Ukraine Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Ukraine
General travel safety in Ukraine on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Ukraine
Updates
Updated: 11 Oct 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 4 - Do not travel
Your health and safety is at extreme risk. This may be because of a high threat of terrorist attack, conflict, violent social unrest, widespread infectious disease or critical levels of violent crime. It could be a combination of risks. If you travel to this location you're at a high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury. You should not travel to this location, but if you're already in a 'Do not travel' area, consider leaving. Note that your travel insurance policy might be void.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Travel by road can be hazardous. Most roads outside major cities are poorly maintained. Drivers are often aggressive and have little regard for traffic regulations. Pedestrians should be particularly careful.
Identification
You must 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. Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time. Always cooperate with local authorities. Be aware that local authorities could detain you for up to three hours while your identification documents are being verified.
Rail transportation
If you travel by train, make sure your belongings are secure. Don't agree to look after the luggage of a fellow traveller or allow it to be stored in your compartment.
Women's safety
Ukraine is generally safe in Kyiv, Odessa, and Lviv for solo women, but women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens.
Scams
Scammers often target tourist areas and hotels. A common scam involves 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 crooks, some posing as police officers. If this happens to you, do not pick up the dropped items. Simply walk away without engaging in conversation.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112 or 102
- Fire112 or 101
- Ambulance112 or 103
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Kiev
Address4 A.I. Sikorsky Street
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Although homosexuality is not prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. There's no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Kyiv Pride parade in June 2018 passed off without incident. Despite large and active LGBTQ communities in major urban centres, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Ukrainian society.
Illegal or restricted activities
Don't criticize the country, its leadership or religion. Harsh penalties may be imposed. Don't photograph military sites or personnel.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe.
Driving
An International Driving Permit or a Ukrainian driver's licence is required. Car insurance is mandatory.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Ukraine.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Polio (Poliomyelitis), or Heine-Medina disease, is an acute infectious viral disease.
The infection occurs mainly through the ingestion or inhalation.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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