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.