The EU Council has included Ukraine in the list of third countries whose citizens are advised to lift temporary restrictions on optional travel to the European Union.
"I welcome the EU decision, which recommends the resumption of visa-free travel with Ukraine. It shows that the indicators of the epidemic situation in Ukraine meet EU requirements," said Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.
However, the Foreign Ministry reminded that the inclusion in the "green list" does not automatically allow entry into the territory of all EU member states. The final decision on Ukraine's inclusion in the national "green lists" will be made by EU member states independently.
Published July 12, 2021, at 10:53
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has prepared answers to common questions about travel in 2021. If you are planning a trip abroad for business or leisure, be sure to check the entry regime and the documents you need.
The list of countries to which entry is allowed is constantly changing. Where can I find the latest information?
Up-to-date information on the rules of entry for citizens of Ukraine to different countries of the world is available on the portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine promptly updates information on restrictions and requirements on the online map of this resource. We recommend that you check the conditions before starting a trip abroad (even if you have purchased a tour) to avoid complications at the border.
Can Ukrainians now travel to EU countries again without a visa as well as before the pandemic?
Inclusion in the "green list" does not automatically mean entry into the territory of all EU member states. The decision of the Council of the EU is recommendatory for the Member States that make the final decision on the inclusion of third countries in the national "green lists" given the epidemic situation in their country.
We recommend Ukrainians check current information before the trip.
Detailed information on travel opportunities and conditions, in particular to EU member states and Schengen countries, is promptly updated on an interactive map of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Is it possible to enter a country that is banned from entering during a pandemic? What are the exceptions?
In fact, despite the ban on entry into a particular country, exceptions may be provided for categories of citizens. There is no single list of exceptions for all countries. You can check the categories of citizens who, despite the ban, can get to a particular country, you can find on the portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the section "Interactive map of the world." Select a country and see the details.
Is it possible to cross the territory of a country to which entry is prohibited during a pandemic?
Despite the entry ban, some countries can be crossed in transit; others cannot. The procedure for transit through the territory of a foreign state is currently determined by the quarantine legislation of the respective country. Check the information on the conditions of entry and transit through the territory of foreign countries on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal: select the country and the "Temporary Transit Mode" option.
Do my citizenship and the country where I live matter for travel?
In general, yes. Available information on the regime of entry of Ukrainian citizens to the world's countries is posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at this link. At the same time, some countries may allow visa-free entry provided they have a residence permit in specific countries. Also, pay attention to the entry mode.
If I go to a country where foreigners are not allowed to enter, will I not cross the border at the airport?
The air carrier first grants permission to board the flight. In this case, the final decision on the entry permit is made by the relevant competent authority of the foreign state. Therefore, we advise you to carefully check the conditions of entry and transit through the territory of a foreign country on the portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs link. On the online map, select the country and the option "Temporary entry mode" or "Temporary transit mode."
What if the rules change during my stay abroad? Will I be able to return?
A citizen of Ukraine cannot be restricted in their right to enter Ukraine under any circumstances; therefore, they have the right to return to Ukraine under any circumstances. Ukrainian border's complete list of contacts.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that you register in the "FRIEND" system before each trip to simplify communication with you in case of a crisis.
A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is required to enter the country. Where can I check the list of vaccines approved in this country?
Suppose the entry of Ukrainian citizens to the country is possible subject to an international vaccination certificate from COVID-19. In that case, information on the list of recognized vaccines is posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Read in the section "Temporary entry regime for citizens of Ukraine" in the country you are interested in.
Do I need a permit to take the children abroad?
According to the State Border Guard Service, Ukrainian citizens under the age of 16 travel abroad, accompanied by one of the parents, with the notarized consent of the other parent, indicating the country of destination and the corresponding period of stay in that country.
In such an agreement, it is sufficient to state:
Citizenship, surname, name, patronymic, and date of birth of the person giving consent;
Citizenship, surname, name, patronymic, and date of birth of the person to whom consent is given;
Citizenship, surname, name, patronymic, and date of birth of the child;
The country of destination and the corresponding period of stay in that state (for example, from 01.01.2021 to 01.03.2021).
More details here.
Does visa-free travel work?
How can I check the mode of entry into a country for Ukrainian citizens (visa-free / visa required)?
General information on the entry regime of Ukrainian citizens to the world's countries is posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website - Countries of the world: entry regime.
At the same time, taking into account the current restrictions in a pandemic, we recommend reading the information on the Foreign Ministry portal.
How / where to count the number of days of visa-free stay in the EU?
We recommend using the appropriate calculator to calculate the visa-free stay in the EU.
What documents are required for a trip abroad
What documents do I need to travel abroad?
From the point of view of the Ukrainian legislation, the documents giving the right to the citizen of Ukraine to departure from Ukraine and entrance to Ukraine are:
passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travel abroad (the so-called "foreign passport");
diplomatic or service passport of Ukraine;
identity card of a seafarer or crew member.
At the same time, when leaving for foreign countries, citizens should make sure that they can enter the relevant country or transit. For this purpose, we recommend that you read the relevant instructions in detail on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal to help avoid complications or misunderstandings.
Also, the State Border Guard Service website has information on what may temporarily restrict a Ukrainian citizen's right to leave Ukraine.
Where to do a PCR test before departure so that it is accepted in another country?
The PCR test certificate must be issued by a laboratory registered in Ukraine following the current legislation. It must contain the laboratory seal, doctor's signature and/or QR code, and a translation into a foreign language, usually English, specified by the destination country.
The list of verified labs by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine habilitated to perform COVID-19 PCR tests. Also can be found on the website of the Center for Public Health.
Can I travel freely with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
Each country sets its own entry rules. We recommend that you read the relevant instructions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before the trip to avoid possible complications or misunderstandings.
If I am vaccinated, do I not need to take a pre-trip test?
There is currently no single algorithm; each country has its own entry rules. We recommend getting acquainted with each specific country's relevant requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
I received the first dose of Covishield and the second dose of Korean AstraZeneca. Can I enter the Schengen area?
The border crossing conditions, the necessary documents, and potential testing and quarantine measures are a matter for the national competence of the EU Member States. The European Commission is working on a common position. Still, the Member States have only just begun a national consultation process, including categories of vaccines to recognize for border crossings.
We recommend that you get acquainted with the current information on the procedure for entering the respective country on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
When will digital COVID certificates work in Ukraine?
How to get and what information will they contain?
Two types of certificates have been introduced: international for travel (effective after the recognition procedure is completed) and domestic for domestic use, such as attending public events. Beta testing of digital COVID certificates has already been launched in the Action application. An assessment of the readiness for recognition of our certificates by EU member states will be carried out shortly, followed by a formal evaluation by European Commission experts and the process of concluding international agreements. Follow the updates on the pages of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Health.
Will Ukrainian digital COVID certificates be recognized in the EU and the world?
Ukraine is one of the first countries to start communication with the EU on implementing COVID certificates. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture, is negotiating bilaterally with countries on mutual recognition of international certificates.
If I have a digital COVID certificate, do I need to have a paper counterpart on the trip? Is it possible to get a paper COVID certificate at all?
There is currently no single system for all countries of the world or certain regions. We recommend reading the requirements for the COVID-certificate form for entry into the respective country on the Foreign Ministry portal. Select a country on the interactive map and find out the details.
How to protect yourself from risks when traveling abroad
Do I need to take out a travel insurance policy?
To reimburse the costs associated with possible emergencies outside Ukraine, we strongly recommend taking full health insurance before traveling abroad, including COVID-19 treatment and accident insurance.
Where should I go if I have a critical situation abroad?
If you are in a crisis situation abroad and need help, please get in touch with the emergency line of the relevant embassy/consulate at the place of residence. List of websites of diplomatic missions or hotline line" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by phone +38 044 238-16-57, e-mail address: cons_or@mfa.gov.ua.
While traveling abroad, I have symptoms of COVID-19. What shall I do?
If respiratory symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 appear, should contact the host country's medical facilities immediately for testing and, if confirmed, and should determine the required course of treatment.
Upon arrival, they discovered a coronavirus. What shall I do? Is it possible to return immediately, or do I need to go through the quarantine?
By the current anti-epidemic requirements established in almost every country globally, self-isolation is mandatory if you get COVID-19.
Therefore, you should follow the instructions of the competent authorities of the host country and, in no case, violate the established quarantine regime and not leave the place of isolation arbitrarily.
Is it obligatory to go into self-isolation and pass movement control through a mobile application after arriving in a foreign country?
Each country has its own rules. We recommend that you read the relevant instructions in detail on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, including in the section "Peculiarities in the country" in the section "Entry regime for citizens of Ukraine" to avoid possible complications or misunderstandings.
The Ministry of Health recommends on PCR or rapid test document:
Be in English (translation into Ukrainian is preferable - not obligatory.
State the sample collection time and the time when received the result.
Specifically, mention the test type – PCR – polymerase chain reaction.
Show the full name, date of birth, and passport number of the traveler.
Include name, address, and contact details of the lab performing the test
Clearly state the result – COVID-19 Not detected or negative.
Useful links COVID-19 Testing
Information Resources:
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