Travel Guide Ukraine
While history has been redrawing Ukraine for several years, everything changes at the end of February 2022 with the invasion of the country by the Russian armed forces. The echoes of periods of significant historical and political change were already resonating globally: the events of Maidan in 2014, the loss of Crimea to Russia and the war in the Donbass. Putin's desire to make Ukraine disappear as an independent state is coming to light. As a tourist guide, The Little Traveller has explored the contrasting regions of Ukraine, from its mountains to its vast plains, from its quiet sea to its bewitching cities... The Little Traveller wishes to express its support to this people made of two strong identities, with their own language and mentality: the agricultural and Europe-oriented Western Ukraine and the Russian-speaking and industrial Eastern Ukraine. We hope to be able to return soon to Kiev, whose center, full of monasteries and sacred places, expresses all the fervor of its citizens, from the enigmatic district of Podil to the wooded streets of Khreshchaty. In the west, the "Mitteleuropa" streets of Lviv honor the Polish and Austro-Hungarian influences of the Ukraine, not to mention the ancient cities like Chernivtsi that the Carpathians watch over in the distance... Cosmopolitan Odessa dominates the south of the country, with its beaches on the Black Sea, while towards the east the Dnieper lands run. As its anthem sings, "Ukraine is not yet dead".
What to visit Ukraine?
Suggested addresses Ukraine
When to go to Ukraine?
When to go to Ukraine? Although the country enjoys a temperate continental climate, its size is such that the weather varies greatly from one region to another. Also the temperatures in summer and in winter show an average difference of 30°C, with rainy summers (July and August in particular) coupled with a strong heat, while the winters are long and rather harsh. The best time to go to Ukraine is without any doubt spring: trees are in bloom, it is not yet the high tourist season and rain is not very frequent. In fact, in summer, you might find yourself stuck on the beaches of Odessa and pay more for your accommodation. If it is winter that you wish to go there, bring warm clothes because the average temperature is around 0°C. So when to go to Ukraine? From late April to early June!
Weather at the moment
The temperate continental climate of the country, due to its vast size, does not allow to get an accurate idea of the weather in Ukraine. Winter (although less severe in the south of the country) lasts five months, is quite severe and is punctuated by snow and dust storms. After the heavy rains in March, summer sets in and temperatures in Ukraine reach 20°C, and even 30°C in August. On the Odessa side, the Mediterranean climate tendency makes the mercury rise even more.
The currency is the Hryvnia (UHA). Ukraine is a "developing" country and the average monthly salary is around 200 €. Food, cigarettes and public transport are not very expensive, a relic of the Soviet period. On the other hand, when it comes to tourism, prices soar. In Kiev, a hotel room is the same price as in Paris, and good restaurants will seem quite expensive, so learn some Ukrainian and get off the beaten track!
Since May1, 2005, visas are no longer required for citizens of the European Union and Switzerland for a stay of less than 90 days. For any stay longer than 90 days, a visa is required. To obtain a visa you must present to the Ukrainian Consulate a file including: a valid passport with an expiration date at least 3 months after the expiration date of the requested visa, a visa application form, two passport photos, a bank check for the payment of the consular fees (the amount varies between 59 and 139 € depending on the requested visa), an invitation issued by the competent Ukrainian authorities
No specific vaccinations are required to enter Ukraine. However, it is advisable to check that your regular vaccinations are up to date and to bring your own medication if you are undergoing a specific treatment. Hospitals and medical facilities work well but are sometimes dilapidated. Except in mountainous areas, tap water is not drinkable in Ukraine. Therefore, filtered or bottled water is preferable.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Ukraine? Our advice & tips
Ukraine can be discovered in several ways: a tour accompanied by a week (or two) or a short getaway via a cruise and a seaside stay, there will be something for everyone. The specialists also offer the necessary services to organise stays according to your wishes.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationYou will have no problem to get to Ukraine. Airlines frequently fly to Kiev from France. For a flight from major French cities, it takes at least three hours and costs about 250 €. To get the best rates in high season, buy your tickets six months in advance. The same approach is recommended for accommodation.
The main airports are Kiev, Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Odessa. However, the train, more than the bus, is ideal for long trips: the network, even if old, is well developed and allows to reach any locality in the country. Ukraine being cut in two by the Dnieper river, it is also a good place to sail, with many boats plying the river from Kiev at low prices. In the capital, the metro is a good option, as is the cab.
