Travel Advisory: Due to the ongoing conflict, check current safety conditions and travel advisories before planning any trip to Ukraine. Many areas may not be safe for travel.
Ukraine, Europe's largest country, offers Indian travelers a fascinating mix of Slavic culture, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. From the golden domes of Kyiv to the charming streets of Lviv, and from the Black Sea beaches to the Carpathian Mountains - Ukraine presents an affordable European experience with warm hospitality.
Why Visit Ukraine?
- Cultural Heritage: Rich Slavic traditions and Orthodox Christian sites
- Architectural Marvels: Kyiv's golden-domed churches, Lviv's European charm
- Natural Beauty: Carpathian Mountains, Black Sea coast
- Affordable Europe: Great value for money compared to Western Europe
- Delicious Cuisine: Hearty Eastern European dishes
- Visa Ease: Visa-free for Indians (pre-war)
- Indian Connections: Growing Indian student community
Ukraine Travel Basics for Indians
🛂 Visa Requirements (Pre-War Information)
- Visa Policy: Visa-free for up to 30 days for Indian passport holders
- Documents Needed:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds (approx $50/day)
Important: Current visa and entry requirements may have changed due to the war. Check with Ukrainian authorities for latest information.
✈️ How to Reach Ukraine from India (Pre-War Routes)
Route |
Airlines |
Duration |
Cost (Round-trip) |
Delhi/Mumbai → Kyiv |
Ukraine International, Turkish Airlines |
8-10 hours (with stopover) |
₹30,000–₹50,000 |
Bangalore/Chennai → Kyiv |
Qatar, Emirates |
10-12 hours |
₹35,000–₹55,000 |
Note: Flight availability and routes may be significantly different during wartime conditions.
💰 Ukraine Travel Budget (Per Person, Pre-War Estimates)
Expense |
Budget (₹) |
Mid-Range (₹) |
Luxury (₹) |
Accommodation |
1,500-3,000 |
4,000-8,000 |
12,000+ |
Food |
800-1,500 |
2,000-3,500 |
5,000+ |
Transport |
1,000-2,000 |
3,000-5,000 |
8,000+ |
Attractions |
500-2,000 |
3,000-6,000 |
10,000+ |
Total Estimated Cost for 7 Days (Pre-War):
- Budget Traveler: ₹25,000–₹40,000
- Mid-Range Traveler: ₹60,000–₹1,00,000
- Luxury Traveler: ₹1,50,000+
Best Time to Visit Ukraine (Under Normal Conditions)
Season |
Months |
Weather |
Best For |
Spring |
April-June |
10-20°C |
City sightseeing, mild weather |
Summer |
July-August |
20-30°C |
Beaches, outdoor activities |
Autumn |
September-October |
10-20°C |
Fall foliage, fewer crowds |
Winter |
November-March |
-5 to 5°C |
Winter sports, Christmas markets |
Top Places to Visit in Ukraine (Under Normal Conditions)
🏙️ Cities
- Kyiv (Kyiv): St. Sophia's Cathedral, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Independence Square
- Lviv: UNESCO-listed old town, coffee culture
- Odesa: Black Sea port city with beaches
- Kharkiv: Vibrant student city with parks
🏛️ Historical & Cultural Sites
- Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Unique historical site (pre-war)
- Kamyanets-Podilskyi: Medieval fortress
- Pysanky Museum: Ukrainian Easter egg art
- Potemkin Stairs: Odesa's famous stairway
🌄 Natural Wonders
- Carpathian Mountains: Hiking, skiing, wooden churches
- Dnipro River: Boat cruises in Kyiv
- Askania-Nova: Unique biosphere reserve
- Synevyr Lake: "Sea Eye" of the Carpathians
🏖️ Resort Areas
- Odesa Beaches: Arcadia beach area
- Truskavets: Spa and wellness resort
- Bukovel: Premier ski resort
- Zatoka: Black Sea beach destination
Ukrainian Food Guide for Indians
Must-Try Dishes
- Borscht: Beetroot soup with sour cream
- Varenyky: Dumplings with various fillings
- Chicken Kyiv: Breaded chicken with herb butter
- Salo: Cured pork fat (Ukrainian delicacy)
- Holubtsi: Cabbage rolls with meat filling
Vegetarian Options
- Vegetable varenyky: With potato, cabbage or mushroom
- Deruny: Potato pancakes
- Vegetable borscht: Made without meat
- Indian Restaurants: Available in major cities
Dining Tip: Many Ukrainian dishes can be made vegetarian. Look for "без м'яса" (bez m'yasa - without meat) when ordering.
Important: If you need help with your Ukraine Visa application, please visit our website and fill out the assistance form. (👉
www.executivevisaservices.in)
FAQs for Indian Travelers
1. Is Ukraine safe for Indian tourists currently?
Safety conditions change rapidly due to the war. Many areas are dangerous. Check current advisories from MEA and local authorities.
2. What's the currency in Ukraine?
Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH). 1 INR ≈ 0.45 UAH (check current rates). USD may be accepted in some places.
3. Do people speak English in Ukraine?
English is spoken in tourist areas and by younger people, but not widely. Russian and Ukrainian are main languages.
4. How easy is vegetarian food in Ukraine?
Relatively easy with many traditional vegetable dishes. Indian restaurants available in cities.
5. Is public transport good in Ukraine?
Pre-war, cities had good metro, buses and marshrutkas (minibuses). Current conditions may vary.
6. How many days are enough for Ukraine?
Pre-war, 7-10 days was ideal for first visit (Kyiv + 2-3 other destinations).
Final Travel Tips
- Safety First: Stay informed about current conflict zones
- SIM Card: Kyivstar or Vodafone Ukraine were major providers
- Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants if service not included
- Power Adapters: Type C/F (European, 220V)
- Emergency: Dial 112 (general emergency), 101 (fire), 102 (police)
- Cultural Note: Ukrainians appreciate attempts to speak basic Ukrainian phrases