Cross-border route

Poland Ukraine

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Poland into Ukraine: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Ukraine expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The main crossing is at Korczowa–Krakovets on the A4/M10 toward Lviv.

Get my permit for Ukraine Ukraine requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromPoland

ToUkraine

IDP in UkraineStrongly recommended

Accepted format1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in UkraineUAH

Emergency number112

Top speed limit130 km/h motorways

Poland → Ukraine

Crossing the border

The main crossing is at Korczowa–Krakovets on the A4/M10 toward Lviv.

Driving rules in Ukraine

Drive on the right.
Headlights on outside built-up areas Oct–Apr.
0.02% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

What to see when you arrive in Ukraine

the golden-domed Saint Sophia and Lavra in Kyiv
the old town of Lviv
the Black Sea coast at Odesa
the Carpathian Mountains
the Tunnel of Love near Klevan

Once you're driving in Ukraine

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Tourists may drive on a valid foreign national licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit; an IDP is effectively mandatory where the home licence is not in the Latin alphabet, and foreigners may drive on these documents for up to 60 days.

Tolls & road charges

Ukraine has no nationwide motorway toll or vignette system - state highways are free to use - so no toll payment is required of tourists.

Parking in the cities

In Kyiv paid parking is zone-based and commonly paid via apps (such as the Kyiv Digital app) or attendants; park only in marked bays, as towing and clamping occur in the centre.

Fines & camera enforcement

From June 2025 speeding fines rose to as much as ~UAH 2,550 with possible licence loss; Ukraine enforces zero-tolerance drink-driving with heavy fines, suspension or imprisonment, and police frequently run roadside document checks.

If you have an accident

Dial 102 for police (112 also routes emergencies); for any injury crash do not move the vehicles and wait for patrol police to record the accident, while minor damage-only cases can use a European-style accident report if both parties agree.

Driving in the capital

In Kyiv a city-centre 50 km/h limit applies (notably 1 November-1 April), and martial-law curfews and military checkpoints can restrict night driving and require document checks.

Sources: idaoffice.org · visitukraine.today · avisleasing.com.ua · remitly.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Poland to Ukraine?

Yes — Ukraine commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Ukraine recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Poland and Ukraine?

No. Both Poland and Ukraine drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 130 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Ukraine?

Ukraine has no nationwide motorway toll or vignette system - state highways are free to use - so no toll payment is required of tourists.

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.