Europe
Ukraine
A country at war. Kyiv and Lviv still run, with cafés, coworking and fast mobile internet, but missile and drone strikes, curfews and blackouts are daily reality. No flights; arrive by train.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa81 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUAHUS$1 ≈ ₴44.95Details
- Price level31%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledLocals boil or filter tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalAttitudes have warmed since 2022 and Kyiv has an active scene and KyivPride.Details
- Internet93 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 91 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightYou need a 1968 IDP plus your licence. Cars need green card insurance and original registration papers.
Where to go in Ukraine
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KyivCapital city | 1/5 | $1,110–1,780 | May–Jun, Sep | 37/100 |
| LvivCity | 2/5 | $1,000–1,560 | May–Jun, Sep | 58/100 |
| OdesaCity | 1/5 | $1,000–1,560 | May–Jun, Sep | 44/100 |
| Ivano-FrankivskCity | 2/5 | $845–1,330 | Jun–Sep, Dec | 70/100 |
When to visit Ukraine
Late May to September for Kyiv, Lviv and the Carpathians. Winter brings sub-zero cold and the highest risk of power and heating cuts.
Good to know
Entry
- Airspace has been closed since 2022: arrive overland, usually by train from Przemyśl or Chełm in Poland, or via Moldova, Romania, Slovakia or Hungary.
- Border guards may ask for health insurance valid in Ukraine, proof of funds and an onward ticket; fingerprints may be taken.
- Entering Crimea or occupied areas through Russia is illegal under Ukrainian law and can bring arrest and a ban.
- Martial law: expect curfews (Kyiv midnight–5 am), checkpoints and document checks. Carry your passport at all times.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing military sites, checkpoints or strike aftermath can lead to detention.
- Drinking alcohol in public places, including parks and transport stops, is illegal.
- Dual Ukrainian men aged 23–60 may be barred from leaving and are subject to conscription.
Etiquette
- Don't default to Russian; learn Ukrainian basics (dobryi den, diakuiu)
- Stop for the national minute of silence at 9 am daily
- Never say Ukrainians and Russians are 'one people' or joke about the war
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants, usually added on the card terminal. Not expected in taxis or for counter service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Ukraine
- Speedtest Global Index: Ukraine
- State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
- Ukrzaliznytsia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.