On June 15, Ukraine officially reopened its borders to a limited number of countries after a lengthy three-month lockdown.
Since then, the borders have opened to citizens of more countries. But there are complications.
Some countries are classified as “red,” meaning the COVID-19 situation there is worse than in Ukraine. People arriving from these countries must spend 14 days in self-isolation or pass a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19.
Others are classified as “green,” meaning the COVID-19 situation is better than or comparable to Ukraine. Their citizens are not required to undergo isolation.
On Aug. 1, the Ukrainian government nearly doubled the number of so-called “red” countries, complicating travel arrangements for many foreigners. This guide will help travelers plan their visit to Ukraine.
“Red” and “green” countries
The Ukrainian government classifies travellers as arriving from either a “red” or “green” country. This was originally defined by the number of active cases per 100,000 people in the traveller’s country of departure. However, the government now considers the percentage growth of cases in foreign countries as well. If either the rate of growth or the total number of active infections per 100,000 people (recorded within a 2-week period) exceeds the level in Ukraine, the country is placed in the “red” category.
This confusing categorization has dramatically increased the number of red countries and added countries with otherwise low rates of infection to Ukraine’s red list.
This list is constantly changing, being updated by the Ministry of Health every week. Travelers are advised to regularly check the Ministry of Health’s website to verify whether their country of departure falls within the “red” category.
Passengers transiting through a “red” country will be treated as having arrived from a “red” country, unless they were there for less than 24 hours.
Passengers travelling from a red country via a “green” country will need to prove that they have spent at least 14 days in a “green” country to enter Ukraine without quarantine.
This may pose problems for passengers transiting from one European Union member state through other member states, where passport stamps may not be not issued. It is recommended that travelers bring evidence of where they have spent the past 14 days to Ukraine. Border guards will decide whether the traveler must undergo self-isolation.
At the time of publication (Aug. 5), a total of 127 countries are listed as “red.”
How to avoid two weeks quarantine
Passengers arriving from “red” countries now have several choices to avoid self-isolation.
They may now take a PCR test in their country of departure no more than 48 hours before their departure. At the border, they must present an official document detailing their negative PCR test. Passengers presenting a negative PCR test alongside a valid insurance policy which covers expenses relating to COVID-19, will be allowed to enter Ukraine without quarantine or the need to use the “Diy Vdoma” monitoring app.
Unfortunately, private PCR testing is not available everywhere and can be very expensive, making this option not viable for many travelers.
Alternatively, passengers from “red” countries now have the possibility of receiving a test at three major Ukrainian airports: Lviv, Boryspil and Kharkiv. The tests costs Hr 1,500 (around $55).
A testing service has also been launched at Kyiv Zhuliany Airport (IEV) by the private company “Verde Clinic.” The cost is reported to be Hr 1,700 (around $60.)
The procedure takes 15 minutes. However, passengers may have to stay in isolation at their lodgings until their “Diy Vdoma” app has updated with their negative test result.
COVID-19 Insurance Policies
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reserves the right to deny entry to travelers who do not possess an insurance policy that covers them against the costs of treatment related to COVID-19.
These policies can be purchased through Ukrainian insurance companies online and delivered by email. The Visit Ukraine website lists several companies offering COVID-19 insurance.
It is advised to purchase insurance before you fly, as there is not reliable WiFi at many Ukrainian airports. Furthermore, it can often take several hours to receive insurance documents. Travelers are recommended to purchase insurance through reputable Ukrainian companies.
Alternatively, the Border Guards will also accept foreign insurance plans. These can often be very costly and do not cover short tourist visits. On the other hand, reputable insurers are likely to provide excellent service to their clients in case of hospitalization.
Regular travel insurance is often not a valid form of insurance for entry into Ukraine. If you fly against the advice of your government, your travel insurance may become void and you will not be insured in case of illness or injury. Travelers should read the fine print of their insurance carefully.
Most travel insurance policies do not cover expenses related to COVID-19 infection and may be refused by the Ukrainian State Border Guards. It is highly recommended to purchase a valid Ukrainian insurance policy.
Ensure that your document explicitly states that it will cover the costs related to COVID-19 hospitalization and treatment. It might help to highlight this if it is not clear on the document.
Quarantine, SIM cards and Diy Vdoma
For many individuals, the quarantine will be unavoidable. Those receiving PCR tests at the airport will also need to familiarize themselves with quarantine procedures as they may have to wait 24-48 hours for their Diy Vdoma app to update. Only passengers from “green” countries do not require the Diy Vdoma app.
Diy Vdoma is used to track your location during quarantine and to prove your completion of quarantine or testing. The app is entirely in Ukrainian and, as such, confuses many travelers.
At the airport, there will be posters and staff instructing travelers to install the “Diy Vdoma” app on their phone. It can be found on both the App Store and Play Store by typing “diy vdoma” into the search bar and can be installed anywhere in the world. Alternatively, there are QR codes on posters at the airport which link to the app.
A Ukrainian SIM card is required to activate the app. Foreign telephone numbers will not work. It has been reported that at some major airports, such as Boryspil, border staff were providing arriving passengers with Ukrainian SIM cards. If it is not possible to obtain a Ukrainian SIM card before your arrival, it is also possible to input a friend or relative’s phone number. They will then be able to send you the confirmation number that they receive on their phone, which you will be able to input into the app. The phone number is only necessary for setting up the application, as the app can function perfectly well through WiFi.
After verifying the phone number, the app will move onto a new screen with a choice of options. Do not press any buttons and pass your phone, along with your passport and insurance to the border officers, who will register your app in their system.
Only when in your chosen place of residence should you then press the button to confirm your quarantine location. If you accidentally set your quarantine location at the airport, the app will not function correctly.
If you require assistance with this process, speak with State Border agents. There are usually English-speaking agents who are on hand to assist you with the process.
“Diy Vdoma” will periodically send notifications to your phone to check that you are at your designated quarantine location. You should respond to these in a timely manner. The app will ask you to take a selfie of yourself in your home, which will be matched against a photo taken of you at the border.
