Border crossing rules: important information for tourists
Before travelling abroad, it is important to be aware of the rules for crossing the borders of your destination and transit countries. Knowing these rules will help you avoid inconvenience and unnecessary problems during your trip. Travelling abroad can be an unforgettable experience, but it is important to remember to follow border crossing regulations, have travel medical insurance and keep your passport up to date. By planning your trip in advance and familiarising yourself with these points, you can avoid many problems and enjoy your trip to the full.
Checking border crossing regulations
The first and most important rule for tourists is to independently check the border crossing rules of the destination and transit countries. This can be done through the relevant consular services. It is also useful to use information sources such as IATA Travel Centre and Visit World.
However, it's important to remember that regulations can change, so it's best to check for up-to-date information before you leave.
Medical Travel Insurance
Another important aspect of travelling abroad is having travel health insurance. In most countries, this is a mandatory requirement for entry. Such insurance can cover a variety of medical expenses, including emergency medical care, emergency evacuation and other medical emergencies.
To purchase travel health insurance, you can contact insurance companies that specialise in travel services. You can also order the insurance in your Personal Cabinet on our website, after you have created a ticket request.
It should be noted that the cost of insurance and its coverage may vary depending on the country, duration of the trip, age and medical conditions of the tourist. Therefore, before choosing an insurance, it is advisable to carefully study the conditions and limitations.
Passport validity
Another important parameter to consider when planning your trip is the validity of your passport. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. So before you leave, make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip.
Liability of tour operators and carriers
It is important to remember that the tour operator, travel agent or carrier is not responsible for the decision of the border authorities to allow you to cross the border. If you are refused permission to cross the border or board a flight, the cost of your ticket will not be refunded and no alternative flights will be provided.
Features of visiting some countries by charter flights
Egypt
There are the following important restrictions when departing from Egypt on a charter flight:
- charter flights from Egypt are allowed for passengers staying in the country no more than 28 days.
- tourists who have overstayed their visa can only fly out of Cairo on a regular flight, after paying a fine of $30.00.
- if a passenger arrives in Egypt on a regular flight through Cairo, then he should also take a regular flight back. Passengers arriving in Egypt by regular flights will not be allowed to check in for departure by charter flight.
- if a passenger has flown to Egypt by a charter flight, then it can fly by a charter flight only from the same city where it flew in (Hurghada / Hugada, Sharm / Sharm). Passengers arriving in Hurghada and departing from Sharm (and vice versa) will not be allowed to check-in for a departure on a charter flight.
Tanzania
Nationals of Ukraine and Poland can obtain a visa on arrival. Visa must be paid with card or notes of USD 50.- or USD 100.
E-visas can be obtained before departure at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz . Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation.
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date.
Passports and passport replacing documents of all visitors must contain at least 1 unused visa page for Visa Administration Sticker (VAS), stamps, etc. Please note that this does not include the page reserved for "Observations" or "Amendments and Endorsements".
Visitors must holding return/onward tickets and an insurance policy.
IMPORTANT: Compulsory ZIC Insurance for Visitors to Tanzania!
From 01.10.2024, by decision of the Tanzanian authorities, foreigners wishing to visit the island of Zanzibar by sea or air will be required to take out compulsory travel insurance with the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) to provide cover for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days).
This requirement has been introduced to ensure the safety of all foreigners and to mitigate possible risks while travelling. Having other insurances does not exempt the traveller from having the insurance offered by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
The insurance covers:
- Emergency medical expenses
- repatriation of the body, including in the event of death
- accident
- Court and legal fees
- delayed, stolen, lost or damaged baggage (airline liability).
Insurance can only be purchased in advance of travel at https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance
Cost: USD 44 per adult
Children aged 3 to 17 receive a 50% discount on the standard price. There is no charge for children under the age of 2.
Failure to purchase the above insurance may result in denial of entry to Zanzibar.
Payment can be made by debit or credit card. There is no waiting period - the policy is valid from the moment you arrive in Zanzibar.
Policy documents will be sent to your registered email address. The policy confirmation will include a QR code, policy details such as unique policy number, commencement date, benefits, terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and other important information.
As the QR code must be presented before departure and on arrival, you must have it with you at the airport and on the aircraft. Do not place the printed QR code in your checked baggage.
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Thailand
In the Kingdom of Thailand, there is a rule of charter flights: tourists who have arrived on regular flights to the Kingdom, or on a charter flight of another airline, cannot take a return charter flight indicated in the reservation!
ALSO!
You cannot mix the departure point on a routing from Poland with the destination point on a return flight (e.g., you cannot fly from Warsaw to Bangkok and return from Bangkok to Katowice).
You cannot mix the destination point on a routing from Poland with the origin point on a return flight (e.g. you cannot travel from Warsaw to Bangkok and return from Phuket to Warsaw).
When buying an air ticket from Thailand for charter flights, the passenger is fully responsible for checking in for flights. In case of refusal to check-in by the airline for the above reason, cancellation and refund of the payment for the ticket, unfortunately, is not possible (according to the Agreement).
Kenya
As of January 4, 2024, an eTA will be required to enter Kenya.
The eTA must be completed at: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. The cost is approximately $35 per person. Approval of the permit can take up to 3 business days, so the application must be completed in advance.
The website is in its early stages of operation. If you have problems registering, please use the visa website https://evisa.go.ke/.
If you already have a visa for Kenya, you will be able to enter the country. No additional registration is required to obtain an eTA permit.
Visitors must have:
- a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the country
- an approved electronic travel authorization ﴾eTA﴿.
- proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least USD 500.-).
- Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Moldova
In connection with the State of Emergency in force on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, we inform you that the border guard service of the airport in Chisinau, without giving reasons, has the right to prohibit entry to persons who intend to enter the territory of the Republic of Moldova for tourism purposes.
The following categories of persons are most often subject to a ban on entry:
- Unaccompanied men are citizens of Russia, Turkey, countries of the Middle East, Central Asia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan.
- Persons who first need to obtain a visa to enter the Republic of Moldova, but arrived without a visa.
- Persons who enter the territory of the Republic of Moldova in transit and plan to go to third countries, but without good reason. (It is necessary to provide a residence permit in a third country, residence permit, real estate, etc.)
Entry into the territory of the Republic of Moldova through the international airport in Chisinau for the above categories may be allowed on the basis of a pre-opened visa (if it is necessary to enter the Republic of Moldova) or for good reasons, for example a contract for work, study, treatment, or a visit to close relatives, which must first be proven.
If you do not pass passport and customs control, the passenger will be deported and you will be billed for the deportation. The cost of purchased tickets is not refundable.
Seychelles
For entry to Seychelles, visitors have to apply for Travel Authorization.
To obtain such a permit, you must have the following documents:
- Valid passport;
- Valid return ticket or a ticket to the next destination;
- Confirmation of accommodation or an invitation letter, if you are staying with friends or relatives;
- Enough funds for the stay (at least 150 American dollars);
- Digital passport photos;
- Contact information of the traveler (address, phone number, email address).
- Passport has to be valid for the entire period of stay up to the return to the country of origin or residence of the owner.
You can apply for a Travel Authorization not sooner than 5 days prior to travel. The processing time takes up to 9 hours.
Upon registration traveler will receive an automatic confirmation letter, as well as payment details via email. In another email, maximum 9 hours after registration, the traveler will receive the travel permit. You will need to print out or save on your phone this permit for travel (in pdf format).
An application for Travel Authorization can be submitted on this official website: https://seychelles.govtas.com/
You should also obtain a travel insurance for the entire stay in the country.
The insurance policy has to comply with the following requirements:
- A guaranteed insurance coverage of medical-related payments in the amount of at least 50 000 American dollars;
- Has to cover medical-related expenses, repatriation
Seychelles government demands everyone to present confirmation of international vaccination certificate, if they have been travelling to countries where yellow fever is spread. No other vaccines are mandatory, however, individuals visiting Seychelles are recommended to receive a vaccine against typhus, measles, DPT (diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus).
For more information on any health requirements before visiting Seychelles, please visit the website: http://www.health.gov.sc
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Cuba
When heading to Cuba, a tourist must have:
- a valid passport or travel document issued in his name, valid for at least 3 months from the planned date of departure from Cuba
- a Visa or Tourist card (Visa – Tarjeta de Turista), that can be ordered at Cuban customs offices, in travel agencies or airlines.
It is not possible to purchase a tourist card upon arrival in Cuba. Tourists who do not have a tourist card will not be allowed to board an airplane departing for Cuba. - a valid return tickets
- a proof of health insurance
- a proof of financial solvency of at least 50 US dollars per day.
All travelers must fill out a digital form on the new "DViajeros" portal.
The digital form will include personal information, health information, immigration and customs information in a 5-step digital format. After completing the form, a QR code will be emailed in a PDF file that the traveler must show upon arrival in Cuba (on device or printed). The use of the portal will be mandatory.
More information: https://salud.msp.gob.cu/nota-informativa-del-ministerio-de-salud-publica-5/
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Maldives
In the Maldives, there is a so-called electronic Traveler Declaration, which must be submitted electronically to the Maldives Immigration Service 96 hours prior to arrival and prior to departure from the Maldives. You can fill out and submit the appropriate declaration on the official website of the Migration Service by clicking on the following link https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/
The declaration is filled in for each tourist. After filling out the declaration, you will receive a QR code, which must be printed or saved on your phone. Show it when going through passport control.
To obtain a visa on arrival, you must confirm your reservation in one of the officially registered resorts of the above-mentioned island state.
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Sri Lanka
All tourists travelling to Sri Lanka must have:
- Passport - must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry and at least 2 months on the date of departure.
- Pre-arranged tourist visa - a printed ETA visa permit at www.eta.gov.lk issued and paid for no later than 2 business days before arrival. It is filled in for each passenger separately.
- Return ticket
- Hotel (accommodation) confirmation
When passing through border control, foreigners may be asked to present a return ticket, traveler's checks or credit cards, and other documents confirming the tourist nature of the trip.
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Cape Verde
Before departing for Cape Verde, all passengers must:
- Register on the electronic online platform EASE. It is advisable to register five days before the date of travel.
- Fill out the International Travel Form on the website
- Obtain a visa if necessary.
EASE is an online pre-registration platform for travelers to Cape Verde. It is mandatory for international travelers over 2 years of age. Authorization on EASE Cape Verde is valid for tourist/business/medical/educational purposes of the trip.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to Cape Verde.
Documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without these documents, foreign passengers will be denied boarding and entry!
Dominican Republic
Required documents to print, fill out and bring with you on travel to Dominican Republic:
- Electronic questionnaire, E-Ticket
To enter the country, tourists must fill out an electronic form in advance and receive a QR code.
The form is available at: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do and must be completed no earlier than 72 hours before departure from Poland or the Dominican Republic (in the case of a return flight), without using Polish characters. It can also be filled out immediately after arriving in the Dominican Republic, before leaving the arrivals hall. We recommend filling out the form in advance. Fill out the form quickly so as not to exceed the deadline provided by the system - when the site is open for too long, you will need to re-fill the form.
The form must be completed at entry and exit and two QR codes are sent to the passenger to be scanned by the authorities at the port of entry and exit. To expedite the procedure upon arrival, we recommend that you print or take a screenshot of the QR code, which you must have with you before departure. Additional information is available at the link: https://viajerodigital.mitur.gob.do
Instructions for filling out the electronic form (in Polish)
Information about the Sanitary Protocol can be found here.
All the documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without all needed documents, passengers will be denied boarding!
Mauritius
Citizens of Poland and Ukraine are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days.
The following documents must be provided when passing through the border control at the Mauritius airport:
- passport;
- return ticket;
- hotel booking confirmation (tourist voucher);
- proof of funds at the rate of $100 per day.
Before travelling to Mauritius, all tourists must complete the Mauritius All in One form.
After correctly filling in all the items of the form a document in PDF format with a QR code will be generated, which must be presented to the airport staff upon arrival at the airport of Mauritius.
All the documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without all needed documents, passengers will be denied boarding!
Mexico
Citizens of Ukraine always need a visa to enter Mexico. Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa if they have a permanent resident visa or a valid multiple-entry visa to Japan, the United Kingdom, the Schengen countries, Canada or the United States of America, or to the Pacific Alliance member states (Colombia, Peru and Chile).
Ukrainians have the opportunity to apply for an electronic visa no earlier than 30 days before crossing the Mexican border through the system of electronic authorization (SAE). The electronic authorization is free of charge, valid for one entry with a maximum stay of 180 days.
Details are available at https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/ucrania/index.php/2016-04-13-07-16-32
Upon arrival, the local migration service may request more detailed information and data regarding the foreigner's stay in the country.
The immigration service may request one or more of the following documents:
- hotel reservations
- return tickets
- travel tickets (itinerary)
- a letter of invitation from a Mexican citizen
- insurance
- proof of solvency (cash, credit card, bank statements or other similar document)
If you are not traveling to Mexico for tourism purposes, you must provide a document that justifies the purpose of your trip (business trip, educational activities lasting less than 180 days, etc.)
All the documents will be checked by the airline at check-in.
Without all needed documents, passengers will be denied boarding!
Please note that in case of refusal to issue an e-visa, in case of denial of boarding due to lack of such a visa or in case of refusal to cross the border, paid and confirmed air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.
Malaysia
Citizens of Ukraine and Poland have a visa-free regime for up to 30 days and 90 days, respectively. Upon entry, a stamp is placed in the passport, which allows staying in the country for the permitted period.
The following documents must be presented at border control at the airport:
- a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Malaysia;
- the presence of at least one free page in the passport;
- a return ticket;
- hotel reservation confirmation (travel voucher);
- medical insurance policy;
- proof of sufficient funds: based on 100 USD/day (personal account must have at least 500 USD).
Before traveling to Malaysia, travelers need to fill out the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) online. This can be done on the official website of the immigration department no later than 3 days before arrival. After filling out, a confirmation will be sent to the indicated e-mail, which must be saved in pdf format and shown to the border service during entry.
At the border, at the point of arrival, you must fill out an immigration card, which must be kept until you leave the country. The form is filled out regardless of whether the tourist is applying for a visa to Malaysia or not. In addition, all tourists are required to undergo migration control upon arrival and submit biometric data.
UAE
All passengers arriving in the UAE as tourists must have a valid return ticket.
Passengers without a return ticket will be refused entry to the UAE.
To find out if you need a tourist visa and which one, depending on your country of residence, follow the link.
Important information for all flights, countries of departure/arrival, and all citizens.
The tour operator, travel agent or carrier is not responsible for the decision of the border services to cross the border.
Please note that the information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. All passengers must check the rules of crossing the border of destination and transit countries in the relevant consular services. Additionally, you can use such information resources as www.iatatravelcentre.com, www.iatatravelcentre.com and visitworld.today
Be sure to check the current rules for crossing the borders in the relevant consular services before your flight!
Please note that health insurance is mandatory for entry into most countries of the world. Carefully check the border crossing regulations of all countries whose borders you cross during your trip.
In case of refusal to cross the border or to board, the cost of tickets is not refundable, alternative flight options are not provided.