Traveling to Wartime Ukraine
- Traveling to Ukraine during wartime can be challenging due to the closed Ukrainian airspace. However, alternative transportation options are available, such as trains or buses.
- If you prefer traveling by train, websites like Polrail (https://www.polrail.com/en/international-rail-tickets-Poland) offer tickets from neighboring countries like Poland to major Ukrainian cities like Lviv and Kyiv. It’s advisable to book overnight sleeper trains, as first-class tickets are worth the extra cost. Availability can be limited but not impossible to secure.
- For train tickets within Ukraine, you can purchase them from the official Ukrainian Railways website (https://www.uz.gov.ua/en/).
- Buses are also a popular and convenient way to travel, and tickets can often be purchased online. Rail and bus stations are typically located close to each other.
- Make sure to check visa requirements before your trip. For US citizens, 90-day trips to Ukraine typically do not require a visa.
- Despite the wartime situation, there are no specific restrictions on entry for tourists, but exercising good judgment and staying informed about the current situation is essential. A valuable resource for information is https://visitukraine.today/.
Safety Considerations
- While planning your trip to Ukraine, keep in mind that conditions can change rapidly. Frequent air raid alerts are a reality, so it’s essential to be prepared.
- Download the air raid alert app (available at the bottom of this page: https://visitukraine.today/blog/674/the-air-raid-app-will-notify-ukrainians-about-shelling-chemical-and-radiation-hazards) to receive timely notifications about shelling, chemical, and radiation hazards.
- Download offline versions of Google Maps for the cities you’ll be visiting and identify the nearest bomb shelters or “points of invincibility” from your hotel and other destinations.
- Be aware of the enforced curfew, which typically runs from 12 midnight to 5 am in most areas of the country, and even longer hours closer to war zones. Avoid being out during curfew hours, as the police may question you.
- Services like Uber and Bolt will not operate during curfew hours, so plan your transportation accordingly to avoid getting stranded. Note that trains will still operate.
- You can also stay informed about the current front lines in Ukraine by visiting https://deepstatemap.live/en#6/49.438/32.053.
Travel Notes
- Lviv is considered safe and has a small European old town vibe
- Kyiv is closer to the frontlines but offers a wealth of history, monuments, museums, and activities. You can easily spend 5 to 7 days exploring Kyiv’s offerings.
- Both cities offer opportunities to enjoy opera or ballet performances.
- Consider taking day trips from Kyiv to places like Irpin or exploring former leaders’ corrupt mansions, gun shooting ranges, and more.
- It’s worth noting that the metro systems in both cities also serve as bomb and missile shelters.
- Chernobyl tours are currently closed indefinitely due to safety concerns, as the area was used during the Russian invasion and may be heavily mined.
- While Soviet Nuclear base tours in the south may be possible, it’s essential to check with tour operators for availability.
- Some areas that were sites of Russian invasion in February 24, such as Irpin, Bucha, and Borodyanka, have been liberated and rapidly rebuilt. Individual fixers can arrange trips to these areas, and they hold artistic interest, with works by Banksy and Ed Sheeran in the ruins.
General Impressions
- Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, Ukraine has much to offer, including great food, rich history, and intrigue.
- Ukrainians, especially the younger generation, have a European outlook and are generally friendly and welcoming. While Eastern Europeans may not always have the friendliest reputation, you’ll likely find a warm reception in Ukraine.