Ukraine Entry Guide for Switzerland Citizens 2026

Entry Rules for Swiss Citizens

Swiss citizens can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, private visits, and most short business trips. Entry is allowed with a valid Swiss passport only—Swiss ID cards are not accepted for border crossing.

Ukraine remains under martial law in 2026. Border checks can be more detailed than in peacetime, and travelers may be asked additional questions about itinerary, accommodation, and safety plans.

There are no COVID-19 entry restrictions in 2026.

Required Documents

Prepare a small “border folder” (paper or offline screenshots) with the following:

• Passport (recommended: valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure to avoid issues with carriers and border checks).
• Travel medical insurance valid in Ukraine (see details below).
• Proof of purpose of travel: hotel booking, rental agreement, invitation letter from friends/relatives, company invitation, tour voucher, medical appointment documents, or onward tickets for transit.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the whole stay (cash, bank card + recent statement, prepaid accommodation, or a host’s guarantee letter).
• No active entry ban (checked by the State Border Guard Service during inspection).

How much money is enough? Border officers may apply the official calculation based on the subsistence minimum. For 2026 the subsistence minimum used in the formula is 3,209 UAH. The minimum is calculated as: FO = ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where Kd is the number of days in Ukraine. Example: for a 30-day trip, the minimum is 24,344 UAH. Practical proof includes a bank statement, a card balance screenshot, or prepaid bookings.

Travel Insurance

A medical insurance policy is mandatory for foreigners entering Ukraine in 2026, including Swiss citizens. Choose a policy that clearly states coverage for:

• Outpatient and inpatient treatment
• Emergency care and ambulance services
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Coverage for war-related risks (where available in the policy wording)

Buy insurance before departure and keep the policy number and insurer contact details accessible offline. Many travelers arrange coverage online via insurance-ukraine.com.

Safety

Safety conditions vary by region and can change quickly. Plan conservatively and follow local rules:

• Check curfew hours for each city/region you visit and plan transport accordingly.
• Install the “Air Alarm” app for real-time air-raid alerts and follow shelter instructions.
• Carry your passport (or a secure copy if advised by your accommodation) and keep your entry stamp/records.
• Expect checkpoints on roads and at city entrances; cooperate calmly and follow instructions.
• Do not photograph or record military personnel, equipment, checkpoints, or air defense activity.

Kyiv and major cities: Large cities can be visited, but air alerts and restrictions remain possible. Choose accommodation with clear shelter guidance, avoid restricted areas, and monitor official local announcements.

Emergency number: 112 (single number for emergency services). Separate services: 101 fire, 102 police, 103 ambulance, 104 gas emergency.

Customs (Import/Export Rules)

Ukraine uses green and red customs corridors at border points and airports.

Green corridor (no written declaration, within limits):

• Personal belongings
• Goods up to EUR 500 total value and up to 50 kg
• Food for personal use (not for sale) up to EUR 200
• Cash up to EUR 10,000 (or equivalent). Above this amount, declare and be ready to show proof of withdrawal/source.
• Medicines (non-narcotic/non-psychotropic): generally up to 5 packages of each medicine per person

Red corridor (written declaration required): goods requiring permits, currency and valuables above limits, securities/payment documents, controlled medicines, and goods exceeding EUR 500 or 50 kg. Keep receipts—customs may assess value if documents are missing.

Prohibited to import: narcotics/psychotropics, explosives and toxic substances, certain foods without required certification, materials promoting violence/racism/war or pornography, unidentified animals, wanted cultural property, and weapons (including gas sprays/firearms/cold weapons) without the required Ukrainian permits.

Export from Ukraine: Goods under EUR 10,000 can usually be exported without a written declaration. If exporting restricted items (including certain categories under customs control) or goods over EUR 10,000, declare them and follow customs procedures.

Strict export restrictions: certain foods (e.g., lard/sausages, dairy, fresh meat), fish over 20 kg, sturgeon caviar over 125 g without permits; controlled medicines; weapons/ammunition; cultural and historical valuables without permission; toxic/radioactive/explosive substances; and items violating intellectual property rules.

Driving in Ukraine

Ukraine has right-hand traffic and no toll roads for standard use. Carry your driving licence and vehicle registration at all times. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front passenger.

Speed limits (general):

• Residential/pedestrian zones: 20 km/h
• Built-up areas (cities/towns): 50 km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
• Divided highways: 110 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

Car insurance: If you enter with your own vehicle, you need valid mandatory third-party liability insurance accepted in Ukraine. Confirm coverage before you drive; many travelers arrange policies online (including via insurance-ukraine.com).

Foreign plates: Foreign citizens may use a car with foreign registration in Ukraine for up to 1 year for personal use. If you plan to stay longer than 2 months, contact an MIA service center for temporary registration requirements. After the one-year period, the vehicle must leave Ukraine.

Children in cars: Children under 12 must use seat belts and an appropriate child restraint system; transporting a child in the front seat without a child seat is prohibited. Children over 12 must wear seat belts.

Checkpoints (practical rules): Slow down, prepare documents, follow the “STOP” sign, switch off headlights and turn on hazard lights when instructed, and do not exit the vehicle unless asked. Be ready for inspection of the trunk/interior. Turn off and remove dashcams from the windshield and avoid using your phone while passing.