The route to Romania via the Danube is blocked: where to go after the attack on “Orlivka”
1 September 08:08
Russian occupation forces attacked border infrastructure in the Izmail District of the Odesa Region overnight. The “Orlivka–Isaccea” ferry crossing, which connects Ukraine with Romania, has been temporarily closed. This was reported by the Izmail District State Administration and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
Drones struck the building and the surrounding area of the crossing point. The attack caused fires.
The fires were contained by State Emergency Service personnel.
“The enemy carried out an airstrike on border infrastructure in the Izmail district. Due to the attack, the ‘Orlivka’ crossing point has temporarily suspended operations,” the statement reads.
No timeline has been provided for the resumption of border crossing operations.
Is it currently possible to cross the border via “Orlivka”?
Check-in procedures for citizens and vehicles are temporarily suspended at the checkpoint. Accordingly, regular ferry services between Orlivka and Isaccea, Romania, are also suspended.
The restriction applies to traffic in both directions:
- travel from Ukraine to Romania;
- entry from Romania into Ukraine;
- passenger cars;
- buses;
- freight vehicles.
Drivers who were already heading toward the crossing are advised not to congregate near the closed checkpoint and to choose an alternative route.
In the “eCherga” system, truck registration for crossing via “Orlivka–Isacchi” should also be suspended while the crossing is closed. Carriers should check the current status on the “eCherga” website and the official website of the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
Where to Go Instead of the “Orlivka” Border Crossing
The choice of an alternative route depends on your current location, type of vehicle, and final destination.
For drivers in the southern part of the Odesa region, a possible route is via Moldova:
- “Reni–Giurgiulești”;
- then through the Moldovan-Romanian “Giurgiulești–Galați” checkpoint.
Other vehicles can travel through the checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border:
- “Palanka–Mayaki–Udobne”;
- “Starokozache—Tudora”;
- “Tabaki–Mirne”;
- “Vynohradivka–Vulcanesti.”
After crossing into Moldova, drivers can continue on to Romania via the available Moldovan-Romanian border crossings.
The following border crossings are also operational on the direct Ukraine-Romania border:
- “Porubne–Siret”;
- “Dyakivtsi–Rakovets”;
- “Krasnoilsk–Vicovu de Sus”;
- “Dyakove–Halmeu”;
- “Solotvyno–Sighetu Marmatiei.”
However, these border crossings are located in the Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions, so the route will be significantly longer for travelers from the Odesa region.
Before departure, you must check whether the selected border crossing point handles your specific type of vehicle. Restrictions for passenger cars, buses, and trucks may vary.
How to Check the Status of Border Crossings
For up-to-date information on border operations and possible restrictions, check the official websites of:
- the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine;
- the State Customs Service;
- the “eCherga” system;
- the Romanian Border Police;
- the“Orlivka” Ferry Complex.
Why the “Orlivka–Isaccea” crossing is important
The border crossing connects the village of Orlivka in the Izmail District with the Romanian city of Isaccea. Vehicles and passengers are transported by ferry across the Danube.
The crossing allows drivers from the southern part of Odesa Oblast to travel directly to Romania without having to make a lengthy transit through Moldova.
The route is used by:
- residents of the Odesa region;
- tourist and scheduled buses;
- international carriers;
- trucks;
- citizens traveling to Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece.
Due to the temporary closure of the “Orlivka” border crossing, traffic may increase at crossings through Moldova, particularly in the Reni and Giurgiulești areas.
Could there be lines?
The rerouting of traffic may cause a buildup of vehicles at neighboring border crossing points. The greatest risk of queues applies to trucks that are required to register in the electronic system.
Drivers are advised to:
- not to drive directly to the closed “Orlivka” crossing;
- check the status of the alternative crossing;
- consider the need to transit through Moldova;
- prepare documents for the vehicle and passengers;
- verify that they have an international insurance certificate;
- allow extra time for the trip and border checks;
- stay updated on border control announcements.
Information from third-party services regarding wait times may be updated with a delay. You should prioritize announcements from government agencies.
“Orlivka” has been attacked before
Russian troops have previously struck the ferry crossing and border infrastructure on the Danube.
In September 2023, following a drone attack, the “Orlivka–Isakcha” crossing also temporarily suspended operations. At that time, administrative buildings and vehicles in the waiting area were damaged.
After the damage was repaired, the crossing resumed operations. However, the duration of the current suspension will depend on the extent of the damage and the results of an inspection of the area.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
