The FCDO advise against all travel to Ukraine.

British nationals in Ukraine should leave now while commercial means are still available.

Russia has announced the start of military operations in Ukraine. There are multiple reports of a military activity. We advise British nationals to leave Ukraine immediately if you judge it is safe to do so and to follow the advice of the Ukrainian authorities while you remain in Ukraine. It is likely that commercial routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted and roads across Ukraine could be closed. If you are in the vicinity of military activity and you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows, and remain alert to developments that would allow you to leave safely.

If you decide to remain in Ukraine, you should remain vigilant throughout for any 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[subscribe to email alertsalerts] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine/email-signup) and read our advice on how to deal with a crisis overseas.

Before you travel inside Ukraine, you should check local measures in place under Ukraine’s State of Emergency,Emergency that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating before you travel. There are reports that Ukraine’s airspace is closed.closed, please check with your airline before you travel. Check our travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through. If you need assistance in any of the countries you are transiting through, you can find the contact details of our consular teams there on the travel advice or embassy webpage of the relevant country.

Ukraine introduces a nationwide State of Emergency from 24 February, which will last a minimum of 30 days. You should check the measures in place in your location as they will vary from region to region. Increased documentation checks on people and vehicles, transport restrictions and increased security measures for public buildings and infrastructure are likely to happen across the country. Other measures could include additional border controls, restrictions on large public events, curfews, restrictions on telephones, internet and broadcasting, and evacuations of certain areas.

The Ukrainian State Border Service announced additional temporary measures for border zones with Russia and Belarus, neighbouring rayons to Crimea and non-government-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and along Ukraine’s coastline. If you have decided to remain in Ukraine, you should check the measures in force in your area.

The British Embassy office in Kyiv has temporarily relocated. Embassy staff are operating from the British Embassy office in Lviv. The in-person consular services that British Embassy office in Lviv can provide are extremely limited. 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.” You can also send an enquiry via the web contact form.

Russia’sBritish nationals should leave while commercial options remain. In the event of a military incursion, it is likely that commercial routes out of Ukraine will be severely disrupted and roads across Ukraine could be closed.

The British Embassy Office in Lviv can issue documentation and provide some consular assistance. Access to the office in Lviv is by appointment only. You will be invited to book an appointment when your document is ready for collection.

Any Russian military action in Ukraine willwould 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, read the guidance on visas for immediate family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine. 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.

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

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.