Uman to Be Partially Closed for Two Weeks: Entry Restrictions for Rosh Hashanah

31 August 15:32

In Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, temporary traffic restrictions and enhanced security measures will be implemented from September 4 to 17, 2026, in connection with the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

This was announced by Ihor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"

The restrictions will apply to entering and exiting the city, as well as vehicle movement on certain streets. Checkpoints will be set up at key locations.

Local residents and visitors to Uman are urged to take these changes into account in advance and plan alternative routes.

Where entry into Uman will be completely prohibited

Starting September 4, vehicle traffic will be prohibited on three routes:

from Highway M-30 to Uman—onto Derevyanka Street, near the “Standard Budivelny” LLC facility;
from the M-30 highway to Uman—onto Gorikha Street;
from the village of Rodnikovka to Uman—onto Pavlova Street.

Drivers who usually use these routes should choose alternative routes into the city.

The restrictions will remain in effect through September 17, unless local authorities or the military administration announce additional changes.

Where Checkpoints Will Be Strengthened

On six other routes, entry will not be completely blocked, but stricter checkpoint controls will be in place.

Checkpoints will be established:

from Highway M-30 onto Derevyanka Street;
from Highway M-05 — onto Yednannia Street;
from the village of Horodetske in the Palanska community—at the intersection of Horodetska Street and Maksym Zaliznyak Street;
from Highway M-30 — onto Mykhailivska Street;
from Highway M-30 — onto Vokzalna Street;
from the village of Rodnikovka in the Palanska community — onto Kyivska Street.

Document checks, vehicle inspections, and traffic delays are possible at these locations. Drivers should allow extra time for their trip and comply with law enforcement officers’ instructions.

Which access route will be available only to pilgrims

Traffic from the M-05 Kyiv–Odesa highway to Uman via Vyzvolyteliv Street will be permitted exclusively for Hasidic pilgrims.

Other drivers will not be permitted to use this entrance. Local residents and transit vehicles must choose alternative routes.

This separation of traffic flows is intended to reduce congestion, speed up inspections of buses and cars carrying pilgrims, and prevent road congestion near the area where pilgrims are concentrated.

What documents may be checked at the entry points

An official, separate list of documents required for passage through each checkpoint has not yet been published.

However, while martial law is in effect, police officers and other authorized officials may ask you to present:

a passport or other form of identification;
a driver’s license;
vehicle registration certificate;
cargo documents.

What Will Be Banned from Sale in the Pilgrimage Area

Additional restrictions on trade will be imposed in the area where pilgrims are concentrated.

It is prohibited to sell:

alcoholic beverages;
pyrotechnic products;
fireworks;
knives;
other sharp or pointed objects;
air guns;
toys that imitate weapons.

These restrictions are being implemented to reduce the risk of offenses and dangerous incidents in areas where large numbers of people will be gathered at the same time.

Business owners operating in the pilgrimage zone should check with city authorities in advance to confirm the zone’s boundaries and the list of prohibited items.

When Is Rosh Hashanah Celebrated in 2026?

In 2026, Rosh Hashanah will begin on the evening of September 11 and end after dark on September 13.

Special restrictions in Uman will be implemented earlier—starting September 4—since a significant number of pilgrims arrive in the city several days before the celebrations begin.

The restrictions will remain in place until September 17 to ensure the orderly departure of visitors and the gradual resumption of normal traffic.

Why Hasidim Travel to Uman Every Year

Uman is home to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav—the founder of the Bratslav branch of Hasidism.

Before his death, Rabbi Nachman urged his followers to visit his grave, especially during Rosh Hashanah. That is why tens of thousands of pilgrims from various countries come to the city every year.

In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the new year. The holiday is associated with prayer, spiritual reflection on one’s actions, and the start of the Ten Days of Repentance, which culminate in Yom Kippur.

In 2025, more than 35,000 pilgrims arrived in Uman for the celebrations. The mass pilgrimage continues even during a full-scale war, despite security warnings from Ukrainian authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged pilgrims to refrain from traveling

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recommended that foreign pilgrims refrain from traveling to Uman in 2026.

In a security advisory issued on July 29, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that full-scale Russian aggression poses real threats to people’s lives and safety.

Among the main risks are:

massive missile attacks;
drone strikes;
attacks on civilian infrastructure;
damage to transportation facilities;
sabotage and provocations;
a limited number of shelters;
the difficulty of providing assistance to large numbers of people simultaneously.

Martial law remains in effect in Ukraine. Therefore, foreigners who come to Uman despite the warnings must comply with the established restrictions.

What rules apply during martial law

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned pilgrims about restrictions on freedom of movement, a curfew, increased patrolling, and a ban on unauthorized mass gatherings.

Visitors to the city are required to: