s defensive lines to collapse “in the near term.”

The Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday confirmed that Moscow’s troops had taken a village about 9 miles north of Avdiivka, days after the war institute reported on its likely capture early on Thursday. That day’s assessment described Moscow’s gains as “relatively quick but still relatively marginal,” adding that Russian troops had advanced by no more than 3 miles over the previous week.

U.S. President Joe Biden promised on Wednesday that U.S. weapons shipments would begin making their way into Ukraine within hours, as he signed into law a $95 billion measure — $61 billion of which was allocated for Ukraine — that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hot spots. The announcement marked an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

Elsewhere, Russian drones struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Mykolaiv early Sunday, setting a hotel ablaze and damaging infrastructure, according to local officials.

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Ukraine’s southern Mykolaiv province, said that the drones “seriously damaged” a hotel in its namesake capital, sparking a fire that was later extinguished. Kim also reported that the strike damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city. He added that there were no casualties.

Russian state agency RIA reported that the strike on Mykolaiv targeted a shipyard where naval drones are assembled, as well as a hotel housing “English-speaking mercenaries” who have fought for Kyiv. The RIA report cited Sergei Lebedev, described as a coordinator of local pro-Moscow guerrillas. His comments couldn’t be independently verified.

Also on Sunday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 17 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight over four regions in the country’s southwest. Three drones were intercepted near an oil depot in Lyudinovo, an industrial town about 143 miles north of the Ukrainian border, Gov. Vladislav Shapsha said.

One of the Ukrainian drones damaged communications infrastructure in Russia’s southern Belgorod province, which borders Ukraine, Gov. Vyachaslav Gladkov said later on Sunday. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Sunday that its forces had destroyed ammunition depots and military equipment housed at three airports across Ukraine, including assault drones stored at Kamyanka Airfield in the country’s east. The ministry’s online update said the attacks took place over the last 24 hours. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv.

Russian shelling on Saturday and overnight wounded at least seven civilians across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. A 36-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble after Russian shells on Sunday morning destroyed her home in the northeastern Kharkiv region, the local administration reported. Her 52-year-old neighbor was also rushed to a hospital with a stomach wound, the administration said.

previous coverage

• Pummeled by airstrikes, Ukrainians in Kharkiv defy Russia by getting on with daily life
• US to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine as part of $6B in military aid
• Ukraine detains first minister in Zelenskyy’s graft crackdown

related stories

• With US aid resumed, Ukraine will try to dig itself out of trouble
• Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

World News | Ukraine’s army chief reports tactical retreat…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

• Latest News
• Environment
• Transportation

World News | Ukraine’s army chief reports tactical retreat in the east, and warns of front-line pressure

Nurses clean up in the room after a Russian attack on mental hospital №3 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)

A medical worker clean up a room after a Russian attack on mental hospital №3 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)

A young man walks past to partially destroyed building in Russian attacks in Borodyanka, north of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Borodyanka was occupied by Russian troops at the beginning of their full-scale invasion in 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A person walks next to partially destroyed buildings in Russian attacks in Borodyanka, north of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Borodyanka was occupied by Russian troops at the beginning of their full-scale invasion in 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

By SUSIE BLANN (Associated Press)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country’s army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.

Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian forces continue to attack “along the entire front line” of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), with pitched battles raging west of Avdiivka, the eastern city they took in February after a grueling, monthslong fight.

“The most difficult situation is in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, where fierce battles continue,” Syrskyi’s said in an update posted to the Telegram messaging app, referencing two Ukrainian-held cities in the war-torn Donetsk region, once a hub of industry.

“The enemy has engaged up to four brigades in these directions, is trying to develop an offensive west of Avdiivka and Marinka, making its way to Pokrovsk and Kurakhove,” Syrskyi added. “Units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, preserving the lives and health of our defenders, moved to new frontiers west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka.”

Two of these front-line villages lie less than 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Pokrovsk, while the third is located just over 30 kilometers (19 miles) by road from Kurakhove.

A Washington-based think tank predicted late Saturday that Russian forces “will likely make significant tactical gains in thec coming weeks,” as acute ammunition shortages continue to hobble Ukraine’s defense efforts.

In its latest operational assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said that Moscow’s forces have opportunities to push forward around Avdiivka, and also threaten nearby Chasiv Yar . Its capture would give Russia control of a hilltop from which it can attack other key cities forming the backbone of Ukraine’s eastern defenses.

Despite this, the think tank assessed that neither of these efforts by Moscow are likely to cause Kyiv’s defensive lines to collapse “in the near term.”

The Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday confirmed that Moscow’s troops had taken a village about 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of Avdiivka, days after the war institute reported on its likely capture early on Thursday. That day’s assessment described Moscow’s gains as “relatively quick but still relatively marginal,” adding that Russian troops had advanced by no more than 5 kilometers (3 miles) over the previous week.

U.S. President Joe Biden promised on Wednesday that U.S. weapons shipments would begin making their way into Ukraine within hours, as he signed into law a $95 billion measure — $61 billion of which was allocated for Ukraine — that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hot spots. The announcement marked an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

Elsewhere, Russian drones struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Mykolaiv early Sunday, setting a hotel ablaze and damaging infrastructure, according to local officials.

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Ukraine’s southern Mykolaiv province, said that the drones “seriously damaged” a hotel in its namesake capital, sparking a fire that was later extinguished. Kim also reported that the strike damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city. He added that there were no casualties.

Russian state agency RIA reported that the strike on Mykolaiv targeted a shipyard where naval drones are assembled, as well as a hotel housing “English-speaking mercenaries” who have fought for Kyiv. The RIA report cited Sergei Lebedev, described as a coordinator of local pro-Moscow guerrillas. His comments couldn’t be independently verified.

Also on Sunday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 17 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight over four regions in the country’s southwest. Three drones were intercepted near an oil depot in Lyudinovo, an industrial town about 230 kilometers (143 miles) north of the Ukrainian border, Gov. Vladislav Shapsha said.

One of the Ukrainian drones damaged communications infrastructure in Russia’s southern Belgorod province, which borders Ukraine, Gov. Vyachaslav Gladkov said later on Sunday. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Sunday that its forces had destroyed ammunition depots and military equipment housed at three airports across Ukraine, including assault drones stored at Kamyanka Airfield in the country’s east. The ministry’s online update said the attacks took place over the last 24 hours. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv.

Russian shelling on Saturday and overnight wounded at least seven civilians across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. A 36-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble after Russian shells on Sunday morning destroyed her home in the northeastern Kharkiv region, the local administration reported. Her 52-year-old neighbor was also rushed to a hospital with a stomach wound, the administration said.

Follow the AP’s coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in World News

World News | Biden and Netanyahu speak as pressure grows on Israel over Rafah invasion and cease-fire talks

World News | The US and China talk past each other on most issues, but at least they’re still talking

World News | Pro-Palestinian students have peacefully evacuated prestigious Paris university campus building

World News | As EU election campaigns kick off in Germany, the Ukraine war, rise of far right are dominant themes

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Premium Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

World News | Ukraine’s army chief reports tactical retreat…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

• Latest News
• Environment
• Transportation

World News | Ukraine’s army chief reports tactical retreat in the east, and warns of front-line pressure

Nurses clean up in the room after a Russian attack on mental hospital №3 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)

A medical worker clean up a room after a Russian attack on mental hospital №3 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko)

A young man walks past to partially destroyed building in Russian attacks in Borodyanka, north of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Borodyanka was occupied by Russian troops at the beginning of their full-scale invasion in 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A person walks next to partially destroyed buildings in Russian attacks in Borodyanka, north of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Borodyanka was occupied by Russian troops at the beginning of their full-scale invasion in 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

By SUSIE BLANN (Associated Press)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s troops have been forced to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the embattled east, the country’s army chief said Sunday, warning of a worsening battlefield situation as Ukrainian forces wait for much-needed arms from a huge U.S. aid package to reach combat zones.

Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian forces continue to attack “along the entire front line” of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), with pitched battles raging west of Avdiivka, the eastern city they took in February after a grueling, monthslong fight.

“The most difficult situation is in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, where fierce battles continue,” Syrskyi’s said in an update posted to the Telegram messaging app, referencing two Ukrainian-held cities in the war-torn Donetsk region, once a hub of industry.

“The enemy has engaged up to four brigades in these directions, is trying to develop an offensive west of Avdiivka and Marinka, making its way to Pokrovsk and Kurakhove,” Syrskyi added. “Units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, preserving the lives and health of our defenders, moved to new frontiers west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka.”

Two of these front-line villages lie less than 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Pokrovsk, while the third is located just over 30 kilometers (19 miles) by road from Kurakhove.

A Washington-based think tank predicted late Saturday that Russian forces “will likely make significant tactical gains in thec coming weeks,” as acute ammunition shortages continue to hobble Ukraine’s defense efforts.

In its latest operational assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said that Moscow’s forces have opportunities to push forward around Avdiivka, and also threaten nearby Chasiv Yar . Its capture would give Russia control of a hilltop from which it can attack other key cities forming the backbone of Ukraine’s eastern defenses.

Despite this, the think tank assessed that neither of these efforts by Moscow are likely to cause Kyiv’s defensive lines to collapse “in the near term.”

The Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday confirmed that Moscow’s troops had taken a village about 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of Avdiivka, days after the war institute reported on its likely capture early on Thursday. That day’s assessment described Moscow’s gains as “relatively quick but still relatively marginal,” adding that Russian troops had advanced by no more than 5 kilometers (3 miles) over the previous week.

U.S. President Joe Biden promised on Wednesday that U.S. weapons shipments would begin making their way into Ukraine within hours, as he signed into law a $95 billion measure — $61 billion of which was allocated for Ukraine — that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hot spots. The announcement marked an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

Elsewhere, Russian drones struck the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Mykolaiv early Sunday, setting a hotel ablaze and damaging infrastructure, according to local officials.

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Ukraine’s southern Mykolaiv province, said that the drones “seriously damaged” a hotel in its namesake capital, sparking a fire that was later extinguished. Kim also reported that the strike damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city. He added that there were no casualties.

Russian state agency RIA reported that the strike on Mykolaiv targeted a shipyard where naval drones are assembled, as well as a hotel housing “English-speaking mercenaries” who have fought for Kyiv. The RIA report cited Sergei Lebedev, described as a coordinator of local pro-Moscow guerrillas. His comments couldn’t be independently verified.

Also on Sunday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 17 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight over four regions in the country’s southwest. Three drones were intercepted near an oil depot in Lyudinovo, an industrial town about 230 kilometers (143 miles) north of the Ukrainian border, Gov. Vladislav Shapsha said.

One of the Ukrainian drones damaged communications infrastructure in Russia’s southern Belgorod province, which borders Ukraine, Gov. Vyachaslav Gladkov said later on Sunday. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Sunday that its forces had destroyed ammunition depots and military equipment housed at three airports across Ukraine, including assault drones stored at Kamyanka Airfield in the country’s east. The ministry’s online update said the attacks took place over the last 24 hours. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv.

Russian shelling on Saturday and overnight wounded at least seven civilians across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. A 36-year-old woman was pulled alive from the rubble after Russian shells on Sunday morning destroyed her home in the northeastern Kharkiv region, the local administration reported. Her 52-year-old neighbor was also rushed to a hospital with a stomach wound, the administration said.

Follow the AP’s coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in World News

World News | Biden and Netanyahu speak as pressure grows on Israel over Rafah invasion and cease-fire talks

World News | The US and China talk past each other on most issues, but at least they’re still talking

World News | Pro-Palestinian students have peacefully evacuated prestigious Paris university campus building

World News | As EU election campaigns kick off in Germany, the Ukraine war, rise of far right are dominant themes