Military action is underway in Ukraine. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until it’s safe to depart.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life. If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until you judge it’s safe to depart. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. Where it is safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine.
Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.
The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Information may change and will be updated as details become available. You should also read the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to - entry requirements may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Before leaving Ukraine, verify if the local authorities of your destination have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
Read our advice about Ukraine border regions.
Call 101.
Call 103.
Call 102.
Call 112.
Do not travel to Ukraine overall due to the volatile security environment and military conflict.
Do not travel to Ukraine overall due to the volatile security environment and military conflict.
See Safety
Do not travel to Crimea and the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Do not travel to:
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Heavy fighting, including bombardments, explosions and missile launches, is ongoing throughout Ukraine, including in major cities. Infrastructure and military facilities have been struck by rocket attacks. There have been many civilian casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real risk to life.
The US Government issued travel advice on 29 March advising there are reports of US citizens being singled out and detained by the Russian military in Ukraine. This is also occurring when citizens are evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.
If you’re in Ukraine, shelter in place until it’s safe to depart. If you hear a loud explosion or if 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. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media. If you judge it's safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine.
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.
Make sure you have an adequate supply of basic food, water and medications. Have a list of emergency contacts on you. Review your personal security plans. Leave Ukraine as soon as you judge it’s safe to do so. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller. Communication infrastructure may become damaged or blocked and there have been reports of cyber attacks. Contact your family and friends to let them know your travel plans, where and how you are. Don't wait.
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.
We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine due to the volatile security situation and armed conflict. You need to carefully consider how and when you're going to leave. Transport routes will be significantly disrupted. Ukraine airspace is closed. You need to carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. If you judge that it's safe to leave Ukraine, and you're travelling by road, check the transport routes and entry requirements for where you are travelling to (see Ukraine and border regions). You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
On 22 February, the Australian Government directed the departure of Australian Embassy staff from Ukraine due to the volatile security situation. All staff have departed. Our Embassy and operations in Lviv are temporarily closed. Australian Embassy officials have relocated to Poland.
Russian-back armed groups control parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Foreigners have been threatened, detained and kidnapped in these regions. This could occur anywhere in Ukraine. Landmines are prevalent throughout the area. They have killed civilians in Donetsk and Luhansk in recent years.
Crimea isn't under Ukrainian Government control, having been illegally occupied by Russia since 2014. There's a risk of armed conflict along the administrative border.
Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure 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 you're travelling through an overland border crossing, read the ‘Ukraine and border regions’ page to keep up to date with entry requirements of bordering destinations, such as Poland, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia and Hungary. 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, rail or air. Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk.
In most cases Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
If you’re at the border and 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.
On 22 February, the Australian Government directed the departure of Australian Embassy staff from Ukraine due to the volatile security situation. All staff have departed. Our Embassy and operations in Lviv are temporarily closed.
Russian military action in Ukraine has extremely limited our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians and Australians should not expect increased consular support. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
If you're unable to depart Ukraine or choose to remain, register your whereabouts on DFAT's registration portal for Australian citizens in Ukraine, due to the volatile security environment and military conflict in the country.
You should only register if you’re in Ukraine and:
Keep your registration details up to date to ensure we’re aware of your situation and so we can provide you with the latest information. Continue to follow the advice on Smartraveller.
If you're in Ukraine:
The conditions in Ukraine are changing rapidly due to Russia’s invasion. This means local rules listed in the travel advice may not reflect the current situation. Follow the advice of local Ukrainian authorities.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. In Kyiv, large demonstrations have taken place around the Maidan Nezalezhnosti, St Michael’s Square, outside the Presidential Administration, Parliament and other government offices.
The security situation in Ukraine continues to be volatile and is deteriorating rapidly. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Civil unrest can cause road closures and disrupt local transport.
Political unrest can occur in Ukraine without warning. Actions include the occupation of public areas and government buildings or blockages of roads by large groups of people.
Be aware of protests from November to March to mark anniversaries of the Maidan Revolution.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
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:
European security services have disrupted some planned attacks.
Be alert in public places, including
To stay safe:
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.
More information:
Serious crime targeting foreigners is not frequent.
Robberies, pickpocketing and bag snatching occur:
Street crime and muggings increase at night.
To protect yourself from crime:
Cases of drink spiking have been followed by robbery. To reduce your risk:
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.
Be aware of bogus internet friendship, 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.
We can't offer advice on specific schemes.
To avoid scams:
If you're visiting an area recently affected by severe weather:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
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 condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a significant risk in Ukraine.
For information on Ukraine’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and its vaccination website. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
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:
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.
More information:
HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers.
Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Ukraine reported an outbreak of polio in October 2021. 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.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If an animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
In 1986, there was a catastrophic nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. It spread radioactive material across northern Ukraine and beyond. It remains radioactive.
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.
There are reports that Ukrainian males (including Australian/Ukrainian dual nationals) from 16 to 60 years of age are being stopped from leaving Ukraine at some border crossings.
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 to see passports and visas.
We advise against entering into new surrogacy arrangements due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. If you plan to take part in commercial surrogacy arrangements, be aware of all legal and other risks involved. We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine. The security situation is volatile and deteriorating rapidly.
Surrogacy is regulated by Ukrainian law. Get independent legal advice.
Research prospective clinics to ensure that you're dealing with a reputable organisation.
The Australian Embassy can't provide:
Russian military action in Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians and Australians should not expect increased consular support. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
You may need to spend time in the Ukraine before and after the birth.
If, despite our advice, you choose to remain in Ukraine, you're encouraged to register your whereabouts on DFAT's registration portal for Australian citizens in Ukraine. Keep your registration details up to date to ensure we're aware of your situation and so we can provide you with the latest information. Continue to follow the advice on Smartraveller.
You need to carefully consider the risks when choosing how and when to leave Ukraine. Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk.
Make sure that you have plans in place to leave when it’s safe to do so. Make sure you and your immediate family (including children born via surrogacy) have up to date visas and passports. If your departure plan involves a vehicle, make sure registration, ownership, insurance and Green Card is in order for border crossings (See Local Travel).
More information:
Australian law prohibits Australian citizens and residents, and holders of Australian visas, from engaging in hostile activities overseas unless serving in the armed forces of a foreign country. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted, including in areas not directly affected by fighting. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a real 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 amount to criminal offences.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Ukraine doesn't recognise dual nationality.
Under Ukrainian law, you may be a Ukrainian national if you were either:
If you enter the country on a Ukrainian passport, you'll be treated as a Ukrainian national by local authorities.
We may not be able to help you if you travel on a Ukrainian passport.
Male citizens over 18 years may be required to complete military service. Ukrainian males (including Australian/Ukrainian dual nationals) from 16 to 60 years of age are being stopped from leaving Ukraine at some border crossings.
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.
More information:
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.
More information:
Conditions in Ukraine are changing rapidly due to Russia’s invasion. We continue to advise do not travel to Ukraine.
If despite our advice you travel to Ukraine, you can enter without a visa for visits of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
To apply for temporary, long-term or permanent residency, contact the State Migration Service of Ukraine.
You need to carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. Plan for delays at land border crossings. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. Make sure 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 you're travelling by road, check the entry requirements for where you are travelling to, such as Poland, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia and Hungary - also see ‘Ukraine and border regions’ for more information.
Australian citizens can enter Poland from Ukraine by road. Polish authorities recommend using the Korczowa crossing near Rszezow. The recommended border crossing for persons on foot (ie, coming by public transport) was Medyka. Vehicles are subject to ownership / registration checks. If you’re at the border and need consular assistance, you can contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
If you judge it’s safe to leave Ukraine, you can see the land border crossing wait times here: Waiting time on the border with Poland (customs.gov.ua) (in English).
Foreigners who enter Ukraine from Russia through Russian-back armed groups checkpoint at Donetsk or Luhansk won't be allowed through any government-controlled checkpoints that follow.
If you decide to travel to Crimea despite our advice, note that you can't enter Ukrainian-controlled territory if you enter Crimea from any other country.
Due to the Omicron variant, Ukraine has put in place additional measures for people arriving from some southern African countries. See the Visit Ukraine website for details.
You must have valid health insurance to enter Ukraine. Your insurance plan must cover the cost of COVID-19 treatment.
To enter Ukraine, all foreign citizens must have one of the following:
Mandatory self-isolation is required for those who do not present one of the above documents.
Entry requirements are subject to frequent change. Check the Visit Ukraine website before travelling.
You should also check the COVID-19 requirements of your airline.
Staying in Ukraine
If despite our advice you're staying in Ukraine, nationwide adaptive quarantine remains in place. Each oblast (region) is assigned one of four epidemiological levels depending on the COVID-19 situation in that oblast. There are green, yellow, orange and red levels. A red status means that a lockdown will be imposed locally. Follow local media for information on changes to adaptive quarantine arrangements.
Social distancing and cleaning protocols are in place. You must wear a face mask in shops and on public transport. You must wear a mask outdoors in oblasts with red status. Fines have been introduced for non-compliance with mask requirements.
Unvaccinated travellers may face tighter restrictions than vaccinated travellers, including restrictions on access to certain venues and access to local and inter-city transport. Requirements will change depending on the oblast’s COVID-19 infection level.
From 21 October, you will need a vaccine certificate or negative PCR or express-test taken within 72 hours of travel, if travelling inter-city (by train, bus or plane) to or from a yellow, orange or red zone.
Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of Ukrainian authorities.
If despite our advice, you're staying in Ukraine:
Contact an embassy or consulate of Ukraine for updates on how much cash you can take in and out of the country and on what you need to declare at customs on arrival and departure. If you take more cash than is allowed, it may be confiscated by officials.
Undeclared items may be confiscated.
Customs rules control the export of:
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 six 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 for long enough, consider getting a new 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:
Ukrainian citizens aged under 16 years need consent from both parents to leave Ukraine unaccompanied. This includes dual nationals. See Local laws
More information:
The local currency is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH).
ATMs are available and credit cards are widely used in cities.
Outside major cities, carry enough cash in local currency.
On 17 July 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down near Hrabovo in the separatist-controlled part of Donetsk province.
Investigations into the crash are continuing.
Do not travel to this area due to ongoing armed conflict in the surrounding vicinity.
If, despite our advice, you go to the crash site, don't touch or take any materials relating to the crash.
To drive in Ukraine, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
When you drive, you must carry:
You'll need to show them at border crossings or if stopped by police. This includes rental vehicles.
When crossing a border, you may 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 customs offices at some border crossings, or you should contact your insurance provider.
If you don't have these papers when stopped, authorities can impound your vehicle and charge you.
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.
Driving in Ukraine can be dangerous. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
Hazards include:
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.
More information:
Use official taxis or services such as Uber or Uklon.
Agree on the fare before getting in the taxi.
Beware of taxi drivers at airports or tourist locations. They may charge you more.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you before riding a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet.
Buses can be crowded, particularly around public holidays and peak commuter times.
They may not meet safety standards.
More information:
Watch your belongings on trains.
Don't agree to look after anyone else's luggage or store it in your compartment.
More information:
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.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 101.
Call 103.
Call 102.
Call 112.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
On 22 February, the Australian Government directed the departure of Australian Embassy staff from Ukraine due to the volatile security situation. All staff have departed. Our Embassy and operations in Lviv are temporarily closed. Australian Embassy officials have relocated to Poland.
Australians in need of consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:
Be aware consular services will be extremely limited due to local measures. Russian military action in Ukraine has limited our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians 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 closed)
Email for consular assistance: Consular.Kyiv@dfat.gov.au
Website: ukraine.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Ukraine
Twitter: @AUinUA
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.