How to avoid queues at the border during the holidays: tips from border guards
18 December 2025 09:26
The western border of Ukraine is expected to see a significant increase in passenger traffic during the Christmas and New Year holidays. According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the traffic may increase by about 25%, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing the SBGS.
The biggest load is traditionally recorded at the checkpoints in Lviv region.
Where are the longest queues at the border
According to the border guards, the Shehyni and Krakivets checkpoints remain the busiest, with consistently high passenger traffic during the pre-holiday period.
Moderate traffic intensity is observed at Rava-Ruska, Uhryniv and Hrushev checkpoints.
he lowest load is currently recorded at Smilnytsia and Nyzhankovychi, which border guards advise to consider as alternative routes for traveling abroad.
How to cross the border faster: SBGS recommendations
To minimize waiting time, the SBGS advises
- choose less busy checkpoints;
- plan to cross the border at night or in the morning;
- follow the latest information on queues;
- check documents in advance and follow the rules of border crossing.
Due to the projected increase in traffic, border guards are stepping up the work of the checkpoints: increasing the number of personnel, deploying additional automated workstations, and maintaining constant coordination with the Polish border guard services.
When passenger traffic is expected to decline
The SBGS notes that a short-term decrease in traffic intensity is possible on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. At the same time, a steady decline in passenger traffic is expected after the first week of January, when the holiday period ends.
Border guards urge Ukrainians to plan their trips in advance and take into account possible delays when crossing the border.
