Jan 30, 20223 min read

Options for U.S. citizens to depart Ukraine by land

Updated: Feb 15, 2022

Message to US Citizens: Ukraine Land Border (January 28, 2022)

The security situation in Ukraine continues to be unpredictable due to the increased threats of Russian military action and can deteriorate with little notice. U.S citizens in Ukraine should consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options.

Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis.

U.S. citizens wishing to depart Ukraine by land have several options. However, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, U.S. citizens should be prepared to comply with country-specific entry requirements, which may differ from the entry requirements for travellers arriving by plane.

If you are considering departing Ukraine by land, please see country-specific information below. Note entry requirements/restrictions can change without notice. Make sure you verify the latest entry requirements before travelling.

Poland: Due to current COVID-19 regulations, U.S. citizens must apply for permission for humanitarian reasons to enter Poland at the land border. Please contact +48 22 500 4068, +48 22 500 4568, or +48 22 500 5468 by phone, or zdsc.kg@strazgraniczna.pl by email for further information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Poland’s website describe entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements”). The Polish Border Guard’s website also provides relevant information (in Polish).

Slovakia: Vaccinated U.S. citizens can enter by land. The U.S. Embassy in Slovakia’s website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements”). The Slovak Government’s COVID-19 page also provides relevant information.

Hungary: U.S. citizens can enter Hungary with proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. The U.S. Embassy in Hungary’s website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirement”). The Hungarian Police’s website also provides relevant information.

Romania: Vaccinated and unvaccinated U.S. citizens may enter Romania by land. The U.S. Embassy in Romania’s webpage (located under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements”). The Romanian Border Police’s website also provides relevant information.

Moldova: [AP1] U.S. citizens can enter Moldova, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, although travel restrictions will vary depending on their vaccination status. The U.S. Embassy in Moldova’s COVID-19 website describes entry and exit requirements in full under the header “Entry and Exit Requirements.” The Moldovan Border Police’s website also provides relevant information (in Moldovan).

Important note: travellers should not enter Moldova through the breakaway region of Transnistria, where the U.S. Embassy has limited access and may not be able to provide the full range of assistance to U.S. citizens. The main Moldova-Ukraine border crossing south of Transnistria is Palanca – Maiaki Udobnoe. North of Transnistria, the first Moldova-Ukraine border crossing is Otaci – Moghileov-Podolsk.

Travellers entering Moldova through Transnistria will need to subsequently register their entry with Moldovan government authorities and may be subject to additional checks by the “authorities” of the Transnistria region. Travellers should note the Chisinau-Odesa train goes through Transnistria as well. More information on Transnistria can be found here.

The European Union: The European Union also maintains a website with all travel restrictions for member states.

U.S Embassy Kyiv remains open and able to process U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and can also provide loans to U.S. citizens who cannot afford to purchase a commercial ticket to the United States at this time. If you are a U.S. citizen or parent of a U.S. citizen minor and delaying your departure because of your non-U.S. citizen spouse, your minor child, or you do not have a valid U.S. travel document, please contact us.

The Department asks all U.S. citizens in Ukraine to complete an online form so that we may better communicate with you. This is especially important if you plan to remain in Ukraine. Finally, as noted in our previous message, commercial flights from Ukraine’s international airports are available.

Additional Actions to Take:

Visit the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv’s webpage to view the most recent safety and security alerts for U.S. citizens.
Regularly monitor local and international news and social media news channels.
Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
Review your personal security plans and always have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
Enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website for current Travel Advisories. Read the Country Specific Information for Ukraine. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.