“Ukrzaliznytsia” from October 21 will not let some Ukrainians on the trains: who will be affected by the new restrictions

Since October 21, Ukrainians will not be able to travel freely through the territory of Ukraine by train, bus or plane. Restrictions will be introduced only for those who have not been vaccinated against coronavirus.

The head of the passenger direction of Ukrzaliznytsia, Alexander Pertsovsky, explained at a briefing how the boarding will take place.

Checking on trains

At this stage, when boarding the train, each conductor checks the ticket and passport. Now, the verification of the document confirming the vaccination, or the test for coronavirus, will be added.

“Landing regions are different, the yellow zone or the red zone. For the yellow zone, it is enough if it is a double vaccine, if the passenger has a mark about receiving one dose of vaccine. If this is already a red zone, then you need to have a full course”, – explained the official.

Intercity usually checks documents a little later, when all the passengers are already on the train. However, Ukrzaliznytsia will partially change the mechanism.

“We will change this process a little. There will be checks on boarding,” – said the representative of the UZ.

Rapid tests for coronavirus

For the convenience of Ukrainians, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to deploy express laboratories where they will test for coronavirus. The company is negotiating tariffs.

“We understand that there is an insufficient level of vaccination in Ukraine, therefore the deployment of such express laboratories, at least at the largest train stations, will help passengers to travel smoothly,” – explained Pertsovsky

Ukrainians are advised not to return tickets, but to get vaccinated before the trip. However, if a Ukrainian does not want to be vaccinated, tickets can be returned.

Note that the restrictions will not apply to electric trains. Even those that cross multiple areas. That is, you can freely travel to Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Rivne regions from Kiev and back.

Who is affected by the new rules

The new rules for interregional transport will affect everyone, but will not apply to minors.

They relate to both regular and non-scheduled passenger traffic. Namely:

• road transport on bus routes;
• aircraft;
• trains.

The norms will apply to urban and intraregional transportation. The carrier is responsible for compliance with these rules.

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