February 15, 2022
The security situation in Ukraine continues to be unpredictable due to the increased threats of Russian military action. Conditions can deteriorate with little notice. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately using commercial or other privately available transportation options.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has exercised its enforcement discretion to allow certain persons from Ukraine to travel to the United States without a pre-departure COVID-19 test. For more information, please refer to the CDC website at: Amended Order: Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test Result or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Airline Passengers Arriving into the United States | Quarantine | CDC.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined that it is in the national interest to permit the entry to the United States of certain individuals traveling from Ukraine without showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to traveling to the United States. For more information on this National Interest Exception, please refer to the DHS website at: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/national-interest-exception-presidential-proclamation-10294.
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.
- Enroll 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.
- Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis.
For Assistance:
- U.S. citizens in Ukraine in need of assistance should contact the Department of State by:
- completing an online assistance form;
- calling +1 606 260 4379 (outside the U.S.) or +1 833 741 2777(from the U.S.); or
- emailing KyivACS@state.gov.
- Alternatively, U.S. citizens may schedule routine consular services at any U.S. embassy or consulate. To locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate please visit usembassy.gov.
