Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Crimea (see Advisory)

Armed groups supported by Russian military forces took control of a variety of government buildings, airports, military installations, and other locations in the Crimean Peninsula in February 2014.

Russia announced its illegal annexation of Crimea on March 18, 2014. Canada does not recognize this act and continues to consider Crimea to be sovereign Ukrainian Territory. The Canadian Embassy in Moscow is only accredited to Russia and therefore cannot provide services in Crimea, while the Embassy in Kyiv has limited access to consular clients.

Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts (see Advisory)

Despite a recent de-escalation of hostilities, Russian-led separatists continue to control limited sections of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts . A ceasefire agreement has established a de facto dividing line between Ukrainian government-controlled and separatist-held areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, with numerous checkpoints controlled by government and separatist forces. There have been reports of individuals being threatened or detained at separatist checkpoints. Ukrainian authorities will refuse entry to foreigners who attempt to enter Ukraine from Russia through separatist-controlled territories. If you are in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, remain indoors, maintain a low profile and only consider travelling if it is safe to do so. Remain vigilant, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Demonstrations

While the situation has stabilized, demonstrations and marches, which can occur without notice, have the potential to suddenly turn violent. During a large protest on August 31, 2015, an explosion outside parliament injured several people, including police officers and journalists. Exercise a high degree of caution, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

The end of November marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Maidan revolution. In the days surrounding the anniversary, demonstrations and marches could occur with little or no notice. Exercise increased vigilance and avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings which have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Street crime (pickpocketing and scamming) is common, particularly in crowded places, in tourist areas, in bars and nightclubs and on public transportation. There has been a slight increase in street crime in Central Kyiv, especially after nightfall. This includes muggings. Pickpocketing on the Kyiv metro has also increased.

Armed robbery can also occur, especially in the larger cities. Racially motivated violence and harassment can occur without corrective action by local authorities.

Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

Fraud and scams

Debit and credit card fraud occurs. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing. The use of on-street automated banking machines (ABMs) is not recommended.

One common scam involves a person dropping a wallet or a bundle of money in front of a tourist, hoping the tourist will pick it up. The scam artist then accuses the tourist of stealing some of the money. These scams can involve several crooks, some posing as police officers. Should this happen to you, do not pick up the dropped items; simply walk away without engaging in conversation.

Be aware of potential Internet fraud by persons claiming to live in Ukraine who offer goods for sale or profess companionship, romantic interest or marriage proposals. Neither the Embassy of Canada nor Global Affairs Canada is in a position to help recover lost funds or property in such cases.

See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Terrorism

On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise a high degree of caution.

Road travel

Travel by road can be hazardous. Most roads outside major cities are poorly maintained. Drivers are often aggressive and have little regard for traffic regulations. Pedestrians should be particularly careful.

Avoid driving after dark outside major cities, as limited road visibility, poor vehicle maintenance and intoxicated drivers pose threats.

Motorists should not stop or camp overnight in isolated areas.

While roadside services such as repair facilities are increasingly common, they remain inadequate.

Public transportation

Kyiv has a punctual and reliable metro system. Buses are usually overcrowded and in poor condition. Vehicles can be rented at rental agencies in major cities and at some major hotels in Kyiv. Only use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers.

Exercise caution on trains, particularly at night, due to the risk of robbery and muggings. Store personal belongings and travel documents in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside. Avoid travelling alone.

The main ports for sea travel are Izmail, on the Danube Delta, and Odesa. Ferry service is available to a number of cities on the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Exercise a high degree of caution. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

Tourist facilities outside the major centres of Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa are not highly developed. Mobile phone coverage is available across the country, though gaps exist in lightly populated rural areas.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Ukrainian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Ukraine or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Ukraine, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days per six-month period

Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days per six-month period

Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days per six-month period

Work permit: Required

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa prior to entering the country. For further details on visas and work permits, please contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada.

Health Insurance

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you may have to purchase medical insurance issued by the state-owned company Ukrainmedstrakh upon arrival.

Crimea

If you choose to travel to Crimea despite the current advisory, you must first obtain a special permit from the State Migration Service of Ukraine. The Ukrainian government requires that this permit be presented, along with your passport, at designated checkpoints along the administrative boundary of the occupied Ukrainian territory.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are limited. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common. The medical insurance policy provided by the state-owned company Ukrainmedstrakh covers all expenses for medical care and provides medical supplies in case of emergency.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Identification

Carry adequate identification at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of loss or seizure.

Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time. Always cooperate with local authorities. Be aware that you may be detained for up to three hours while your identification documents are being verified. Racially motivated mistreatment or harassment by Ukrainian authorities occurs.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving laws

An International Driving Permit or a Ukrainian driver's licence is required, and car insurance is mandatory.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police are permitted to fine you on the spot.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the Ukraine. If local authorities consider you a Ukrainian citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Ukrainian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the hryvnia (UAH).

The economy operates primarily on a cash basis. However, credit cards are accepted in most major cities and automated banking machines are widely available. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels and licensed exchange booths. Carry crisp bills, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted.

Customs

There are strict customs regulations and procedures regarding the export of antiquities and items of historical interest.

Natural disasters & climate

Forest fires can occur in eastern and southern Ukraine during the hottest summer months of July and August. In the event of a major fire, stay away from affected areas, follow the advice of local emergency services personnel, and monitor local media for up-to-date information. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments. For assistance, contact the Embassy of Canada in Kyiv.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.