Main Border Crossing Points between Ukraine and Poland: What You Need to Know

The Polish Ukrainian border was delineated on 24 August 1991 when Ukraine declared its independence. Since then, illegal crossing is prohibited, and border control is enforced. In this article, we discuss the conditions for crossing the border between Ukraine and Poland — one of the most convenient overland routes to Europe thanks to numerous crossing points, high quality roads, and developed infrastructure. It is via this transit country that our buses travel from Ukraine to the Czech Republic on the route Kyiv — Cheb and in the reverse direction Cheb — Kyiv (or Cherkasy — Cheb and Cheb — Cherkasy).

Main Border Crossing Points of Ukraine with Poland

The boundary between the two countries is a legally established line separating the territory (land, subterranean parts, water, and air) of one state from another. After demarcation, crossing the border from either side is done according to the established regime and customs rules. Control over compliance is carried out at designated crossing points.

Ukraine borders Poland to the west. The border length is 535 km. Along this line there are currently 9 vehicle border crossings in operation. Conditions vary by crossing. Below are five of the most convenient ones.

Krakivets — Korczowa
The Krakivets crossing is one of the most popular. Operating hours: 24/7. It handles passenger and freight vehicles. There is a pedestrian crossing as well. Its identification number is 460600. Opened by Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 743 r on 22.12.97.
This conveniently located point has high throughput capacity. On the Ukrainian side it lies on the international highway M10, which begins in Lviv and is part of the European route E40 connecting Ukraine with EU countries. On the Polish side it connects to motorway A4 and national road 94.
It has well developed infrastructure: document and baggage checks are carried out swiftly thanks to a well equipped zone. In 2025 a new bus terminal for passenger drop offs was opened on the premises, capable of handling about 30 buses per day. This is the checkpoint used by our routes № 074 and № 513, which you can board from any stop on the schedule. For example, one can travel from Pilsen in Czechia to Cherkasy.

Yagodin — Dorohusk
This is one of the busiest crossings. Operating hours: around the clock. It permits passenger and freight vehicles, though temporarily it may be closed for private cars. Identification number 71200. Opened by Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 544 r on 19.09.02.
The vehicle terminal is approached via Ukrainian highway M07 (“Warsaw route”), originating in Kyiv. On the Polish side, national road 12 leads to the crossing. It is part of European route E373 (Kyiv — Kovel — Yagodin — Lublin), which itself is integrated into the transport network linking Eastern and Western Europe. A rail checkpoint Yagodin (Dorohusk) lies 8 km from the border.
The crossing is equipped with necessary facilities: shops, fuel stations, rest areas. While waiting, travelers can use convenient rest zones. A simplified procedure for document processing is in effect.

Rava Ruska — Hrebenne
Identification number 460500. Operates 24/7, allows passenger and freight vehicles. Pedestrian crossing is permitted. A small border traffic is allowed with an MPT (small border traffic) card within the designated zone. Opened by resolution No. 544 r of 19.09.02.
The point is located 11.3 km from the town of Rava Ruska, on international route M09 which begins in Lviv and forms part of route E372. The infrastructure includes document inspection zones and rest areas.

Hrushiv — Budomezh
Identification number 460000. Open round the clock, permits passenger cars with cargo up to 3.5 t and pedestrians. Established via diplomatic notes exchange. Opened in 2013. Located on Polish territory under joint control.
On the Ukrainian side, it is reached by territorial road T1403 (in Lviv region), which continues as Polish road 866.
This is a relatively compact crossing with moderate throughput, located near the village Hrushiv, about 70 km from Lviv. It differs from more popular crossings by moderate loading and faster customs processing thanks to joint control.

Shehyni — Medyka
The Shehyni crossing has identification number 460800. Operates 24/7, handles passenger and freight traffic. Pedestrian crossing is allowed. Opened by resolution No. 544 r on 19.09.02. It lies on the border in Lviv region. On the Ukrainian side it is approached via route M11 beginning in Lviv; in Poland it continues as road 28.
There is a separate pedestrian lane, which accelerates passport and border control. The infrastructure includes modern rest areas, shops, etc.

Types of Border Crossing Points: Vehicle, Pedestrian

When travelling by bus, the border between Ukraine and Poland can be crossed at two types of crossings:

·         Vehicle crossings. These have automated zones with equipment for scanning documents and vehicle inspection. Separate lanes are designated for different vehicle categories, usually under canopies. Service buildings for customs and border personnel, storage for detained goods, and traffic areas are located on site.

·         Pedestrian crossings. Often set up at vehicle crossings as a separate lane for foot traffic. Typically there is an enclosed pavilion equipped for customs control, a simplified passage zone, etc.

Traffic at the checkpoints is regulated by traffic lights, road signs, barriers, and gates. Layouts may vary depending on geography and climate to create optimal conditions for checkpoint workers and travelers.

Rules and Requirements for Crossing into Poland

Border control consists of measures to establish lawful grounds for vehicle and person border crossing, as well as for transporting goods. Main procedural steps:

1.    Arrival at the crossing and registration of the vehicle by the Ukrainian border service.

2.    Assignment of a lane according to the type of vehicle, cargo or pedestrian flow.

3.    Verification of identity documents, transport documents and accompanying documentation.

4.    Inspection and customs control of vehicle and cargo.

5.    Approval and physical border crossing.

Selective inspections may be carried out based on risk management systems. Control should not exceed the maximum waiting time defined by the schedule. Procedures are complete after the customs officer stamps the documents. In certain cases, an oral permit may be given (as allowed by law).

To speed up checks, drivers and passengers should prepare the following documents in advance:

·         A biometric passport (visa free) or a non chip passport with visa;

·         Medical insurance with coverage of at least 30 000 EUR for stay in the EU;

·         A completed customs declaration or cargo documents (if required).

Additionally, drivers must present an internationally accepted driver’s licence, an international “Green Card” insurance policy, the vehicle registration certificate (technical passport, including Latin script), and the Ukrainian identification mark (UA) on the vehicle.

Children under 16 must travel with parents. If one or both parents are absent, a notarized consent from the absent parent(s) and a birth certificate must be provided. The child must have a biometric passport. According to Polish law, a child under 18 must be accompanied by adults.

If you have a biometric passport and your stay in Poland for tourist, business or personal reasons is under 90 days, you do not need a visa. If you plan to stay over 90 days, you must apply for a national visa type D for long term stay, which can be based on employment, study, business activity, etc. Under a status of temporary protection, you may live, receive social benefits, and work in Poland without additional permits.

Border officers may also require proof of sufficient funds to cover stay in Poland and return to Ukraine. Currently, it is officially required to carry at least 70 EUR per day if the trip lasts up to 4 days, and 18 EUR per day if staying longer. Cash and valuables up to 10 000 EUR per person do not require mandatory declaration. Be aware that import of canned goods, meat and dairy products into Poland is prohibited. Only 1 l of alcoholic beverages and 40 cigarettes are allowed.

Operating Hours and Waiting Times at Crossings

All border crossings operate 24/7. It is recommended to cross at night and on weekdays when traffic is lighter compared to weekends and holidays. To check waiting queues, you can consult the official website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine or other convenient online services. Real time information on queues for entry and exit is provided.

Additional Recommendations for Passengers and Drivers

To make your journey smooth and avoid long delays at border checkpoints between Ukraine and Poland, we recommend:

·         planning your trip in advance, choosing the crossing point based on route convenience and average wait times;

·         verifying that the border crossing rules have not been updated, and familiarizing yourself with baggage and goods restrictions;

·         checking your documents, passport validity, visas (if needed), and permits before departing;

·         booking round trip tickets on our routes in advance to secure better seats and ensure your trip with a discount on the return ticket.

We offer two optimal routes from Ukraine to Czechia crossing through Poland.

Conclusions

Crossing the border between Ukraine and Poland is fast and simple if you use the services of an experienced carrier like SVD Trans. We ensure comfort, safety and predictability on the road.

In 2013 the first route from Kyiv to Pilsen (Czechia) was opened via the Krakivets — Korczowa border crossing. Now you can use this route to visit Prague or exit in Poland and reach the Czech capital by another route, then return on our Prague — Kyiv route and receive a 20 % discount on the return ticket. In every case, we invite you to board our high quality, new Scania Irizar buses with comfortable seats, air conditioning, Wi Fi and multimedia entertainment!

FAQ:

Which border crossings between Ukraine and Poland are the most popular?
The most popular are Krakivets and Yagodin.

Can you cross the border on foot through the crossings?
Some vehicle crossings allow pedestrian crossing: Krakivets — Korczowa, Hrushiv — Budomezh, Shehyni — Medyka, Rava Ruska — Hrebenne.

How can one find out how much time is needed to cross at a specific crossing?
The official website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine provides this information.

Are food products allowed to be transported across the Ukraine Poland border?
Yes, but restrictions apply, which you should verify before departure. Currently, import of canned goods, meat and dairy products into Poland is prohibited. The maximum amounts allowed are defined.

How can one check the load (queue) of a border crossing in advance?
We recommend visiting the official website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, which has an interactive map with estimated waiting times.

What documents are required to cross the border with Poland?
 You need a foreign passport (a biometric passport visa free, or a non chip passport with visa), a medical insurance policy, a declaration if valuables and cash exceed 10 000 EUR or when transporting goods. Men of conscription age must also carry a military ID, a medical commission certificate or other documents granting exit rights.