Rising Passenger Traffic at Western Border Crossings
With the start of the summer tourist season, Ukraine's western border checkpoints are experiencing a surge in passenger traffic. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) forecasts that the number of travelers could increase by up to 20% during the summer months. Since the beginning of June, over 1 million citizens and more than 200,000 vehicles have already passed through Ukraine's western borders, both entering and leaving the country. Currently, departures from Ukraine are exceeding arrivals, a predictable trend during the summer holiday period.
Busiest Border Checkpoints
The following checkpoints are currently handling the highest volumes:
- Ustyluh
- Rava-Ruska
- Krakovets
- Shehyni
- Uzhhorod
- Chop (Tysa)
- Luzhanka
- Porubne
Meanwhile, these checkpoints remain less congested:
- Uhryniv
- Nyzhankovychi
- Smilnytsia
- Malyi Bereznyi
- Dzvinkove
- Kosyno
- Krasnoilsk
- Diakivtsi
- Kelmentsi
- Sokyriany
To avoid long waits, the SBGS advises travelers to plan their border crossings during the early morning or late evening hours. Additionally, starting June 15, 2026, Poland has halted the passage of passenger buses through the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint due to extensive renovation work expected to last until November 2027. Polish authorities are upgrading the bus lane for entry into the country, and this temporary ban is projected to remain in effect for nearly a year and a half. The Shehyni-Medyka crossing is a key route for many travelers, and its closure during the busy summer months may significantly affect travel convenience.
The increase in passenger traffic at western checkpoints signals a boost in tourism activity, which is important for the economies of both Ukraine and its neighboring countries. The ongoing repairs at the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint could substantially impact the ease of border crossing for travelers, especially during the summer when demand for travel peaks. It is crucial to consider these factors when planning trips.
As the summer travel season intensifies, the recent decision to suspend bus crossings from Ukraine at the Shehyni-Medyka checkpoint adds another layer of complexity for travelers. This prolonged closure, set to last until late 2027, could have significant implications for those planning to cross the border, especially during this peak tourist period.