Ukraine
Summary
The FCDO advise against all travel to Ukraine.
British nationals in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available.
If you are a British national still in Ukraine, you should register your presence in Ukraine. This will allow us to provide the latest information. You should also continue to read and follow FCDO Travel Advice.
Since January 2022, the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders has increased the threat of military action.
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their dependents from Kyiv. British nationals should leave while commercial options remain.
If you are in need of assistance to leave Ukraine, you should call +380 44 490 3660 or +44 (0)1908 516666 and select the option for “consular services for British nationals”. The British Embassy is operating an office in Lviv which can issue documentation and provide some consular assistance. Access to the office in Lviv will be by appointment only.
Any Russian military action in Ukraine would severely affect the British Government’s ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine. British Nationals should not expect increased consular support or help with evacuating in these circumstances.
If you are an immediate family member* of a British National normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Family Migration route, you should call +44 (0) 300 3032785 for assistance before applying. Lines are open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5.30pm.
*‘Immediate family member’ is defined as spouse/unmarried partner/ child under the age of 18/ parent if British National is child under 18/ adult dependant who normally resides with you due to a medical condition.
If you decide to remain in Ukraine, you should remain vigilant throughout due to potential combat operations, keep your departure plans under constant review and ensure your travel documents are up to date. You should monitor the media and this travel advice regularly, subscribe to email alerts and read our advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.
Public demonstrations regularly take place. Policing of these events may include road closures. You should avoid all demonstrations and take extra care at public gatherings. In Kyiv, the areas around Maydan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) and government buildings such as the Verkhovna Rada (parliament building) and the Cabinet of Ministers are most frequently affected.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Ukraine
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Ukraine’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting. If you will pass through a red list country, book your hotel quarantine package before travelling to the UK.
If you’re planning travel to Ukraine, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
It’s illegal under Ukrainian law to enter internationally recognised Ukrainian territory through a border point that isn’t currently controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. See Borders
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 2023. See Visas
The British Embassy in Kyiv is open to the public by appointment only. If you need to contact the Consular Section, please call +380 44 490 3660, or send an enquiry via the web contact form.
British nationals made 34,500 visits to Ukraine in 2020. Most visits are trouble-free.
Take care on the roads. There are a high number of traffic accidents, including fatalities. See Road travel
Beware of petty crime, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots or when using public transport. See Crime
Terrorist attacks in Ukraine can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.