Latest News: Belarus-Ukraine: Ukrainian government plans to halt direct flights between countries (Reuters, 24.05.2021). COVID-19 restrictions eased in Kyiv (Reuters, 01.05.2021). Ukrainian government imposes entry ban on foreign nationals arriving from India beginning 2 May (Reuters, 30.04.2021)
International Restrictions:
Entry and borders: Upon arrival, all non-exempt foreign nationals are required to provide proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 observation and treatment for the duration of their stay. Insurance must be purchased from a company registered in Ukraine or a foreign company that has a representative office or an insurance partner in Ukraine.
From 24 March 2021, all non-exempt foreign nationals must also provide proof of a negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Ukraine. This does not apply to children under 12 years of age. Though the Ukrainian government is yet to set out the full details, presenting this test should also mean that foreign nationals do not need to self-isolate on arrival and do not need to download the Diia Vdoma app.
According to the resolution 1236 (9 December 2020) of the Ukrainian Government (Cabinet of Ministers), as updated on 22 March 2021, certain categories of foreign nationals are exempt from the insurance and PCR testing requirements: foreign nationals who are: residents of Ukraine; recognised as refugees; accredited diplomats in Ukraine, or members of accredited diplomats’ families; air, sea, and land transport crews; or military personnel from NATO or “Partnership for Peace” countries taking part in exercises with the Ukrainian military.
From 2 May 2021, Ukraine is restricting entry from India. Foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Ukraine if they arrive from India or have spent more than 7 of the preceding 14 days in India. There are exemptions for permanent residents of Ukraine, spouses or children of Ukrainian citizens, and diplomats and their families. See the VisitUkraine website and type India into the list of countries box for more details.
The final decision on a person’s eligibility to enter Ukraine rests with the Ukrainian State Border Service. The entry requirement policies of foreign governments are imposed and enforced at their discretion.
*Transiting Ukraine: Foreign nationals transiting Ukraine are required to provide proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 observation and treatment for the duration of their stay. Insurance must be purchased from a company registered in Ukraine or a foreign company that has a representative office or an insurance partner in Ukraine.
*Quarantine requirements: Foreign nationals with a valid negative PCR test should not have to self-isolate on arrival in Ukraine, although this has not been made explicit in the government of Ukraine’s announcements so far. This page will be updated with further details as they become available. It is not possible to self-isolate as an alternative to the requirement to take a PCR test before arrival.
Ukrainian citizens (including those with dual nationality) and foreign residents of Ukraine must self-isolate on arrival for 14 days, unless they take a PCR test and receive a negative result no more than 48 (not 72) hours before arrival in Ukraine. Residents or Ukrainian nationals arriving in Ukraine without a negative PCR test must install the Dii Vdoma tracking app for their 14-day self-isolation. The 14 day self-isolation can be terminated early by taking a PCR test and receiving a negative result.
Self-isolation on entry to Ukraine can be completed at your chosen address using the “Dii Vdoma” mobile app. You need to have a Ukrainian mobile phone number with the SIM card activated before you arrive in the country, though the SIM does not need to be in your phone on arrival. When using the app, you must respond promptly to notifications sent to your mobile (in Ukrainian).
More information about the app is available on the Cabinet of Ministers website or the Visit Ukraine webpage. Make sure that you understand the regular reporting requirements before taking up this option. People who do not register with the Dii Vdoma app, or who do not abide by its terms, are required to complete quarantine at a government-approved observation centre.
Travellers arriving in Ukraine or crossing the administrative points from non-government-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and Crimea will be subject to health monitoring on arrival. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. Further information about visiting Ukraine during the quarantine period can be found at the Ukrainian authorities’ Visit Ukraine webpage. Internal restrictions:
*Travel in Ukraine: Domestic flights are operating, although some carriers are operating a reduced schedule. Public transport in cities and bus and train travel between regions are also operating on a reduced scale.
*Quarantine measures: Coronavirus measures have been extended until 30 June 2021. As of 24 February, Ukraine is operating a colour-coded adaptive quarantine system on a regional (oblasts and Kyiv city) basis. Some oblasts and cities have imposed additional measures beyond their official “zone” and these measures may be imposed, and change, at short notice. You should check which restrictions apply to the places you intend to visit.
In all zones, the following rules apply:
• you must carry ID with you at all times
• when in public buildings (including restaurants, hotels and shops) you must maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 m.
• when in public buildings, and while travelling on public transport and in taxis, you must wear a protective mask covering your nose and mouth
Failure to comply with restrictions may result in a fine or, in more serious cases, a prison sentence. Before taking public transport, you should consider whether you will be able to maintain social distancing.
No zones are currently designated as “green” (where minimal restrictions would apply).
In “yellow” and “orange” zones, the following measures will apply:
• restaurants, cafes and bars must close between midnight and 7am (except for takeaway)
• public events outside are limited to 1 person per 4 square metres, indoors and at professional team sports events to a maximum of 50% of normal capacity
• cinemas and theatres are limited to 50% of normal capacity
• public transport capacity is limited to the number of seats available (except metro trains)
• gyms, fitness centres, museums, galleries, exhibitions and religious services have limits placed on their capacity depending on the available space and distancing measures
• visits to care homes for older people and people with disabilities are only permitted for family members or legal representatives of a resident)
In “red zones”:
• the hospitality sector (except for takeaway or delivery), entertainment and cultural facilities, shopping malls, non-essential retail, gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools must close
• public events are prohibited
• supermarkets and other grocery stores, pharmacies, veterinary supplies shops, banks and petrol stations can open
• public transport can still operate
*Accommodation: Hotel accommodation remains open under the present quarantine rules, but hostels should be closed. In red zones, hotels have further restrictions placed on them, and their restaurant facilities are likely to be closed. When staying in a hotel, you must adhere to the overall rules regarding masks and minimum distancing. If possible, check in online in advance to avoid check-in queues at the hotel. Further information can be found at Visit Ukraine.
*Public places and services: In green, yellow and orange zones, the majority of services should be open, including shops, restaurants, cafes, religious establishments, beauty salons and hairdressers, museums, libraries, gyms, fitness centres, swimming pools, hardware stores, cobblers, dentists, auditors, lawyers and notaries (providing appropriate hygiene and distancing measures are in place). The number of visitors to shopping centres, restaurants and sports facilities should be limited. In red zones, only supermarkets and other grocery stores, pharmacies, veterinary supplies shops, banks and petrol stations can open. Parks and public outdoor spaces are open.