March 9, 2022
The security situation throughout Ukraine continues to be violent and unpredictable due to ongoing military attacks by Russia, with active fighting in country and uncertain safety conditions.
The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Ukraine to depart now using privately available ground transportation options if it is safe to do so. Carefully consider routes and the risks of travel, because Ukraine’s roads may be crowded, exposed to combat operations, or have deteriorated infrastructure due to damage to bridges, roads, and facilities. Sheltering in place may remain the best option for some.
Border Crossings Open
U.S. citizens wishing to depart Ukraine by land have several options. We understand that border crossings into neighboring countries (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova) remain open.
For U.S. citizens traveling into Poland by land from Ukraine at the Korczowa-Krakovets or Medyka-Shehyni border crossings, the U.S. Embassy in Poland has opened a Welcome Center near these border crossing points to provide assistance to U.S. citizens entering Poland from Ukraine. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of assistance, please visit our Welcome Center in the second-floor conference room of the SPA Gloria Hotel, Sybiraków 31, 37-700 Przemyśl, Poland. The Welcome Center is open to assist U.S. citizens 24 hours a day. The Welcome Center can assist with onward travel and provide information on needed consular services.
Local authorities in neighboring countries have been assisting at most border crossings with reception centers, where you can find food, temporary lodging, clothes, and transportation to onward destinations.
Crossing Delays
Wait times at crossing points may be significant, vary widely, and change quickly. Of note, wait times can vary significantly between vehicle and pedestrian crossings. Generally, pedestrian crossing wait times are less than vehicle wait times.
Presently, crossings into the following countries have less than 10-hour delays for vehicles.
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Romania
- Moldova
Presently, crossings into the following countries have more than 10-hour delays for vehicles.
- None
Be Prepared
Conditions at each border can change very quickly and wait times can increase at any time without warning. Be prepared to wait for many hours to cross:
- Have extra batteries and power banks for your mobile phones.
- Bring enough food and water for at least two days.
- Stock up on diapers and baby food, if applicable.
- Bring blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothes.
- Ensure enough pet food if you are with your pet.
- Bring hard copies of important documents like birth certificates, passports (even if expired), and any other identification, and don’t rely on cell phones and computer batteries.
- Book accommodations prior to arrival, as many hotels near the borders are already booked.
U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance and those who decide to remain in Ukraine should complete this online form and the State Department will respond. The U.S. government will not be able to evacuate U.S. citizens from Ukraine. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas. U.S. citizens may seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passport, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries.
Note that Poland has waived any COVID-related requirements to show vaccination cards and/or PCR tests. Please find updated information on COVID-related requirements for neighboring countries at Travel.State.gov.
U.S. citizens departing Ukraine should avoid entering Moldova through the breakaway region of Transnistria, where the U.S. Embassy has limited access and cannot provide the full range of assistance to U.S. citizens.
Additional Actions to Take:
- Visit the Embassy’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.
- 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.
For Assistance:
- Complete the Department of State’s online assistance form;
- Call +1 606 260 4379 (outside the U.S.) or +1 833 741 2777 (from the U.S.); or
- Email KyivACS@state.gov.
