Border Crossing Slovakia Ukraine

Important notice: The German Federal Foreign Office currently advises against travel to the whole of Ukraine. Before every trip, please check the latest travel and safety information from the Federal Foreign Office. The following information about border crossings is for guidance only.

The borders between Slovakia and Ukraine stretch over a length of around 97 kilometres and connect the two countries at several important points. The border crossings play a central role in the flow of goods and people between the European Union and Ukraine. In recent years in particular, the importance of this border region has grown, as it represents a key link between Eastern and Western Europe. The location of these crossings in the Carpathian Mountains makes for a picturesque yet also challenging setting.

The length of the border crossings

The Slovak-Ukrainian border is a relatively short border section in Europe, yet it is of great strategic importance. In total, there are three main crossings, each offering different requirements and options for tourists and freight traffic. These crossings span various distances and altitudes, as they run through the mountainous regions of the Forest Carpathians. This can sometimes make crossing a challenge, particularly during the winter months.

Important facts about crossing the border

Border controls and entry requirements

Yes, there are border controls between Slovakia and Ukraine. Since Slovakia is a member of the Schengen Area and Ukraine is not, the border controls here are extensive and strict. A passport must be presented, and in many cases a visa is also required to enter Ukraine. When entering Slovakia, Ukrainians must likewise provide proof of compliance with Schengen regulations. The checks serve to ensure compliance with entry requirements and to prevent illegal migration, particularly into the EU.

To enter Ukraine, EU citizens need a valid passport. A visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, you should make sure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. It is also important to note that entry requirements may change depending on the political and social situation. It is recommended to always check the current regulations before travelling. These rules apply because Ukraine is not part of the Schengen Area and is also not a member state of the EU.

General information about the currency

Ukraine uses the national currency, the Hryvnia (UAH). It is advisable to exchange some cash into hryvnia before travelling to Ukraine, as credit card payments may not always be possible in rural areas or at border crossings. However, there are usually currency exchange offices near the border crossings.

Can you pay the toll at the crossing?

Yes, the toll can be paid directly at many border crossings. However, it is recommended to purchase a digital vignette before setting off. The digital vignette for Slovakia can be bought online, offering the advantage that you won't need to search for a sales point at border crossings or service stations.

The most important border crossings

All border crossings between Slovakia and Ukraine are located, given the short length of the border, in the eastern part of Slovakia, connecting this part of the country with southwestern Ukraine. As a result, there are no crossings between the two countries in the north, west or south. The most important border crossings are:

• Vyšné Nemecké: Vyšné Nemecké is the largest and most frequently used crossing between Slovakia and Ukraine. Here, crossing is possible both on foot and by car. This crossing is located near the city of Uzhhorod in Ukraine and is an important hub for trade and travel.

• Vel'ké Slemence: This crossing is unique in that it is open only to pedestrians. Vel'ké Slemence connects the two towns of Veľké Slemence in Slovakia and Mali Selmentsi in Ukraine. These places were once a single village that was divided by the border drawn after the Second World War. Because of its history, this crossing is often referred to as "Little Berlin". For pedestrians, this crossing offers a quick and straightforward way to cross the national border.

• Ubľa: The Ubľa crossing point also allows both pedestrians and drivers to cross the border. This crossing is likewise located near Uzhhorod and is an important link for people travelling to eastern Slovakia or southwestern Ukraine.

Slovakia

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether a distance-based toll exists.

Slovakia: is a vignette required (or not?)

A vignette is required on the signposted motorway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The motorway bypasses of Bratislava, Nitra, Košice, Prešov, Poprad, Žilina and Banská Bystrica have been toll-free since 1 August 2024 (sign "BEZ ÚHRADY"). The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (GVW) as well as to all vehicles registered as passenger cars (class M1), regardless of weight. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. In addition, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (i.e. even at a weight of more than 3.5 t GVW) provided they are registered as passenger cars (class M1); motorhomes registered as trucks (N2/N3) weighing more than 3.5 t GVW, on the other hand, pay the distance-based toll. For combinations (car + trailer), note that at a combined weight of up to 3.5 t GVW only the vignette for the car is required, whereas at a total weight of more than 3.5 t GVW an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay any fees for using motorways and expressways!

The role of the distance-based toll

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (except for passenger cars and motorhomes registered as class M1 passenger cars, which remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, calculated based on the kilometres driven, the vehicle class (number of axles) and the emissions class (pollutant emission level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e. a transmitting device (on-board unit). This allows the amount payable to be debited automatically. You must therefore have such a transmitting device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll covers motorways, expressways and, in part, first-class roads (national roads) and second-class roads (regional/state roads). On 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch its distance-based toll to a new system: anyone currently using an on-board unit from the operator SkyToll will need to re-register their vehicle (with the national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Rates and the tolled road network will remain unchanged.

Ukraine

Ukraine has no toll roads. For more information on tolls in Ukraine and toll regulations in Ukraine's neighbouring countries, see our guide.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a wonderful trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment as you explore this diverse country. If you're planning a trip to either of these two countries, or even want to visit both, you can easily purchase a vignette with us. For more information on tolls in Slovakia, see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to optimally plan your trip and see the suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help at any time via email.