Ukraine Entry Guide for France Citizens 2026

Entry Rules for France Citizens

France citizens can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, private visits, or business meetings. Entry is allowed only with a valid international passport; a French national ID card is not accepted for border crossing.

Ukraine remains under martial law in 2026. Border officers may ask additional questions and request supporting documents. Plan extra time at the border and keep key documents printed and on your phone.

COVID-19: Ukraine has no COVID-related entry restrictions in 2026.

Required Documents

Prepare the following for a smooth visa-free entry:

• International passport valid for at least 6 months (recommended by Ukrainian requirements for foreigners).
• Travel medical insurance valid for Ukraine for the entire stay (mandatory).
• Proof of purpose of travel: hotel booking, rental agreement, invitation letter (private or business), tour voucher, medical appointment documents, or onward tickets for transit.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay (cash, bank cards, bank statement, paid accommodation, or a host’s guarantee letter).
• No active entry ban (checked by the State Border Guard Service).

How much money may be required? Border officers can check financial means using the formula: FO = ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where Pm is the 2026 subsistence minimum (3,209 UAH) and Kd is the number of days in Ukraine. Example: a 30-day stay may require at least 24,344 UAH (or equivalent).

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance is mandatory for foreigners entering Ukraine in 2026, including France citizens. Choose a policy that clearly covers:

• Outpatient and inpatient treatment
• Emergency care
• Medical evacuation and/or repatriation
• Coverage valid in Ukraine for the full travel period
• War-related risks if you plan to travel in regions where insurers apply exclusions

Buy insurance before departure and keep the policy number and assistance phone line accessible offline. Many travelers arrange coverage online via insurance-ukraine.com.

Safety

Ukraine has security risks linked to martial law. Follow these practical steps:

• Check curfew rules for your destination region and plan transport accordingly.
• Install the Air Alarm app for real-time alerts and learn the nearest shelter locations.
• Carry your passport and entry stamp copy; keep originals secure and a digital backup in cloud storage.
• At checkpoints, follow instructions calmly, keep hands visible, and avoid filming military sites, personnel, or equipment.

Kyiv: The capital is generally functioning with tourism services available, but air alerts and restrictions can occur. Stay flexible with schedules and follow local guidance.

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

Customs

Ukraine uses a green and red customs corridor system.

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 bank withdrawal proof.
• Medicines (non-narcotic/non-psychotropic): generally up to 5 packages of each medicine per person

Red corridor (written declaration required): goods requiring permits, currency above limits, cultural values, 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:

• Narcotic and psychotropic substances
• Explosives and poisonous substances
• Food products without required certificates (where applicable)
• Materials promoting violence, racism, war, or pornography
• Unidentified animals
• Wanted cultural property
• Cold/firearms/gas (spray) weapons without the required permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Export rules (key points): Goods under EUR 10,000 can usually be exported without a written declaration. Exports above EUR 10,000 generally require declaration; restricted categories may require permits and/or duties.

Common export prohibitions/restrictions: certain animal products (e.g., lard, sausages, dairy, fresh meat), limits on fish and sturgeon caviar, controlled medicines (narcotic/psychotropic or potent drugs without prescription), weapons/ammunition, cultural and historical values without permission, toxic/radioactive/explosive substances, and items violating intellectual property.

Driving

Ukraine has right-hand traffic. If you drive, carry your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and mandatory civil liability insurance. If entering with your own vehicle, arrange insurance in advance and keep the policy accessible (some travelers use insurance-ukraine.com for quick online purchase).

Foreign-plated cars: Foreign nationals may generally use a foreign-plated vehicle in Ukraine for up to 1 year for personal use. If you plan to stay more than 2 months, contact an MIA service center for temporary vehicle registration requirements. After one year, the vehicle must leave Ukraine.

Speed limits (typical):

• Residential/pedestrian zones: 20 km/h
• In cities/towns: 50 km/h
• Outside settlements: 90 km/h
• Divided roads outside settlements: 110 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

Seat belts are required for the driver and front passenger. Children under 12 must use appropriate child restraints; children cannot ride in the front seat without a child seat.

Checkpoints and martial law driving tips: slow down early, prepare documents, switch off dashcams/phones when requested, follow signals, and never photograph or approach military equipment. Drive cautiously: roadblocks and defensive structures may appear with limited visibility.