You can cross the border with Poland by car and on foot at these points: Uhryniv/Dolhobyszow, Krakivets/Korczowa, Hrushiv/Budomezh, Smilnytsia/Krostsenko, Shehyni/Medyka, Rava-Ruska/Hrebenne, Ustyluh/Zosin, Yahodyn/Dorohusk.

You can check the interactive map showing the waiting time. A list of border crossing points between Ukraine and neighboring countries is available at dpsu.gov.ua . If you have any questions please contact the Polish border service at +48825685119 and Ukrainian State Border Guard Service (DPSU) at +38 (044) 527-63-63 (for calls from Ukraine and abroad) or 1598 (on the territory of Ukraine).

You can enter Poland with any of the following documents:

• A biometric passport.
• Passport of the old sample, if its validity period has not yet expired (in accordance with paragraph 2 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 07.05.2014 No. 152 ).
• Ukrainian ID. According to the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service (DPSU), the citizens of Ukraine who can leave Ukraine with an internal passport are currently only those evacuating from occupied territories or territories where hostilities are taking place, the list of which is approved in accordance with the Order of the Ministry on Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine of December 22, 2022 No. 309 . Citizens from other territories must have a biometric passport to travel abroad.
• Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents must have a birth certificate. Children have the right to cross the border with one parent (without the official permission of the other parent). If the child is traveling with acquaintances or relatives, she/he needs to have a travel permit from one of the parents, certified by a notary.

In order to prove family/marital status, birth certificates and a marriage certificate are required.

The telephone number of the DPSU hotline ("Trust" Service) is 1598. You can use it for questions of a consultative nature within the competence of the State Border Service of Ukraine.

For more information about the documents with which you can cross the border, and about the categories of citizens who are allowed to travel outside Ukraine, see here .

After arriving to Poland you can contact the nearest reception center where you will receive additional information about your stay in Poland and will have access to a temporary accommodation, hot food, drinks, and basic medical care.

Addresses of reception centers can be found here .

Hotline for more detailed information: +48 47 721 75 75.

• Police hotline (for security and missing people): +48 47 721 23 07.
• 24/7 helpline for people fleeing the war (supported in English, Russian and Ukrainian languages): +48 222 309 900.

You can find more information at www.gov.pl .

In order to facilitate the rapid adaptation of forced migrants, the ADRA Polska Foundation opened integration centers in Warsaw, Lublin and Bydgoszcz.

Ukrainians fleeing the war on Polish territory can receive comprehensive professional assistance. Psychologists give advice on how to cope with stress, military trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Lawyers advise on legal issues. You can also get information about financial assistance and places of settlement at the points.

The center in Warsaw is open every day, except Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Address: al. J. Ch. Szucha 11B, location 1, Warsaw.
• The center's hotline is also open at +48 500 406 890.

In Lublin, the integration center works at the address: Krakowskie Przedmieście, 21.

In Bydgoszcz, the help center operates from Monday to Friday, except Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Address: Dworcowa 57
• Alternatively, you can write an email to: spastuszewski@adra.pl.

You can travel by train. Women, children under 18, men over 60 and people with disabilities are eligible for a free train travel. Check for more information at www.gov.pl .

Additional services:

• Flixbus operates within Poland and other EU countries.
• Polferries provides a free ticket. To obtain a free ticket contact: +48 22 230 2222, or email - rezerwacje@polferries.pl.
• Uber also offers free rides at the Polish border.

Jakdojade public transport application (Android , iOS ) allows searching routes and buying public transport tickets in Warsaw.

Flixbus launched a new bus service from Kyiv to Warsaw-Modlin Airport

The bus runs daily according to the following schedule:

• 17:25 - departure from Kyiv;
• 8:10 - Warsaw-Zakhodnia bus station;
• 9:00 - arrival in Novy Dvir Mazowiecki, where Warsaw Modlin Airport is located.

Bus stops: Kyiv - Korosten - Sarny - Kovel - Lublin - Warsaw - Nowy-Dvir-Mazovetskyi.

The Flixbus company also launched new bus flights from Kyiv to Warsaw-Chopin and Warsaw-Modlin airports.

Buses depart from Kyiv (Central Bus Station) and pass through Zhytomyr, Rivne, Lutsk, Lublin, Warsaw-Chopin Airport, Warsaw-Zakhodnia Bus Station and Warsaw-Modlin Airport.

Route "Kyiv - Warsaw":

• departure every Thursday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. from Kyiv Central Bus Station;
• arriving the next day at 5:10 a.m. at Chopin airport and at 6:40 a.m. at Modlin.

Route "Warsaw - Kyiv":

departure at 18:45 from Modlin, stop in Chopin at 20:15, arrival in Kyiv at 12:25.

You can buy tickets and learn more about the flight at this link .

Ukrainians can continue to travel to other EU/Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days. If you want to extend your stay you need to apply for a temporary protection in one of the EU countries.

Available services:
• If you travel to Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Austria or Hungary, you can get a free ticket to the last station in Poland. In some cases you can get a direct ticket, for example Poland-Germany . Helpline to find more information about the train schedule in Poland +48 22 473 00 86.

• Flixbus operates within Poland and other EU countries.
• Polferries provides a free ticket. To obtain a free ticket contact: +48 22 230 2222, or email - rezerwacje@polferries.pl.

Ukrainians or citizens of other visa-free countries can continue to travel to other EU/Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days. In Poland, temporary protection for Ukrainian immigrants was extended until March 4, 2024.

The validity of residence permits will also be extended until this period. Those who received a residence permit valid until March 4 or September 4, 2023 do not need to apply for new documents. The issued permits will be valid until March 4, 2024. Source .

If you are an unaccompanied minor, after crossing the border you will need to submit a declaration expressing a wish to apply for international protection (asylum). After that, you will be immediately placed to an educational and care facility. Within 3 days the appropriate Court will designate a legal representative for you, who will represent your interests. The legal representative will file an application for international protection acting on your behalf and in your best interest within 3 working days.

You can get first help in the reception centers listed here .

County family assistance centres:

1. Konwiktorska 3/5, Warsaw, contact available at tel. +22 628 07 12,
2. Bema 91, Warsaw, contact available at tel. +22 571 50 00,
3. Al. Słowackiego 20, Kraków, contact available at tel. +12 634 42 70,
4. Leczkowa 1A, Gdańsk, contact available at tel. +58 342 31 50,
5. 3 Maja 46, Poznań, contact available at tel. +61 841 07 10,
6. Al. JuliuszaSłowackiego 1C, Ostrów Wielkopolski, contact available at tel. +62 735 51 52,
7. Pl. Św. Józefa 5, Kalisz, contact available at tel. +62 501 42 92,
8. Konopnickiej 70, Szczytno, contact available at tel. +89 624 97 10,
9. Piłsudskiego 5, Ełk, contact available at tel. +87 621 15 50,
10. Wiatraczna 11, Warsaw, contact available at tel. +22 277 33 00.

Currently, there are no Covid-related requirements at the border applicable to people fleeing war in Ukraine.

For temporary protection you need to register and apply for the PESEL (ID number) to access services, such as medical care or social benefits, on the same terms as Polish citizens. You need to apply for it within 30 days, starting from the arrival date to Poland. Adults and children can apply. The service is free.

You can apply for PESEL in town halls (Urząd Gminy in smaller cities or in Urząd Dzielnicy in bigger cities). You can choose any place regardless of your place of stay, so consider trying in small cities if you are able to commute. In smaller cities prior registration by phone may be required. You can find out where to apply for PESEL in your city at the link .

Watch a detailed video how to apply for PESEL. More information can be found here .

Citizens of Ukraine who have received temporary protection in another country (even if cancelled) will not be able to receive temporary protection in Poland.

A new Help and Support Center for Ukrainians opened in Warsaw.

In the Center, you can get a free consultation on such issues as:
• access to medical services;
• access to education;
• solving problems with documents.

Ukrainians who have already been granted temporary protection in other countries (even if they refused it) will not be able to obtain temporary protection on the territory of Poland.

In Poland, temporary protection for Ukrainian immigrants was extended until March 4, 2024.

The validity of residence permits will also be extended until this period. Those who received a residence permit valid until March 4 or September 4, 2023 do not need to apply for new documents. The issued permits will be valid until March 4, 2024. Source .

Even despite the war, Ukrainians abroad often decide to return home. If you decide to permanently return to Ukraine, you must refuse temporary protection in Poland by submitting an application on an official form. Next, the application must be submitted to the commune administration.

After that, you will no longer be entitled to special benefits for Ukrainians (access to the labor market and medicine, social benefits, etc.).

It is worth noting that UKR status is automatically lost if you leave Poland for more than 30 days. However, it is better to submit an application to ensure that this information is registered by the Polish authorities. Source .

You can work or study without a PESEL number. But it is very recommended to get it if you want to access social benefits.
It is enough for the employer to notify the employment service within 7 days after the start date at work. You do not need to obtain any permission before starting to work. More information at pomagamukrainie.gov.pl.

You are also entitled to free healthcare services  in Poland if you present a document proving that crossed the border no earlier than on 24 February 2022.

You will have confirmation of your PESEL number and a printout with login and password of your Profil Zaufany, an online profile, required to submit applications online.
Watch detailed video here .

PESEL UKR status is automatically canceled if you:

• leave Poland for more than 30 days;
• you have a permanent, long-term or temporary residence permit, refugee status, tolerant stay, stay for humanitarian reasons, etc.;
• you have temporary protection in another EU country.

Social financial payments are suspended if a citizen of Ukraine leaves the territory of Poland for more than 30 days.

PESEL UKR status is automatically cancelled if you leave the territory of Poland for more than 30 days. According to the Special Act on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of this state, it is possible to renew the PESEL UKR status in the event that the departure from Poland for more than 30 days was to the territory of Ukraine, but the reason for the return were the hostilities. To renew your PESEL UKR status, you will need to contact the local administration (Urząd miasta/Urząd gminy), explain why you left and came back (due to hostilities), and request a reassignment of your PESEL number. The PESEL number previously provided to you will not be changed and only the UKR status will be renewed.

Yes, you can apply for for asylum (international protection). It is not adviced to apply for asylum for people who qualify for temporary protection. The main differences from the temporary protection are the following:

Temporary protection :

• It is a new addition to the international protection (asylum);
• Fast access to the residency rights, housing, social welfare assistance, medical care, legal assistance and safe placement for unaccompanied children and teenagers, access to education for children and teenagers, access to the job market.

Asylum :

• Under EU law, you can apply for international protection (asylum) in the first safe country you enter;
• It is a complex procedure and it will take time until your case will be reviewed;
• You can access the job market after 6 months if no final decision has yet been taken on the case;
• You are prohibited for 6 months to cross the border of the host state while your application is being considered.

You can also apply for "family reunification" if a family member already resides legally in the EU.

Since April 1, Ukrainian refugees in Poland may apply for a temporary residence permit (the so-called "karta pobytu") on condition of having a Polish identification code concerning their arrival in Poland after February 24, 2022 (PESEL UKR), as well as working in the country. In this case, the benefits and payments will remain in force.

This is stipulated by the amendments to the law "On assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine", which were adopted in January 2023.

To issue a temporary residence permit under the simplified procedure, the purpose of stay in Poland must be:

• performing work;
• to perform highly qualified work ("Blue Card") - scientists, engineers, IT workers, etc;
• running a business.

The application must be submitted to the voivode in the place of residence.

If the refugee meets all the requirements, a residence permit can be issued for up to three years. If the person does not meet the requirements, but the purpose of his stay is work, he will receive a residence card for one year only.

Refusal or delay in the issuance of a karta pobytu may occur if a citizen of Ukraine fills out the application form incorrectly or submits an incomplete package of documents. Now there is no possibility to submit documents online. Source .

PESEL is normally issued straight away or within a few days.

According to the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service (DPSU), the citizens of Ukraine who can leave Ukraine with an internal passport are currently only those evacuating from occupied territories or territories where hostilities are taking place, the list of which is approved in accordance with the Order of the Ministry on Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine of December 22, 2022 No. 309 . Citizens from other territories must have a biometric passport to travel abroad.

Ukrainian State Border Guard Service (DPSU) helpline: +38 (044) 527-63-63 (for calls from Ukraine and abroad) or 1598 (on the territory of Ukraine).

Polish Border Guard helpline: +48 82 568 51 19

If you have previously left Ukraine for Poland on a civil passport, you definitely need to apply for a foreign passport. This can be done in the new DP division "Document".

Currently, Ukrainians can have their documents made in the following cities:

• Krakow: Galeria Krakowska, Pawia 5, 31-154 Krakow, Lokal no 6, Pietro 2.
• Warsaw: Al. Jerozolimskie 179, 02-222 Warszawa Centrum handlowo-rozrywkowe Blue City (2nd floor).
• Gdansk: Aleja Grunwaldzka 415, 80-309.
• Wroclaw: plac Grunwaldzki 22, 50−363.

The State Migration Service of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened a new division of DP "Dokument" in Poland.

There you can order the following services:

• simultaneous issuance of a foreign passport and an ID card;
• registration of a foreign passport;
• issuing an ID card;
• exchange of driver's license;
• get an insurance.

Currently, Ukrainians can have their documents made in the following cities:

• Krakow: Galeria Krakowska, Pawia 5, 31-154 Krakow, Lokal no 6, Pietro 2. Website .
• Warsaw: Al. Jerozolimskie 179, 02-222 Warszawa Centrum handlowo-rozrywkowe Blue City (2nd floor). Website .
• Gdansk: Aleja Grunwaldzka 415, 80-309. Website .
• Wroclaw: plac Grunwaldzki 22, 50−363. Website .

In order to issue a foreign passport, you need to contact the Ukrainian Embassy .

A foreign passport is issued to a person who has reached the age of 16 on the basis of an application-questionnaire submitted by him personally. At the same time, the issuance of a foreign passport to a person who has been recognized by the court as having limited legal capacity or incapacity is carried out on the basis of an application-questionnaire of the guardian or other legal representative.

The following are attached to the application:

• previous passport to be exchanged (if the passport is not issued for the first time);
• internal passport in the form of a booklet (if available);
• or ID card (if available);
• a document confirming permanent residence or temporary stay abroad (if available);
• certificate of registration of the place of residence in Ukraine / certificate of registration of the place of residence of a temporarily displaced person (if available);
• a certificate of assignment of the registration number of the taxpayer's registration card (RNOKPP; if available).

In case of loss or theft of the previous passport, a document (report, certificate, etc.) issued by the competent authority of the state in which the passport was lost or stolen is attached to the application, confirming the fact of the owner's application regarding its loss or theft. Such a document is submitted without legalization and translation into Ukrainian.

In the case of issuing a passport in connection with a change in personal data (surname and/or first name), a document confirming such a change (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, court decision, etc.) is attached to the application. When issuing a foreign passport with a new surname and/or first name, the "domestic" passport (ID card) must be reissued.

In the event that the applicant has not previously been issued with an identity document, confirming Ukrainian citizenship and/or granting the right to leave Ukraine and enter Ukraine, a certificate of registration of the person as a citizen of Ukraine is provided (with the exception of cases when the person's parents at the time of his were citizens of Ukraine at birth).

There are numerous shops that offer such services. Look for printer shops & copy centers on Google Maps.

You can register the birth of a child only at the consulate. There, the determination of his origin and the assignment of his surname, first name, and patronymic are carried out.

The application for registration must be submitted immediately, but no later than one month after the birth of the child, and in the case of a stillborn child - no later than three days.

The registration process takes place at the place of birth or at the place of residence of the child's parents or one of them (with a written application). At the same time, in case of illness, death of the parents or for other reasons it is impossible to register the birth - the application can be submitted by relatives or other persons authorized by the representative of the health care institution in which the child was born or is currently.

What is required for registration?

• a document from a medical institution about the birth of a child, passports certifying the identity of the parents;
• application (written or addressed orally) to enter information about the father.

Registration is free, and based on its results, parents are issued a birth certificate.

How to return to the homeland with a child born in the Poland?

In order for Ukrainians to return home with a child born in the Poland, they must have with them:

• a document certifying his identity;
• a child's birth certificate issued by a consular institution.

Is the status of a citizen of Ukraine preserved during the birth of a child in the Poland?

A newborn Ukrainian in the Poland retains the status of a citizen of Ukraine. Data on citizenship and nationality in the act record of birth and certificate are not filled in, which is why a corresponding entry is made in the column "For marks".

In addition, a person whose parents or one of his parents were citizens of Ukraine at the time of his birth is a citizen of Ukraine. The place of birth of the baby does not affect the possibility of him acquiring Ukrainian citizenship.

There are several steps involved in the process of body repatriation from abroad to Ukraine:

1. Notify the authorities.

The first step of body repatriation from abroad to Ukraine is to contact the local authorities in Poland (report to the civil registry office (urząd stanu cywilnego, USC), so you can register the death. Ukrainian embassy should also be able to help you in the process of registering the death abroad.

2. Arrange the correct documents.

You’ll need to have all the right paperwork before you can repatriate your loved one home from abroad to Ukraine. If you are repatriating a body to Ukraine for burial or cremation, the documents you will need include:

• Death Certificate.
• Certificate or Affidavit from the local health authorities stating that the cause of death of the individual to be shipped to Ukraine was not a communicable disease or infections.
• A Document about the absence of any excessive objects inside the casket or urn with the ashes.
• The Certificate of Cremation issued be the Funeral home or Cremation office.

All the mentioned documents should be authenticated, legalized and translated into Ukrainian by the certified translator. The originals of abovementioned documents and notarized translations, must accompany the casket containing the deceased, or urn with ashes, to Ukraine.

The passport of the deceased person should be sent to the Embassy of Ukraine along with a notarized and authenticated copy of the Certificate of Death, and a translation from Polish to Ukrainian. The Embassy is to make correspondent procedures with the passport and can forward it back if it is required to accompany the casket containing the deceased, or urn with ashes, to Ukraine.

The Embassy is to be informed of the date, time, and the place of delivery of the casket containing the deceased, or urn with ashes, to Ukraine. Only the next of kin relatives of the deceased, or persons correspondingly authorized by them, can receive the casket or urn.

3. Transport the deceased to Ukraine.

The casket containing the body, or urn with ashes, must be sealed by the Funeral Home. There are no strict requirements with respect to the urn with ashes; however, the body should be transported in a metal casket, made of zinc-plated steel or tinplate not more than 0,4 thick.

For the air cargo transportation, it is necessary to specify a cemetery in Ukraine as well as Ukrainian Funeral Home which will take care of the casket, or the urn with ashes, in Ukraine. Both are a subject of private choice by the relatives or friends of the deceased person. Source .

You can translate your documents at any translation agency in your city, like this one .

You can get free SIM cards at the refugee centers, border checkpoints or any of the stores of the following providers:
• Orange .
• Play
• Plus
• T-Mobile
Check for more information here.

A new player has appeared in the market of mobile operators in Poland. It offers free calls in Poland and unlimited SMS and internet. The new operator is Fonia Telecom Sp. z o. o. This company provides wireless communications, computer programming, and electronic equipment wholesale and retail services.

How to use the services of the new operator?

All residents of Poland, including Ukrainians, can become subscribers and use free communication services.

To do this, take the following steps:

• Go to the official website of the operator fonia.app ;
• Register;
• Sign a contract with a mobile operator;
• Download the app.

Free services are provided for consent to view advertisements and discount coupons. Another condition is the constant active state of the application and the presence of a SIM card in the phone. Activation of the offer — 49 zlotys.