Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ukraine
Ukraine is a small country nestled among Europe’s mountains and forests. It blends a perfect mixture of green trees, rolling mountains and clean seasides. Ukraine is an ideal destination for anyone seeking fun and new experiences.
Kyiv rests along the Dnieper River. Scattered across the city are religious monuments with classic architecture and underground catacombs. If this rich history isn’t what you crave in the Ukraine, Kyiv offers many other opportunities for fun. The city is also home to recreational activities like water-parks and the Kyiv Zoo.
Ukraine is also a popular spot among snowboarders and skiers. Bukovel is a large, popular ski resort in the country. This resort hosts skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and more. The Carpathian National Nature Park is also nearby. Other popular, nearby ski resorts include Drahobrat and more.
Whether it’s a breath of history or a trip down a mountain, Ukraine offers a little bit of everything.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines For Ukraine?
Do I Need a Visa For Ukraine?
What Is The Climate Like In Ukraine?
How Safe Is Ukraine?
Travelling Within Ukraine
What Should I Pack for Ukraine?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Ukraine
Do I Need Vaccines for Ukraine?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ukraine. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ukraine: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Tickborne encephalitis, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks or Unpasteurised Products –
Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Cases have been found in the region in recent years. Recommended for some travellers. Single adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Ukraine |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks or Unpasteurised Products | Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Cases have been found in the region in recent years. Recommended for some travellers. Single adult booster recommended. |
Sporadic cases of polio have been found in Ukraine. Ensure you’re vaccinated before your trip. Routine vaccinations are recommended for all travellers.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa For Ukraine?
UK citizens may enter Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. Proof of financial means may be required at entry. Passports must be valid for the duration of stay.
Ukraine Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Ukraine? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Ukraine and GOV.UK
What Is The Climate Like In Ukraine?
Ukraine experiences all four seasons. Weather varies by what time of the year it is.
Winters hover around freezing and can bring heavy snowfall. Summers heat can reach the low-30’s at peak times. Rains are common throughout the year with snowfall in winter.
How Safe Is Ukraine?
There have been some politically and ideologically motivated terrorist attacks in the Ukraine. The UK government and other organisations recommend taking extra precautions whilst in country. Avoid public demonstrations and avoid taking a public opinion on politics, especially in relation to Russia.
Avoid the Crimea area during your trip. Military operations are underway on an ongoing basis.
Crime also occurs in Ukraine, the most common being robberies, pick-pocketing and mugging. Crimes are common near nightspots, on public transportation. Corridors, lifts and stairwells provide cover for these activities.
Tourists may be targeted if they display wealth or expensive things. The local police are known for being corrupt. Be careful when interacting with law enforcement and always request to see a badge. Note, law enforcement and some emergency responders may not speak English.
Travelling Within Ukraine
While Ukraine is a charming, colorful country, there are some locations to avoid. The Crimean is currently occupied by the Russian Federation. Take extra precautions in this region.
There is conflict in parts of eastern Ukraine. Avoid travel to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts as Russian-supported separatists control the area. In these regions, travellers may face gunmen posing as self-named authorities. These individuals specialise in kidnapping and extortion.
The Ukrainian government has also struggled to provide support to these areas. There are reports of water, power, food and medicine shortages. This has lead to looting in some areas. If you plan to travel across Ukraine, avoid from these locations.
What Should I Pack for Ukraine?
Ukraine offers a very peculiar experience to travellers. Ensure you’re prepared with these handy, must-pack items.
- Warm Clothing – Depending on when you visit Ukraine, the weather can be a bit cold. Even in the warmer months, the evenings might get chilly, especially if you are close to the mountains. Packing a few jackets and jumpers will help you stay as warm and comfortable as possible.
- Camera – Ukraine is a highly picturesque destination in Europe. Whether it’s peculiar architecture or adventures, you may want to take pictures. Never photograph military installations or staff. You may be detained for doing so.
- Ski or Snowboard Gear – Consider bringing your own equipment with you to Ukraine. Local equipment may be less safe and you will feel more comfortable on your own gear.
- Toilet Paper – Some public don’t always have toilet paper. Pack some and keeping a little on your person. Also, consider bringing a traveller’s diarrhoea kit to avoid any unwanted problems.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Ukraine
If you are in Ukraine and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Kyiv
9, Desyatynna St.
Kyiv
01901
Ukraine
Telephone: +380 44 490 3660
Emergency Phone: +380 44 490 3660
Fax: +380 44 490 3662
Email: UKinUkraine@fco.gov.uk
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