Border Crossing Delays at EU Checkpoints: Status Update for February 18.

Current Situation at Ukraine's Border

According to Novyny.live: As of February 18, 2023, significant queues have formed at several of Ukraine's border crossing points with neighboring EU countries, including Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. These traffic jams are causing considerable delays for travelers attempting to cross. The situation at these checkpoints is dynamic and can change rapidly, often influenced by seasonal travel patterns and heightened security checks.

At the 'Yahodyn' checkpoint, the processing of both pedestrians and passenger vehicles has been temporarily suspended. Other major crossing points are experiencing varying levels of congestion, with the following vehicle counts reported:

• 'Ustyluh': 5 passenger cars;
• 'Shehyni': 25 passenger cars;
• 'Malyi Bereznyi': No passenger cars, buses, or pedestrians;
• 'Uzhhorod': 1 bus, but no passenger cars or pedestrians;
• 'Tysa': 2 passenger cars.

Crossing Procedures and Travel Advice

It is important to note that Ukrainian citizens do not require a special visa for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area countries. However, there are unconfirmed reports that some Ukrainian travelers may face difficulties or be denied entry when attempting to cross into Romania. This highlights the importance of verifying entry requirements for each specific destination country before departure.

Consequently, the situation at the borders with Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary remains fluid, and travelers should prepare for potential delays. The long queues at these checkpoints indicate a surge in demand for border crossings, likely exacerbated by winter travel. All travelers are strongly advised to monitor real-time updates on border crossing rules and the operational status of individual checkpoints to plan their journeys accordingly.