Ukraine

Scope and safety

Maritime access and port operations in Ukraine may be affected by the ongoing war, security measures and temporary orders from authorities. As of 3 November 2026, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office continued to advise against travel to some parts of Ukraine and issued different levels of advice for other areas. This is travel-safety advice, not permission for a yacht to enter Ukraine. Before sailing, confirm that the intended port is open, check local navigational warnings and contact Ukrainian authorities directly.

Current safety information: GOV.UK Ukraine travel advice

Ukrainian law generally requires foreign yachts to use ports with border-crossing stations for entry and departure; special cases require coordinated permission under the law. Check current open ports and safety notices before sailing. Do not plan a call based solely on a historical port list.

Arrival notification

Under Article 20 of Ukraine’s Law on Border Control, when a yacht arrives from abroad at a port with a border-crossing station or leaves that port for abroad, the master must notify the harbour master at least two hours in advance. The harbour master then notifies Border Guard and Customs. To enter from abroad at a port without a border-crossing station, obtain the harbour master’s permission in advance and coordinate with Border Guard and Customs; the harbour master must submit the crew and passenger list at least two hours before arrival. In force majeure, the vessel may first enter such a port but must then notify the harbour master.

This law does not mean a port is currently open or that yachts are permitted to call. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority updates its list of open/closed ports weekly. Check the latest list and confirm feasibility and reporting channels with the harbour master, Border Guard and Customs before departure.

Ukrainian regulations require the master of a foreign yacht to cooperate with border checks. Border authorities may request technical information about the vessel and the people-on-board list, and inspect people under border procedures. This does not establish a visa exemption or guarantee that a port is currently open.

Ukrainian regulations require the master of a foreign yacht to notify the harbour master at least two hours before the expected arrival at or departure from a port. The harbour master then notifies Border Guard and Customs. This timing comes from the text of the law; still confirm current port opening, security status and applicable procedures before sailing.

Ukraine’s State Production and Consumer Service says pets travelling with their owners for non-commercial purposes must meet veterinary requirements. Dogs, cats and ferrets need a readable microchip, rabies vaccination and any required antibody test, plus an international veterinary certificate issued by the competent authority at departure. This concerns accompanied pets and is not a complete quarantine procedure for food, plants or animals kept aboard but not landed. Confirm inspection and onboard-retention rules with the quarantine authority at the port actually open to arrivals.

Ukraine’s State Customs Service says Articles 196–197 of the Customs Code prohibit or restrict cross-border movement of certain goods; some goods require permits, certificates or other documents from authorized agencies. The linked prohibited/restricted goods code list is dated 31 March 2026. The general cargo rules do not explain whether private-yacht stores may remain aboard or be sealed temporarily. Check the current list by item and use, and confirm with Ukrainian Customs before arrival.

Foreign yachts in Ukraine must notify the harbour master in advance so the harbour master can coordinate Border Guard and Customs inspections; in general, use a port with a border-crossing station. Confirm berthing and clearance arrangements with the harbour master, and check current local security and navigation restrictions first.

No uniform nationwide departure fee for foreign private yachts was verified. The Odesa Sea Ports Authority publishes port dues, berthing and other services, and says some services are charged at free-market rates on the day they are provided. The page does not give a single yacht departure total and does not establish that other ports are open or charge the same amounts. Confirm the usable port, applicable fees and amounts with that port authority and Customs before sailing.