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Update April 12, 2024

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Ukraine Travel Advisory

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.

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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.

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

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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 .
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If you are currently in Ukraine:

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5 reasons to visit Odessa, Ukraine

With the current situation in Ukraine, with a heavy heart, I strongly advise not visiting the country. This is the older, pre-war article and you can use it for future inspiration and information to plan a trip when it’s safe to visit Ukraine again.

I’ve been planning to visit Odessa, Ukraine for years yet always something went wrong.

I’ve had tickets for a long weekend at the Black Sea and two days before departure I got sick and had to cancel the trip.

Then I again had tickets to visit Odessa but the revolution tension in Ukraine was really big back then and the airline has suspended the flights – I could rebook for the later date which I did and guess what – I got sick again!

Third time’s a charm – I finally managed to visit Odessa in the summer time two years ago.

I took the train from Chisinau, Moldova via Transnistria .

It was a tiring journey – 5 hours on the wooden benches – but as soon as the train pulled into the station I felt a huge wave of excitement.

This is it, one of my travel dreams comes true, I’m finally visiting Odessa!

I really didn’t know what to expect from the city, had no expectations at all.

The only things I knew were the Black Sea harbor, Potemkin Steps my mother kept raving about and some random facts about the multicultural Odessa and its criminal past.

But I fall for the place very quick, from the moment I arrived and saw the magnificent building of the train station.

With each passing minute Odessa fascinated me more and more and I can’t even say why. It was city like no other I’ve visited before, didn’t look like other major Ukraine cities – Kyiv , Lviv or Ivano-Frankivsk – at all!

At times it reminded me of Old Tbilisi with its charming yards but soon it felt like a completely different, one of a kind place.

I’ve spent 2 summer days in Odessa but I felt it was not enough so exactly a year later I returned to the city.

Spending time in Odessa was a pure pleasure, it was a big joy for me just to be there, walk around the old town and relax at the beach.

I can’t really put into words why I’ve enjoyed Odessa so much (hence this post is so belated). I just clicked with the city and felt really good there.

If I have a chance to visit Odessa again I wouldn’t need to think twice! And here is why it’s worth to go there.

Quick Odessa cheat sheet

Are you looking for the airport transfer directly to your hotel in Odessa? Click here for the details!

Where to stay in Odessa:

• Orpheus Hostel and Apartments (budget)
• Potemkinn Hotel (mid-range)
• Boutique Hotel Palais Royal (luxury)

Best Odessa tours:

• 2.5-Hour Private Walking Tour
• The Hidden Yards of Odessa: Private Tour
• Underground Secrets Catacombs Tour

Table of Contents

Beautiful architecture

The old part of Odessa is so pretty!

The city used to be the cultural and intellectual center prior Soviet Russia and the majority of the most amazing buildings comes from that period.

The architecture resembles more of the Mediterranean or French influence than Russian and that already gives the unique look and style to the city.

You will find the most spectacular buildings around pedestrian Deribasovskaya street (which itself isn’t all that great) and Potemkin Steps.

For me there are two absolute highlights of the architecture in Odessa: The Opera house – second biggest opera in the world after La Scala in Milan – and the Passage (it used to be the best hotel in Southern Russia).

Both take my breath away every time I see them.

But the architecture in this part of the city really is amazing and random walks around the enshadowed, cobbled streets are the best thing you can do in Odessa!

Unfortunately, most of the places are in poor condition but when you look carefully you will see its true, faded-out beauty.

Odessa really can be a treat for the eye!

There is one architectonic masterpiece in Odessa that deserves a special attention – Potemkin Steps.

Opened in 1841 those 192 steps are the peculiar entrance to the city, the most known image of Odessa and the symbol of the place.

They were designed to give the optical illusion – when you look from the top you can’t really see the stairs itself but when you look from the bottom you only see stairs.

If you’re too lazy to climb to the top there’s a funicular riding on the left side. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work but maybe you will be lucky.

I definitely recommend visiting the highlights of Odessa with the guide as there are so many details and gems it’s good to have someone to explain it all.

There is a great walking tour you can join to learn all about Odessa. Check more details and prices here!

Charming backyards

The backyards are my absolutely favorite thing in Odessa.

Kind of like in Old Tbilisi you enter a random gate and you are transformed into a completely different, magical world.

As soon as I found out what is hidden from the street view I was peeking inside every single gate!

Unfortunately, most of them were closed but those I’ve entered were amazing and sometimes surreal.

I even found a statue of Ludwik Zamenhof (a founder of Esperanto language, originally from Poland) in one of the yards!

I’ve only seen those in the old town as I didn’t dare to do any solo wandering in the backstreets of the (in)famous Moldavanka district – I still regret not being brave enough as apparently that’s where the best yards are!

Still, I can’t complain as those I’ve seen were pretty amazing!

I literally could spend at least a few days only exploring Odessa backyards and that’s already a very solid reason that makes me want to visit Odessa again!

If you find yourself in Odessa you can go for the courtyards tour which I wish I had done too! Click here for more details and prices!

Odessa – a perfect summer getaway

Odessa makes a perfect and really affordable summer destination!

I’ve been there twice in August and it was just perfect!

The weather was really warm and sunny, the sea was bearable and the prices were so cheap you had to pinch yourself!

I spent half of the day just relaxing at the beach – I was ready to spend some money on the sunbed and the umbrella but I couldn’t believe when I heard the price, 80 hryvnas, for everything, for the whole day! That’s not even 3$/3€!!!

The beach was wide and sandy yet I was in the second row from the shore so every time I wanted to go to the water I didn’t need to worry about my belongings as I could see everything.

There are local vendors cruising the beach with drinks and snacks so you basically have everything you might need.

I was at Bali Beach, not far from the dolphinarium. It was a perfect place to relax, not too crowded and not too loud.

If you’re interested in more of a party place there is the whole seaside district for you – Arcadia!

The place is full of clubs, discos, all kinds of entertainment and young vibe.

If I were 10 years younger I’d definitely stay there and it seemed like a great place to have fun!

Maritime vibe

Odessa is the biggest harbor at the Black Sea and you simply can’t escape the maritime vibe there.

Right at the bottom of Potemkin Steps you have the sea station where local as well as long distance ferries from Batumi and Poti, Georgia arrive.

The view of shipyards is very much present in the Odessa skyline.

Young sailors are casually strolling the streets of the city.

Even the majority of souvenirs are with the maritime theme.

It all somehow fits perfectly to the city. I can’t imagine Odessa without its maritime accents, it gives the city an extra twist.

The craziest cable car and other Soviet remnants

You might know by now I like crazy Soviet things: playgrounds, amusement parks, cable cars, metro – you name it. The more crazy, the better!

The moment when I read about the cable car in Odessa I knew I have to ride it.

It was the whole expedition to find the cable car as back then it was really difficult to find any info online but I succeeded!

It’s hard to describe my joy, I was bouncing around like a kid and I almost fell down when leaving the cable car in the lower station – that’s how excited I was!

The ride is a little bit frightening but the views of the vast green spaces and the Black Sea are definitely worth it!

The cable car is painted with the children heroes, with “Nu, pogodi!” being my favorite one (I still find it hilarious we’ve had cartoons like this when I grew up).

The cable car isn’t the only remnant of the Soviet past in Odessa.

In Shevchenko Park you can find the Monument to an Unknown Sailor, dedicated to those who died during the siege of Odessa in 1941 .

Like in many post-Soviet countries not only there is an eternal flame at the site but the war songs from that period are played there too.

My Russian is too poor to understand them but they sound very dark to me, made me feel uncomfortable…

If you’re after Soviet architecture in Odessa you definitely should check Odessa Academic Theatre of Musical Comedy and the building in the middle of the park at Kulykove pole, next to the main train station.

That’s where the clashes in 2014 took place, with almost 50 casualties – now you barely can see such a tragic event occurred in this very place.

Is it worth to visit Odessa

For me, Odessa has (almost) everything I enjoy – beautiful architecture, hidden gems, quirky places, fascinating history, and a strong multicultural past.

Even if I’m not much of a beach person both times I happened to be in Odessa towards to end of my trip and as little as those few hours of relaxing was much needed – Odessa turned out to be perfect for this.

I can only recommend visiting Odessa!

The city has so much to offer, so many layers to discover that everyone will find something for themselves there with plenty of culture, history or fun to immerse into.

You shouldn’t be afraid of traveling to Ukraine and once you go there don’t miss Odessa!

And if you wish to learn more about Odessa and its multicultural, Jewish or criminal past there are numerous affordable tours that you can join! Check all the details and availability here!

Odessa pictures

And to show you how beautiful the city is below you have few more Odessa pictures!

Travel resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Odessa

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Odessa too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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61 Comments

Stefania - The Italian Backpacker

Really great post and one thing is certain: you take great pictures. I love the one with the memorial and behind a picturesque courtyard with a super old car.

Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words! :)

Odessa also reminded me of Tbilisi because of the backyards! My airbnb flat faced s backyard overgrown with flowers and grapes and populated by cats, it was lovely.

Ah, that must have been beautiful! I would love to stay in such place next time I’m in Odessa (which I’m sure will happen eventually)

I enjoyed this post enormously and visiting Odessa is now on my To Do list. It is not somewhere I had considered before but I shall get the Bradt book you recommend and have a look at Ukraine.

Thank you! I really recommend Bradt guides for the less known destinations, they are the best, so much better than Lonely Planet. I also personally know two Bradt writers and I know they do excellent research!

I visited Odessa last year, and also found it to be a beautiful city. Love your photos as well!

Thank you! Odessa is such a wonderful city, isn’t it?

Your post brought back so many good memories….I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking about Tbilissi when in Odessa.The house of unions in Kkulykove pole was still fenced and still smeling like fire when I was there a year ago.Have you been to the big market called “privet” if I remember correctly?I noticed you don’t mention it.

It might be the run down feeling of a formerly beautiful place that makes Odessa and Tbilisi to be so much alike! The pictures of Unions House were taken almost 2 years ago, the entrance was fenced but I walked around easily and no one bothered me. Unfortunately I haven’t been to Privoz market – I really wanted to, both times, but I always run out of time. There are just too many things to do in Odessa! I was meant to mention it in the post, must have forgot after all! Thank you for reminding me!

You convinced me! I want to go there, but I heard it’s not really safe for Americans. :(

I haven’t heard about any unsafe situations in Odessa but maybe I just missed something. I think you still should give it a go, it’s an amazing city!

Stacja Bałkany

Wizz air uruchomił loty z Wrocławia do Lwowa. Najtańsza są po 40-50 zł. Kupiłem bilet na sierpień i zamierzam odwiedzić Odesse w sierpniu przybywając nocnym pociągiem ze Lwowa. A po Twoim artykule już doczekać się nie mogę :)

jeździłam tym pociągiem tylko w odwrotnym kierunku :) Fajny jest! Kiedy w sierpniu lecisz?

stacjabalkany

Hej wylatuję 19 sierpnia w sobotę o 12 z Wrocławia przylot do Lwowa na 14, cena całe 50 zł:) Pociąg do Odessy to pewnie ze 200 hrywien, a myślę że będę mieć czas tak do 24 sierpnia do czwartku. Lecę z kolegą – on raczej nastawiony na plażowanie, ja mniej. I chcę zrobić sobie dwudniowy wypad z Odessy do Tiraspolu i do Kiszyniowa:) Powrót planujemy albo jeśli znajdziemy tani lot, to samolotem z Kijowa do Wrocławia – na razie wizzair w tym terminie nie chce z ceną zejść. Lub jak nie, to nocnym do Lwowa i dalej do Wrocławia :)

Loved this post, Kami!!! :) We were in Odessa a few years ago and rode those same cable cars. Also searched for Zamenhof’s statue but couldn’t find it… maybe next time.

Happy travels to you!

Thank you! Zamenhof’s statue was in the yard at the end of Deribasivska street, close to Kaczynski street. Happy travels to you too!

Odessa should be on everyone’s must go list! It reminds me a bit of Prague 20 years ago after the Soviets were kicked out. And while Tripadvisor has some good restaurant listings, some places I recommend are Farsh (for hamburgers) and Eleven Dogs, which has some great hotdogs and cocktails :)

Also, on Deribasovskaya is the Jarmarka, a sort of out doors dining/drinking/gathering place with many restaurants and little bars. Check out Burger Point for some good burgers and pasta, as well as California Republic Odessa, which has the ONLY authentic Mexican food in Southeast Ukraine…

Thank you for recommendations, I will try to check them out next time I’m in Odessa! And I agree with you, everyone should visit it! It’s such a great city!

The biggest port at the Black Sea is Constanta

I didn’t connect with Odessa from the get-go so I am determined to go back and give it another try! This is inspiring me :)

you definitely should! I didn’t have my expectations too high yet I loved it and I’m sure I will be back again!

Jesteś moją motywacją! Mam jedynie 18 lat i chciałabym zacząć podróżować, ale… chyba się boję, sama nie wiem czego ;-) Pozdrawiam i szczerze zazdroszczę! :)

Dziękuję, bardzo mi miło! Podróżowanie nie jest takie straszne, każdy kiedyś zaczynał i nabierał wprawy :) Zdrowy rozsądek przede wszystkim, tylko trzeba zrobić pierwszy krok, może być i blisko żeby sie oswoić. Powodzenia!

Margaret Piton

Loved your post. I was there on a cruise stop in 2010 and found it very interesting, similar to but more interesting than Yalta. Took the Jewish tour and learned that they are trying to revive Jewish life there, with rabbis from the U.S. Would have liked to have had more time to explore the city. Are people boycotting Crimea now? If so, Odessa is a good alternative and most Westerners don’t need a visa for Ukraine, which makes it more appealing.

Thank you! I think Crimea is off limits now as Russia controls it and it’s not so easy to get there. But I agree, Odessa can be a perfect alternative. I really hope you can get back there, it’s so fascinating!

You have an absolutely outstanding blog. I have been a couple of times to Ukraine, and your post about Chernivtsi convinced me to go there also. I was not disappointed, it is a beautiful city. Now with your post about Odesa, I decided to go there in September. Do you think it’s a good month for visiting, not especially for the beach? Continue the good work!

Thank you for your kind comment Hans! I’m really glad you enjoyed Chernivtsi! I think Odessa in September will be really good – still warm but not so crowded! You will love it there for sure!

Great post! Do you think Odessa is a good place to visit right now? I had some friends here in Poland tell me not to go, and that it was unsafe. Thanks!

thanks! I don’t think Odessa has changed all that much since my last visit a year ago and I keep seeing people visiting it all the time so I’d say go! It’s a great place to visit!

Leyla Giray Alyanak

Hi Kami, I’m going to Moldova and was thinking about taking a quick side trip – undecided. And then I read your post and now I’ve decided to go. Your photos are superb so now I’m really looking forward to the photographic side of my visit.

Thank you! I honestly think Odessa is much more interesting than Chisinau (that I liked too!) so you should definitely go there! I’m sure you will love it, it’s such a beautiful place! Have a good tripi!

Hi Kami, thanks for the great read about Odessa. I am absolutely in love with Odessa and have traveled here many times over the last few years. While Odessa is beautiful and is filled with many great people, there are also many bad people making a living off of scamming tourists. A few months ago I was inspired to write a blog post about common scams targeting foreigners in Odessa and was wondering if you would be interested in linking to it in-order to help keep your readers safe as they enjoy everything Odessa has to offer.

I will leave the link here for your review. Please feel free to email me with any specific questions.

Thank you for your comment and link Kameron, I will leave it here so others can read it! Unfortunately with growing tourism there are more and more scammers everywhere so it’s good that people can learn from other’s how to stay safe. Thanks!

Marina Davidovich

What is the best way to get from Vinnitsa to Odessa?

There are few trains and busses connecting Vinnitsa and Odessa, I’d recommend the train though as it’s more comfortable

Hi ! What about visiting Odessa in the beginning of February ? Too cold ????

I just checked on AccuWeather and it says around 0C so I’m not sure that’s the best time to enjoy Odessa :)

Mazhar Valjee

Thank you Kami, that reaffirms my desire to visit & experience Odessa…that has fascinated me since I read the Odessa Files many years ago!

Odessa is a fascinating place to visit, I hope you will be able to go there soon! Happy travels!

Rick Holland

Absolutely beautiful…..found this place by accident. Very charming—hope to visit someday.

thank you. you should visit, Odessa is such a nice city!

We also fell in love with Odessa–for many of the same reasons. Now we go every summer for 3 months! It is a wonderful city to walk around, and we always stay in the center of downtown, a short walk to Potemkin steps. I recognize almost every building in your photographs–so beautiful!

I’m glad you share my feelings for Odessa, it’s such a beautiful city. I need to plan a trip there soon too!

hej ;) wybieram się Odessy na początku września i trafiłam do Ciebie (w języku polskim jakoś mało kontentu na temat Ukrainy) i uzyskałam praktycznie wszystkie informacje jakie potrzebowałam, ale czy pamiętasz może jak trafić do tej kolejki z wagonikami? Chcę zaznaczyć sobie na mapce, ale nie znalazłam żadnego adresu. Będę bardzo wdzięczna za pomoc! Strona trafia do zakładek, Pozdrawiam ;)

Dzięki! Cieszę się, że artykuł się przydał :) Wygugluj sobie “Kanatna Doroha Odessa” i pokaże Ci się wtedy na mapie dokładna lokalizacja kolejki, koło przystanku tramwajowego Pyrohovska. Udanego pobytu w Odessie!

I was born in Odessa and know my city from the hearth . However, for over 30 years I reside in USA . Going to visit Odessa this year and yes ,Kami you pointed a lot of right things about Odessa. However, there are lots of issues there as well. Lots of houses in ruins and no one wants to fix it .

I think every city deals with issues that visitors don’t see or don’t want to see. But overall I think Odessa is doing pretty well, tourism is definitely helping the city! Have a good trip to Odessa!

david fischer

I’ve been to Odessa,Ukraine 7 times. It never dissapoints. Many Beautiful woman,great cafe’s,strong dollar,and Derivasovskaya street.The Opera House and potemkin stairs are worth seeing.

Agree, there are so many reasons to visit Odessa!

Artem, Ukraine

I had to write an essay about my best trip and I decided to write about Odessa. I was really surprised you’re from Poland because your English is great and beyond great haha! Awesome post, thank you. I borrowed some words and phrases. I’m definitely gonna check your other posts.

Lars-Henrik Christensen

Dear Kami. Greetings from Denmark. I have really enjoyed your varm description and your artistic picture rendering of Odessa. you have caught the special atmosfære of Odessa glowing forth in their beautiful architecture and picturesque streets including the warmth of summer and people enjoying the sea. I was quite mesmerized by your pictures and descriptions wondering if I had maybe lived a life there 100 years ago. Anyway I will be driving to Odessa from Bulgaria this summer spending at least 10 days in the city. Regards

Thank you! I’m sure you will enjoy Odessa when you visit, it is a truly amazing place. All the best!

Dzień dobry, Trafiam tu przypadkiem, szukając info o Odessie. Czy poleciłaby Pani również podróż zimą? Wiadomo plaża odpada, ale inne rzeczy powinny wciąż nadawać się do zwiedzania.

Szczerze mówiąc ciężko mi powiedzieć, bo nigdy zimą nie byłam w Odessie, ale jest tam na tyle dużo “niemorskich” atrakcji, że na pewno będzie co robić. Opera, piękna architektura i ogrom fajnych i przystępnych cenowo knajp, i już się dzień zapełnia :)

Great blog! I was born in Odessa and it warms my heart when people from the West find it as charming as i do. Thanks Kami! :)

Thank you, Max! Odessa is such a wonderful city and I truly hope the place will survive this madness and its inhabitants will live peacefully again…

Maya Odessa!!!

That was my first destination when I departed Africa in 2014; and where I still long to be.

Then, I lived in Fontanskaya doroga, precisely at Mirniy resort.

I enjoyed Odessa, and hope to b there soonest.

Thanks for reminding me of so many events and places I visited then.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article and I hope it will be safe to visit Odessa again soon! All the best!

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

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK.

The authorities in Ukraine set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK . The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has the final decision on whether a person is eligible to enter Ukraine.

Permanent residents

If you are a permanent resident of Ukraine, you do not need to show proof of insurance.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re travelling without a visa, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. If you’re applying for a visa, your passport may need to have an additional period of validity. Check with the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK for further details.

Additional requirements at the border

At the border you will need to:

• complete an immigration card
• scan your fingerprints as part of biometric data collection at border crossing points if requested by the immigration officer
• bank cards with bank statements
• accommodation bookings
• tourist vouchers
• a letter of financial support from your sponsor
• return or onward travel tickets

You can find more information on: - Ukrainian Embassy in the UK - State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Visa requirements

British Citizen passport holders can enter Ukraine without a visa for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ukraine has confirmed that this policy will continue to apply to British citizens until 30 January 2025.

If you’re planning to stay in Ukraine for longer than 90 days in a 180 day period, you need to get a visa. For more advice contact the Ukrainian Embassy in London or Consulate General in Edinburgh .

Expired residence cards

If you have a temporary or permanent residence card that’s expired, you are still allowed to return to Ukraine. The expired document will remain valid while martial law remains in place and for 30 days afterwards. For more information see the Visit Ukraine website or contact the State Migration Service of Ukraine .

Visa overstays

If you need to extend your stay in Ukraine, check with the State Migration Service. If you overstay the 90 day allowance, you will be fined and may not be able to return to Ukraine for 90 days after leaving the country.

Non-government controlled areas

If you intend to go to any of the areas not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities, you must apply to the State Migration Service .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Ukraine guide .

Accommodation

The ongoing invasion has severely affected the availability of accommodation. You should book and confirm accommodation in advance. Find further information at Visit Ukraine .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Ukraine (in Ukrainian), including antiques and items of historical interest. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. If in doubt seek prior permission from the customs authorities .

Bringing your car to Ukraine

Non-residents are allowed to bring a vehicle for personal use into Ukraine for up to one year. There’s no need to complete a customs declaration form. The vehicle can only be used in Ukraine by the person that brought it into the country. The vehicle cannot be used for commercial purposes, dismantled, sold or rented to other people. If you want to do any of these things, you’ll need to register the vehicle in Ukraine and pay the appropriate customs tax.

You must take the vehicle out of Ukraine within the required timeframe, or place it into the customs regime of the State.

If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed, you should inform the State Customs Service and provide them with evidence that it cannot be repaired. You may then dispose of the vehicle through the official channels of the State Customs Service.

If you bring a private vehicle into Ukraine with the intention of travelling through the country, you may be asked to complete a customs declaration form and pay a deposit.

For further information on bringing your car to Ukraine, contact the State Customs Service of Ukraine .

Crossing international borders

It is illegal to enter internationally recognised Ukrainian territory through a border point that is not currently controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. If you do, you risk arrest or a fine, and a travel ban.

International border crossings that are not currently under the control of the Ukrainian authorities include:

• all land border crossings into Donetsk oblast
• many of the land border crossings into Luhansk oblast
• all air and sea ports in Crimea and the Kerch Bridge road and rail crossing into Crimea

Information on border crossing procedure, entry and exit regulations, and checkpoints are provided at the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine website .

Leaving Ukraine at international borders

Travelling from ukraine to poland.

If you plan to travel to Poland, check the travel advice page for Poland which includes information on entry requirements.

The Ukrainian government website lists the main border crossings into Poland .

Travelling from Ukraine to Hungary

If you plan to travel to Hungary, check our travel advice page for Hungary which includes information on entry requirements.

The Hungarian police website gives more information on crossing the Ukraine-Hungary border .

Travelling from Ukraine to Slovakia

If you plan to travel to Slovakia, check our travel advice for Slovakia which includes information on entry requirements.

For information about cross-border rail connections, see the Slovak national rail website . For information on crossing the border see Slovak government advice .

Travelling from Ukraine to Romania

If you plan to travel to Romania, check our travel advice for Romania which includes information on entry requirements.

Travelling from Ukraine to Moldova

If you plan to travel to Moldova, check our travel advice for Moldova which includes information on entry requirements.

FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.

Border with Belarus

Ukraine’s border with Belarus is currently closed.

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. See FCDO Travel Advice for Belarus .

Border with Russia

Ukraine’s border with Russia is currently closed.

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia. See FCDO Travel Advice for Russia .

Related content

Invasion of ukraine.

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

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Two days in Odesa, Ukraine’s Black Sea coast boom town

May 11, 2018 • 6 min read

The Monument to the Founders of Odesa, with Catherine the Great pointing towards the harbour @ Multipedia / Shutterstock

You might think it’s tough to compete with the ancient sights and urban culture of Kyiv, or to rival Lviv’s Mitteleuropa charm, but Odesa – Ukraine’s third-largest city and cosmopolitan Black Sea port – is catching up. Its string of beaches make the country’s number-one summer destination, while the burgeoning foodie scene offers an intriguing fusion of regional influences.

Scratching under the surface, there are plenty of stories around every corner in this hedonistic city founded on the steppe by Catherine the Great. The legacy of Odesa’s 19th-century ‘free port’ past, many European immigrants and once thriving Jewish community is still present on the cobblestone streets named after celebrated Russian writers, behind the pastel-hued facades of neoclassical and art nouveau mansions, inside dilapidated courtyards and in labyrinthine catacombs. Here’s how to make the most of your stay if you only have a couple of days to take it all in.

This is a city best enjoyed on foot, so start early with a coffee – or perhaps a kompot (fruity drink) – at Kompot , a trademark Odesa cafe on pedestrian Derybasivska street. A leisurely walk towards the port takes you past a ‘who’s who’ of Odesa’s illustrious ex-residents. Look for the statues of José de Ribas (the Spaniard who built Odesa harbour) on the far end of Derybasivska, beloved Russian poet Alexander Pushkin at the colonnaded City Hall around the corner, and Frenchman Duc de Richelieu (the city’s first governor) on tree-lined Prymorsky boulevard, above the iconic Potemkin Steps .

Probably the most photographed Odesa landmark – recalling the famous scene from Sergei Eisenstein’s brilliant Battleship Potemkin – the steps are flanked by the terraced Istanbul and Greek parks and make a perfect spot to linger, enjoying impressive views of the harbour below (take the funicular down and back if you’re feeling lazy). End your morning stroll in the Garden of Sculptures at the Odesa Literary Museum , but go with a local to appreciate the urban folklore of Odesa characters at this open-air exhibition; a new sculpture is added each April 1, on the city’s annual Carnival Humorina.

To get your first taste of Odesa’s flourishing culinary scene, pop into the City Food Market for a quick lunch. It’s a tempting mix of street food with everything from burgers and pasta to a hummus bar and pho soup stand under one hip roof.

Sufficiently energised, embark on one of Odesa’s more unusual adventures: a catacombs tour. You’ll get a great experience at the Secrets of Underground Odesa museum in Moldavanka, the rough-around-the-edges neighbourhood masterfully described in Isaac Babel’s Odessa Tales . The two-hour guided tour takes you 25m below ground through 3km of tunnels (only a fraction of the city’s 2000km of catacombs), and tells a fascinating history of limestone quarries, smugglers and slave traders, the WWII partisans’ resistance movement and even a Soviet bomb shelter.

Once safely back on Odesa’s cobblestones, devote the rest of the afternoon to some fresh-air fun. A ramble through the sprawling Shevchenko Park will lead you to Lanzheron, the first in a line of beaches stretching southeast of the city centre. Odesa can’t boast pristine or dazzling stretches of sand, and yet its beaches get absolutely packed in summer, so exploring the 5.5km Route of Health  on two wheels is a great way to see the coast. Rent a bike on Lanzheron beach and follow the path to Arkadia, where you can reward yourself with a drink at one of the many beach bars.

If you’re feeling up to it (and it’s summer), stay on Arkadia to sample Odesa’s infamous nightlife, as the rowdy Ibiza-style clubs here go off until dawn. You don’t need to venture far for dinner, either – the popular Dacha , just above the beach, is a fun choice with wholesome meals in an ambiance that resembles a Russian country house. For a more low-key evening, head to the City Garden for Ukrainian borsch soup, Black Sea salmon and Georgian khachapuri  pastry at stylish Klarabara , followed by live jazz at cozy Perron 7 club.

Kick off day two with a ‘ gogol-mogol espresso’ at Gogol-Mogol , a cheerful cafe named after a traditional egg-based dessert and decorated with old books and bikes, and spend the morning museum-hopping. At the Odesa Archaeological Museum you’ll get acquainted with perhaps less expected actors on the region’s history stage. Impressive statues and sarcophagi attest to the spread of ancient Greek settlements across the northern Black Sea coast, while the Skythian section brings to life the nomadic warriors that once roamed the Ukrainian steppe.

The city has several worthwhile art collections but Ukraine’s own MoOMA (not to be confused with the more famous acronym), or the Museum of Odesa Modern Art , is the venue for the Odesa Biennale of Contemporary Art for good reason. A retrospective of its first decade features thought-provoking – and often political – works of Odesan avant-garde, post-modernist, non-conformist and conceptualist art.

When it’s time for lunch, stop by the slick Gastrobar Odesa to fortify yourself with some healthy tapas or grilled meat, but give the drinks list a miss because you’ll need a clear head for your next destination.

Hop on a trolleybus from Shevchenko Park to the  Shustov Cognac Museum , which is worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of the fancy drop. A guided tour includes tasting and can be booked online; you’ll learn all about the Shustov family, the history of the drink (brought to Odesa’s port way back in 1803) and the 150-year-old Odesa Cognac Factory as you sip your way around its ancient cellars.

Afterwards, catch another trolleybus to bustling Privoz Market , also a long-standing (and no less authentic) city institution. Mingling with ordinary Odesans at this massive, chaotic farmers’ market that sells everything you could ever wish for – from caviar to pirated CDs – and browsing the stalls with fresh produce or haggling over secondhand bargains is a fun way to soak up the local life.

Make your way to the Palais Royal Garden for dinner at Maman , the top venue for Odesa fusion cuisine, or join the cool crowd at Dizyngoff , near the Potemkin Steps, for creative cocktails and more French and Middle Eastern influences on the menu. End the day in style with a performance at the glorious Odesa Opera & Ballet Theatre , praised both for its neoclassical architecture and excellent acoustics. If alternative-culture gigs are more your thing, don’t miss the open-air Green Theatre in Shevchenko Park, which stages a varied program of concerts, movies and other happenings on warm Odesa nights.

Make it happen

Odesa is well connected by air with a number of European destinations, as well as Istanbul and Tel Aviv. If you’re flying into Kyiv , there are several daily flights between Odesa and the Ukrainian capital (which only take an hour), or you can choose the more romantic overnight train experience.

For some French-inspired luxury, Hotel de Paris Odessa is a contemporary boutique hotel recently opened in a restored 19th-century mansion a minute away from the Potemkin Steps, with a spa and a restaurant serving international cuisine. A great option for budget travellers is Babushka Grand Hostel , inside an 18th-century apartment close to the train station and Privoz Market, offering both dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen and a relaxed vibe.

Brana travelled to Odesa with support from Odessa City Council Department of Culture and Tourism . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

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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.

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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

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Find cheap flights to Ukraine

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FAQs - booking Ukraine flights

Is there public transportation to the city center from popular airports in ukraine.

Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and Kyiv International Airport (IEV) are the most popular and busiest airports in Ukraine facilitating international flights. The former is about 18 miles east of Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, and is served by an express train and several intercity bus routes. On the other hand, IEV is about four miles southwest of downtown and is easily accessible by the urban electric train service and bus routes 78 and 22.

What are the travel requirements for Ukraine?

Ukraine grants entry to citizens of the United States without a visa for up to 90 days. However, you must present a passport that has at least six months of validity remaining from the time of your entry in Ukraine and a minimum of one blank page to accommodate the entry stamp. Return tickets should also be shown as further evidence of your intention to return to the US.

Which airport in Ukraine is close to famous Ukrainian attractions?

Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO) is the closest airport to charming and famous Ukrainian attractions, such as Potocki Palace, The Lviv Theatre of Ballet and Opera, Dormition Cathedral, Lychakiv Cemetery, Market Square, and many others. Trains, buses, and taxis are available to these sites in Lviv from LWO.

What can I do during a layover at Boryspil International Airport?

If you are traveling into Kyiv for a layover, you will be landing at KBP. The airport serves as a single-stop shop to accommodate all your requirements. There are a plethora of cafeterias and shops where you can savor freshly made Ukrainian cuisines. Those traveling with children may find the airport playground to be a welcome distraction. You may also visit the neighboring district of Pechersky, known for its white-domed structures, for a memorable stopover.

How long is the flight to Ukraine?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Ukraine takes 29h 47m, covering a distance of 5269 miles. The most popular route is Providence - Chernovtsy with an average flight time of 24h 30m.

What is the cheapest flight to Ukraine?

The cheapest ticket to Ukraine from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $679. The most popular route is from Providence to Chernovtsy, and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,228.

What are the most popular destinations in Ukraine?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Kyiv (55% of total searches to Ukraine). The next most popular destinations are Lviv (13%) and Odesa (8%). Searches for flights to Dnipro (6%), to Kharkiv (6%) and to Chernovtsy (4%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Ukraine

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Ukraine flight deals.
• US citizens who want to be close to the city center should consider flying into either Boryspil International Airport (KBP) or Kyiv International Airport (IEV). These airports are located close to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Moreover, they have many amenities, such as restaurants, duty-free shops, waiting lounges, and parking services.
• If you are hoping to visit Arcadia beach in Ukraine, it is best to fly into Odessa International Airport (ODS). ODS is walking distance from the beach, and you get ample time to feast on the wide stretches of sand, bird-watch, sunbathe, or play beach games.
• Car rental services are available at many popular airports in Ukraine if you prefer to drive yourself. SIXT, 7Cars, Europcar, and United Auto Rental are just a few of the companies with offices at KBP and IEV.
• If you are hoping to exchange foreign currency for local currency, there are banking services and currency exchange booths at Terminal D, Level 1 of KBP, and Terminal B and D of IEV.
• Travelers from the United States who are elderly, disabled, or have reduced mobility will be provided with complimentary special assistance when their flight lands at KBP. When booking your flights, you should request special assistance.

Flights to Ukraine

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Latest update

We continue to advise:

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

Ukraine (PDF 447.96 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

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

Do not travel to Ukraine.

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

See  Safety

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

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

Full travel advice:  Safety

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

Full travel advice:  Health

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

Full travel advice:  Local laws

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

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

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

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Security situation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leaving Ukraine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consular assistance

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

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

If, despite our advice, you remain in Ukraine:

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

Civil unrest and political tension

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

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

Civil unrest can cause road closures and disrupt local transport.

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

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

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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

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

• public transport
• transport hubs
• places foreigners visit

European security services have disrupted some planned attacks.

Be alert in public places, including

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

To stay safe:

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

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

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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Petty crime

Serious crime targeting foreigners isn't frequent.

Robberies , pickpocketing and bag snatching occur:

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

Street crime and muggings increase at night.

To protect yourself from crime:

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

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

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

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

Street scams are very common. Criminals often target foreigners.

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

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

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

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

We can't offer advice on specific schemes.

To avoid scams:

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

Cyber security 

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

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

Cyber attacks

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

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

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

More information: 

Kidnapping  

Climate and natural disasters

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

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

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

Travel insurance

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

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

Physical and mental health

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

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

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

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

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

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

Medications

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

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

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

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

Health risks

Tick-borne encephalitis.

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

Ticks are common from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from disease:

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

Check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests.

Remove ticks from your body as soon as you can.

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

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

HIV/AIDS  is a risk for travellers.

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

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

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

Other health risks

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

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

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

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

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Radiation poisoning

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

Medical care

Medical facilities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always carry your passport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Australian embassy can't provide the following:

• legal advice about surrogacy
• information on clinics.

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

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

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

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

Australian laws

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

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

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

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

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

Ukraine doesn't recognise dual nationality.

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

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

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

Male citizens over 18 years may be conscripted.

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

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

• Dual nationals

Local customs

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

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

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Visas and border measures

We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine.

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

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

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

Border measures

Entry requirements are subject to frequent change. 

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

Border issues

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

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

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

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

Other formalities

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

Undeclared items may be confiscated.

Customs rules control the export of:

• items of historical significance

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

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

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

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

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

Lost or stolen passport

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

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

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

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

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

• Advice for people travelling with children

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

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

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH).

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

Outside major cities, carry enough cash in local currency.

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

Local travel

Mh17 crash site.

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

Investigations into the crash have been suspended.

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

Driving permit

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

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

When you drive, you must carry the following:

• original vehicle registration papers
• ownership documents
• insurance papers

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

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

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

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

Road travel

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

Hazards include:

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

It's common to park on footpaths.

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

Check your travel insurance covers you before driving in Ukraine.

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

• Driving or riding

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

Agree on the fare before getting in the taxi.

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

Public transport

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

They may not meet safety standards.

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

Watch your belongings on trains.

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

• Ukrainian Railways

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

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

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

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australian Embassy Ukraine  (temporarily operating from Warsaw, Poland)

Email for consular assistance:  [email protected]

Website:  ukraine.embassy.gov.au

X:  @AUinUA

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Ukraine travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 17, 2024 12:02 ET

On this page

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

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

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

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

Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Back to top

Russian military invasion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are near military activity:

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

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

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

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

If you are able to leave Ukraine safely:

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

Territories illegally occupied by Russia

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

• Zaporizhzhia

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

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

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs, particularly:

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

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

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

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

Violent crime

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

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

Women’s safety

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

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

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

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

Advice for women travellers

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

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

Investment fraud

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

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

Scammers often target tourist areas and hotels.

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

Overcharging

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

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

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

Romance scams

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

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

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

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

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

Demonstrations

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

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

Targets could include:

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

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

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

Safety instructions  - State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management

Road safety

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

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

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

Road conditions

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

Public transportation

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

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

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

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

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

Ukrainian airspace is closed.

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

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

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

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

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

Regular Canadian passport

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

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

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

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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

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

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

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

Other entry requirements

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

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

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

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

Children and travel

• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

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

Relevant Travel Health Notices

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

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

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

Routine vaccines

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

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

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

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

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

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

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

Country Entry Requirement*

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

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

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

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safe food and water precautions

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

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

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

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

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

Insect bite prevention

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

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

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

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

Animal precautions

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

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

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

Person-to-person infections

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

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

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

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

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

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

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

Medical services and facilities

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

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

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

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

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

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

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

You must abide by local laws.

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

Identification

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

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

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

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

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

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

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Ukraine.

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

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

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

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service (mobilization)

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

International Child Abduction

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

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

If you are in this situation:

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

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

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

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Surrogacy and adoption

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

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

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

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

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

International adoption – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

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

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

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

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

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

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

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

You must carry an international driving permit

Car insurance is mandatory.

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

International Driving Permit

The currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH).

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

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

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

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

Climate change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are in Kherson Oblast:

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

Snow and Ice Storms

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

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

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

Consular assistance

If you are in Ukraine and require consular assistance:

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

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

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

  Avoid non-essential travel

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

  Avoid all travel

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

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Cheap flights to Odesa ( ODS)

Get started finding a cheap flight to Odesa on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Odesa.

Roundtrip prices range from - , and one-ways to Odesa start as low as .

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Odesa ( ODS)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Odesa. There are airlines flying into ODS: . 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Odesa (ODS) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to ODS in and in for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• What you pack in your carry-on luggage can make the difference between a comfortable flight, and one you’d prefer to forget. Start with the most important things, such as your passport (or a valid ID) and your travel documents. Once they’re packed, toss in any medications you might need. Next, think about comfort. Earplugs, a neck pillow and a novel will help the time fly by while you’re soaring through the sky.
• You’ll also want to check with your airline regarding what you can’t bring on board your flight. Knives, razor blades, swords and batons are among the prohibited items. Anything sharp, explosive or flammable is generally not allowed in your hand baggage. Be sure to pack any sports equipment like baseball bats or tennis rackets in your checked luggage.
• Go for comfort instead of fashion when flying. Layer up and wear natural fabrics since they allow moisture and air to pass through and keep you cool. Cabins can get colder on longer journeys, so pack a hoodie or similar and always wear sneakers or flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Lessen your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition which can be caused by sitting for extended periods, by regularly moving around the cabin. Otherwise, do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat. If you’re at higher risk of developing DVT, think about wearing compression socks.

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Is Odesa Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.

This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…

At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.

Ukraine : Safety by City

Odesa, along with Lviv, is a city of regional significance in Ukraine, and it’s also one of the biggest cities in the country.

It used to be the most populous city in Ukraine during the second half of the 19th century.

Odesa did not become the most popular Ukrainian resort city by chance, because there is not only the sea and excellent beaches, but also entertainment for every taste.

It’s one of those cities that never sleep – every night, all year round, Odesa dances and has fun in numerous Odesa Clubs that offer entertainment and fun for any budget and preferences.

• Warnings & Dangers in Odesa

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Generally speaking, Odesa is not too dangerous for visitors, but they should remain vigilant at all times. It is a city where travelers aren't too common, but if you do visit, some areas should be avoided at all costs.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation is one of the most common places where you'll find pickpockets operating. Transport is generally safe, though you should keep in mind that most of the signs are written in Cyrillic letters.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are an issue in Odesa, and such incidents can occur everywhere so you should be careful particularly in crowded places, in tourist areas, in bars and nightclubs and on public transportation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, what still represents the biggest issue in Odesa, and much of the country is the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster. It is also susceptible to frequent flooding, freezing winters, and storms.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

As for violent crime, it has been on the rise in Ukraine in general, especially after dark, but Odesa doesn't seem to have this problem. It's mostly safe but remains aware of your surroundings, particularly in secluded and dark streets and areas.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Odesa, and the authorities in Ukraine have announced that they have already disrupted numerous planned attacks, including the most important cities of the country,

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scamming is also an issue in Odesa. Apart from online scams, be careful on the streets, keep an eye on your drink and always check your change twice. Be especially careful around taxi drivers trying to overcharge you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Odesa is not a safe place for solo female travelers. Crime is somewhat present in the country and there is political turmoil as well as terrorism threats disrupting peace in the country.

• So... How Safe Is Odesa Really?

The criminal situation worsened all over Ukraine, and Odesa is not an exception.

Even though many tourists are skeptical about the Ukraine-Russia Conflict, it has never made Odesa unsafe.

Just be very careful and avoid publicly speaking against the Maidan coup, government, and activists, or you may find yourself in trouble.

Always be aware of your surroundings.

If in a poorly lit or unfamiliar areas always move with confidence, even if you are not sure where you are going.

A problem in Odesa is the poor state of the footpaths coupled with poor street lighting and traffic that treats speed limits and road rules in general as merely advisory.

At night take a torch.

Unless you learned to drive in the former Soviet Union, Odesa is probably not a good place for you to plan on driving yourself around.

Traffic can be shockingly reckless, and roadways are in poor repair.

Petty theft is an issue here, so be very careful and guard your stuff.

Odesa and other major cities are more accustomed to tourists, which is why pickpockets here are more common, especially in crowded places like metro, bus and train stations.

By all means, avoid traveling to Chernobyl and the whole radiation zone, including the ghost city of Pripyat.

• How Does Odesa Compare?
• Useful Information

Many countries do not need a visa to enter Odesa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of your travel and you need to apply for your visa well in advance as they cannot be acquired on Ukranian airports. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Ukrainian embassy for further information.

Ukrainian hryvnia is the official currency in Odesa. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and you can expect them even outside of the city. Credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.

Odesa is one of the warmest regions in Ukraine. Its climate is much more unsettled than in central Europe and is characterized by varied seasons with deep winters and warm summers.

Odesa International Airport is an international airport in Odesa. The airport is located approximately 7 km southwest of its city center.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Odesa, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Odesa Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Ukraine - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

9 Reviews on Odesa

47% of safety you mean 47% chances of staying single....

According to this review, you have a 53% chance of not being safe in Odesa.

Let me assure you that the chances of you getting out of Odessa with a wife or two is much, much, MUCH more probable than this 53% chance of unsafety. I’m not even kidding.

This website is untrustworthy beyond belief regarding Eastern Europe.

Cool experience

The info is not accurate at all. It is much safer than it states and the temperature is way higher. The average during the summer is 30 degrees

Can anyone tell me the safest method to send a small parcel to a friend in Odessa? I’ve been told most things are stolen before the reach the recipient!

Meest express is better than any other company I used, price is very good, any other companies will charge you triple the cost

I send parcels there all the time from New Zealand no problem even with the war from the invading Russians ongoing.

do you know what the food situation is in Odessa ? Are shops operating and are people able to go shopping

City is much warmer than stated here… Had no problem in the city at night at any time. But, the taxis will rip you off! Take a bus. Learn some Russian!!

I am from there and I can assure you it is very safe

For everyone saying it is safe, how can you be sure? The #1 risk is the Russian military and we do not know what kind of surprises there may be right?

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Article Contents

• Odesa : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Several injured in Russian drone attack on Odessa

Nine people were injured in an overnight Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, according to local officials.

"Four of them are children - 12 and 9 years old and two babies who are less than a year old," local military administrator Oleh Kiper wrote on his Telegram channel.

All four were hospitalized with moderate injuries, he said.

No deaths have been reported so far in the attack, which hit a residential neighbourhood with low-rise buildings. Several houses and at least 14 flats were damaged, according to the local authorities.

Rescue workers saved dozens of people from the rubble.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion with massive Western support for more than two years.

Moscow has since annexed four territories in the east and south of Ukraine, in violation of international law. The fighting is still concentrated around the east and south.

The country has called on Western supporters to supply more air defence systems in order to better protect its cities and regions.

Russia has been systematically attacking key electricity, energy and water infrastructure in Ukraine.

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In Ukraine’s old imperial city, pastel palaces are in jeopardy, but black humor survives

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On a cool spring morning, as water-washed light bathed pastel palaces in the old imperial city of Odesa, the thunder of yet another Russian missile strike filled the air.

That March 6 blast came within a few hundred yards of a convoy carrying Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky , who was touring the country’s principal shipyard with the visiting Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotaki.

It was a close call, but Ukrainian officials said that in all likelihood the two leaders were not the target. Like so many other strikes during what Ukrainians call the “big war” — ignited by Russia’s all-out invasion in February 2022 — the attack was aimed at Odesa’s port, a strategic prize of centuries’ standing.

The Black Sea harbor and its docklands — Ukraine’s commercial lifeline and a prime military asset — have been the object of intensifying Russian drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, as Ukraine’s dwindling air defenses leave critical infrastructure vulnerable across the country.

In Odesa, the deadly campaign of airstrikes has brought sharply renewed peril to nearly a million inhabitants of one of Ukraine’s most eclectic and cosmopolitan cities, known in equal measures for its people’s mordancy and joie de vivre. And it poses a heightened threat to a world-renowned cultural treasure: the jewel-box grid of streets making up Odesa’s UNESCO-designated historic center, which abuts the port.

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April 17, 2024

After a string of attacks on Odesa and its environs, those who watch over the city’s landmark structures are braced for the worst. On many ornate facades in the city center, full-length windows topped with curlicued pediments are boarded over. Inside, as periodic power cuts permit, workers sweep up shattered masonry and painstakingly restore ruined grand staircases.

“It’s very, very difficult work to safeguard these beautiful old buildings,” said Oleksei Duryagin, who heads a firefighting team that works out of a headquarters dating back to the city’s days of horse-drawn fire wagons. “Whenever they try to hit the port, which is what they try to hit, everything here is in danger.”

Because of the building materials used — wood, flammable insulation within the walls — the 19th century buildings that line Odesa’s cobblestone, tree-lined central streets are especially susceptible to fire or collapse. First responders undergo special training in how to fight blazes in structures like Odesa’s sumptuous opera house, perched on a promontory above the seafront.

“From basement to ceiling, I know these buildings like my old friends,” said Duryagin, 52, who has more than three decades of firefighting experience. “I know their mysteries.”

Falling debris from airborne interceptions, rather than direct drone or missile strikes, has caused some of the most serious destruction. Some sites, like the city’s Fine Arts Museum, which is housed in a reconstructed palace, were hit again before they could be cleaned up after an initial attack.

Early in the war, the museum whisked most of its art treasures into hiding. Some display areas are closed off for repairs, and big niches that once held priceless artworks are starkly blank. But the museum remains open to culture-hungry visitors, who must periodically be hustled into its underground shelter when air alerts sound.

Most of the exhibits now have a somber martial theme, including a striking collection of botanical watercolors by a 48-year-old Ukrainian army captain, Borys Eisenberg, an artist and landscape architect who volunteered on the first day of Russia’s invasion and was killed last year on the front lines. His delicate, violet-veined works on paper are mounted on the wooden lids of ammunition boxes.

“You can see that even looking out from the trenches, he found beauty,” said Irina Kulabina, 66, a retired engineer who helps out at the museum. “It’s really important. We should believe in life more than death.”

At Odesa’s Transfiguration Cathedral, the city’s largest Orthodox Christian church, a young priest named Father Alexei gazed out at blue sky through a gaping hole punched in an outer wall during a missile attack last July . He wondered aloud if fresh attacks would outpace rebuilding.

“We just don’t know what else is to come,” said the 28-year-old cleric, who came to Odesa as a refugee from a front-line town in the eastern province of Luhansk.

While repairs slowly progress, services are held in a cavernous, basement-level secondary space, lighted only by flickering candles and lanterns whenever the electricity goes out. After the July strike, congregants converged on the landmark church, helping to gather artifacts scattered by the blast.

After an artist’s studio was damaged in a Russian missile strike, he found a new medium: war debris

This Ukrainian artist was known for whimsical sculptures. Now, amid Russia’s war on Ukraine, he creates art from war debris, military weapons and fury.

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“It was really shocking for everyone,” said Father Alexei. Zelensky said at the time that hitting the cathedral amounted to targeting “the foundations of our entire European culture.”

Last month was a particularly deadly one for the city and its outskirts.

A March 2 drone attack wrecked a nine-story building , killing a dozen people. Five more perished in the strike four days later that narrowly missed Zelensky and the Greek leader. A missile and drone barrage on March 15 left 21 dead , including a paramedic killed in a dreaded “double tap,” in which first responders are targeted, seemingly deliberately, by strikes aimed at the same site a few moments apart to give rescuers time to arrive.

More recently, on April 10, six people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed in a strike on an outlying district of Odesa. That attack came on the 80th anniversary of Odesa’s liberation from Nazi forces during World War II.

The Odesa port and two others on the nearby seacoast have been a particular target of Russian wrath for the last eight months, since Ukraine managed to open a coast-hugging 350-mile Black Sea grain corridor to the Bosporus strait.

At the war’s outset, world grain prices jumped as Ukraine exports slumped , causing hardship in some of the world’s most impoverished countries. Now, though, almost 40 million tons of cargo have been shipped since August 2023, port officials said.

“Sometimes we spend all night in a shelter, then take a coffee and go straight to work — this is our reality,” said Dmytro Barinov, the deputy head of the state-owned Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. “We feel responsibility not only for the Ukraine economy, to our farmers, but to the whole world that relies on our grain exports.”

As attacks continue and the overall war outlook grows grimmer, the city veers between a sense of relative safety and an acute awareness of peril.

Central cafes are full, and people linger at ice cream stands on the promenade. In flat green fields less than half an hour to the east, though, crews scatter pyramid-shaped reinforced cement antitank obstacles known as “dragon’s teeth.”

1. An ice cream stand on the promenade near the Potemkin Stairs, Odesa’s most famous landmark. 2. Disused “tank traps” on the corner of a main boulevard in Odesa’s center. (Laura King / Los Angeles Times)

Odessa’s most famous landmark, the Potemkin Stairs — best known for the harrowing tumbling-baby-carriage scene in the 1925 film “Battleship Potemkin” — are topped with a roll of barbed wire. But a military checkpoint a few blocks away has been removed, and pedestrians can draw close enough to gaze down the 192 steps leading to the seafront.

The source of the city’s splendor is now the principal cause of its jeopardy. Odesa’s free port status financed its extraordinary architectural flowering in the 1800s and helped build its vibrant multiethnic society.

Russian warships have been driven back from Ukraine’s Black Sea coast — “when the big war started, we could see them from our palaces,” said naval spokesman Dytro Pletenchuk — but only 150 nautical miles to the east-southeast lies the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula, from which many strikes are launched.

At that range, there is little time for people in Odesa to get to shelter once missiles are in the air.

In a storied Ukrainian city, a dance with wartime destiny

The old imperial city of Odesa is infused with Russian history. But war has cemented its Ukrainian identity.

Aug. 1, 2022

Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and its fomenting of a separatist conflict in Ukraine’s east were a precursor to the current invasion. Many here harbor ardent hopes of someday recapturing the peninsula , and are heartened by Ukrainian strikes on Russian forces there, including a damaging attack Wednesday on a large Russian airfield.

At the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater — where April offerings include the ballet “Giselle” and Verdi’s opera “Nabucco” — the show goes on, as it has almost continuously since the start of the conflict. The neo-Baroque opera house is no longer sandbagged, but the war still feels ever present.

“After night bombings come the most difficult days: Actors, singers and dancers are just physically tired, and it’s hard to deliver the emotional spectrum in their performances,” said Oksana Ternenko, 50, a stage director.

“Sometimes it’s like a theater of the absurd,” she said. “We are starting to rehearse, and a singer is showing photos on the phone: ‘Look, here’s a piece of my house that fell on my car.’ ”

Despite all, Odesa maintains an irrepressible offbeat humor.

“My parents and I, we’re very happy that Granny is deaf, so the explosions don’t scare her,” said 14-year-old Alina Kulik, who lives in an outlying district that has been hit repeatedly.

“Right now, we’re in a place that’s a little dangerous,” said her 15-year-old friend Anastasia Jelonkina, as the two girls perched on a promenade bench overlooking the seaport. “We know that. But here we are!”

Odesa’s beaches, beloved by tourists before the war and by locals all along, are full again as spring temperatures rise. During much of the last two years, danger from mines and debris from destruction of a massive dam on the Dnipro River kept the shoreline largely closed.

But intensive de-mining efforts have rendered the sea off Odesa relatively safe for swimming again, and a tousle-haired Irina Khosovana, a 62-year-old doctor who is a fifth-generation Odesan, said nothing — not even periodic air alerts — could keep her away.

“The sea is our comfort,” she said, gesturing toward the blue expanse. “Coming here is as important as life.”

A largely Russian-speaking city at the start of the war, Odesa still has deep cultural roots in common with the enemy now battering its shores. The poet Pushkin is still revered, with a grand boulevard named for him and a big statue taking pride of place in front of the city council building.

But another prominent piece of statuary near the opera house was deemed a symbol of colonialist oppression — that of the Russian empress known as Catherine the Great. Her likeness, hauled down in the war’s first year, is now boxed up in a black lean-to outside the damaged art museum.

Atop the empty plinth where the statue once stood flies a blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag.

More to Read

Russian missiles slam into a Ukraine city, killing 17 people

Kyiv endures third bombardment in five days as Russia steps up attacks on Ukrainian cities

March 25, 2024

Russian missiles kill at least 16 people in latest strike on Odesa in southern Ukraine

March 15, 2024

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Laura King is a Washington, D.C.-based reporter for the Los Angeles Times. A member of the Foreign/National staff, she primarily covers foreign affairs. She previously served as bureau chief in Jerusalem, Kabul and Cairo.

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Italy Says to Sign Deal to Rebuild Ukraine's Odesa and Its Cathedral

Italy Says to Sign Deal to Rebuild Ukraine's Odesa and Its Cathedral

FILE PHOTO: A view shows the Transfiguration Cathedral damaged by Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine July 23, 2023. REUTERS/Yan Dobronosov/File Photo

ROME (Reuters) - Italy will sign an agreement with Ukraine and the United Nations' cultural agency UNESCO to rebuild the city of Odesa and its cathedral which was badly damaged by a Russian attack, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday.

Ukraine said the Orthodox cathedral was damaged when it was hit during a Russian missile attack on the country's southern port city in July last year. Russia denied responsibility.

"On May 15 we will sign off on a deal with Kyiv and UNESCO here in Rome for the reconstruction of Odesa and its cathedral," Tajani told a question time session in the lower house of parliament.

In February, Italy and UNESCO had already signed an agreement in Kyiv to provide 500 million euros ($534.45 million) towards the restoration of the roof of Odesa's Spaso-Preobrazhenskyi, or Transfiguration Cathedral.

"As the G7 presidency, we continue to work for a just peace," Tajani told lawmakers, adding that supporting Ukraine's energy system was also a priority for Italy.

Rome holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy nations until the end of this year.

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(Reporting by Matteo Negri and Angelo Amante, editing by Gavin Jones)

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Poland ready to help Ukraine return conscription-age men home

Police officers and Ukrainian soldiers attend a rally in Odessa on Jan. 22, 2022. (Christopher Occhicone/Bloomberg)

Poland’s defense chief said the country is prepared to assist Ukraine in getting fighting-age men to return to the war-battered country after Kyiv tightened conscription rules.

Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz cited a figure of 400,000 additional soldiers needed to press back Russia’s invasion in comments to Polsat news late Wednesday. Poland, which took in more than 1.5 million war refugees after war broke out in 2022, has an estimated 350,000 Ukrainian military-age men working in the country, according to the Rzeczpospolita newspaper.

“For a long time we’ve signaled to the Ukrainian side that we’re ready to help get those obliged to serve to return to Ukraine,” the minister said. “But it rather depends on Ukraine which type of help it needs.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved legislation this month to lower the conscription age to 25 from 27 and tighten rules in response to a mounting shortage of manpower on the front. The new rules restrict registration — and make it difficult for Ukrainian men abroad to renew their passports.

Kosiniak-Kamysz responded to long lines forming at the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw as many sought to renew their passports ahead of a deadline. Ukrainian authorities suspended issuing documents from diplomatic missions for citizens of military age this week.

“Staying abroad does not relieve a citizen of his or her duties to the Homeland,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on X on Tuesday. “That is why yesterday I ordered measures to restore fair attitudes toward men of conscription age in Ukraine and abroad. This will be fair.”

The defense chief said the prospect of Ukrainian men avoiding conscription while the government in Warsaw channels funding to Kyiv’s war had irked many Poles. He expressed sympathy for Ukrainian soldiers at the front frustrated at those who avoid service.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski earlier put the country’s assistance to Ukraine at $9 billion in the first two years of the war, a figure that doesn’t include support for refugees in the country.

In an address to parliament, Sikorski said the government would stand by Kyiv despite tension over Warsaw’s grain-import ban.

“Russian leaders and propagandists are trying to pit us against Ukrainians,” he said. “It will not succeed. They will lose on this front as well.”

With assistance from Natalia Ojewska and Olesia Safronova.

previous coverage

• Ukraine thanks the US for billions in new military aid to help stop Russia’s advance
• More US aid will help Ukraine avoid defeat in war with Russia, but winning another matter

related stories

• Pentagon to send $1 billion in weapons and equipment to Ukraine
• Ukraine moves to cut off consular services for military-age men abroad

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The 112-Year-Old Russian Navy Vessel Ukraine Just Hit with Anti-Ship Missiles

Many navies have very old ships still in commission and on active duty. The U.S. Navy’s USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and is currently the only active U.S. vessel to have sunk an enemy vessel. The United Kingdom's HMS Victory was launched in 1778 and has served for more than 240 years. But for all their grandeur and history, most countries just don’t actually send their aging hulls to war zones.

Russia, it turns out, has no problem with that: The Russian salvage ship Kommuna has been in service since 1915, when Tsar Nicholas II ruled the Russian Empire. After surviving two world wars, decades of Soviet rule and Russia’s subsequent post-Soviet decline, the onetime submarine tender was nearly taken to the bottom of the Black Sea by a Ukrainian anti-ship missile on April 21, 2024.

The Kommuna first entered service as the submarine tender Volkhov, part of the Imperial Russian Navy, in July 1915. When Russia became the Soviet Union in 1922, the Volkhov was renamed the Kommuna and went to work for the Soviet Navy, raising ships from the ocean’s depths. Now officially designated a rescue ship, it doesn’t carry armaments, but is capable of raising sunken combat vessels, something Ukraine is eager to prevent.

During World War II, the Kommuna fought against Nazi Germany’s Siege of Leningrad between 1941 and 1943, raising and repairing tens of thousands of tons of trucks, tanks and ships. The ship sailed down the Volga River, where it worked through the end of the war, continuing to raise and repair Soviet vessels. For their service during the “Great Patriotic War,” as World War II is known in Russia, the crew received the Defense of Leningrad medal.  Since the end of World War II, It underwent just three complete refits during its long life -- and now may be headed for a fourth.

The Kommuna is believed to have sailed for the Black Sea port at Sevastopol, which Russia currently occupies, to prepare an operation to raise the missile cruiser Moskva, flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which was sunk by Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship missiles 80 nautical miles south of Odessa on April 14, 2022.

Social media reports of a Russian ship on fire in Sevastopol were later revealed to be the Kommuna, which was the target of more Ukrainian Neptune missiles. Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack , while Crimea’s unrecognized Russian governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, denied the assault resulted in a direct hit.

Razvozhayev said Russian forces "repelled an attack by an anti-ship missile" earlier in the day along the north of the port city, indirectly hitting the Kommuna . "The falling fragments caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished," Razvozhayev added.

The Kommuna was not sunk in the attack, but Ukrainian officials believe damage sustained to the vessel is enough to ensure it can no longer raise the Moskva from the bottom of the Black Sea. Due to the damage inflicted on the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the Russian Navy has moved most of its major warships out of Sevastopol and to Novorossiysk , in the Krasnodar region of Russia. Though out of range of Ukrainian missiles, Novorossiysk isn’t necessarily safe for Russian warships. Ukrainian forces used sea drones to damage the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian landing ship based at Novorossiysk, in August 2023.

The rest of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has taken a beating elsewhere since the conflict with Ukraine began. Along with the sinking of the Moskva, a number of patrol boats and landing ships were sunk by Ukrainian forces. The Russian corvettes Ivanovets , Veliky Ustyug and Askold were also destroyed using a combination of cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and sea drones.

Russia was probably right to withdraw the Kommuna from Crimea; as Russia’s oldest ship still in service , it’s a prime target whose structure was built long before missiles were a threat. When the ship was launched, the biggest threat to ships at sea were torpedoes. Today, it faces explosive-laden unmanned boats, underwater and airborne drones, along with the anti-ship missiles that just knocked the Kommuna out of Russia’s war with Ukraine.

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• April 25, 2024   •   40:33 The Crackdown on Student Protesters
• April 24, 2024   •   32:18 Is $60 Billion Enough to Save Ukraine?
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• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
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The Crackdown on Student Protesters

Columbia university is at the center of a growing showdown over the war in gaza and the limits of free speech..

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Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech.

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Wilmar says destroyed oil tanks at Ukraine facility will take 6 months to rebuild

Benicia Tan

SINGAPORE – Wilmar International estimates that it will take six months to rebuild its oil tanks based in Pivdennyi, Ukraine, that were struck by a missile on April 19.

On April 22, the agribusiness group said it does not expect the incident to have a material impact on its financial results for financial year 2024.

“Operations will resume as soon as the relevant clearances are obtained from the local authorities, which is expected in the coming weeks,” it said.

In a regulatory filing on April 21, Wilmar confirmed media reports that a Russian missile attack on the Black Sea port of Pivdennyi had damaged the facility of Delta Wilmar Ukraine, an 80 per cent owned subsidiary of Wilmar.

No casualties were reported, Wilmar said then.

The company’s shares were trading unchanged at $3.40 as at 9.26am on April 22. THE BUSINESS TIMES

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