The summer season has brought not only heat but also a real surge in activity at the western border of Ukraine. Passenger traffic has increased significantly, and experts predict that the number of travelers could rise by another 20%. In light of this, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) urges citizens to be prepared for queues and recommends choosing less congested routes.

One million people in a month

The statistics for the first summer month are impressive. Since the beginning of June, more than 1 million citizens and over 200,000 vehicles have passed through western border checkpoints. On just one day — June 14 — more than 103,000 people and 20,000 vehicles crossed the border in the Chernivtsi region.

Specialists note that departures from the country currently predominate, which is directly linked to the start of mass vacations. The load on border crossings is uneven, and queues on some routes may be prolonged.

How to avoid traffic jams: advice from border guards

To avoid wasting precious vacation time waiting in traffic, the SBGS offers several strategies:

  • Choose less popular checkpoints. The load on main crossings is at its maximum, whereas the situation on alternative routes is significantly easier. Using these checkpoints can substantially reduce waiting time.
  • Plan your travel time. Border guards recommend heading to the border in the early morning or late evening. During these hours, traffic flow is usually lower, and document checks are faster.
  • Stay updated. Current information on checkpoint congestion is updated every three hours on the official resources of the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service.

Situation with bus transport

For those who prefer public transport, there is both good and worrying news. Ukraine and Poland have agreed not to suspend bus traffic through the "Shehyni — Medyka" checkpoint during repair works. The Polish side has abandoned plans to introduce restrictions, which will allow uninterrupted communication throughout the summer.

However, travelers should be prepared for the fact that starting Monday, June 15, bus passage will be carried out with delays. Despite this, the decision not to fully close the checkpoint will be an important step to avoid chaos at the border.