COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion and ongoing military aggression (level 4 of 4). There is a real risk to life.

New Zealanders currently in Ukraine are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so. The New Zealand Government is severely limited in its ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens in Ukraine.

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Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks and heavy fighting occurring in several areas of Ukraine, including in and around Kyiv and other major cities. There are ongoing reports of gunfire, artillery bombardments, explosions and missile strikes. Civilians are being impacted. There is a real risk to life. There is also concern about military activity and shelling around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We advise New Zealanders in Ukraine to seek shelter in a secure place until you judge it is safe to depart. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times and always prioritise your immediate safety. Monitor advice from reputable local and international media as well as the SafeTravel website. Where you judge it is safe to do so, you should depart Ukraine.

Ukraine’s airspace is closed. Land border crossings are open but expect some congestion. As a result of the invasion, roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or damaged. Make sure you have adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel.  Bring hard copies of important documentation, as well as any other essentials you may need. Check the entry requirements of your intended destination regularly before arrival as many neighbouring countries are adjusting them. Book accommodation in the country you are travelling to in advance if you can. Ukrainian “military-aged” males (aged 16-60 years) and females with medical training, including dual nationals, are being stopped from leaving Ukraine. There are limited exemptions for people who have completed certain types of military service already or are sole parents of young children or disabled persons. Anyone claiming an exemption will need to provide extensive documentation.

A nationwide state of emergency is in force and martial law has been imposed. Other local restrictions could be implemented with limited warning. Follow the instructions of the Ukrainian authorities and check the measures in place in your location, as they may vary across the regions.

If you’re in Ukraine, please register with SafeTravel if you have not already done so and keep your details up to date so we know of your situation and can keep you updated with the latest information. If you are in Ukraine in need of assistance, you should e-mail nzwsw@nzembassy.pl or phone the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24/7 Consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) or 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand). Please note that New Zealand’s ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is extremely limited in these circumstances. You should not rely on the New Zealand Government to evacuate you from Ukraine.

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks across Europe. The Ukrainian authorities have disrupted a number of planned attacks in the past, including in Kyiv. Small scale targeted attacks (assassinations and bombings) including car bombs occur in Ukraine every year, some involving casualties. Further attacks could happen anywhere at any time, including in areas frequented by foreigners. New Zealanders in Ukraine are advised to exercise vigilance in public places, and stay alert.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing is increasing, particularly in Kyiv at night. Incidents are increasingly occurring on public transport. Muggings, street scams and drinks spiking have also been reported. We recommend taking extra care to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended and being cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and recent acquaintances.

We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to ensure their safety and secure their personal belongings. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery. Avoid travelling alone and at night.

Credit card fraud, including skimming, and internet fraud is common in Ukraine. We recommend New Zealanders take extra care when using credit cards and ATMs and carefully check credit card statements for fraudulent charges. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams.

Don’t hail a taxi on the street - order one from your hotel or a taxi company. Only use official taxis, and agree the fare before you get in. At airports, order a taxi from a designated taxi booth.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations and protests occur occasionally in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, and may disrupt local public services and transport. New Zealanders in Ukraine are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

General Travel Advice
Carry your passport at all times, as local authorities may stop foreigners and ask them to present their passport and visas. Keep a photocopy in a safe place.

Under Ukrainian law it is illegal to enter internationally recognised Ukrainian territory through a border point that is not currently controlled by Ukrainian authorities.

We advise against entering into new surrogacy agreements, as consular assistance in Ukraine is extremely limited in these circumstances.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

New Zealanders in Ukraine are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Ukraine should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Travel tips

• Travel to Europe
• Abolition of border controls in Europe
• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Warsaw, Poland is accredited to Ukraine

Telephone +48 22 521 0500 Emergency Telephone 24/7 Consular emergency line: 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) Email nzwsw@nzembassy.pl Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/poland

See our regional advice for Europe