U.S. citizens in Ukraine should complete this online form so that the State Department can communicate with you. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Ukraine can also call 1-833-741-2777 (in the United States) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas) for immediate assistance.
We encourage U.S. citizens to 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.
Read alerts and message on security and border crossing issues from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.
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Guidance on Land Border Crossings
U.S. citizens wishing to depart Ukraine by land have several options, listed below. We understand that most border crossings into Poland and all main crossing points into Moldova are severely backed up and some are experiencing extremely long wait times (well over 30 hours in some cases). We recommend that, if possible, U.S. citizens consider redirecting to border crossings with Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, which are currently experiencing lower wait times to cross.
Note that 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, warm clothes.
- Ensure enough pet food if you are with your pet.
- Bring hard copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports [even if expired], 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.
Local authorities in Romania, Poland, and Moldova have reception centers immediately beyond most border crossings, where you can find food, temporary lodging, clothes, and transportation to the next bigger town.
Specific info on entering neighboring countries from Ukraine
Poland:
Poland has indicated to the U.S. government that U.S. citizens may now enter Poland through the land border with Ukraine. No advanced approval is required. We encourage those traveling into Poland by land from Ukraine to cross at the Korczowa-Krakovets or Medyka-Shehyni border crossings. The U.S. embassy has consular officers stationed near these crossings to provide assistance. Please call +48 22 504 2784 or +48 22 504 2000 (Embassy Warsaw), or +48 12 424 5100 (Consulate General Krakow), or email [email protected] or [email protected] for further information. You may contact the Polish Border Guard by email at [email protected] or by phone at +48 22 500 4068, +48 22 500 4568, or +48 22 500 5468. The Polish Border Guard's website also provides relevant information (in Polish). The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Poland's website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header "Entry and Exit Requirements").
Romania:
We encourage those traveling into Romania by land from Ukraine to cross at the Siret border crossing. The U.S. embassy will soon have consular officers stationed near this crossing to provide assistance. Please call +40-41-270-6000 or email [email protected] for further information. Vaccinated and unvaccinated U.S. citizens may enter Romania by land. The Romanian Border Police's website also provides relevant information. The U.S. Embassy in Romania's website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header "Entry and Exit Requirements").
Hungary:
We encourage those traveling into Hungary by land from Ukraine to cross at the Záhony border crossing. The U.S. embassy will have staff stationed near this crossing to provide assistance. Please contact +36-1-475-4400 by phone or [email protected] by email for further information. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Hungary, but should be prepared to show proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. Please contact +36-1-475-4400 by phone or [email protected] by email for further information. Hungarian Police's website provides relevant information. The U.S. Embassy in Hungary's website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header "Entry and Exit Requirement").
Slovakia:
A list of open border crossings is available on the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava's website. The U.S. embassy can provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens who cross into Slovakia from Ukraine. Please call +421-2-5443-0861 or +421-903-703-666 by phone or email [email protected] for further information. All borders in Slovakia are open to vaccinated travelers, and unvaccinated travelers will be allowed entry in a humanitarian emergency, but may need to undergo testing and quarantine. The U.S. Embassy in Slovakia's website describes entry and exit requirements (located under the header "Entry and Exit Requirements") in more detail.
U.S. citizens traveling into Moldova by land from Ukraine should avoid the Transnistria region and cross into Moldova either to the north or south of the region. The main Moldova-Ukraine border crossing south of Transnistria is Palanca - Mayaki Udobnoe. The main border crossing north of Transnistria is Otaci - Mohyliv-Podilskyi. U.S. Embassy personnel will be stationed near border crossings to provide assistance. Please contact +373-2240-8300 by phone or [email protected] by email for further information. Travelers should not enter 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. Travelers should note the Chisinau-Odesa train goes through Transnistria as well. More information on Transnistria can be found here.
BelarusDo not travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately via commercial or private means. Read our travel advisory for Belarus.
Russia
Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the embassy's limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, terrorism, limited flights into and out of Russia, and the arbitrary enforcement of local law. U.S. citizens should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available. Read our travel advisory for Russia.
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