Ukraine Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ukraine.
Healthcare System
Ukraine's healthcare system consists of both public and private facilities. The public system has historically been underfunded, while private clinics in major cities offer higher standards of care. The ongoing conflict has severely strained medical resources, with many facilities damaged, overwhelmed with casualties, or operating with limited supplies and staff.
Hospitals
Private international clinics in Kyiv (such as Boris Clinic, American Medical Center) offer the best care for foreigners but may have limited capacity. Many hospitals lack modern equipment and medications. Medical evacuation to neighboring countries may be necessary for serious conditions, though this can be extremely difficult due to border closures and transportation disruptions.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka/аптека) are widely available in cities and marked with green crosses. Many medications available by prescription in Western countries can be purchased over the counter. However, supply chains have been disrupted, and some medications may be unavailable. Bring sufficient supplies of any essential medications, as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and repatriation is absolutely essential. Standard policies typically exclude conflict zones, so specialized insurance covering war-related risks is necessary. Medical treatment often requires upfront cash payment, even in emergencies.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of prescription medications with documentation in English and Ukrainian
- Carry a first aid kit with essential supplies including bandages, antibiotics, and pain relievers
- Know the location of the nearest medical facility and bomb shelter to your accommodation
- Keep emergency contact information for your embassy and insurance provider readily accessible
- Medical evacuation from Ukraine may cost tens of thousands of dollars and may not be possible during active hostilities
- Many hospitals require cash payment upfront; ATMs may not be functioning reliably
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Active armed conflict with missile strikes, drone attacks, artillery shelling, and ground combat. Air raid alerts are frequent throughout the country. Critical infrastructure including power plants, water facilities, and heating systems are targeted, leading to widespread outages.
Extensive contamination with landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance across large areas of Ukraine, particularly in former conflict zones, agricultural areas, forests, and near military positions.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist sites. Risk has decreased due to reduced tourism but opportunistic theft still occurs.
Increased cyber threats including hacking, surveillance, and data theft. Public Wi-Fi networks may be compromised. Government and critical infrastructure networks are frequent targets.
Aggressive driving, poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, and damaged infrastructure due to conflict. Many roads have damage from military vehicles or attacks.
Political demonstrations and public gatherings can occur, particularly in major cities. While generally peaceful, situations can escalate unpredictably.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports, train stations, and tourist areas charge inflated prices, particularly to foreigners. Meters may be rigged or drivers claim meters are broken.
Street money changers offer favorable rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or switch agreed amounts. Some exchange offices have hidden fees or manipulated calculators.
Extra items appear on bills, or prices are higher than menu listed. Some establishments add automatic service charges without disclosure or charge for items like bread or water that were presented as complimentary.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect for war victims, orphans, or other causes. Money rarely reaches intended recipients. Some may use emotional appeals or show fake credentials.
Individuals posing as police demand to see documents, claim violations, and request fines or bribes. They may target foreigners specifically, claiming document or registration irregularities.
Fake listings for apartments at attractive prices. After payment, property doesn't exist, is already rented, or scammer disappears. Some show different property than advertised.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Conflict Awareness
- Download air raid alert apps (Air Alarm Ukraine) and enable notifications
- Identify bomb shelters near your accommodation, workplace, and frequently visited locations
- When air raid sirens sound, immediately seek shelter in designated areas, basements, or underground metro stations
- Keep emergency supplies including water, food, first aid kit, flashlight, power bank, and important documents in a readily accessible bag
- Maintain at least a week's supply of essential items including food, water, and medications
- Keep electronic devices fully charged and have backup power sources
- Follow official government channels and your embassy for security updates
- Have multiple evacuation routes planned and keep important documents ready
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Avoid discussing military matters or posting security-related information on social media
Documentation
- Carry passport and visa documents at all times as checkpoints are common
- Keep digital and physical copies of all important documents stored separately
- Have emergency contact information readily accessible
- Carry proof of accommodation registration (legally required)
- Keep insurance information and policy numbers easily accessible
- Have contact information for your embassy saved in multiple locations
Money and Valuables
- Keep cash in multiple locations as ATMs may not be functioning
- Carry sufficient cash in local currency (hryvnia) and US dollars or euros as backup
- Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks
- Use ATMs inside banks or secure locations during daylight hours
- Keep only necessary cash and cards when going out
- Be aware that electronic payment systems may be disrupted
Transportation
- Keep vehicle fuel tank above half-full at all times as stations may be closed or have long queues
- Plan routes carefully and have backup routes identified
- Avoid travel at night when possible due to blackouts and increased risk
- Be prepared for military checkpoints and have documents ready
- Public transportation may be disrupted or suspended without notice
- Train services continue but may be delayed or cancelled due to security threats
- Consider that bridges and major roads may be damaged or closed
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Have offline maps downloaded as internet may be unreliable
- Learn basic Ukrainian or Russian phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Establish regular check-in times with family or colleagues
- Be aware that mobile networks may be disrupted during attacks or in certain areas
- Consider satellite communication devices for remote areas
Health Precautions
- Drink bottled water as water supply systems may be compromised
- Maintain good hygiene as sanitation systems may be damaged
- Avoid ice in drinks unless from trusted sources
- Be up to date on routine vaccinations including tetanus, hepatitis A and B
- Consider rabies vaccination if spending time in rural areas
- Bring comprehensive first aid supplies including tourniquets and pressure bandages
- Know your blood type and any allergies
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodation with basement or shelter access
- Know multiple exit routes from your accommodation
- Keep emergency supplies and important documents near your bed
- Tape windows in an X pattern to reduce shattering during explosions
- Stay away from windows during air raids
- Keep curtains closed at night during blackouts to avoid attracting attention
- Verify accommodation has backup power and water supplies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ukraine has traditionally been relatively safe for women travelers, though the current conflict has changed the security environment significantly. Women should take additional precautions due to the breakdown of normal security structures in some areas. While Ukrainian society is generally respectful, women may experience unwanted attention, particularly in nightlife areas. The conflict has led to increased reports of gender-based violence in occupied and contested areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially during blackouts when streets are unlit
- Use reputable transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, particularly in rural areas
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; do not leave drinks unattended
- Keep accommodation details private and don't share travel plans with strangers
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Consider staying in accommodations with 24-hour reception
- Have emergency contacts readily accessible, including your embassy
- Be aware that traditional gender roles are more pronounced in rural areas
- Join women traveler groups or forums for current safety information
- Consider traveling with companions when possible given the security situation
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Ukraine (decriminalized in 1991), and the age of consent is equal. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. Anti-discrimination laws exist in employment but are not comprehensive. There is no legal recognition of gender identity changes.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and establishments in advance
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation or gender identity to strangers
- Avoid LGBTQ+ topics in conversations with people you don't know well
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ events and venues are limited and may not be widely advertised
- Pride events in Kyiv have occurred but with significant security measures; check current status
- Consider that emergency services and medical personnel may not be LGBTQ+-sensitive
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations for current safety information
- Be especially cautious in rural areas and smaller cities
- Have emergency contacts for LGBTQ+-friendly resources
- Be aware that the conflict environment may increase risks for LGBTQ+ individuals
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely critical for travel to Ukraine and is essentially mandatory given the current conflict situation. Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude coverage for conflict zones, so specialized insurance that explicitly covers war-related risks is necessary. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more, and may not be possible during active hostilities. Without proper insurance, you could face catastrophic financial costs or be unable to access necessary medical care or evacuation.
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