FAQ about border with Germany

To enter Germany you need:

Basic documents:

• Biometric passport (valid at least 3 months after entry date, issued no more than 10 years ago)
• Visa-free entry — Ukrainian citizens have the right to visa-free entry to Schengen for up to 90 days within 180 days

Additional documents:

• Proof of purpose of travel — invitation from Germans, hotel booking, travel voucher
• Proof of financial means — cash, bank statement (minimum 45 USD per day)
• Health insurance (recommended) — international policy with coverage of at least 30,000 EUR
• Return or onward ticket (desirable)

For drivers additionally:

• Vehicle registration certificate and technical passport
• Driver's license (recognized in Germany and EU)
• International insurance (Green Card) — mandatory
• Country sticker (UA) on the car
• First aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle

For children:

• Biometric passport — separate for each child
• Notarized consent from parents — if the child is traveling without one or both parents

Important for December 2025:

• EES already active at the Poland-Germany border since October 12, 2025
• First entry requires more time due to EES registration

Yes, Ukrainian citizens can cross the German border with a biometric passport without a visa.

Visa-free conditions:

• Stay period: maximum 90 days within any 180 days
• Purpose: tourism, visiting relatives, short work, study, treatment
• Passport validity: at least 3 months after entry date and issued no more than 10 years ago
• Clean record: no marks about non-compliance with previous stay conditions

Important: The stay period is calculated for all Schengen countries together, not just Germany.

EES (Entry/Exit System) — automated EU system for registering biometric data of foreigners.

At German borders and airports:

• EES launched from October 12, 2025 in phases
• Launch priority: Düsseldorf Airport → Frankfurt Airport → other airports → sea borders
• At Poland-Germany crossings: Phased launch (approximately 10% of points as of December 2025)
• Registration is FREE
• First time requires more time (10–20 minutes)
• Repeat entries are faster — automatic recognition

What is recorded:

• Facial photograph
• Fingerprints of all 10 fingers
• Passport data
• Date and time of entry

Important to know:

• Children under 12: Photo, but no fingerprints
• Children 12+: Full registration like adults
• No pre-registration required — everything at the border

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — electronic travel authorization system for Schengen.

When will it launch:

• Expected start: end of 2026 (delay from original plan)
• Currently ETIAS is NOT required — You can travel with simple visa-free status

Who will need it:

• Citizens of visa-free countries for Schengen (including Ukraine after launch)
• Stays up to 90 days within 180 days

Cost and validity:

• Price: €7
• Validity: 3 years or until passport expires
• Application: online before travel

Reminder for December 2025: ETIAS is not yet launched.

Green Card — international third-party liability insurance for entering Germany by car (mandatory).

When required:

• When entering Germany by car (mandatory, fine without it: 200–2000 EUR)

How to get:

• In Ukraine: Contact an insurance company (Ukrgazbank Insurance, PJSC «INGO», UNIXInsurance and others)
• Online: Can order through insurers' websites
• Issue time: 1–2 hours, online — same day
• Validity: depends on term (15–365 days)
• Cost: 70–500 UAH depending on vehicle type and term

Short answer: Yes, if the car is registered to another person.

If the car is registered to a Ukrainian:

• You need a notarized power of attorney
• Cost: ~200–400 UAH

If the car is registered to a company:

• You need an order-certified power of attorney with director's stamp and signature

If the car is foreign (German registration):

• Letter from owner in English or German + notarized translation

Insurance: The car must be insured in the name of the person who will be driving when entering.

4 main border crossing points:

Average waiting times:

Depends on the country:

✅ MANDATORY for Moldova: • Minimum coverage €30,000 • COVID-19 inclusion • Coverage of risks in destination country

📄 Recommended for Poland: • Affects eligibility for temporary protection • Improves chances at crossing

💡 Available policies: • With military risk coverage • In printed or electronic format • From Ukrainian and international insurers

Check specific destination country requirements before departure.

Ukrainian citizens without a biometric passport must obtain a Schengen visa even for short-term trips to the EU. Such a visa allows stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Options: • Apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate of the destination country • Obtain a biometric passport in Ukraine or abroad

In practice: • Some countries (Poland, Romania) may allow entry with an ID card • Upon entry to the first Schengen country, they may issue a short-term visa for 15 days • This is not guaranteed - it's better to have proper documents

Border guard shift changes on the Ukrainian side occur twice daily - at 8:00 and 20:00. These are regular shifts that ensure continuous border control operations. It's important to note that delays often occur during shift changes for all types of border crossings. We recommend planning your trip with this factor in mind.

Optimal days and times:

Day of week:

• Best: Tuesday–Thursday (low traffic)
• Medium: Monday, Friday morning
• Avoid: Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday

Time of day:

• Best: 10:00–15:00
• Acceptable: 7:00–9:00 (morning)
• Avoid: 17:00–20:00 (evening)

Choosing crossing by queues:

• Świecko-Frankfurt — popular, longer queues (60–150 min)
• Zgorzelec-Görlitz — medium queues (40–120 min), modernized
• Gubin-Guben — acceptable queues (30–90 min)
• Zasieki-Forst — shortest queues (20–60 min), but limited hours

Important for 2025: EES adds 5–15 minutes on first entry.

Speed limits in Germany:

Important about Autobahn:

• Germany is famous for having no mandatory limit on highways
• Recommended speed: 130 km/h
• Insurance: Typically covers up to 130 km/h; above — problems may arise
• Bad conditions: In rain, snow, fog — limit 80–100 km/h
• Trucks: Have a limit of 100 km/h

Fines for speeding (VERY strict!):

Outside cities:

In cities (even stricter):

Important:

• 8+ points = License confiscation
• Fines must be paid quickly, otherwise the amount increases

Short answer: NO vignette for passenger cars!

For passenger cars (up to 3.5 tons):

• Vignette NOT required — German highways are completely free!
• Only exceptions: 2 toll tunnels in the north (rarely used)
• Warnow Tunnel (Rostock): €3.60–4.40
• Herren Tunnel (Lübeck): €2.10

For trucks (7.5+ tons):

• Distance-based toll (LKW-Maut): €0.09–0.26/km
• Registration: Online at https://www.tolls.eu or at the border

Comparison with other countries:

• Poland: NO (free)
• Austria: YES (€9.60/10 days)
• Switzerland: YES (CHF 40/year)

Conclusion: Germany — the most advantageous country for car tourists!

Mandatory equipment in the car:

Mandatory rules:

• Seat belts — mandatory for all passengers
• Hazard lights in case of breakdowns
• Phone — prohibited while driving (fine €100–200)
• Alcohol: Up to 0.05% (very strict!)

Cost and travel time to Berlin:

Option 1: Taxi / Ride-sharing

• Cost: €80–150 (~2700–5000 UAH)
• Time: 1.5–2 hours from Świecko-Frankfurt
• Services: Uber (available in Berlin), local taxis

Option 2: Bus (Flixbus, EuroLines)

• Cost: €20–50 (~700–1700 UAH)
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Companies: Flixbus, EuroLines, Ecolines

Option 3: Train (recommended)

• Cost: €15–35 (~500–1200 UAH)
• Time: 1–1.5 hours from Frankfurt/Oder
• Operator: Deutsche Bahn (DB)

Option 4: Own car

• Fuel: ~€20–30 (~680–1000 UAH)
• Time: 1–1.5 hours
• Vignette: Not required

Gas stations in Germany:

Where to find:

• AvD (ADAC) — largest network
• Shell, Esso, Aral, Jet, OMV — main networks
• Highways: Stations every 30–40 km

Fuel prices (December 2025, approximate):

• Gasoline E95: ~€1.50–1.70/liter (~50–57 UAH)
• Gasoline E98: ~€1.70–1.90/liter (~57–64 UAH)
• Diesel: ~€1.40–1.60/liter (~47–54 UAH)

Comparison with Poland:

• Germany is slightly more expensive than Poland
• Fuel quality is higher

How to refuel:

• Self-service (typical): Select fuel → Insert card → Refuel → Pay
• Cashier: Tell pump number at cashier → Pay in advance

Required documents:

• Veterinary passport (Pet Passport)
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
• Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• Veterinary certificate (inspection 10 days before entry)
• Health declaration (in some cases)

Approximate cost: 450–900 UAH total

Short answer: Allowed at some crossing points.

Points with pedestrian crossings:

• Świecko-Frankfurt — Allowed
• Gubin-Guben — Allowed (separate pedestrian lane)
• Zgorzelec-Görlitz — Allowed
• Zasieki-Forst — Cars only

Documents for pedestrians:

• Biometric passport
• Proof of purpose (invitation, hotel booking)
• Proof of funds (cash or card)

Waiting time: 15–45 minutes (usually faster than cars)

In short:

• Special DPSU permit required to leave Ukraine
• Exceptions: foreigners, refugees, people with disabilities, parents with 3+ children, etc.
• Without permit — exit prohibited

Contact DPSU for permit: https://dpsu.gov.ua

Temporary Protection:

• Automatic status for Ukrainians who arrived after February 24, 2022
• Valid until: March 2026
• Allows:
• Working without additional permit
• Studying
• Receiving social assistance
• Free movement in the EU

Important: Temporary protection is automatically transferred when moving freely in the EU (Schengen).

Official requirements (Schengen):

• Minimum per day: 45 USD (~1600 UAH)
• Per week: 315 USD (~11200 UAH)
• Per month: 1350 USD (~48000 UAH)

How to prove:

• Cash
• Bank card with balance
• Bank statement
• ATM receipt

In practice: German border guards rarely ask about money, but better to have documents.

Practically: For a short trip, 100–200 USD is sufficient.

💡 DOCUMENT PREPARATION: ✓ Print document checklist ✓ Make copies of all documents ✓ Download DIIA and other useful apps ✓ Prepare cash EUR/PLN/MDL

🎒 BEFORE DEPARTURE: ✓ Fill tank (stations closed during curfew) ✓ Bring food and water (possible long queues) ✓ Charge phone and powerbank ✓ Translate key documents to destination language

📱 TECHNOLOGY: ✓ Check current queues on nakordoni.eu ✓ Watch webcams at border crossings ✓ Save emergency numbers in phone

🕐 TIMING: ✓ Travel Monday-Wednesday ✓ Avoid 08:00 and 20:00 (shift changes) ✓ Plan extra time for EES (from October 2025)

🚗 AT THE BORDER: ✓ Have all documents ready ✓ Be polite to border guards ✓ Answer clearly and truthfully ✓ Don't leave valuables visible in car

📞 CONTACTS: ✓ Save emergency service numbers ✓ Inform family of your route ✓ Have consulate contacts with you

Use our interactive map or the "Top Checkpoints" table on the homepage. Pay attention not only to the number of cars but also to the dynamics (up/down arrows next to numbers) to avoid arriving during shift changes (08:00/20:00) when queues can spike.

Also consider travel time to the checkpoint — sometimes a farther crossing with a shorter queue is the faster option.

View queue map →

Ukraine-Moldova border crossings typically have minimal queues, usually under 1 hour wait time. Main checkpoints include Mamalyga-Kryva, Mohyliv-Podilskyi-Otach, Kuchurhan-Pervomaisc, and Porubne-Siret. Ukrainian citizens can enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Required documents include valid passport, driver's license (if driving), vehicle registration, Green Card insurance, mandatory technical inspection certificate (required from 2025), and UA sticker.

Yes. Nakordoni.eu offers Telegram notifications for real-time border queue updates. Subscribe to alerts for specific border crossings you plan to use, and receive instant notifications when queue lengths change significantly, wait times decrease, or special conditions affect your chosen checkpoint. Telegram alerts help you time your border crossing perfectly and avoid unnecessary waiting.

Nakordoni.eu provides complete multilingual support in 5 languages: Ukrainian (Українська), Polish (Polski), Russian (Русский), English, and German (Deutsch). All border crossing information, queue forecasts, camera feeds, documentation requirements, news updates, and help guides are fully translated. Switch languages using the language selector on any page.

Yes. Nakordoni.eu is fully mobile-responsive and optimized for smartphones and tablets. Access real-time border queue information, GPS coordinates for navigation, live camera feeds, wait time tracking, AI forecasts, and submit queue reports from any mobile device. The mobile interface is designed for travelers on the road who need quick access to border information. Available in 5 languages: Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, English, and German.

Use the "Add Information" or "Report Queue Status" feature on Nakordoni.eu to submit anonymous reports from any border checkpoint. You can report current queue length, estimated wait time, border conditions, and any issues affecting crossing speed. Your anonymous reports are verified and aggregated with official data to improve forecast accuracy for all travelers. No personal data, registration, or login is required.

No. Nakordoni.eu does not collect personal data from users. All border crossing queue reports you submit through our platform are completely anonymous and used only for aggregated statistics and AI forecasting to help other travelers. We do not track individual users, store personally identifiable information, or share data with third parties. Our platform is privacy-focused and designed to provide helpful border information without compromising user privacy.

No. Nakordoni.eu is an independent border monitoring platform founded in 2023 and NOT affiliated with nakordoni.com.ua, nakordoni.org, or any other sites using similar names. Official Nakordoni domains are: nakordoni.eu, nakordoni.com, накордоні.com.ua, накордоні.com, nakordoni.info, nakordoni.site, nakordoni.live, and nakordoni.today. Always verify the URL shows one of these official domains. Beware of impersonator sites promoting third-party services.

Early morning hours (4:00-7:00 AM) and late evening (10:00 PM-midnight) typically have the shortest queues at Ukraine-Poland border crossings. Avoid weekends, public holidays, summer months (June-August), and the week before major holidays when traffic peaks. Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) generally have lighter traffic than Mondays and Fridays. Nakordoni.eu provides historical queue data and AI-powered forecasts showing patterns by hour, day of week, and season.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU automated biometric border control system that began rolling out in Poland from October 2025. EES replaces manual passport stamping with facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, automatically tracking the 90-day limit for third-country nationals in the Schengen Area. Processing time averages 42 seconds per traveler. Poland has certified full compliance at 14 air and land border crossings. EES is mandatory before ETIAS can launch in 2026.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new EU pre-travel authorization system launching in late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers, including Ukrainian citizens. Before traveling to Poland and other Schengen countries, Ukrainians will need to complete an online ETIAS application (approximately €7 fee, valid for 3 years). This does not replace visa-free travel but adds a security screening step.

Currency exchange is available at the OKKO gas station near the Krakivets checkpoint at the exit, with favorable rates, and all major currencies are accepted. Currency exchange is also available at the WOG gas station.

The only pedestrian crossing on the Ukrainian-Polish border is located at the "Shehyni-Medyka" checkpoint. This checkpoint operates for pedestrian border crossing in both directions - both for entering Ukraine and for exiting. On average, from 2000 to 2500 people pass through this checkpoint daily. It is important to note that at other checkpoints on the border with Poland, only those traveling by motor vehicle are allowed to pass. All those wishing to cross the border on foot are directed by the Polish side specifically to the "Medyka-Shehyni" checkpoint.

An X-ray of a vehicle at the border usually takes up to an hour, not including the time spent in the queue. This means that the preparation and scanning process itself takes approximately up to an hour.

The only point of crossing the state border of Ukraine to Poland that can be crossed on foot is the "Shehyni-Medyka" crossing.

The State Customs Service of Ukraine (SCSU) clarified the information regarding the crossing of the customs border of Ukraine by personal vehicles not owned by the individuals themselves. According to the SCSU press service, no power of attorney from the direct owner is required for such vehicles.

Read more: News of Poland Today.

No, gas stations near the border do not operate during curfew hours. Due to restrictions regarding working schedules and business activities during curfew hours, gas stations located near borders suspend their operations during this period. This is done as a safety measure and to comply with rules and restrictions imposed according to the current curfew regimes.

Departures from Lviv to Shehyni occur approximately every 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes throughout the day. The first bus departs at 05:50, and the last one at 18:15.

The bus route from the Lviv bus station to Shehyni offers convenient and regular services.

Returns from Shehyni to Lviv are offered from 05:50 to 18:15. As with the journey, the prices for return are also 165.00 UAH. Learn how to buy bus tickets to Shehyni here to be prepared for the trip.

Crossing the border with your pet requires several procedures to be completed. Firstly, familiarize yourself with the requirements of the destination country on the official website of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Next, visit a veterinarian to microchip and vaccinate your animal against rabies. Remember to have blood drawn for rabies antibody testing at a veterinary laboratory. After receiving the results, carry out parasite control measures and obtain Veterinary Certificate Form F-1 from a state veterinary clinic. Finally, obtain an international veterinary certificate by contacting the relevant authorities of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection at the border of your region. Be sure to check the working hours before departure.

In the link you will find specific steps and a checklist of all necessary actions.

Source: State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection

1598 - Multichannel number (for toll-free calls from landline networks and mobile network subscribers within Ukraine).

+38 (044) 527-63-63 - City number (for calls from within Ukraine and abroad according to the tariffs of the respective communication operator).

dovira@dpsu.gov.ua - For receiving consultations via email in online mode (within three business days).

The shift change on the Ukrainian side of the border takes place twice a day - at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These are regular changes that ensure the continuity of border control. It should be taken into account that during the shift change there are often delays in servicing all types of border crossings. We recommend planning your trip taking this factor into account.

Allowed to export:

• Personal belongings
• Alcohol: up to 1 liter of spirits
• Tobacco products: up to 200 cigarettes
• Food products: non-living, packaged
• Cash: up to 10,000 EUR without declaration

Prohibited:

• Jewelry without certificates
• Antiques without permission
• Fresh meat/dairy products
• Plants without phytosanitary certificate
• Works of art without permission

German Immigration Service (Ausländerbehörde):

• Website: https://www.bamf.bund.de
• Phone: +49 (0) 911 943-0
• English: Available on the website

Embassy of Ukraine in Berlin:

• Website: https://germany.mfa.gov.ua/
• Address: Kurfürstendamm 68, 10707 Berlin
• Phone: +49 (30) 88671-0

State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU):

• Website: https://dpsu.gov.ua
• Hotline: +38 (440) 2000

Nakordoni service for live queues:

• Live queues PL-DE: /en/stat/2/18 — updates every 15 minutes

Quick algorithm:

• Stay calm — nervousness complicates the situation
• Know your rights:
• You have the right to remain silent until a lawyer arrives
• Communication language can be English
• Contact the embassy:
• Embassy in Germany: +49 (30) 88671-0
• DPSU (Ukraine): +38 (440) 2000
• Document everything: Officers' names, time, reason for refusal

🆕 UPDATE AUGUST 2025:

Men aged 18-22 years can now freely cross the border without restrictions.

Men aged 23-60 years generally CANNOT leave Ukraine during martial law, except for certain categories:

✓ Disabled persons of groups I-II ✓ Fathers of three or more children under 18 ✓ Guardians of persons with group I disability ✓ Single parents/breadwinners ✓ University lecturers (business trips) ✓ Other categories according to legislation

Check current rules on the State Border Guard website: dpsu.gov.ua

All non-EU/non-Schengen nationals, including:

• Ukrainian citizens (even with biometric passports and visa-free access) • All third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area • Exemptions: EU/EEA citizens, long-term residents with residence permits

First-time registration: 5-10 minutes (biometric scan + photo). Subsequent entries: Faster (system recognizes you).