Travel To Ukraine: Is It Safe For Americans?

The conflict in Ukraine has raised questions about whether Americans should travel to the country. The U.S. government has issued travel advisories and notices, urging citizens to carefully consider the risks before travelling to Ukraine. Congressman Joaquin Castro has recommended that U.S. citizens in Ukraine depart immediately if it is safe to do so, while also prioritising Ukrainian applicants with immediate U.S. citizen family members and emergency travel needs. The State Department has advised Americans to monitor media outlets for changing security conditions and alerts, and to take necessary precautions if they choose to travel to Ukraine.

Current travel advisories

The US government is strongly encouraging Americans not to travel to Ukraine at this time. The US Embassy is urging US citizens in Ukraine to depart immediately if it is safe to do so. This is due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has seen Ukraine close its airspace to all commercial flights. The State Department previously ordered the departure of most US direct-hire employees from Embassy Kyiv on 12 February 2022.

The US government is prioritising, to the extent possible, Ukrainian applicants with US citizen immediate family members and emergency travel needs. Americans currently in Ukraine should complete an online form and the State Department will respond directly.

Ukrainian law does not recognise dual nationality, and Ukraine will not recognise US citizenship if you are also a citizen of Ukraine. Dual citizens will be treated as Ukrainian citizens and will be required to use a Ukrainian passport upon entry and exit. Men aged 18-60 with Ukrainian citizenship are also subject to exit restrictions and possible mobilisation during the period of martial law. The US Embassy in Kyiv has received numerous reports of dual US-Ukrainian citizens encountering significant difficulties both entering and exiting Ukraine.

All US citizens should carefully monitor US government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place.

Safety risks

The U.S. government has issued a warning to Americans against travelling to Ukraine. The State Department has ordered the departure of most U.S. direct-hire employees from the Embassy in Kyiv and is urging U.S. citizens in Ukraine to depart immediately if it is safe to do so. This is due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has seen Ukraine close its airspace to all commercial flights.

Ukraine's roads are crowded and exposed to combat operations, and some bridges have been destroyed. There are also reports of dual U.S.-Ukrainian citizens encountering significant difficulties entering and exiting Ukraine. Ukrainian law does not recognise dual nationality, and any U.S. citizens with Ukrainian citizenship will be treated as Ukrainian citizens and may be subject to exit restrictions and mobilisation during the period of martial law.

All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts.

Transportation options

The Government of Ukraine closed its airspace to all commercial flights on 24 February 2022 due to Russian military actions. Therefore, if you are a US citizen currently in Ukraine, you should depart using privately available transportation options if it is safe to do so.

If you are a dual citizen of the US and Ukraine, you will be treated as a Ukrainian citizen while in Ukraine and will be required to use a Ukrainian passport upon entry and exit. Men aged 18-60 with Ukrainian citizenship are also subject to exit restrictions and possible mobilisation during the period of martial law.

If you are a US citizen with immediate family members who are Ukrainian citizens, you should contact the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate regarding potential citizenship obligations before entering Ukraine.

If you are a prospective adoptive parent, you should defer travel to Ukraine at this time and remain in regular contact with your adoption service providers in the United States.

When travelling by road, careful consideration should be made to routes and the risks of travel because Ukraine’s roads are in many cases crowded, exposed to combat operations, and infrastructure such as bridges in some locations has been destroyed.

Adopting from Ukraine

Americans are strongly encouraged not to travel to Ukraine at this time. The Ukrainian government closed its airspace to all commercial flights on 24 February 2022 due to Russian military action. The roads are crowded, exposed to combat operations, and some bridges have been destroyed.

Both adoptions through agencies and independent adoptions are allowed by Ukrainian law. The adoption process heavily hinges on the source of adoption assistance that is chosen. Some agencies and independent adoption facilitators may describe a very attractive and promising adoption situation in Ukraine, saying that Ukraine offers a wide choice of young and healthy kids. However, it is important to note that any pre-selection of kids for foreign adoptions has always been prohibited by Ukrainian legislation.

Temporary hosting programs

The US government is strongly encouraging prospective adoptive parents and those pursuing parenthood through surrogacy to defer travel to Ukraine. The State Department has urged US citizens in Ukraine to depart immediately if it is safe to do so. The Ukrainian government closed its airspace to all commercial flights on 24 February 2022 due to Russian military actions. The US Embassy in Kyiv has received numerous reports of dual US-Ukrainian citizens encountering significant difficulties both entering and exiting Ukraine. Men aged 18-60 with Ukrainian citizenship are also subject to exit restrictions and possible mobilisation during the period of martial law.

There are several ways to get involved in temporary hosting programs. One option is to contact local refugee resettlement agencies or non-profit organisations that are working to support Ukrainian refugees. These organisations can help match hosts with refugees in need of temporary housing. It is important to note that hosts should be prepared to provide more than just housing. This may include helping refugees access necessary services, such as medical care or legal assistance, as well as providing emotional support and assistance with navigating a new culture and language.

Another option is to reach out to your personal network, including friends, family, and community members, to see if anyone is interested in hosting a refugee. This can be a more informal process but still requires careful consideration and preparation. Hosts should be aware of the potential challenges and responsibilities involved, including cultural and language barriers, and be prepared to provide a safe and supportive environment.

It is also important to be mindful of the legal considerations and requirements for temporary hosting programs. In the US, for example, hosts may need to undergo background checks and home inspections to ensure the safety and suitability of the housing arrangement. There may also be limits on the length of stay, and hosts should be prepared to provide documentation and proof of the hosting arrangement if needed.

Overall, temporary hosting programs can be a rewarding way to support those fleeing Ukraine and provide them with a sense of stability and community during a difficult time. By getting involved, hosts can make a direct impact on the lives of refugees and help to rebuild a sense of hope and resilience.

Frequently asked questions