Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ukraine
Ukraine is a small country nestled among Europe’s mountains and forests. It blends a perfect mixture of green trees, rolling mountains and clean beaches. Ukraine is an ideal destination for anyone seeking fun and new experiences.
Kyiv rests along the Dnieper River. Scattered across the city are religious monuments with classic architecture and underground catacombs. If this rich history isn’t what you crave in the Ukraine, Kyiv offers many other opportunities for fun. The city is also home to recreational activities like water parks and the Kyiv Zoo.
Ukraine is also a popular spot among snowboarders and skiers. Bukovel is a large, popular ski resort in the country. This resort hosts skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and more. The Carpathian National Nature Park is also nearby. Other popular, nearby ski resorts include Drahobrat and more.
Whether it’s a breath of history or a trip down a mountain, Ukraine offers a little bit of everything.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Ukraine?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Ukraine
Do I Need a Visa for Ukraine?
What Is the Climate Like in Ukraine?
How Safe Is Ukraine?
Travelling Within Ukraine
What Should I Pack for Ukraine?
Canadian Embassy in Ukraine
Do I Need Vaccines for Ukraine?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ukraine. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ukraine: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
While there is no active polio transmission in the Ukraine, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Ukraine |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | While there is no active polio transmission in the Ukraine, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Ukraine |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine and maintaining proper hygiene. Vaccination is a critical step in preventing this contagious liver infection, according to health authorities.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through animal bites, affecting the nervous system. The rabies vaccine, given before or after potential exposure, prevents the virus from developing into active disease. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups like travellers, while post-exposure shots are crucial after suspected rabies exposure.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travellers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is the key to personal and public health safety. It strengthens immunity, minimizing the risk of infection, and is a critical component in halting the spread of these contagious viruses.
A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travel to most destinations, including Ukraine. All travellers should have received at least the first immunization before travelling.
Sporadic cases of polio have been found in Ukraine. Make sure you’re vaccinated before your trip. Routine vaccinations are recommended for all travellers.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Ukraine
Prevent Bug Bites in Ukraine
To fend off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: cover up with long clothing, use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid bug-heavy areas during dawn and dusk. Protect your sleep with insect-repellent-treated bed nets.
Food and Water Safety in Ukraine
Safeguard your health while abroad by researching local cuisine, avoiding tap water, and practicing hand hygiene. Choose reputable eateries, be cautious with ice, and drink in moderation.
Infections To Be Aware of in Ukraine
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, a severe viral illness, is primarily transmitted through ticks and can spread through contact with infected bodily fluids. Effective prevention strategies include tick bite prevention, strict infection control in healthcare settings, and ongoing research into the development of a vaccine to combat the disease’s transmission.
Do I Need a Visa For Ukraine?
A passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the expected departure date is required to enter the country. A tourist and business visa is not required for up to 90 days per 6-month period. If you intend to stay in the Ukraine longer than 90 days, you may be required to purchase medical insurance issued by a state-owned company upon arrival.
Ukraine Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Ukraine? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Ukraine and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Proof of health insurance and sufficient funds for your trip may be required.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Ukraine?
Ukraine has different types of weather in its tourist destinations. Kyiv, the capital city, is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Lviv, another popular city, has mild summers and cold winters. Odessa, a city on the coast, is hot in the summer and has mild winters. Yalta, a seaside resort town, has mild winters and hot summers.
If you plan to visit any of these places, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast beforehand. The weather can change from year to year, so it’s important to stay updated.
The weather in Ukraine’s tourist destinations varies depending on the season and location. Some cities are hot in the summer, while others have mild summers and cold winters. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip.
How Safe Is Ukraine?
There have been some politically and ideologically motivated terrorist attacks in the Ukraine. The State Department and other organizations recommend taking extra precautions while in country. Avoid public demonstrations and avoid taking a public opinion on politics, especially in relation to Russia.
Avoid the Crimea area during your trip. Military operations are underway on an ongoing basis.
Crime also occurs in Ukraine, the most common being robberies, pick-pocketing and mugging. Crimes are common near nightspots, on public transportation. Corridors, elevators and stairwells provide cover for these activities.
Tourists may be targeted if they display wealth or expensive things. The local police are known for being corrupt. Be careful when interacting with law enforcement and always request to see a badge. Note, law enforcement and some emergency responders may not speak English.
Travelling Within Ukraine
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While Ukraine is a charming, colorful country, there are some locations to avoid. The Crimean is currently occupied by the Russian Federation. Take extra precautions in this region.
There is conflict in parts of eastern Ukraine. Avoid travel to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts as Russian-supported separatists control the area. In these regions, travellers may face gunmen posing as self-named authorities. These individuals specialize in kidnapping and extortion.
The Ukrainian government has also struggled to provide support to these areas. There are reports of water, power, food and medicine shortages. This has lead to looting in some areas. If you plan to travel across Ukraine, avoid from these locations.
What Should I Pack for Ukraine?
Ukraine offers a very unique experience to travellers. Make sure you’re prepared with these handy, must-pack items.
- Warm Clothing – Depending on when you visit Ukraine, the weather can be a bit cold. Even in the warmer months, the evenings might get chilly, especially if you are close to the mountains. Packing a few jackets and sweaters will help you stay as warm and comfortable as possible.
- Camera – Ukraine is a highly picturesque destination in Europe. Whether it’s unique architecture or adventures, you may want to take pictures. Never photograph military installations or personnel. You may be detained for doing so.
- Ski or Snowboard Gear – Consider bringing your own equipment with you to Ukraine. Local equipment may be less safe and you will feel more comfortable on your own gear.
- Toilet Paper – Some public don’t always have toilet paper. Pack some and keeping a little on your person. Also, consider bringing a travellers’ diarrhea kit to avoid any unwanted problems.
Canadian Embassy in Ukraine
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Ukraine, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Ukraine
13A Kostelna Street,
Kyiv 01901, Ukraine
Tel.: 380 (44) 590-3100
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Ukraine
“We found our nurse to be very helpful and knowledgeable. We would recommend this clinic to anyone looking for travel advice for the Ukraine.”
“Clinic had very thorough information, nurse was knowledgeable and explained our options for Ukraine clearly, what we needed was available or easily scheduled.”
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