Ukraine Entry Guide for Latvia Citizens 2026

Entry Rules for Latvia Citizens

Latvian citizens can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, private visits, and most business trips. Entry is allowed only with a valid Latvian international passport. A Latvian national ID card is not accepted for border crossing.

Ukraine remains under martial law in 2026. Border officers may apply additional checks, so keep your documents accessible and allow extra time at the border.

Passport validity: plan for at least 6 months validity remaining on the day you enter Ukraine.

COVID-19: there are no COVID-related entry restrictions in 2026.

Required Documents

Prepare a complete set of documents to reduce the risk of delays or refusal of entry. Border officers can request supporting evidence even for visa-free travelers.

• Valid international passport (recommended: at least 6 months validity remaining).
• Medical travel insurance valid for Ukraine for the whole stay (see insurance section below).
• Proof of purpose of travel (one or more): hotel booking, rental agreement, invitation letter from friends/relatives/company, tourist voucher, medical appointment documents, or onward tickets for transit.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the trip (cash, bank statement, card balance, paid accommodation, or a host’s guarantee letter).
• No active entry ban (checked by the State Border Guard Service).

Minimum funds formula used by border service: FO = ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where Pm is the subsistence minimum (3,209 UAH in 2026) and Kd is the number of days of stay. Example: for 30 days, the calculated minimum is 24,344 UAH.

Travel Insurance

In 2026, a medical insurance policy is mandatory for foreigners entering Ukraine, including Latvian citizens. Choose a policy that clearly states coverage in Ukraine and keep a digital and printed copy.

Recommended coverage:

• Outpatient and inpatient treatment
• Emergency care and ambulance services
• Repatriation (medical evacuation/return)
• Coverage for risks linked to the security situation (where available in policy terms)

You can arrange insurance online in advance; many travelers use insurance-ukraine.com for quick policy issuance.

Safety

Ukraine has region-specific security conditions. Plan routes carefully and follow local instructions.

• Check curfew rules for the city/region you will stay in and plan evening travel accordingly.
• Install the “Air Alarm” app for real-time air-raid alerts and follow shelter guidance from local authorities.
• Carry emergency numbers and embassy contacts; keep your passport and insurance details accessible.
• At checkpoints, stay calm, follow instructions, and avoid filming military sites, personnel, or equipment.

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

Customs

Ukraine uses a green/red corridor system at the border.

Green corridor (generally allowed without written declaration and customs tax):

• Personal belongings
• Goods up to EUR 500 total value and up to 50 kg
• Food products 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 documents confirming withdrawal
• Medicines (non-narcotic/non-psychotropic): typically up to 5 packages of each medicine per person

Red corridor (written declaration required):

• Goods requiring permits
• Currency and cultural valuables subject to declaration
• Securities and payment documents
• Medicines containing narcotic/psychotropic substances or precursors
• Goods exceeding EUR 500 and/or 50 kg

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

Export rules (key points): goods under EUR 10,000 can usually be exported without written declaration; above EUR 10,000 requires declaration. Some categories are restricted or prohibited (including weapons/ammunition, narcotics, explosives, certain cultural/historical values without permits, and items violating intellectual property).

Driving

Driving in Ukraine is on the right-hand side. Carry your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents at all times. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front passenger.

Speed limits (typical):

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

Car insurance: Ukraine requires mandatory third-party liability insurance for drivers. Arrange coverage before driving, especially if entering with your own vehicle.

Foreign-registered cars: foreign citizens may use a car with foreign plates in Ukraine for up to 1 year for personal use. If you plan to stay in Ukraine for more than 2 months, contact a Ministry of Internal Affairs service center for temporary vehicle registration. After 1 year, the vehicle must leave Ukraine.

Children in cars: children under 12 must use appropriate child restraints; transporting a child in the front seat without a child seat is prohibited. Children over 12 must wear seat belts.

Checkpoints (practical steps): slow down, prepare documents, switch off and remove dashcam/phone from the windshield area, stop at the STOP sign, use hazard lights, wait for a signal, do not exit unless asked, and be ready for trunk/interior inspection.