The question, “Is Ukraine Safe To Travel To?” is paramount for anyone considering visiting the country. Due to the ongoing war with Russia, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises U.S. citizens against traveling to Ukraine. This advisory is especially critical for frontline regions and areas bordering Belarus, citing the presence of military forces, active combat, frequent attacks, and the U.S. Embassy’s limited ability to provide assistance. Read the entire Travel Advisory for detailed information.
Understanding the Risk Levels in Different Regions
While the overall advisory discourages travel, it acknowledges that some regions present a lower risk level due to air defense systems and distance from active conflict zones. These regions include: Volyn, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Ternopil, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi and Zhytomyr.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Specific Regions
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the regions of Volyn, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Ternopil, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Zhytomyr. Despite being further from the front lines, these areas are still vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks. Travelers should be prepared to react to air raid alerts and seek appropriate shelter immediately. The security landscape can shift rapidly, requiring travelers to be ready to depart with minimal notice. Closed airspace limits travel options, and martial law restrictions, including a nationwide curfew, are in effect. U.S. government employees face movement, curfew, and activity restrictions that may be stricter than those imposed by the Ukrainian government.
This map illustrates the varying risk levels across different regions of Ukraine, urging travelers to reconsider visits to specific areas due to ongoing security concerns.
Staying Informed and Aware
For those currently in Ukraine or considering travel despite the advisories, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Monitor U.S. government notices and local/international media for updates on the security situation and shelter-in-place alerts. The situation remains unpredictable.
Essential Safety Measures for U.S. Citizens in Ukraine
U.S. citizens in Ukraine should maintain heightened security awareness in the event of military attacks. A critical step is to download and enable notifications for mobile applications that provide real-time air raid alerts. Two recommended apps include Air Raid Siren and Alarm Map. U.S. government personnel are required to use these apps. It’s important to note that the U.S. Embassy cannot provide real-time alerts to the general public. Always know the location of the nearest shelter. In the event of shelling, missile attacks, or drone strikes, follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If your current location feels unsafe, carefully assess the risks involved in moving to a different location.
The Air Raid Siren app is a critical tool for receiving real-time alerts about potential air attacks, helping individuals take immediate safety precautions.
State of Emergency and Martial Law Restrictions
Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has been under a state of emergency. Each region (oblast) implements measures based on local conditions, which may include curfews, movement restrictions, ID verification, and increased security inspections. It is essential to comply with all oblast-specific state of emergency measures.
Dual Nationality Considerations
Ukrainian law does not recognize dual nationality. If you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of Ukraine, you will be treated as a Ukrainian citizen while in Ukraine. This means you will be required to use a Ukrainian passport upon entry and exit. Men aged 18-60 with Ukrainian citizenship may face exit restrictions and possible mobilization during martial law. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received reports of dual citizens encountering difficulties entering and exiting Ukraine. If you have family ties to Ukraine, consult the nearest Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate regarding potential citizenship obligations before traveling. For more information, visit the Travelers with Dual Nationality page.
Air Travel Restrictions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that prohibits U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. Consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices for further details.
Embassy Operations and Consular Assistance
The U.S. Embassy remains open and operational in Kyiv. U.S. citizens seeking assistance, including routine services, can email [email protected]. However, Embassy personnel face movement, curfew, and activity restrictions, potentially causing delays in providing consular assistance outside of Kyiv. Understand what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas.
Occupied Territories: A Zone of Increased Risk
The international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 or the annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in September 2022. These oblasts have a significant Russian military presence, and there are reports of abuses against foreigners and locals by occupying authorities, particularly against those perceived as challenging Russia’s occupation.
Russian forces and their proxies have been known to single out U.S. citizens in Russian-occupied areas for detention, interrogation, or harassment based on their nationality. This has also occurred during evacuations through Russian-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.
While access and service provision are severely restricted in these areas, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.
Travel to High-Risk Areas: Precautions and Planning
If you choose to travel to Ukraine despite these risks, consider the following steps:
- Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets, funeral wishes, etc.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones.
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
- Establish a personal security plan.
- Develop a communication plan with family and/or employer.
- Enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is essential for receiving important safety alerts and enabling the U.S. Department of State to locate you during emergencies.
Recommendations for U.S. Citizens Currently in Ukraine:
- Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
- Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas.
- Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Download free mobile applications to alert you of air alerts in your area such as Air Raid Siren and Alarm Map.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans accordingly.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices.
- Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
- Understand COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all transit countries.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
- Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Stay Informed
In conclusion, while some regions of Ukraine may present a lower risk than others, the U.S. Department of State continues to advise against travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing war. If you are considering travel, it is crucial to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and prioritize your safety above all else. Always monitor official government advisories and local media for the most up-to-date information.
