Ukraine Entry Guide for Netherlands Citizens 2026

Entry Rules for Netherlands Citizens

Citizens of the Netherlands can enter Ukraine visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, private visits, business meetings, and other short stays that do not require a work permit. Entry is allowed only with a Dutch passport; a national ID card is 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 extra questions about route, accommodation, and safety plans. There are no COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Required Documents

Prepare a complete set of documents to avoid delays at the border. Border officers may request any of the following:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining (recommended for smooth entry).
• Medical travel insurance valid for Ukraine for the whole trip (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 your stay (cash, bank card + statement, prepaid accommodation, or a host’s guarantee letter).
• No active entry ban (checked by the State Border Guard Service).

How much money may be required? Ukraine can calculate the minimum funds using the official formula: FO = ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where Pm is the subsistence minimum (3,209 UAH in 2026) and Kd is the number of days in Ukraine. Example: for 30 days, the minimum is about 24,344 UAH. In practice, checks are selective, but you should be ready to show evidence immediately.

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance is required for Dutch citizens traveling to Ukraine in 2026. Choose a policy that clearly covers:

• Outpatient and inpatient treatment
• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Repatriation (medical evacuation/return home)
• Coverage for war-related risks where available in the policy terms

Buy insurance before departure and keep a digital copy plus a printed copy. Many travelers arrange coverage online via insurance-ukraine.com.

Safety

Travel in Ukraine in 2026 requires active safety planning due to martial law and the risk of air alerts in many regions.

• Check local curfew rules for each city/region you visit and plan transport accordingly.
• Install the official alert app “Air Alarm” for real-time notifications.
• Know the location of the nearest shelter to your accommodation and key places you visit.
• Carry your passport (or a secure copy if advised by your accommodation) and keep emergency contacts saved offline.

Emergency number: dial 112 for all emergency services (fire, ambulance, police). Separate numbers also operate: 101 fire, 102 police, 103 ambulance, 104 gas emergency.

Customs

Ukraine uses a green/red corridor system at customs.

Green corridor (generally allowed without written declaration and taxes):

• Personal belongings
• Goods for personal use up to EUR 500 and 50 kg
• Food products (not for resale) up to EUR 200
• Cash up to EUR 10,000 (or equivalent) in total
• Medicines (non-narcotic/non-psychotropic): typically up to 5 packages of each medicine per person

Red corridor (written declaration required):

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

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

Export rules (key points): Goods under EUR 10,000 can usually be exported without written declaration. Items restricted by Ukrainian law (including cultural valuables and certain controlled goods) may require permits and declaration. Some food products and medicines are restricted; if you carry prescription medication, keep the prescription and original packaging.

Driving

Ukraine has right-hand traffic. Drivers must carry a valid driving licence and vehicle registration documents. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front passenger.

Speed limits (standard):

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

Car insurance: If you drive your own vehicle, you need valid third-party liability coverage accepted in Ukraine. Arrange the required insurance before entering, and keep the policy accessible during checks.

Foreign plates: Foreign citizens may use a car with foreign plates in Ukraine for up to 1 year for personal use. If you plan to stay longer than 2 months, temporary registration at a Ministry of Internal Affairs service center may be required. After one 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 during martial law: Slow down, follow instructions, and have documents ready. Turn off and remove dashcams from the windshield when requested; avoid filming military personnel, vehicles, or positions. Stop at the “STOP” sign, use hazard lights if instructed, and do not exit the car unless asked. Be prepared for inspection of documents, luggage, and the vehicle.