Guide
Driving or Walking from Slovakia to Ukraine
Two road crossings and one for people on foot or by bike. The choice is mostly about what you are travelling in — and whether you are walking.
Last updated: 2026-10-26
Documents for you and the car
- Passport (and visa if needed) for everyone in the car.
- Driving licence — plus an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in Latin script.
- Vehicle registration certificate.
- If the car is not yours: a power of attorney, or written permission from the leasing or rental company — many rental companies prohibit trips into Ukraine.
- Motor liability insurance valid in Ukraine: check that the UA box on your Green Card is not crossed out. If it is, buy a Ukrainian motor policy for the trip — usually available at or near the crossing, or online in advance.
- Personal medical insurance for the driver and every passenger — the car's insurance does not cover you.
As a non-resident you may bring a foreign-registered car in temporarily for personal use; it must leave with you.
The three crossings
Slovak name first, Ukrainian second. Daytime hours are in Central European Time — one hour behind Ukraine.
| Crossing | Hours | Who can cross | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vyšné Nemecké – Uzhhorod | 24/7 | Cars, buses, trucks. The main crossing, on the road from Košice via Michalovce and Sobrance. No pedestrians. | Open map |
| Ubľa – Malyi Bereznyi | 24/7 | Cars, minibuses, vans up to 3.5 t, and pedestrians. No buses or heavy trucks. Roughly 40 km north of Uzhhorod. | Open map |
| Veľké Slemence – Mali Selmentsi | 08:00–20:00 CET | Pedestrians and cyclists only. No vehicles. | Open map |
Hours and categories can change — confirm on the State Border Guard Service website, dpsu.gov.ua, before setting off.
Picking a crossing
- Vyšné Nemecké takes all traffic, so it is where queues build — especially on Sundays and around holidays. It is also the only option for buses and lorries.
- Ubľa is the alternative for cars and is often quieter; the road to it from the Ukrainian side is a mountain route through the Uzh valley.
- Check live queues on the State Border Guard Service and queue-monitoring services before committing.
Crossing on foot
Walking across is possible at two places, not at Vyšné Nemecké:
- Veľké Slemence – Mali Selmentsi — a pedestrian and cycle crossing, open in daytime. The border here divided a single village in 1946; today it is the most direct way to walk from the Slovak side into Zakarpattia.
- Ubľa – Malyi Bereznyi — open around the clock and also accepts pedestrians.
Plan onward transport before you go: these are rural crossings, and connections on both sides are limited, especially in the evening.
On the road in Zakarpattia
- Curfew is set regionally — check your destination's hours.
- Air-raid alerts apply in Zakarpattia too. Install an official alert app, and during a red alert follow local instructions and avoid stopping near bridges or infrastructure. See yellow and red alerts explained.
- Emergencies: 112; police 102; ambulance 103. Medical assistance on your certificate: 0 800 501 001 within Ukraine, +38 044 247 44 77 from a foreign number.
Customs limits for what you carry: entering Ukraine from Slovakia.
Frequently asked questions
Which Slovakia–Ukraine border crossings are open 24 hours?
Vyšné Nemecké – Uzhhorod and Ubľa – Malyi Bereznyi. The pedestrian and cycle crossing at Veľké Slemence – Mali Selmentsi is open in daytime only.
Can I walk across at Vyšné Nemecké – Uzhhorod?
No. Walk across at Ubľa – Malyi Bereznyi or at the pedestrian crossing Veľké Slemence – Mali Selmentsi.
Can a bus cross at Ubľa?
No. Ubľa – Malyi Bereznyi takes cars, minibuses and light vans up to 3.5 t. Buses use Vyšné Nemecké – Uzhhorod.
Is my Green Card valid in Ukraine?
Only if the UA box is not crossed out. Otherwise buy a Ukrainian motor policy for the trip — at or near the crossing, or online in advance.
Get your certificate before you travel
Instant PDF, accepted at every open crossing. From €3.56.
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