Is Kyiv safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Ukraine

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Ukraine Level 4 - Do Not Travel, an advisory dated 2026-08-28 that applies at the country level rather than specifically to Kyiv.
• The UK FCDO notes that a state of emergency and martial law remain in effect throughout Ukraine, and that drone and missile strikes occur frequently across the country.
• Unexploded weapons, including cluster munitions, pose a hazard throughout Ukraine, particularly in the south and east; the FCDO advises not approaching or touching any suspected device and reporting it to the authorities.
• The FCDO also flags street crime, petty theft, card cloning at ATMs, and drink or food spiking as risks, so keeping an eye on belongings and drinks is worth doing, especially after dark or in unfamiliar areas.
• Cyberattacks have previously disrupted railway ticketing, mobile networks, and banking services in Ukraine, so carrying some cash is a reasonable backup in case cards or ATMs stop working.
• Same-sex relationships are legal, but the FCDO notes that public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and that Ukrainian law does not guarantee protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• Travelers are expected to carry a passport at all times for identification, and photographing government or military sites is prohibited.