Winter 2026 in Ukraine: Current Situation and Practical Guidance for Travelers

 

Winter in Ukraine remains extremely challenging — not only because of record low temperatures, but also due to continued attacks on critical energy infrastructure. Power outages, unstable heating, water supply, and communication disruptions remain part of daily life in many regions. Despite this, cities continue to function. Repair teams work around the clock, often under difficult and risky conditions. Daily routines adapt, communities support each other, and essential services remain operational.

Ukraine stands – frozen, but unbroken.

Important Information for Travelers Planning a Visit to Ukraine this winter 

Ukraine remains open to international visitors. However, travel during winter requires responsible preparation and professional planning, especially for business, MICE, humanitarian, and professional visits.

We strongly recommend travelers to check the following:
  • ACCOMMODATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
  • Book reliable accommodation with:
    • an equipped in-house shelter
    • autonomous electricity generators and fuel reserves
    • sufficient reserves of drinking water and food
    • additional heating systems 
    • enhanced security measures
    • stable Wi-Fi and communication options
  • PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS
  • Always carry a fully charged power bank and recharge your devices whenever electricity is available.
  • Prepare appropriate winter clothing and insulated footwear.
    (All essential winter items are also widely available for purchase locally, if needed)
  • Carry a thermos with hot drinks, particularly during long outdoor periods or while waiting in shelters
  • Download offline maps, key documents and emergency contacts in advance in case of temporary connectivity disruptions
  • Carry essential personal medications and basic medical supplies, especially if you have specific health needs
  • Keep a reasonable amount of cash available, as electronic payments may be temporarily unavailable during outages
  • Allow additional time buffers in daily schedules and remain flexible in case of temporary disruptions
These measures are part of standard duty-of-care planning and allow travelers to stay comfortable and safe even during
temporary infrastructure disruptions.

Don’t forget about BASIC SAFELY RULES as usual:
  • Install Air Alert mobile application.
  • Immediately proceed to the nearest shelter when an air alert sounds
  • Check shelter locations in advance and keep a shelter map accessible at all times.
    Shelter maps are available in many cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia.  Find a shelter map in your city.
  • Observe local curfew regulations and follow them 
  • Respect photo and video restrictions — do not film or share information related to air defence systems

Professional Support

If you are considering travel to Ukraine during this period, whether for business, MICE events, humanitarian projects, or professional visits – expert local support is essential.

Ukrainian Incentives DMC provides:
  • up-to-date local intelligence
  • carefully selected accommodation and logistics
  • risk-aware itinerary planning
  • on-ground support before and during travel
If you are considering a visit to Ukraine this winter, we recommend engaging professional local support to ensure safety, compliance, and operational continuity. Please contact us for professional assistance with planning travel to Ukraine safely and responsibly.

This update reflects current conditions as of January 2026.