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.
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
Last updated: 24 May 2022
You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. The Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you from Ukraine.
Transport routes are disrupted and commercial flights suspended. Expect some congestion on routes, at checkpoints and lengthy queues. As much as possible, prepare for an extended wait time at the border:
Use your judgement to decide the best time and safest means of exit. If 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. 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.
The information below outlines the requirements for leaving Ukraine by road for Australian citizens. Additional restrictions or changes to entry requirements to other destinations could be imposed suddenly. Read this information along with the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to. Entry requirements may differ when entering by road or rail.
Before leaving Ukraine, verify if your destination has implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
In most cases, Australians leaving Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
The European Union also has a website with information on travel restrictions for member states.
If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on
Australian citizens can enter Poland from Ukraine by road. All border crossings are open for pedestrian traffic. Polish authorities recommend using the Korczowa crossing near Rzeszow. The recommended border crossing if you’re coming by public transport is Medyka. Vehicles are subject to ownership / registration checks. If you’re at the border and need consular assistance, you can contact the Australian Embassy in Poland on: (+48 22) 521 3444 or for emergency consular assistance contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
There are no COVID-19 entry restrictions at the Polish-Ukraine border.
Read the full travel advice for Poland.
Australian citizens can enter Romania through the Suceava (air) and Siret (land) border crossings. You can enter without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. If you are at the border and need consular assistance, you can contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Australians entering Romania by land from Ukraine are exempt from quarantine measures.
Read the full travel advice for Romania.
Australian citizens can enter Hungary by road via the Beregsurány or Záhony border crossings.
COVID-19 restrictions are no longer in place for entry into Hungary. You must still meet ordinary entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport and visa.
Read the full travel advice for Hungary.
Slovakia is a part of the Schengen area. This means you can enter the country without a visa in some situations.
COVID-19 entry restrictions have now been lifted if you're arriving from Schengen member countries. If you're arriving from outside of Schengen, proof of vaccination or recovery is required. It is no longer necessary to pre-register and there is no obligation to quarantine or self-isolate.
You can enter Slovakia without having to self-isolate if you're fully vaccinated. You'll have to show a certificate proving your vaccination status in Slovak, Czech or English. If you're not vaccinated, you must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival at your own expense. You may end isolation on day 5 by returning a negative PCR test.
If you're transiting through Slovakia, you're not required to provide proof of vaccination. However, you must pass through Slovakia within 8 hours.
If you are arriving under an immediate threat of armed conflict, there may be exemptions to the requirement to provide proof of vaccination. For more information, you should check the Slovak Public Health border information at this link: Slovak Public Health Authority website (uvzsr.sk) (in Slovak only).
Read the full travel advice for Slovakia.
Avoid entering Moldova through Transnistria.
No COVID-19 documentation is required to enter Moldova.
If you are at the border and need consular assistance, you can contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
Read the full travel advice for Moldova.
