Frequently Asked Questions

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30 Questions found

Border guard shift changes on the Ukrainian side occur twice daily - at 8:00 and 20:00. These are regular shifts that ensure continuous border control operations. It's important to note that delays often occur during shift changes for all types of border crossings. We recommend planning your trip with this factor in mind.

State Border Guard Service of Ukraine hotline:

1598 - multi-channel number (free calls from landline and mobile operators within Ukraine)

+38 (044) 527-63-63 - city number (calls from Ukraine and abroad according to operator tariffs)

dovira@dpsu.gov.ua - for online consultations via email (response within three business days)

According to Polish law, a foreigner entering the territory of the Republic of Poland must have means of subsistence of at least:

• With a return ticket: minimum amount per day of stay (approximately 200 PLN/day)
• Without a return ticket: cost of return ticket + minimum amount for each day of stay

Or an equivalent amount in foreign currency.

Proof of sufficient funds may include: cash, bank statements, credit cards, sponsorship letters.

Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/mswia-en/entry-and-residence-conditions-for-foreign-nationals-in-poland

Vehicle X-ray scanning at the border typically takes up to one hour, not including time spent in the queue. This means the actual preparation and scanning process takes approximately up to one hour.

The only official pedestrian crossing on the Ukraine-Poland border is located at the "Shehyni-Medyka" border crossing point. This crossing point functions for pedestrian border crossings in both directions - both entry to Ukraine and exit. On average, 2,000 to 2,500 people pass through this crossing point daily. It is important to note that at other border crossing points on the border with Poland, only persons traveling by vehicle are allowed to pass. Everyone wishing to cross the border on foot is directed by the Polish side specifically to the "Medyka-Shehyni" border crossing point.

To purchase a vignette for traveling on Moldova's roads:

1. Go to the official Moldova e-vignette website: https://evinieta.gov.md/
2. Follow the instructions on the website to select the vignette duration
3. Fill in the required information, including the vehicle registration number in Latin characters and contact details
4. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Online payments for the vignette must be made outside the interval from 23:45 to 00:01 to avoid payment blocking
5. After successful payment, you will receive confirmation of the vignette purchase, which will be valid for your selected period

If you have any questions or problems, you can contact the State Road Administration of Moldova using the contact details provided on the website.

No. The State Customs Service of Ukraine has clarified that to cross the customs border in a vehicle for personal use that is not your property, a power of attorney from the owner is NOT required.

Source: State Customs Service of Ukraine / Poland News Today

Ukrainian citizens without a biometric passport must obtain a Schengen visa even for short-term trips to the EU. Such a visa allows stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Options:
• Apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate of the destination country
• Obtain a biometric passport in Ukraine or abroad

In practice:
• Some countries (Poland, Romania) may allow entry with an ID card
• Upon entry to the first Schengen country, they may issue a short-term visa for 15 days
• This is not guaranteed - it's better to have proper documents

Depends on the country:

✅ MANDATORY for Moldova:
• Minimum coverage €30,000
• COVID-19 inclusion
• Coverage of risks in destination country

📄 Recommended for Poland:
• Affects eligibility for temporary protection
• Improves chances at crossing

💡 Available policies:
• With military risk coverage
• In printed or electronic format
• From Ukrainian and international insurers

Check specific destination country requirements before departure.

🟢 BEST DAYS:
• Monday-Wednesday (lower traffic)
• Mid-day (after 10:00, before 16:00)

🔴 AVOID:
• Thursday-Sunday (heavy traffic, long queues)
• 08:00 and 20:00 (border guard shift changes)
• Night hours in regions with curfew
• Holidays and long weekends
• End/beginning of month

💡 CHECK:
• Current queues on State Customs Service of Ukraine website
• Webcams at border crossings
• Nakordoni.eu for current queue information

⚠️ From October 2025: factor in extra time for EES system registration (especially first time)

🆕 VELYKA PALAD – NAGYHÓDOS (Ukraine-Hungary)

📅 Opened: April 2025

📊 Specifications:
• First new crossing on this border in decades
• Capacity: 200 cars + 600 pedestrians daily
• Operating hours: 08:00-18:00
• Passenger vehicles up to 3.5 tons only
• Pedestrian crossing available

✅ Advantages:
• Reduces congestion at other Hungarian crossings
• Shorter waiting times
• Convenient for tourists and private travel

⚠️ Limitations:
• Not for trucks over 3.5t
• Limited operating hours (not 24/7)

📋 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

✅ Child's birth certificate (original)
✅ Child's passport (if available)
✅ Notarized consent from other parent (if child travels with one parent)
✅ Identity documents of accompanying adults

🆕 SPECIAL RULES FOR POLAND (from 24.02.2022):
• Temporary waiver of notarial consent requirement from other parent
• Applies to Ukrainians leaving due to war

👶 MINORS WITHOUT PARENTS:
• Notarized power of attorney from both parents
• Parents' contact information
• Guardian/accompanying person's documents
• Notify border guards in advance

💡 RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Make notarized translations of documents
• Take extra copies of all documents
• Have parents' contact information with you

It depends on your residence status in Ukraine before February 24, 2022:

✅ ELIGIBLE FOR EU TEMPORARY PROTECTION:
• Third-country nationals with permanent residence permit from Ukraine who cannot safely return to their country
• Persons with international protection (refugee status) in Ukraine
• Family members of the above (spouse, minor children)

❌ MAY NEED VISA:
• Third-country nationals with temporary/short-term Ukrainian residence permits
• Check if your country of citizenship has visa-free access to EU
• Contact IOM (International Organization for Migration) for assisted return options

📋 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
• Valid passport from your country
• Proof of permanent residence in Ukraine (residence permit issued before 24.02.2022)
• Proof that you cannot safely return

💡 RECOMMENDATION:
• Contact EU country consulate before traveling
• Get immigration legal advice

❌ NO. Avoid crossing through the Transnistria region (between Ukraine and Moldova).

⚠️ REASONS:
• Unrecognized territory with undefined status
• Presence of Russian troops
• Possible security issues
• Unpredictable border procedures
• Limited consular assistance

✅ RECOMMENDED SAFE ROUTES:

🔹 NORTHERN ROUTE:
• Otaci (MD) - Mohyliv-Podilskyi (UA)
• Stable, reliable crossing
• Well-equipped border crossing

🔹 SOUTHERN ROUTE:
• Palanca (MD) - Mayaki-Udobne (UA)
• Less congestion
• Faster processing

💡 Both routes are safe, officially recognized, and have proper infrastructure. Plan your trip through these border crossings.

The following border crossing points operate on the Ukraine-Hungary border:

• Tiszabecs-Vylok (vehicles + pedestrians)
• Beregsurány-Luzhanka (vehicles)
• Záhony-Chop (vehicles + trains)
• Barabás-Kosyno (vehicles)
• Velyka Palad-Nagyhódos (NEW 2025, vehicles up to 3.5t + pedestrians, 08:00-18:00)

Crossing the border with your pet requires completing several procedures:

1. Review the destination country's requirements on the official website of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection
2. Visit a veterinarian for microchipping and rabies vaccination
3. Submit blood for rabies antibody titer determination at a veterinary laboratory
4. Carry out antiparasitic measures
5. Obtain veterinary certificate F-1 at a state veterinary clinic
6. Obtain an international veterinary certificate by contacting the relevant authorities of the State Service of Ukraine at your region's border

Be sure to check operating hours before departure.

Source: State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection

No, gas stations near the border do not operate during curfew hours. Due to restrictions regarding working hours and business operations during curfew, gas stations located near borders cease operations during this period. This is implemented as a security measure and to comply with rules and restrictions introduced in accordance with current curfew regimes. Refuel in advance.

✅ Yes, you can return to Ukraine an unlimited number of times.

📋 What you need:
• Valid passport or other identity document
• Ukrainian citizenship

💼 TEMPORARY PROTECTION STATUS:
• Having status in EU countries (e.g., PESEL UKR in Poland) does NOT limit your right to return
• You can travel back and forth unlimited times
• Status is maintained upon returns (check specific country conditions)

⚠️ IMPORTANT:
• Men 23-60 years: check exit rules before returning to Ukraine
• For long-term stays abroad: clarify military registration status

💡 For re-exit from Ukraine, you'll need the same documents as for the first crossing.

💡 DOCUMENT PREPARATION:
✓ Print document checklist
✓ Make copies of all documents
✓ Download DIIA and other useful apps
✓ Prepare cash EUR/PLN/MDL

🎒 BEFORE DEPARTURE:
✓ Fill tank (stations closed during curfew)
✓ Bring food and water (possible long queues)
✓ Charge phone and powerbank
✓ Translate key documents to destination language

📱 TECHNOLOGY:
✓ Check current queues on nakordoni.eu
✓ Watch webcams at border crossings
✓ Save emergency numbers in phone

🕐 TIMING:
✓ Travel Monday-Wednesday
✓ Avoid 08:00 and 20:00 (shift changes)
✓ Plan extra time for EES (from October 2025)

🚗 AT THE BORDER:
✓ Have all documents ready
✓ Be polite to border guards
✓ Answer clearly and truthfully
✓ Don't leave valuables visible in car

📞 CONTACTS:
✓ Save emergency service numbers
✓ Inform family of your route
✓ Have consulate contacts with you

Buses depart from Lviv bus station to Shehyni approximately every 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes throughout the day:

• First bus: 05:50
• Last bus: 18:15
• Travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes (165 minutes)
• Ticket price: 165.00 UAH (both ways)

Return from Shehyni to Lviv is available from 05:50 to 18:15.

The shuttle bus fare from Medyka to Przemyśl is 6 zlotys.

For vehicle customs clearance at the Medyka border crossing, you should typically take the third lane on the right, as that is where such procedures are carried out.

The distance from Lviv to Krakovets border crossing is approximately 80 kilometers. The Krakovets - Korczowa border crossing is located on the border between Ukraine and Poland, and is one of the busiest border crossings between these two countries.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launched on October 12, 2025 with a 6-month gradual rollout period. It's a new EU border control system that:

• Replaces passport stamps with digital registration
• Requires biometric data (fingerprints + facial photo) from ALL non-EU travelers
• Automatically tracks 90-day stays within 180-day periods
• Applies to Ukrainian citizens and all third-country nationals
• Expect longer wait times during initial crossings as you register

All non-EU/non-Schengen nationals, including:

• Ukrainian citizens (even with biometric passports and visa-free access)
• All third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area
• Exemptions: EU/EEA citizens, long-term residents with residence permits

First-time registration: 5-10 minutes (biometric scan + photo). Subsequent entries: Faster (system recognizes you).

Yes. Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport can stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to:

✓ Tourist trips
✓ Visiting relatives
✓ Short-term business trips
✓ Participation in cultural or sports events

❌ Visa-free travel does NOT grant the right to work in the EU

Important: The EES system (from October 2025) will automatically track your 90 days.

🆕 UPDATE AUGUST 2025:

Men aged 18-22 years can now freely cross the border without restrictions.

Men aged 23-60 years generally CANNOT leave Ukraine during martial law, except for certain categories:

✓ Disabled persons of groups I-II
✓ Fathers of three or more children under 18
✓ Guardians of persons with group I disability
✓ Single parents/breadwinners
✓ University lecturers (business trips)
✓ Other categories according to legislation

Check current rules on the State Border Guard website: dpsu.gov.ua

Green Card is mandatory international motor insurance for all vehicles with Ukrainian license plates entering the EU.

📍 Where to buy:
• Online through licensed Ukrainian insurers (effective next day after purchase)
• At border (takes more time, longer queues)

⏰ Duration: from 15 days to 1 year

💶 Fine for missing:
• Moldova: from €200 to €2,000
• Poland and other EU countries: various amounts, from hundreds to thousands of euros

💡 Alternative: 30-day policies at border (some Polish insurers offered free policies for Ukrainian refugees - check availability)

🆕 Yes, since 2025, a valid technical inspection certificate is mandatory for entering Moldova by car.

📋 What is checked:
• Brakes
• Steering
• Lights
• Tires
• Emissions

⏰ Validity: 1 year

⚠️ Without the certificate, Moldovan authorities may refuse entry

We recommend getting a technical inspection in Ukraine before traveling.

Temporary Protection is an EU mechanism providing immediate protection to people fleeing Ukraine.

✅ WHO QUALIFIES:
• Ukrainian nationals resident in Ukraine before February 24, 2022
• Stateless persons and third-country nationals with international protection in Ukraine
• Third-country nationals with permanent residence in Ukraine who cannot return safely
• Family members of the above

🎯 RIGHTS GRANTED:
• Residence permit (initially 1 year, renewable)
• Right to work
• Access to accommodation and social welfare
• Medical care
• Access to education

📅 VALIDITY PERIOD:
• Automatically extended until at least March 2026
• May be extended further depending on situation
Useful Information for Border Crossing