Ukraine: Government imposes additional COVID-19 testing requirements on arrivals from India, Portugal, Russia, and the UK from June 25 /update 31

Ukraine imposes additional COVID-19 testing requirements on international arrivals from India, Portugal, Russia, and the UK from June 25.

Event

Authorities have introduced mandatory COVID-19 testing for some international arrivals as of June 25 due to concerns over the spread of the Delta variant of the virus. Additional testing will now take place at ports of entry for travelers from India, Portugal, Russia, and UK. The measure will apply to anyone who has been in these locations in the previous seven days and is in addition to current entry requirements.

To enter Ukraine, all nonresident foreign nationals must produce either a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, or a document confirming full vaccination with a WHO-approved vaccine. Freight transporters and aircraft cabin crews are exempt from these testing requirements.

Foreign arrivals require proof of travel insurance sufficient to cover the cost of COVID-19 observation and treatment. The policy must be issued by a company in Ukraine or an international insurance company with representation or a partnership in Ukraine. Foreigners and stateless persons who permanently reside in Ukraine, refugees, and diplomats are exempt from the requirement.

Domestic Restrictions
The entire country is currently at the green (lowest risk) level on Ukraine's four-tiered, color-coded system for tracking disease activity. Under this system, each region is classified as being at either the green, yellow, orange, or red level, in order of increasing transmission risk as determined by the volume of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, local morbidity rates, and the capacity of local hospitals. Jurisdictions designated as green zones are subject to no nationwide restrictions, with the exception of mandates that facemasks be worn in certain settings. Citizens and legal residents of Ukraine are able to enter the country without restrictions from any location abroad for as long as the nationwide green level designation remains in place. The Ministry of Health in Kyiv has advised, however, that Ukraine could return to the yellow level or a higher risk tier with little-to-no notice should case numbers rise beyond certain established thresholds.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.