Kyiv Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kyiv.
Healthcare System
Ukraine has a mixed public-private healthcare system. During wartime, medical resources are stretched, with priority given to military and civilian casualties. Many healthcare professionals have been mobilized or relocated. International medical organizations and volunteer medics supplement the system.
Hospitals
Kyiv City Clinical Hospital (Aleksandrivska) and Feofaniya Clinical Hospital are major facilities. Private clinics like Boris Medical Center and American Medical Center offer services to internationals but verify current operations. Many hospitals have fortified areas for treating patients during air raids.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Apteka/Аптека) are widely available throughout Kyiv. Most common medications are available, though supply chains can be disrupted. Many pharmacists speak some English. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may be unavailable. 24-hour pharmacies exist but verify current hours.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with war/conflict coverage is absolutely essential. Standard policies typically exclude war zones - you need specialized coverage. Medical evacuation insurance is critical. Verify your policy explicitly covers Ukraine given the current situation.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications for your entire stay plus extra
- Know the location of the nearest hospital and bomb shelter to your accommodation
- Download offline maps with hospital locations marked
- Keep emergency contact information for your embassy and insurance provider readily accessible
- Consider taking a basic first aid or tactical medicine course before traveling
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Kyiv experiences regular air raid alerts and has been subject to missile and drone strikes targeting infrastructure. Alerts can occur multiple times daily and at any hour.
Debris from intercepted missiles or failed munitions may land in various areas. Unexploded ordnance poses serious danger.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur, though rates have decreased during wartime as the city has fewer tourists and increased security presence.
Kyiv operates under martial law with curfews that can change. Being outside during curfew hours can result in detention and questioning.
Rolling blackouts and infrastructure damage can cause loss of electricity, heating, water, and internet. Outages can last hours or days.
Driving standards can be erratic, and darkened streets during blackouts increase accident risk. Military vehicles have priority.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals or organizations claiming to collect donations for military or humanitarian causes but pocketing the money. More prevalent during wartime.
Unofficial money changers offering attractive rates but providing counterfeit currency or shortchanging customers during the count.
Unlicensed taxis or drivers taking advantage of foreigners by charging inflated rates or taking unnecessarily long routes.
Fake apartment rentals or hotels that don't exist, or properties misrepresented online, particularly targeting those seeking emergency accommodation.
Individuals posing as police officers demanding to see documents or imposing fines, then requesting bribes.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Air Raid Safety
- Download 'Air Alert' app immediately upon arrival and enable notifications
- Identify the nearest bomb shelter to your accommodation, workplace, and frequently visited locations
- When alarm sounds, seek shelter immediately in metro stations, basements, or designated shelters
- Stay in shelter until all-clear signal is given; secondary strikes can occur
- Keep an emergency bag ready with documents, water, snacks, phone charger, and flashlight
- Stay away from windows during alerts; interior rooms or corridors are safer if shelter is not reachable
- If caught outside, move away from glass buildings and seek the nearest shelter
Documentation and Communication
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival
- Carry passport and relevant documents at all times
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents in separate locations
- Maintain multiple means of communication (local SIM card, messaging apps, satellite phone if possible)
- Share your location and itinerary with family/colleagues regularly
- Keep embassy emergency contact numbers saved offline
- Learn basic Ukrainian/Russian phrases for emergencies
General Security
- Maintain situational awareness at all times
- Avoid photographing military installations, checkpoints, or security forces
- Do not discuss politics or the conflict in public spaces
- Keep a low profile; avoid displaying wealth or expensive items
- Vary your routes and routines if staying long-term
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Stay informed through multiple reliable news sources
Supplies and Preparation
- Maintain at least 3-5 days of non-perishable food and water
- Keep devices charged; have multiple power banks
- Stock candles, flashlights, batteries, and matches
- Have cash in both local currency and USD/EUR
- Keep warm clothing and blankets accessible
- Maintain a full tank of fuel if you have a vehicle
- Know where to access water during outages
Transportation
- Metro system is safest during air raids and generally reliable
- Avoid peak hours when possible for easier shelter access
- Plan routes with shelter locations in mind
- Keep transportation apps downloaded and updated
- Have backup routes planned
- Be prepared for service interruptions
- Respect military checkpoints; have documents ready
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ukraine is generally respectful toward women, and Kyiv has historically been relatively safe for female travelers compared to many European capitals. However, wartime conditions create additional vulnerabilities. Solo women travelers should take extra precautions, particularly during blackouts and curfew hours. The reduced international presence means foreign women may attract more attention.
- Avoid walking alone during blackouts when streets are dark
- Use trusted transportation apps rather than hailing taxis on the street
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in central areas with good shelter access
- Keep accommodation details private; don't share with strangers
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, though Kyiv is generally fashion-forward
- Trust your instincts; if someone makes you uncomfortable, seek help
- Join expat or humanitarian worker networks for community support
- Be aware that alcohol consumption has increased during wartime; avoid heavily intoxicated individuals
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- Learn basic Ukrainian phrases for getting help
- Be cautious in bars and clubs; don't leave drinks unattended
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Ukraine, and there are no laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are limited legal protections against discrimination. Ukraine is more progressive than many neighboring countries but less so than Western Europe.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues in advance
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Nash Mir Center or Kyiv Pride for current safety information
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ venues keep low profiles; some operate discreetly
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics with strangers or in public
- Dating apps should be used cautiously; meet in public places
- Some LGBTQ+ activists have faced violence; assess risks carefully
- International organizations and expat communities may offer safer social spaces
- Emergency services and healthcare providers are generally professional but discretion may be wise
- Be prepared that some hotels may question same-sex couples sharing rooms, though this is becoming rarer in Kyiv
- Pride events occur but with heavy security; assess current safety situation before attending
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with explicit war/conflict coverage is absolutely critical for anyone traveling to Ukraine. Standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage in war zones or areas with active government travel warnings. Without proper coverage, medical evacuation alone could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Given the unpredictable security situation, comprehensive insurance is not optional—it is essential for survival and financial protection.
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