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Vánoce a Nový rok 2025-2026
22.12 — 07.01.2026 • Updates every 7 min — 16 border checkpoints live
Quick Summary (30 seconds)
- Peak days: Dec 22–24 (exit) and Jan 1–3 (return) — queues up to 7+ hours
- Best time: night 23:00–06:00 — queues 50–70% shorter
- Avoid: Sunday Dec 22 and Wednesday Jan 1 — 5–8 hour waits
- Alternatives: Nyzankovychi, Smilnytsia — less traffic than Shehyni/Krakovets
- Before departure: check real-time queue status
Record Queues at Ukraine–Poland Border: Christmas & New Year 2025–2026 Forecast
During the Christmas and New Year holiday period (December 22, 2025 – January 7, 2026), record queues are forming at the Ukraine border with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, on December 22 nearly 155,000 people crossed the border in one day — the highest since the end of summer season.
50% of this traffic is at the Ukraine-Poland border, making it the busiest route for entering and exiting Ukraine. At the Krakovets checkpoint, over 500 cars queue simultaneously at peak times, while the total number of vehicles on the Ukraine-Poland direction exceeds 600 passenger cars and 90 buses.
Record wait times have also been recorded for trucks: crossing time reaches 37–38 hours, and 24-kilometer queues form even before the holidays.
This traffic surge is driven by the mass return of Ukrainians working abroad and students to their families for the holidays. Data shows that 15,000 more people are entering than leaving, indicating a massive return to loved ones in Ukraine.
This guide's purpose is to help you choose optimal days and times for crossing to minimize wait times. On this page you'll find an interactive queue forecast calendar, real-time data from 16 checkpoints, hourly traffic analysis, and expert recommendations.
When to cross the border for entering Ukraine?
During the holiday period 22.12–07.01.2026, expect increased traffic at the border. We track queues at 16 checkpoints in real-time.
Best days to travel: 3, 4, 5, 27, 28, 29, 30 (~90 min wait). Queues are minimal as most people celebrate at home.
Avoid these days: 6, 7, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31 (up to 420+ min). Peak days — Christmas Eve, New Year's.
Data based on historical queue analysis and current period forecasts. Check "Live Queue" section below for real-time updates.
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Border Queues by Hour: Best Time to Cross
The chart above shows the hourly queue distribution for the selected date during December 22, 2025 – January 7, 2026. Analysis is based on historical data and current forecasts.
Key Patterns
Forecasts show crossing takes 15–30 minutes during these hours. A strategic advantage for night travelers.
Queues shorter than daytime but longer than night (45–60 minutes).
Maximum queues at the border, especially on:
- • Dec 24–25 (Christmas Eve, Christmas): up to 180+ minutes
- • Dec 31 – Jan 1 (New Year): up to 420+ minutes (period maximum)
People depart in the evening. Wait times 120–180 minutes.
To avoid border queues, plan your trip for 23:00–06:00 or on low-traffic days (Dec 27–30, Jan 3–5).
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When to Cross Ukraine-Poland Border Without Queues: Three Scenarios
Scenario 1: Leaving Ukraine (Dec 22–28)
If you're traveling to Poland or other EU countries before Christmas (Dec 22–23) or prefer days after, the optimal dates are December 27, 28, 29. Most people have already reached their destinations, so border queues drop to 90–120 minutes.
Scenario 2: Returning to Ukraine (Dec 31 – Jan 5)
This is the most critical period for entering Ukraine. December 31 and January 1 are official holidays, but traffic remains at record levels as people return home after celebrating abroad. Wait times can reach 180–420 minutes.
Scenario 3: Using Alternative Checkpoints
If main checkpoints (Shehyni, Krakovets, Rava-Ruska) are overloaded, consider alternative crossings:
These checkpoints have longer routes but can reduce total travel time when main crossings have critical queues.
What Causes Record Queues During Christmas and New Year
Queues form at the Ukraine-EU border during December 22, 2025 – January 7, 2026 due to several factors:
Mass Return of Ukrainians Working Abroad
Over 100,000 Ukrainians working in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany return home for 2–3 weeks of family celebration. This creates a one-time stress on checkpoints operating at capacity limits.
Students at Foreign Educational Institutions
Thousands of students pause their studies for the holiday break and return to Ukraine. According to border guard data, pre-holiday traffic includes a significant share of student youth.
Relatives from Abroad Visiting Ukraine
Conversely, some families from the European diaspora come to Ukraine for celebrations, increasing entry traffic. Border guard forecasts show 15,000 more people entering than leaving.
New EU EES Standard
From October 2025, EU borders implement the EES biometric registration system (Entry/Exit System), adding 1–2 minutes per person to processing time. This indirectly affects the entire checkpoint chain.
Limited Checkpoint Capacity
Even with enhanced staffing, 16 checkpoints on the Ukraine-Poland border simply cannot process 155,000+ people per day without queues. This is the physical infrastructure limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular questions about crossing the border during holidays
Holiday Queue Timing
New Year (Dec 31-Jan 1): Even longer queues — up to 180+ minutes. Travel 2-3 days earlier or later.
1. Time optimization: Travel at night (23:00–06:00) on any date. Even on peak days (Dec 24, 31), nights are calm with 15-30 min waits.
2. Day selection: Best exit dates are Dec 27-30. Best entry dates are Jan 2-5. Wait times under 90-120 min.
3. Alternative checkpoints: If main crossings are overloaded, try Nyzhankovychi or Smilnytsia.
4. eCherha system: Some checkpoints offer electronic queue booking in advance.
Documents & Requirements
• Vehicle registration: Original
• Green Card: Mandatory car insurance
• For men: Military ID or TCC permit
• For children: Parental consent for travel
EES (from 2025): Automatic biometric registration on first EU entry.
Practical Tips
2. Choose another crossing: If main one is overloaded
3. Check nakordoni.eu: Live queue data
4. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays: Busiest days
• Charged phone + charger
• Water and snacks
• Warm blanket (winter)
• Entertainment for kids
Traveling with Children
• Birth certificate: When traveling with one parent
• Child's passport: Biometric or travel document
• Divorce certificate: If parents are divorced
Emergency Situations
2. Call 112
3. Move car to side if possible
4. Call tow truck
Border Guard hotline: +38 (0)44 290-8901
• Request the checkpoint commander
• Border Guard hotline: +38 (0)44 290-8901
• Document the incident (officer number, time, date)