Do belarusians and russians travel to Ukraine?

Citizens of russia and Belarus have limited opportunities to enter Ukraine due to strict rules and document requirements. Find out more about how many citizens of russia and Belarus entered Ukraine in 2024 and for what purpose

Order Visit Ukraine branded merchandise and support Ukraine (worldwide delivery)

BUY

In the context of the war, the issue of crossing the border with Ukraine for citizens of russia and Belarus has its own peculiarities. Given the current restrictions and requirements, citizens of these countries cannot enter Ukraine without additional confirmation and permits.

How many citizens of the russian federation and Belarus entered Ukraine in 2024 is described in the article below.

How many citizens of russia and Belarus entered Ukraine in 2024?

According to the official statistics provided by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine at the request of Visit Ukraine, 4,885 citizens of Belarus entered Ukraine in 2024. The majority of them, namely 4,877 people, crossed the border for private purposes, which indicates tourist or personal trips. Only 2 citizens of Belarus entered Ukraine as vehicle service personnel.

As for the citizens of the russian federation, their number was much higher - 15,843 people in total. Out of this number, 15,789 people came to Ukraine for private purposes, which also indicates the majority of personal or tourist trips. 5 persons were in Ukraine as vehicle maintenance personnel, 37 persons entered Ukraine for transit purposes, and 12 persons entered for other purposes.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Can citizens of russia and Belarus enter Ukraine in 2025?

In 2025, citizens of the russian federation and Belarus have limited opportunities to enter Ukraine.

A visa regime has been officially introduced for russian citizens. Russian citizens can obtain a Ukrainian visa only through Ukrainian embassies or consulates in third countries, such as Estonia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Moldova and others. When entering Ukraine from Moldova, it is important to remember that the Transnistrian segment of the border is not open for entry, as is the border with russia and Belarus.

In addition, from 1 March 2025, russian citizens will no longer be able to cross the border with Ukraine on the basis of a russian passport or birth certificate (for children under 14), which previously allowed travel.

As for Belarus, Ukraine and Belarus currently have a visa-free regime. This means that citizens of Belarus do not need to apply for a visa to enter Ukraine. However, given the role of Belarus as an ally of russia, Belarusian citizens are subject to additional checks at border controls. In order to pass the control, citizens of Belarus must have an invitation to enter Ukraine or documents confirming family ties with Ukrainian citizens or Ukrainian origin.

Just a reminder. Despite the war, the interest of US citizens in Ukraine has not waned - thousands of Americans cross our border every year for personal and humanitarian purposes. Their presence demonstrates their support and concern for Ukrainian realities. To find out how many US citizens visited Ukraine in 2024, please follow the link.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.