Ukraine Entry Guide for Costa Rica Citizens 2026

Entry Rules for Costa Rica Citizens (2026)

Costa Rica passport holders must obtain a Ukraine electronic visa (e‑Visa) before travel. The e‑Visa is used for short stays up to 30 days for approved purposes such as tourism, business, private visits, medical treatment, and cultural events. Ukraine continues to admit foreign visitors during martial law, but travelers should expect additional security checks and regional restrictions.

Timing: submit your e‑Visa application no earlier than 3 months and no later than 10 business days before your planned entry date. Processing commonly takes 1–3 business days depending on the service selected.

Entry points: international travel is typically via land borders (from neighboring EU countries and Moldova). Plan routes in advance and allow extra time for border and checkpoint procedures.

Required Documents

Prepare a complete set of documents for both the e‑Visa application and border control:

• Passport (foreign passport). Use a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Ukraine.
• Ukraine e‑Visa (single or double entry). Print the PDF and keep a digital copy; present it with your passport.
• Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, including medical treatment and war-related risks.
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, card balance confirmation, or cash). The minimum is calculated by the border service using: ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where Pm = 3,209 UAH (2026 subsistence minimum) and Kd is your number of stay days.
• Proof of trip purpose: hotel booking, invitation letter (private or business), medical appointment documents, or event tickets—matching the purpose selected in your e‑Visa.

Tip: carry printed copies of key documents (insurance, booking/invitation, return/onward plan, funds proof). Border officers may request them even if you applied online.

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance is mandatory for entry. Choose a policy that clearly states:

• Coverage: €30,000 or more
• Valid in Ukraine for the entire trip dates
• Includes emergency care and hospitalization
• Includes war-related risks (wording should be explicit)

You can purchase compliant coverage online; many travelers use insurance-ukraine.com for policies that meet Ukraine’s entry requirements.

Safety (Martial Law Practicalities)

Ukraine remains under martial law in 2026. Travel is possible, but plan for changing conditions:

• Curfews: vary by region and can change. Confirm local curfew hours with your accommodation and follow them strictly.
• Air alerts: learn where the nearest shelter is (hotel staff can advise). Move to shelter during alerts when possible.
• Checkpoints: carry your passport and e‑Visa printout on you. Be calm, follow instructions, and avoid photographing military sites, personnel, or equipment.
• Emergency number: dial 112 for all emergency services (operators can route to police, ambulance, fire).

Customs (What You Can Bring In and Take Out)

Green corridor (no written declaration) is generally used when you carry items within duty-free limits. You may typically bring:

• Personal belongings
• Goods up to €500 total value and up to 50 kg
• Food for personal use (not for sale) up to €200
• Cash up to €10,000 (or equivalent) without declaration
• Medicines (non-narcotic/psychotropic): usually up to 5 packages per medicine per person

Red corridor (written declaration required) applies if you carry goods above limits, items requiring permits, currency above the threshold, cultural valuables, or controlled medicines. Keep receipts for expensive items—customs may assess value if documents are missing.

Prohibited imports include narcotics/psychotropics, explosives and toxic substances, certain foods without certification, pornography, materials promoting violence/racism/war, unidentified animals, wanted cultural property, and weapons (including gas sprays) without required permits.

Export rules: goods under €10,000 total value can usually be exported without a written declaration. Exports above €10,000 must be declared. Some categories are restricted or prohibited (weapons/ammunition, narcotics, explosives, certain cultural and historical valuables without permission, and other controlled items). Food restrictions may apply at borders—avoid transporting large quantities of meat/dairy/fish products.

Driving in Ukraine

Ukraine has right-hand traffic. If you drive, keep documents ready and follow local rules closely.

• Speed limits: residential zones 20 km/h; cities 50 km/h; outside settlements 90 km/h; divided roads 110 km/h; highways 130 km/h.
• Seat belts: driver and front passenger must wear them.
• Children: children under 12 must use appropriate child restraints; children cannot ride in the front seat without a child seat. Children over 12 must wear seat belts.
• Foreign-plated cars: foreign citizens may use a foreign-registered vehicle in Ukraine for up to 1 year. If staying more than 2 months, arrange temporary registration at an Interior Ministry service center. After 1 year, the vehicle must exit Ukraine.

Checkpoints by car: slow down, prepare documents, follow signals, and do not film. You may be asked to open the trunk and allow inspection. Drive away only when permitted.