Ukraine Travel Advisory:  Level 4 / Do Not Travel

January 23, 2022

The U.S. Embassy Kyiv has released a Security Alert announcing the authorized departure of U.S. direct hire employees (USDH) and ordered the departure of eligible family members (EFM) from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action (copy and pasted below under “January 23 Security Alert”.

The Ukraine Travel Advisory is also updated to a Level 4 advising: “Do not travel to Ukraine due to the increased threats of Russian military action and COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Ukraine due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.” 

January 23, 2022 Security Alert

On January 23, 2022, the Department of State issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel for Ukraine due to increased threats of Russian military action.  For the full text of the updated Travel Advisory, please visit the Department’s country information page for Ukraine.

The Department authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. direct hire employees (USDH) and ordered the departure of eligible family members (EFM) from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options.

There are reports Russia is planning significant military action against Ukraine. The security conditions, particularly along Ukraine’s borders, in Russia-occupied Crimea, and in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine, are unpredictable and can deteriorate with little notice.  Demonstrations, which have turned violent at times, regularly occur throughout Ukraine, including in Kyiv.

U.S. citizens in Ukraine should be aware that Russian military action anywhere in Ukraine would severely impact the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including assistance to U.S. citizens in departing Ukraine.  For more information, please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas.

The Department asks all U.S. citizens in Ukraine to complete an online form at Crisis Assistance Request. This is especially important if you plan to remain in Ukraine.

Additional Actions to Take:

  • Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the Traveler’s Checklist
  • Visit Travel to High-Risk Areas 
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
  • Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.