The government has approved new border rules: how train travel will change

New customs control rules for passengers

The Ukrainian government has approved new customs and border control rules for passengers traveling by train. According to the decision, the control will be conducted in train cars, which will avoid long stops at the border. This new regime, which will become active in January, will promote increased convenience for international travel for Ukrainians.

Every month, more than 130 thousand Ukrainians travel on these routes. The new rules will be implemented on the 'Kyiv – Przemysl' and 'Kyiv – Chełm' train routes. Minister of Economy Yuliya Svyrydenko noted that this format of control is already successfully operating in certain 'Intercity+' trains on the Polish route.

Advantages of the new rules

Moreover, Svyrydenko expressed hope for the launch of expedited control on the move in certain trains as early as January, which will further ease the process of crossing the border, turning it into a convenient and quick part of the journey for Ukrainians.

‘The introduction of new customs control rules is an important step for improving the travel conditions of Ukrainians to Europe, especially in the context of the growing flow of passengers.’ - Yuliya Svyrydenko

Reducing the time spent on control can encourage more people to choose rail transport for international trips, which, in turn, can positively impact the economy and tourism sector of Ukraine.