Get your International Driving Permit for Ukraine in 8 minutes

Do I need an International Driver's License in Ukraine?

Yes, you need an international driver's license in Ukraine. An International Driver's License, officially called an International Driver's Permit, serves as a translation of your native driver's license and will be a means of identification in case of accidents or document presentation at checkpoints. This is also a document most rental companies require for tourists before renting their cars.

To obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Ukraine, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country, recent passport-sized photos, and a completed application form. The process is simple, requiring basic details such as your name, address, and contact information.

Applying online through the International Drivers Association offers a faster and more convenient verification process, with the IDP available in English and 12 other languages. Having an IDP makes driving in Ukraine smoother and ensures compliance with local regulations.

A vastly underrated Eastern European country, Ukraine is a treasure trove of tourist wonders that one cannot afford to miss. From the Black Sea coastline, lush forests, rugged landscapes, and bountiful lakes to the orthodox churches that showcase Ukrainian architecture, this country has got it for you. Ukraine has the best of both worlds, and that's what makes it a tourist heaven. Whether it's something from the past or present, nature or urban, Ukraine never disappoints.

Kiev

The capital of Ukraine, known as Kyiv, is home to the country's best architectural wonders. If you're the kind of person who likes going on a historic trip combined with an appreciation for intricate Orthodox churches, then this is the place for you. Cathedrals such as the Kievo-Pecherska Lavra were built in 1051 with its fortified stone walls, and the St. Sophia's Cathedral that has been standing since the 11th century decorated with mosaics and frescoes.

If you're yearning for other activities to do while in Kyiv, you can visit the Pirogovo-Kyiv Museum of Folk Architecture that showcases Ukrainian folk living. The Khreshchatyk is the place to be if you're looking for a shopping mecca in Kyiv. During weekends, the streets are being closed to make way for public gatherings with street performances. There is never a lack of things to do in Kyiv.

To make the most of your Kyiv tour, know that the best time to visit the country is during May-June's months when the summer sun is shining. The pleasant weather in these months can make your sightseeing convenient and enjoyable without having to worry about snow or rain. April and May are usually cold since spring, but it can still make for a pleasant tour.

Driving Directions:

• From Kyiv International Airport, take the Medova blvd.
• Take the People's Militia Street, Povitroflotsky Ave, st. Vasyl Lypkivsky street, and Leo Tolstoy Street to Khreshchatyk.

Odessa

The third-largest city in Ukraine is Odessa and is a port on the Black Sea. This city is known and flocked to by tourists because of its sparkling, sandy, crystal clear beaches. Potemkin Stairs is an architectural marvel that Odessa has become known for. These steps are gateways to the beaches. Another spectacle that has made Odessa a favorite is the Odessa Opera House, the second-largest theater in the world.

Aside from watching ballet performances for a reasonable price at the Odesa Opera House, one can head right onto Deribasivska Street, where modern Ukrainian culture comes to life with street performances, shopping centers, and cafés. If you wish to get some sunshine, the City Garden is the place for you with its picturesque, luscious green landscapes and the Twelve Chairs monument based on a Russian novel honoring Odessa's heroes.

The best time to visit Odessa is during the summer, particularly in May-June or in September, where the weather is fair and ideal for beach hopping.

Driving Directions:

• From Kyiv International Airport, take Nova street, Vyacheslav Chornovil street, Vasyl Stus, Balukova Street, and Zvenigorod to E95/M05 in Kyiv.
• Follow E95/M05 to Rozkydailivska Street in Odessa. The drive takes five hours approximately.

Lviv

A trip to Ukraine will not be complete if you don't get to visit the old town of Lviv. A UNESCO-protected site, Lviv is known for its ancient temple architecture and its western influencers infrastructures, as seen in the buildings that surround Rynok Square. Lviv's historic-looking area straight out of a fairy tale and is one not to miss, with it being a melting pot of food and culture, a relaxed modern ambiance to it that is enjoyable to most tourists.

Old Town is just one of the attractions that are best to visit in Lviv. If you have an adventurous palate, the Market Square is the place for you with buskers left and right and food from every corner imaginable, not to mention that the backdrop has a stunning traditional feel to it. The Pharmacy Museum is not to be missed as it houses historic lab equipment, medicine jars and has been standing since 1735.

There are more attractions to see in Lviv, and if you want to see them all for yourself, it's best to know the perfect weather to visit these attractions. During May, June, the best times to visit are the last days of August and September, where the weather is mostly fair and ideal for walking around or driving in the sun.

Driving Directions:

• From Kyiv International Airport, get on Victory Avenue from st. People's Militia, Chokolivsky Blvd. and street Vadim Hetman
• Follow Е40 to пл. Mickiewicz / E471 / M06 in Lviv

Mukachevo

Situated in Zakarpattia province is the city of Mukachevo that boasts Eastern European architecture unlike any other. Perhaps the most remarkable of them is the Palanok Castle, which has been standing since the 10th century and comprises three buildings housing historical museums and galleries. One can visit the Mukachevo Town Hall, which is an example of a Gothic masterpiece, adorned with a large clock that was one of the best in Europe.

Another popular spot would be Schoborn Place that was erected in the 1890s for Duke Schonborn. It houses 365 windows and 12 entrances akin to the days and months in a year. This sanatorium is open for visit nowadays to tourists for free.

Architecture and art fanatics are in for a real treat when they visit Mukachevo, but when is the best time to witness all these? May to August are the best months to visit Mukachevo where the temperature is fair and pleasant with minimal incidences of rainfall. July's climate is the hottest in the area, while January is the coldest so if you're visiting during these extremes, remember to be prepared and keep your gear in check.

Driving Directions:

• From Kyiv International Airport, take Povitroflotsky ave. and street New to Great District Road / Ring Road / T1027 / E40 / M06 / M07.
• Follow E40 / M06 and E471 to str. Krasnoarmeyskaya in Mukachevo
• Continue on str. Red Army. Drive to str. Karpenko-Kary

Kharkiv

Before it was Kyiv, Kharkiv was the capital of Ukraine. Nowadays, Kharkiv is synonymous with bars and restaurants and is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Kharkiv is also a cultural spot with its museums and Freedom Square, one of the latest in Europe, and Dezhprom Building being proof of Ukrainian architectural prowess.

If you're looking for more than just bar hopping, you can head on over to Maxim Gorky Park, which is a city garden home to the Temple of Diana. It also has a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and an aerial ropeway for those looking for an amusement park kind of fun. Kharkiv Fine Arts museum houses masterpieces from the Romantic era to the Modern and Realist era, while the Kharkiv Historical Museum will delight history buffs.

It is ideal to visit Kharkiv from May to September, especially if you're visiting parks and city gardens. The weather is technically pleasant and ideal for walking and strolling around.

Driving Directions:

• Take Str. People's Militia, ave. Valeria Lobanovsky and street Saperno-Slobidska to the South Bridge
• Follow Е40 and М03 to Лопанська наб. in Kharkiv.
• Continue on Lopanska Emb. to your destination.

Kamenets-Podolsky Castle

Kamenets-Podolsky Castle is located in the province of Kamianets Podilsky and is a castle that is straight out of a fairy tale book. This architectural wonder has been standing since the 14th century. It has retained some of its old-world charm, perfect for picture taking, and added in some modern-day amenities such as restaurants and cafés that are perfect for those seeking the royal castle experience.

Things you can do at the Kamianets Podilsky area are museum hopping, castle tours, and the observation deck, where the view of the sunset is nothing short of majestic. The best times to visit are from June to September where the weather is nice and pleasant-perfect for a day stroll.

Driving Directions:

• Take Povitroflotsky Ave. and street New to Great District Road / Ring Road / T1027 / E40 / M06 / M07.
• Continue on Е40 / М06. Take E583 / М21, P31, Т0610, Т2308 and Н03 to Хмельницькеш. in Kamianets-Podilskyi.
• Turn right onto Khmelnytske sh. (signs for LLC AGRO-SPARE PARTS / HOTEL 7 DAYS).

Exploring Ukraine by driving is a fantastic way to discover this Eastern European treasure. Traveling by public transport can be exciting, yet driving brings more freedom and control over where and when you go. However, remember you're a visitor, driving in a new place. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the driving rules in Ukraine. This will help you stay safe and prevent any possible problems on the road.

Carry Important Documents at All Times

When driving in Ukraine, always remember to have your important documents, whether it is asked of you or not. These documents will not only serve as identification during an accident but as proof of identity and legal driving during border inspections.

Some of the documents you need to have with you include a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and recent IDs. Apart from all these documents, you might need to carry an International Driver's Permit for Ukraine. In November 2019, the government mandated that a driver's license that is lost can be found and re-issued online, making it more convenient for those who have misplaced their licenses to have a digital copy.

Wear Your Seatbelt at All Times

A fundamental driving rule that needs no further explanation is wearing your seatbelt. Always remember to wear your seatbelt when in a vehicle, regardless of whether you are the driver or a passenger. If you have children with you and they are below the ages of 12, make sure that they have a child safety seat as driving without one is against the rules in Ukraine. The fine for driving without a seatbelt amounts to 51 hryvnias.

Carry Important Safety Equipment

Apart from essential documents, it is a must in Ukraine and other EU nations to always have the necessary safety equipment in your vehicle. Examples of these are the warning triangle, which can be used in case of a car breakdown, headlamp beam deflectors, and first aid kits, along with fire extinguishers in case of crashes. Law enforcement will implement fines on those who will be caught without safety equipment on board.