Ukraine Entry Guide for Bulgaria Citizens 2026

Entry Rules for Bulgaria Citizens

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

Ukraine remains under martial law in 2026. Border officers may apply additional checks, including the purpose of travel, accommodation plans, and available funds. Always carry printed or offline copies of key documents in case of limited mobile coverage.

Required Documents

Prepare the following for visa-free entry:

• International passport (carry a buffer validity beyond your trip; border officers may request a passport valid for at least 3 months after departure).
• Medical travel insurance valid for Ukraine for the entire stay (mandatory).
• Proof of purpose of travel (see examples below).
• Proof of sufficient funds for the planned stay (cash, cards, statements, or sponsor guarantee).
• No active entry ban (checked by the State Border Guard Service).

Accepted proof of purpose can include:

• Hotel booking or rental agreement (address and dates should match your itinerary)
• Invitation letter from friends/relatives (with host contact details and address)
• Invitation from a Ukrainian company (for business visits)
• Tour operator voucher (if applicable)
• Medical appointment/clinic documents (for treatment)
• Onward tickets (for transit)

How much money do you need? Border officers may request evidence of financial means. The minimum is calculated by 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 24,344 UAH.

Ways to prove funds:

• Cash (UAH, EUR, USD)
• Bank cards plus a recent balance screenshot/statement
• Paid accommodation / tour voucher
• Host’s guarantee letter (sponsorship) with contact details

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance is required for all foreigners, including Bulgarian citizens. Choose a policy that clearly states coverage in Ukraine and includes:

• Outpatient and inpatient treatment
• Emergency care
• Medical evacuation and/or repatriation
• Coverage for risks connected to military actions (if available in your policy terms)

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

Safety

Security conditions vary by region. Plan routes and accommodation with local restrictions in mind and follow official instructions on the ground.

• Check curfew rules for the city/region you will visit (curfew times can differ and may change).
• Install the Air Alarm app for real-time air-raid alerts and follow shelter guidance from your hotel or local authorities.
• Carry emergency contacts and your embassy details.
• At checkpoints, cooperate calmly, keep documents ready, and avoid photographing military sites, personnel, or equipment.

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

Customs

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

Green corridor (no written declaration, within limits):

• Personal belongings
• Goods for personal use up to EUR 500 and 50 kg
• Food products 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 from your account.
• 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 cultural valuables subject to declaration
• Securities and payment documents
• Medicines containing narcotic/psychotropic substances or precursors
• Goods exceeding EUR 500 and/or 50 kg

Keep receipts for higher-value items. If you cannot show proof of value, customs may assess value based on comparable goods.

Prohibited to import (common examples):

• Narcotics and psychotropic substances
• Explosive, toxic, or poisonous substances
• Food products without required certification (when applicable)
• Materials promoting violence, racism, war, or pornography
• Unidentified animals
• Wanted cultural property
• Weapons (including gas/spray weapons) without required permits

Export rules (overview): Goods up to EUR 10,000 total value can usually be exported without a written declaration. Over EUR 10,000 requires declaration; some categories are restricted and may require permits or duties.

Common export prohibitions/restrictions include certain foods (for example lard/sausages, dairy, fresh meat), limits on fish/caviar, controlled medicines, weapons/ammunition, cultural and historical valuables without permission, and hazardous substances.

Driving

Driving is on the right-hand side. Roads generally have no toll fees for standard use. Carry your documents at all times:

• Valid driving licence
• Vehicle registration
• Mandatory third-party liability insurance valid in Ukraine

Speed limits (general):

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

Foreign-plate vehicles: 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, contact an МВД (Ministry of Internal Affairs) service center for temporary vehicle registration. After 1 year, the vehicle must leave Ukraine.

Child safety: 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 and martial law driving tips: Slow down early, prepare documents, follow instructions, and avoid recording checkpoints or military movements. At checkpoints, turn off dashcams/phones when requested, stop at the STOP sign, use hazard lights, and proceed only after permission.