Ukraine cancels 14-day self-isolation for foreigners with negative COVID-19 test

Foreigners who visit Ukraine this summer will no longer have to undergo medical observation or self-isolation for 14 days if they test negative for COVID-19.

On June 25, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Minister decided to cancel mandatory observation and self-isolation for foreigners after they undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 and the result is negative. The test can be conducted after the visitor has crossed the state border of Ukraine. 

However, the State Border Service told the Kyiv Post that, since the Cabinet of Ministers has not yet published the decree, meaning that the document hasn’t entered into force, they will still operate under the old rules. In a comment to the Kyiv Post, Boryspil International Airport’s press service said that it was also waiting for more clear information from the Cabinet.

On June 19, Ukraine International Airlines CEO Yevgeniy Dykhne announced on Facebook that his company had set up a laboratory at Borysil airport to conduct PCR tests and tests for COVID-19 antibodies. The company will use the laboratory to test its own flight crews, but Dykhne said that it could also be used for passengers arriving in Ukraine or departing for countries that demand COVID-19 tests for entry.

Previously, people arriving from countries with a high number of coronavirus cases — the so-called red list of countries — had to undergo controlled observation or self-isolation using the mobile application Diy Vdoma (“Act at Home” in English) for 14 days upon arrival. 

The latest red list can be found here.

The switch to PCR testing instead of self-isolation could make shorter trips to the country for business or tourism possible.

But some rules governing travel during the COVID-19 pandemic have not changed: All foreigners arriving in Ukraine must have medical insurance valid during their stay in the country that covers medical observation and treatment for COVID-19 in case they contract the virus. 

The government has also specified its requirements for such insurance: It should either be issued by an insurance company registered in Ukraine or a foreign insurance company that has a representative office in Ukraine or contractual relations (treaty relations) with an insurance company in Ukraine. 

Read more: FAQ about entering Ukraine: Insurance, self-isolation and more

During its session on June 25, the government also decided to reopen cinemas starting on July 2. One of the requirements for them to relaunch operations will be that they can only be filled to 50% capacity. 

Previously, the city of Kyiv allowed indoor restaurants, swimming pools, cinemas and theaters to reopen under the new hygiene rules. The Cabinet of Ministers, however, ruled that cinemas will remain closed until July 2. 

Read more: New interactive map helps Ukrainians travel during coronavirus pandemic