War and the travel warning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye

This page is for Turkish citizens considering traveling to Ukraine or currently in Ukraine. Here you will find the travel warning issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye for Ukraine, the history of the warning, and a summary of the extraordinary rules currently in force in the country. If you must travel for an essential reason, this page also explains what you need to do before setting out.

• War has been ongoing in Ukraine since February 24, 2022.
• The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kyiv most recently reiterated its warning on June 16, 2025 that citizens should not travel to Ukraine unless absolutely necessary. The same warning had also been recalled on October 12, 2022.
• The warning applies to the entire country; it is not limited to a specific region.
• The embassy's announcement also provides emergency contact numbers for citizens in Ukraine for essential reasons (see U0.4).
• The latest announcement published for Ukraine in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' "Travel Announcements Abroad" list is dated February 24, 2022.

• February 12, 2022: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens not to travel to areas along Ukraine's eastern border unless necessary. It asked them to contact the Embassy in Kyiv before essential travel.
• February 22, 2022: Citizens were strongly advised to leave the eastern regions of Ukraine.
• February 24, 2022: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Ukrainian airspace had been closed. It asked citizens to remain at home or in a safe place and avoid travel. It stated that support and guidance would be provided to those wishing to leave the country.
• The same announcement divided Ukraine's regions between the Embassy in Kyiv and the Consulate General in Odesa for emergencies (see U0.4).

• Martial law (воєнний стан): It was declared on February 24, 2022, and has been regularly extended ever since. Most recently, on July 14, 2026, the Ukrainian Parliament extended martial law for 90 days starting at 05:30 on August 2, 2026 (see U0.3).
• Curfew (комендантська година): Only those with special permission may be outside during curfew hours. It is permitted to go to a shelter during an air-raid alert (see U0.3).
• Airspace: According to the map of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, all border crossing points at airports are closed. Entry is through land, railway, and ferry crossings in neighboring countries (see U0.2).
• Russian and Belarusian borders: Almost all crossings on these two borders appear as "closed" on the map (see U1.4).
• Immigration procedures: Administrative procedures are not carried out at units of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (ДМС) during an air-raid alert.
• Those who also hold Ukrainian citizenship: The Border Guard Service checks the military registration document of male Ukrainian citizens aged 18–60 when they leave the country (see U1.4).

1. Read the latest announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Kyiv.
2. Check the validity and pages of your passport. The passport must not have tears, alterations, or erasures.
3. Leave a photocopy of your passport, your Turkish ID number, a copy of your insurance policy, the address and phone number where you will stay in Ukraine, and copies of your tickets with your family and a close friend.
4. Keep the contact details of two people who can be reached if something happens to you in your wallet and inside your passport.
5. Write down the numbers of the Embassy in Kyiv, the Consulate General in Odesa, and the Consular Call Center somewhere you will not lose them.
6. Notify the nearest Turkish mission of your identity and contact details by phone, letter, fax, or email. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects this from those traveling to countries with security risks (see U0.4).
7. Carry sufficient cash foreign currency. Also note the bank numbers to call if your card is lost.
8. Check that your health insurance covers Ukraine (see U1.3).
9. Proof of financial means may be requested at entry; prepare your documents (see U1.1).

• Follow announcements from the administration of the city where you are staying and from Ukrainian authorities. Learn the curfew hours from the local administration.
• Carry your passport and, if applicable, your residence card with you. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, police may conduct identity checks under martial law.
• Keep your phone charged. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds people to be prepared for power and internet outages.
• Go to the nearest shelter during an air-raid alert. You can find shelters on the map in the Diia government app (see U0.3).
• For rules on taking photographs and videos, see U9.2.
• Under Ukrainian legislation, foreigners may enter areas defined as "temporarily occupied territories," including Crimea, only with special permission (see U1.4).
• In a major emergency, you can notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your location through the "Notification of Emergency Abroad" service on e-Government (see U0.4).

• Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kyiv — emergency hotline
  • Phone: +380 63 211 47 65
  • Email: embassy.kiev@mfa.gov.tr
• Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Odesa — emergency hotlines
  • Phone: +380 93 711 00 24, +380 93 711 00 26
  • Email: consulate.odessa@mfa.gov.tr
• Consular Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye — 24/7
  • Phone and WhatsApp: +90 312 292 29 29
• Emergency number in Ukraine: 112. For all numbers, see O2.1.

• Assuming that the warning applies only to the eastern regions. The embassy's 2025 reminder applies to all of Ukraine.
• Thinking that it is possible to travel directly to Ukraine by plane. Border crossing points at airports are closed (see U0.2).
• Setting out without saving the mission's emergency hotline.
• Failing to notify the mission of your identity and contact details. It becomes more difficult to reach you in an emergency.
• Traveling to Crimea via Russia and then trying to enter Ukraine. Ukrainian legislation provides for a fine and an entry ban for this (see U1.4).
• Looking for the shelter only when the alarm sounds. Find out in advance where the shelter nearest your accommodation is.

• Is it forbidden to travel to Ukraine? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' announcement is a recommendation: do not go unless necessary. Turkish citizens' right to enter Ukraine visa-free remains in effect (see U1.1).
• Where can I learn whether the warning has been lifted? On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' "Travel Announcements Abroad" page and in announcements from the Embassy in Kyiv.
• I am already in Ukraine. What should I do? Notify the mission of your identity and contact details, save the emergency numbers, and follow the instructions of local authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that it may take the necessary measures to evacuate citizens from the country in extraordinary circumstances.
• Will my insurance cover what happens to me during wartime? This depends on your policy. Ask your insurance company in writing (see U1.3).
• Is notifying the mission mandatory? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects this from those traveling to countries with security risks. You can also do it by email (see U0.4).

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye – Travel Announcements Abroad
• Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kyiv – Announcement to citizens living in Ukraine (06/16/2025)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye – Consular Guide for Those Traveling Abroad
• e-Government – Notification of Emergency Abroad
• State Border Guard Service of Ukraine – Map of operating border crossings
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye – Consular appointment system