Ukraine: Authorities tightening COVID-19 entry restrictions for non-vaccinated travelers from Russia and India as of July 29 /update 33

Ukraine tightening COVID-19 entry measures for certain travelers as of July 29. Other entry and some domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Ukraine have tightened the nation's COVID-19-related entry restrictions for certain travelers arriving from Russia or India. Effective July 29, all unvaccinated individuals entering Ukraine who has spent seven or more days over the previous 14 days in either of these two countries must self-isolate upon arrival. There are no provisions under which such travelers may end their quarantine period early. An earlier introduced requirement that all persons arriving from India, Portugal, Russia, or the UK, or who have spent seven or more days over the previous 14 days in one of these countries, be tested for COVID upon arrival in Ukraine remains in force.

Generally, all nonresident foreign nationals entering Ukraine must produce either a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before 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 also 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.

Starting Aug. 4 all unvaccinated citizens of Ukraine, and foreign tourists over the age of 18 years old must install the Vdoma mobile app upon arrival. The app monitors compliance with self-isolation requirements.

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.