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As Ukrainians bravely defend their country and our shared values of peace, democracy, and human rights, Canada remains steadfast in our support. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support the government and people of Ukraine, and hold Russia accountable for its brutal, unjustifiable invasion.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today attended the XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he announced new measures to continue supporting the people of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will issue Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds, which will help the government continue operations, including providing essential services to Ukrainians, like pensions, and purchasing fuel before winter. The equivalent proceeds from this five-year bond will be channelled directly to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Administered Account. This builds on the Government of Canada’s $2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine this year.

To increase pressure on Putin’s regime, the Prime Minister also announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These new measures will target 35 senior officials of energy entities, including those of Gazprom and its subsidiaries, and six energy sector entities involved in Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also announced that Canada intends to impose new sanctions on members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials, involved in gross and systematic human rights violations against Russian opposition leaders. These new measures build on the sanctions we have already implemented against over 1,400 individuals and entities.

The 39 armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs) we announced for Ukraine in June have started to arrive in Europe, where training for the Ukrainian forces is underway, with the last expected to be delivered end of November. Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $600 million in military assistance to Ukraine. We will continue to help Ukraine meet its urgent requirements for military and defence equipment.

As winter approaches, Canada will continue to be there to support the people of Ukraine. Over 17 million Ukrainians are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, and many are ill prepared for the colder months. That is why the Prime Minister announced that Canada is allocating $55 million in previously announced funding to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian partners to support winterization initiatives. This includes providing shelter and distributing essential items such as blankets, clothing, heating appliances, and fuel.

Canada is also moving forward with previously budgeted $15 million in funding for demining support to Ukraine, including the procurement of urgently needed demining equipment for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine through Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program and the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program.

To address the devastating impacts of Russia’s invasion on Ukrainian expertise, innovation, and talent, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership, which will invite up to 20 Ukraine-based scientists to come work and live in Canada. This initiative will help Ukraine preserve and rebuild its science and research capacity.

Canada will continue our unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. We will continue to work with our international partners to hold Putin accountable for his illegal invasion and the war crimes and human rights violations that have been committed by his regime.

“Canada and Ukraine are united – not just by the strong ties between our peoples, but also by our fundamental belief in freedom, in democracy, in justice, and in the triumph of light over darkness. As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian government and people. In standing up for themselves, Ukrainians are standing up for democracy everywhere.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada remains unwavering in our commitment to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s illegal and barbaric invasion, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to win. Now, through a bond designated for Ukraine, Canadians can contribute to this critical effort through a new federally backed investment.” The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
“Russia’s disregard for human rights will not stand. President Putin’s history of gross human rights abuses is well documented, and Canada is doing everything it can to support Ukrainians who have suffered at the hands of his regime. As Ukrainians continue to fight valiantly to reclaim the land that is rightfully theirs, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Putin continues his unwarranted and illegal invasion of Ukraine by targeting civilian infrastructure, such as power stations and water facilities, which is a blatant attempt to further force the people of Ukraine to unjustly suffer during the coming winter months. Canada is committed to helping equip the crises-affected people with essential winterization tools and we are working with our humanitarian partners to assess the needs so that they can continue to scale up their operations and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.” The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
“Canada is resolutely committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion. In recent weeks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have made incredible progress reclaiming ground and Canada’s assistance has been integral in their counter offensive. The Canadian Armed Forces have helped donate equipment, train security forces and recruits, and transport aid. We will continue to meet Ukraine’s military momentum with the military aid they need to fight and win.” The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
“In response to unjustifiable Russian aggression, Canada is helping Ukraine preserve its scientific capacity. By welcoming Ukrainian scientists to Canada, we can provide meaningful and important research opportunities for individuals forced to leave behind their careers and their homes by this ongoing conflict.” The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

Quick Facts

  • Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,400 individuals and entities complicit in Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and international partners.
  • Between 2015 and 2022, Canada trained more than 33,000 members of Ukraine's security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER.
  • The new Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds will be offered by participating financial institutions in denominations and rates of return which will be announced soon. Those who choose to invest in this bond will, in effect, be purchasing a regular Government of Canada five-year bond backed by Canada’s triple-A credit rating. Canada is the first country in the world outside of Ukraine to offer a bond for purchase in support of Ukraine.
  • Canada has committed $2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine this year, all of which has already been disbursed. This is in addition to nearly $1.5 billion in assistance committed, including through military aid, $320 million in humanitarian response efforts, and immigration measures.
  • Canada is also providing support through key international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Since the onset of Russia’s illegal invasion, these three institutions have together committed more than $28.5 billion to support Ukrainians.
  • The Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership is open to scientists and postgraduate students who have fled or are fleeing Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. This includes highly qualified individuals with experience in the natural resource sectors and students who are seeking placements at Canadian academic institutions to continue their research. They are encouraged to apply through the newly created Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership website.
  • Canada is also helping Ukrainian families find a safe, temporary home in Canada, and has put in place supports to help them after they arrive. This includes temporary financial assistance and access to federally funded settlement services, such as language training and employment-related services.
  • Streamlining current visa and travel requirements, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada. As of October 18, 2022, close to 315,000 applications have been approved. 

Associated Links

  • Ukrainian Canadian Congress
  • Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia
  • Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
  • Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
  • Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership
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Canada launches special temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians

canada ukraine for emergency travel

On March 17, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), an accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians fleeing war.

Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada for up to three years. Overseas applicants need to apply online for a visitor visa and provide their biometrics .

The Canadian government encourages CUAET applicants to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application. This will allow them to work in Canada for any employer.

Learn about Canada’s immigration system

Under this special program, Canada has waived many of the regular requirements associated with visitor visas and work permits. Elementary and high school students can attend high school as soon as they arrive in Canada. Anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once they land in Canada.

Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate.

The new measures include benefits for Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their family members who are already in Canada. Ukrainians in Canada may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for three years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit. IRCC will also waive all extension and work or study permit application fees.

Canadian employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment to register these offers on Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage . Job Bank will then work with local organizations and employers to help connect them with Ukrainians seeking work in their communities.

The Canadian government is also in discussions with provinces and territories, the business community, the Ukrainian-Canadian community and settlement organizations, on how best to support those arriving from Ukraine. IRCC will continue to monitor volumes of travellers and their needs closely and will take action as required.

Ukrainians and their family members are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements, but they must still meet all other public health requirements for travel, such as quarantine and testing. Anyone arriving under the CUAET must use ArriveCAN to upload their travel documents before arrival.

The CUAET was originally announced in early March , with the goal to simplify and speed up the immigration process to Canada by allowing Ukrainian nationals to apply directly online.

In addition to this new pathway, Canada is also expected to announce in the coming weeks the details of a special family reunification sponsorship pathway. This will allow Ukrainian nationals to reunite with their immediate and extended family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and settle in Canada permanently.

Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, Canada has undertaken a number of immigration related efforts to enable Ukrainians to seek refuge in the country. These efforts include faster processing, extensions and fee waivers for immigration documents and applications. As part of its response to the crisis in Ukraine, Canada has announced $117 million in funding to implement all of these special immigration measures aimed at expediting the arrival of Ukrainians.

With the situation in Ukraine becoming increasingly critical, several organizations and political parties are now also calling on the Canadian government to organize chartered flights to facilitate the arrival of Ukrainians. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not reject this possibility. The prime minister said at a press briefing Wednesday that if there is enough demand Canada will respond with extra measures.

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canada ukraine for emergency travel

Ukrainians fleeing to Canada temporarily can stay for three years

Ukrainians looking to come to Canada temporarily to escape the Russian attacks will be able to stay for three years, the government has announced.

Through the 'Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel’ program opening on Thursday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser says that those who come will be able to stay longer than the previously announced two years.

The immigration minister’s office told CTV News that it will take an average of two weeks for people who apply through this temporary residence pathway to be approved through the online portal.

Earlier this month Fraser announced Canada would be opening two new immigration streams for Ukrainians looking to seek refuge in this country.

One will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainians to come to this country on a temporary basis with expedited emergency visas. It’s this program that is being expanded. The other is a family reunification pathway for those looking to stay permanently in Canada.

  • Capital Dispatch: Stay up to date on the latest news from Parliament Hill

For those applying for this visitor visa to leave Ukraine while the war rages on, most visa requirements are being waived, including fees and language assessments. In order to qualify, individuals will need to complete a “simple” application form and provide biometrics—fingerprints and a photo— for security while still in Europe.

The government has visa application centres set up across the continent, including in regions where many Ukrainians have fled such as Moldova, Romania, Austria and Poland.

The temporary residency stream is being offered to Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality. Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, as the government is offering single-journey travel documents on a case-by-case basis.

Ukrainians do not have to be fully vaccinated in order to come to Canada, though those who enter who are not will be subject to quarantine and testing, the government has announced, adding that “with limited exceptions” all travellers entering through this emergency immigration stream will have to use the ArriveCAN system to submit relevant vaccination and personal information.

Everyone who arrives under this new stream will also be eligible for a work permit or study permit that will allow them to take a job with any Canadian employer or enroll in an education program. The government is encouraging Ukrainians to apply for a three-year open work permit at the same time as they submit their visa application.

The government is also setting up a job bank so that Canadian employers can post available jobs and hire Ukrainians, something for which there has already been considerable interest.

“As brave Ukrainians fight for their lives and their freedom, Canada is ready to welcome their loved ones who are forced to flee. When they arrive safely in Canada, we’re going to help Ukrainians find work and so they can provide for themselves and their families,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough in a statement. “From ensuring that children can enroll in school to helping parents join our workforce, we want every Ukrainian to find peace, stability, and community in Canada.”

As millions have fled to neighbouring countries, prompting a refugee crisis, the government has been prioritizing processing immigration applications from Ukrainians.

Fraser has said there will be “no limit” to the number of applications Canada is willing to accept from those coming temporarily, noting that most will want to return home once it’s safe to do so.

"If we learned anything about Ukrainians who are fleeing this conflict, it's that they love their homeland and they want to go back when the war is over,” the minister said on CTV’s Question Period on March 6.

The department said Thursday it will “continue to monitor volumes of travellers and their needs closely and will take action as required.”

With files from CTV News’ Mackenzie Gray

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One person in critical condition following water rescue in Winnipeg

One person was taken to the hospital in critical condition on Sunday after the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) performed a water rescue on the Assiniboine River.

22-year-old Winkler man charged with manufacturing, possessing illegal weapons: police

A 22-year-old man from Winkler, Man., is facing several charges in connection with a large seizure of weapons, including a homemade cannon.

Manitoba government launches $15M endowment fund for MMIWG2S families

Families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit peoples can expect more financial support from the Manitoba government as part of a new endowment fund announced Sunday.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Regina hosts first 'Flora's Walk' in support of perinatal mental health

Sunday marked the first time Regina has taken part in an event that originated out of Ontario following the death of a new mother.

RCMP Heritage Centre hosts Red Dress Day event

May 5th marks Red Dress Day, a nationally recognized date that honours the lives of the many missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. In Regina, an event was held at the RCMP Heritage Centre to highlight the date and educate the public.

Sask. RCMP warns of increased police presence in Swift Current

Saskatchewan RCMP are asking the public to avoid areas of Swift Current due to an ongoing investigation.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Police investigating e-bike collision in Kitchener, driver suffering serious injuries

Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a collision in Kitchener involving a motor vehicle and e-bike.

Downtown Paris set to receive makeover for film production

Paris, Ont. residents will notice some changes to the downtown core this week as a film crew transforms stores in preparation for a film production.

Police investigating suspicious person in Waterloo

Regional police are investigating a suspicious person in Waterloo.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Saskatoon Airport hopes for quick resolution as WestJet mechanics' lockout looms

A spokesperson for the Saskatoon Airport said they expect no immediate impact to operations in light of an impending lockout of WestJet mechanics.

London Drugs stores in Saskatoon could be open again soon following 'cybersecurity incident'

Saskatoon’s three London Drugs locations are set to re-open soon, one week after a data breach shut down stores across western Canada.

Northern Ontario

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Police find human remains in remote northern Ont. hamlet

Shortly after 9 a.m. on May 3, Ontario Provincial Police found human remains in a wooded area near Katrine, Ont.

Highway 101 in Timmins reopened after single-vehicle crash

Highway 101 East in Timmins is closed in both directions due to a single-vehicle crash.

Northern Ont. suspect charged with corrupting children, drug trafficking, weapons offences

A 35-year-old from Hearst, Ont., has been charged with child luring and several other offences after police received a complaint from the public.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Prep work underway for York Street construction

On Monday, crews will start the prep work for replacing aging sewer infrastructure on York Street from Clarence Street to Wellington Street.

Successful search and rescue by LFD in vacant building fire

The London Fire Department (LFD) received a call about a reported structure fire at the former McCormick’s building at 1156 Dundas St.

One person faces charges following recent reports of dog attacks near Dorchester

One person is facing charges following an investigation into reports of aggressive dogs at a residence in Thames Centre.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Nursing shortages force bed closures at Durham Hospital

Years of nursing staffing shortages have taken its toll on Durham Hospital.

One person injured in rollover crash in Barrie

One person is in hospital after a single-vehicle rollover in Barrie on Saturday.

Military personnel gather in Barrie to honour lives lost in Battle of the Atlantic

Local military troops held an annual parade and ceremony to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Overnight house fire in Windsor

Crews remain on scene of an overnight house fire in Windsor. Fire broke out in the 800 block of Victoria Avenue between Elliott Street and Erie Street.

Windsor police seek witness to fatal motorcycle crash

The police service has made note that the person they're looking to speak to is not suspected of wrongoing, but is a key witness who may be able to provide vital information on the incident.

Man arrested after failing to stop for CKPS, charged with uttering threats to kill

While on patrol Saturday, a Chatham-Kent police officer said their onboard licence plate reader detected a vehicle with an unauthorized licence plate.

Vancouver Island

canada ukraine for emergency travel

London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack

Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Red dresses to make fashion statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women

Models in uniquely designed red dresses are taking to the runway in British Columbia this weekend to make a powerful fashion statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup

Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.

B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Southern Alberta animal shelters overrun with abandoned pets

Animal shelters across the province are finding themselves frequently at capacity -- or more.

Woman charged in connection with fatal crash

Lethbridge police say impaired driving is to blame in a fatal crash that killed a 25-year-old man on Thursday.

Contractors want to repurpose Milk River high school rather than see it demolished

The bell at Erle Rivers High School in Milk River, Alta., will ring for the last time on June 26, as the 114-year-old school is scheduled to be torn down to make way for a new K-12 school.

Sault Ste. Marie

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Ontario to increase fines for employment standards violations

Ontario is set to clamp down on bad employers with big fines.

Police lay second-degree murder charge in northwestern Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police, in partnership with the Treaty Three Police Service, have charged a suspect with second degree murder following a homicide in a remote Indigenous northwestern Ontario community.

Health coalition calls on public to stand up for health care

The de-rostering of thousands of patients at the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie was the centre of attention at a town hall Friday organized by the Algoma chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole

A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.

Newfoundland fisherman says police broke his leg during protest that delayed budget

Richard Martin is spending this year's fishing season on land after he says a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer broke his left leg in three places during a protest last month that shut down the provincial legislature.

'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole

Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Ukraine travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 17, 2024 12:02 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, ukraine - avoid all travel.

Russia launches missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure. These include attacks on city centres and populated areas, including Kyiv. The ongoing Russian invasion poses a significant security risk, even if you are not near the front lines.

If you are in Ukraine, you should consider leaving the country if you can do so safely.

Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited.

Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

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Russian military invasion

On February 24, 2022, Russia began a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, launching attacks across the country, including in major cities. In addition to military targets, Russia has and continues to attack Ukrainian civilian and government infrastructure in multiple cities, including Kyiv.

Heavy fighting is ongoing in several areas of the country. Bombardments, explosions and missile launches occur daily. The invasion has directly caused thousands of civilian casualties. There are basic supply shortages and essential services disruptions in areas close to the front lines. Strikes and bombardments could also pose a threat to Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure, notably the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Ukrainian airspace is currently closed. The government of Ukraine has declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law, which gives local authorities broad powers to enforce security measures including:

  • security checks
  • mandatory evacuation
  • prohibition of assembly
  • mandatory mobilization

The government of Ukraine decreed a full military mobilization. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ukraine, you may be subject to military obligations and will likely be prevented from leaving the country.

Russian military action in Ukraine could further disrupt key infrastructure and transportation routes and limit the provision of essential services throughout the country.

Security conditions remain extremely unstable. Your safety is at high risk, particularly if you engage in active combat.

If you are in Ukraine, you should follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including air raid warning sirens, curfews and evacuation orders.

If you are near military activity:

  • review your personal security plans on a daily basis
  • identify the location of the closest bomb shelter
  • shelter in a hardened structure away from windows when air raid warning sirens are active

You should leave the country now if you can do so safely. If you choose to stay in Ukraine despite this advisory:

  • maintain a supply of basic food, water and medications
  • monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
  • ensure that your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
  • inform a family member or friend of your whereabouts
  • register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Ukraine to do so

Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited. You should not depend on the Government of Canada to help you leave the country.

If you are able to leave Ukraine safely:

  • verify your destination’s entry requirements regularly
  • expect highly congested routes, checkpoints and delays
  • make sure to stop at all checkpoints and roadblocks, even if they appear unattended
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
  • bring sufficient gasoline if you use your car

Territories illegally occupied by Russia

The Russian Federation illegally occupied and annexed Crimea and holds strict control over the area. It also illegally occupies parts of the following oblasts:

  • Zaporizhzhia

These areas are heavily militarized and intense fighting is ongoing. There are reports of war crimes and arbitrary detention of foreigners.

Due to the current situation, the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv has extremely limited access to consular clients. The Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow is only accredited to Russia and therefore cannot provide services in territories of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs, particularly:

  • in crowded places
  • in tourist areas
  • in bars and nightclubs
  • on public transportation

In central Kyiv, criminal activity, including mugging, is more prevalent at night.

  • Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Harassment and assaults can happen against individuals who act or appear as foreigners. Local authorities may not respond to racially motivated violence and harassment.

Violent crime

Armed robbery and violent outbursts can occur, especially in larger cities.

Weapons, including small arms and explosives, are present in all areas of the country. The number and accessibility of available weapons increased following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Criminal activity can be harder to track and is unpredictable because of the war. Violent outbursts rarely target tourists, but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Be aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is on the rise in Ukraine.

Incidents of attacks and sexual assault, including rape, have been reported throughout the country, particularly in major cities.

  • Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark
  • Exercise caution on the street near bars and nightclubs
  • Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations

Women or other survivors of gender-based violence may be discouraged or blocked from reporting aggressors to the authorities. If you are a survivor of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Canadian office.

Advice for women travellers

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using credit or debit cards.

  • Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • Pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
  • Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
  • Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Investment fraud

Unsolicited emails offering enticing business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent. Don’t travel to Ukraine with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Ukraine, seek legal advice in Canada and in Ukraine. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Scammers often target tourist areas and hotels.

Be aware of street scams. A common scam sees a person dropping a wallet or a bundle of money in front of a tourist, hoping the tourist will pick it up. The scammer then accuses the tourist of stealing some of the money. These scams can involve several criminals, sometimes posing as police officers. Don’t pick up the dropped items if you face this type of behaviour. Simply walk away without engaging in conversation.

Overcharging

Certain establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, may try to inflate your bill or charge you exorbitant prices.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill by the establishment's security guards.

  • Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
  • Do not leave an open bill
  • Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
  • Check your bill for accuracy before paying

Romance scams

Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred. Be wary of online advertisements offering dating or marriage services in Ukraine. Do your research and verify the legitimacy of services before paying for anything.

  • Beware of people who show a keen interest online
  • Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to Ukraine to visit someone that you met online
  • Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
  • Be mindful of the risk of inviting new acquaintances in your hotel room or apartment

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

  • Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
  • Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Demonstrations

Mass gatherings, including demonstrations and protests, are prohibited under martial law.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Following a disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in 1986, an exclusion zone of 30 km was established by local authorities which includes the cities of Prypiat and Chornobyl. The exclusion zone remains radioactive. Access to this zone is strictly restricted and must be arranged through a specialized tour operator. Anyone visiting Chornobyl must follow the safety instructions issued by the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management.

Safety instructions  - State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management

Road safety

Travel by road can be hazardous. Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. They may drive at excessive speeds and be reckless. Pedestrians and cyclists should be particularly careful.

Avoid driving at night outside major cities. Limited road visibility, poor vehicle maintenance and intoxicated drivers pose hazards.

While roadside services such as repair facilities exist, they are frequently inadequate.

Road conditions

Most roads outside major cities are poorly maintained. Some roads and bridges may be unusable or damaged by fighting from the Russian military invasion. Drivers experiencing elevated stress and fatigue due to road damage and unpredictable conditions may be aggressive or confrontational. Ensure that your vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed at all times

Public transportation

Kyiv has a reliable metro system. Buses, however, are usually overcrowded and in poor condition.

Public transportation services and infrastructure across the country are susceptible to short- and long-term interruptions due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At public transportation hubs, order a taxi from a designated taxi booth within the arrivals terminal or use a trusted ride-sharing app. Do the same in the city instead of hailing a taxi on the street. Negotiate fares in advance to avoid excessive fares.

There is a risk of robbery and muggings on trains, particularly in overnight sleeper cars

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Store personal belongings and travel documents in a safe place
  • Don’t leave the compartment unattended
  • Ensure that the door is secured from the inside

Ukrainian airspace is closed.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Ukrainian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Ukraine.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period Work permit: required

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, you must obtain a visa prior to entering the country. For further details on visas and work permits, please contact the Embassy of Ukraine to Canada.

You must have an invitation from a Ukrainian company or individual if travelling to Ukraine for any other purpose than tourism. Before you travel, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy for more information about the invitation process.

  • Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
  • Ukrainian visa information - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Other entry requirements

Immigration officials may ask for proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ukraine.

Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts

Areas of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russia are active combat zones and all designated checkpoints for entry and exit to these areas are closed.

Ukrainian authorities will refuse entry to foreigners who attempt to enter Ukraine from Russia through Crimea or areas in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts illegally occupied by Russia. You may be subject to arrest and detention for questioning to verify your identity. Entry to Ukraine from illegally occupied areas may be possible via specially organized humanitarian corridors or as a refugee.

Children and travel

  • Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care standards vary throughout the country. Facilities are limited outside major cities, even in private institutions. Doctors and nurses may not be able to communicate in English (or French) and not all hospitals have translation services available.

The Russian military invasion may disrupt access to medical services and the capabilities of medical facilities. Supply chains may face constraints, leading to shortages for medical products and medication. Hospitals and clinics may face staff shortages. Frequent power outages may impact the ability of medical facilities to properly sterilise their equipment and spaces.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time.

  • Carry adequate identification at all times
  • Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a safe place, in case of loss or seizure
  • Always cooperate with local authorities and be aware that they could detain you while your identification documents are being verified

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Don’t take pictures of military installations, including mobile or temporary defense equipment or other government buildings. This includes drones flying overhead, air defenses, downed aircraft and drones/missiles as well as damaged or derelict military equipment.

You should be careful when uploading photos or video to social media to ensure that no prohibited buildings or equipment appear in your content, even in the background. You could face arrest and jail time if you take or upload photos or videos with prohibited content visible.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Ukraine.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ukraine, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You may be considered a citizen of Ukraine if you were born in Ukraine or if one or both of your parents are Ukrainian citizens.

Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion, males between 18 and 60 years of age holding Ukrainian citizenship are prohibited from leaving the country.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Mandatory military service (mobilization)

Ukraine has mandatory military service for males over the age of 18. Due to the ongoing Russian military invasion, Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years may be subject to mobilization

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Ukraine.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Ukraine, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Ukrainian court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Ukraine to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Surrogacy and adoption

If you plan to visit Ukraine despite this advisory for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy or adoption arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Ukrainian and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine has increased the risk of dangerous complications from childbirth. It has also changed legal and social opinions on international surrogacy and adoption. Attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could disrupt medical services. Supply chain disruptions could limit the availability of essential medical supplies. You should consider the risk to your safety and the safety of a newborn before travelling to Ukraine.

You should consult with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on current policies regarding citizenship through descent, as well as on the issuance of Canadian travel documents.

Ukraine has strict laws on adoption, including criteria for prospective adopters. These laws may be different for Canadians holding Ukrainian citizenship.

The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine can’t provide recommendations on the selection of surrogacy or adoption agencies.

International adoption – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence must accredit all travel to Ukraine for media projects. You should consult the Ministry of Defence before you arrive in Ukraine to confirm their advice and regulations.

  • How to submit media queries – Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
  • Recommendations for media – Armed Forces of Ukraine

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Ukrainian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Despite large and active 2SLGBTQI+ communities in major urban centres, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Ukrainian society. Avoid public displays of affection.

Expect a heavy police presence at Pride parades and certain 2SLGBTQI+ events. Counter-protests and violence are possible. Have a plan for safely exiting the area when participating in Pride parades or other 2SLGBTQI+ events.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

You must carry an international driving permit

Car insurance is mandatory.

There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH).

There is a withdrawal limit at banks and ATMs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and licensed exchange booths.

Upon entering or leaving Ukraine, you must make a declaration to customs if you have €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies. Undeclared amounts exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 may be seized.

There are strict customs regulations and procedures regarding the export of antiquities and items of historical interest. It is prohibited to export antiques, works of art, historical treasures and other similar items without a special permit from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Ukraine. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Brush and forest fires are common in eastern and southern Ukraine in July and August. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area. Air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

  • Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
  • Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Flooding occurs in western Ukraine during the spring thaw and following sustained heavy rains. This may cause damage to roads and infrastructure. Plan your route carefully.

There is significant damage to Ukraine’s civil infrastructure due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, dams faced attacks and sustained damages. Certain dams were destroyed, including the Nova Kakhovka dam in Kherson.

Following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam, many towns and settlements in Kherson, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia face long-term impacts from flooding. Unexploded ordnance flowed downriver and into flooded areas. Local authorities have issued boil-water advisories in certain areas due to the risk of water-borne illness.

There are severe disruptions to essential services. Many roads in the area are impassable or closed.

If you are in Kherson Oblast:

  • follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
  • monitor local news and weather reports
  • use only bottled water for drinking and cooking

Snow and Ice Storms

In winter, avalanches, heavy snow and freezing rain pose a risk. They can make roads impassable and can cause power disruptions. These conditions can affect access to isolated areas, including to some tourist resorts. The conditions can also limit the ability of first responders to reach these areas in case of emergency.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 102
  • medical assistance: 103
  • firefighters: 101
  • general emergencies: 112 (from cell phones only)

Consular assistance

If you are in Ukraine and require consular assistance:

  • email: [email protected] or
  • contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, at any time

You should also register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Get In Canada

Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) | Get In Canada

Canada has launched new pathway to help ukrainians to come to canada., the cuaet is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for ukrainians seeking safe haven in canada while the war in their home country continues..

canada ukraine for emergency travel

we stand with you—not only in our words, but also in our actions. Canada will offer safe haven to your families while you fight on the front lines of a war to defend your freedom to the benefit of the entire world.

– Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada

With the CUAET, Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years. Applicants who are overseas need to apply online for a Canadian visitor visa and provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application. This permit will allow them to work in Canada. Under this special program, many of the regular requirements associated with a normal visitor visa or work permit have been waived. Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, and anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once on Canadian soil.

Applicants who do not have a valid passport may still apply, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a single journey travel document on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate.

Ukrainian workers, students and visitors and their family members who are already in Canada also benefit from these measures. They may either apply to extend their visitor status or work permit for 3 years, apply for a new work or study permit, or extend their existing permit. IRCC will waive all extension and work or study permit application fees.

Ukrainians and their family members are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination entry requirements. However, they must still meet all other  public health requirements for travel , such as quarantine and testing. With limited exceptions, all travellers to Canada, including anyone arriving under the CUAET.

Want to know more about the CUAET ? APPLY NOW! →

Miriam Zayn | Get In Canada

Permanent residence pathway for Ukrainians in Canada

Ukrainian nationals who are physically present in Canada, with a valid temporary residence (visitor, work permit, study permit) status may be eligible to apply for PR under a new temporary public policy if they have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. PR applications are being accepted under this new policy starting October 23, 2023. Applications will close on October 22, 2024.

Eligibility criteria for pathway for Ukrainians in Canada

The following applicants and their eligible family members may qualify to apply for permanent residence in Canada:

Category 1: Family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada

To be eligible for PR under this category, you must:

  • Be a Ukrainian national.
  • Be the spouse, common-law partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling (or half-sibling) of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be physically present in Canada both when you submit your application and when you receive PR.
  • Hold valid temporary resident status (visitor, work permit, study permit) in Canada, or if your status expired less than 90 days ago, have applied to restore it.
  • Have a valid passport, travel document, or supporting documents.
  • Submit a signed declaration (IMM 0191) from your Canadian family member verifying your relationship to them.
  • Be admissible to Canada.

Moreover, the family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be over the age of 18, live in Canada, and not have received PR under the same policy.

Category 2: Spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national with family in Canada

To be eligible for PR under this category, you must be the spouse or common-law partner of a Ukrainian national.

You can only apply under this category if your spouse or common-law partner :

  • Is unable to leave Ukraine, missing, dead or presumed dead.
  • Is the child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling (or half-sibling) of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

The applicant must :

  • Not have remarried or been in a common-law relationship with someone else since leaving Ukraine.
  • Submit a signed declaration (IMM 0191) from your spouse or common-law partner’s Canadian family member explaining your relationship to them.

Moreover, your spouse or common-law partner’s family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be over the age of 18, live in Canada, and not have received PR under the same policy.

Family members of Ukrainian nationals who can be included on Canadian PR applications

If you qualify under the temporary PR policy for Ukrainians in Canada, some of your family members may be eligible to immigrate to Canada with you, provided they are not inadmissible to Canada for medical, criminal, or security reasons. Even if your eligible family members are not immigrating to Canada with you at present, you must include them on your application.

The following family members may be eligible to be included on your permanent residence application:

  • Your spouse or common-law partner
  • Your dependent child: A dependent child is defined as a child under the age of 22 who does not have a spouse or common-law partner OR a child over 22 years of age who cannot support themselves financially because of a physical or mental condition and who has depended on you for financial support since before they were 22.
  • Your grandchild (dependent child of a dependent child)

Your family members do not need to be in Canada (only the primary applicant must be in Canada).

How to apply for PR as a Ukrainian national with family in Canada

Step 1 : check your eligibility, step 2 : apply online.

Create a Permanent Residence online application portal account , sign in, and select “Other” as the program you’re applying under.

Select the category as Ukraine Family Reunification Public Policy , if you plan to reside outside of Quebec or Ukraine Family Reunification Public Policy QC , if you plan to reside in Quebec.

Step 3 : Fill out your application

Step 4 : pay the application fees online.

This will include a processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (total $1,085 per adult individual) and biometrics fee (if required. $85 for an individual or $170 for a family).

Step 5 : Submit your application

You’ll need to digitally sign your application and attach all your supporting documents including the payment receipt before submitting the application.

Step 6 : Provide biometrics

You and your family members may need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a biometric collection centre. You must do this within 30 days of receiving the biometrics request letter.

Step 6 : Wait for your PR application to be approved

Once you submit your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR). If you’re eligible for PR, you may be asked to submit additional documents, undergo medical exams or background checks, and provide your biometrics. If you intend to live in Quebec, your application will be referred to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration du Québec (MIFI).

If your PR application is approved, IRCC will contact you to:

  • Confirm the information on your application.
  • Ask you to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, if you haven’t already.
  • Verify that all your documents are valid.
  • Confirm your permanent residence status online.

Once your PR status is confirmed, you will receive an electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (e-COPR) in the PR confirmation portal. You’ll be asked to provide a photograph so that your PR card can be issued. Until you receive your PR card in the mail, your e-COPR will serve as proof of your permanent residence status in Canada.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

The Canadian government created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) for individuals from Ukraine who wish to move to Canada temporarily. 

The CUAET is an expedited temporary residence pathway through which Ukrainians and their immediate family members (including those with a different nationality) can stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. To be considered an immediate family member, you must be the spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, or dependent child of a dependent child of a Ukrainian national.

Under this program, Ukrainians who are already in Canada on study permits, work permits, or visitor visas will also be able to extend their legal status in Canada and continue working, studying, or staying in Canada temporarily. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainian nationals who can apply through this extended pathway.

As of October 23, 2023, Ukrainians already in Canada on temporary permits may also be eligible to apply for PR if they have a close family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Eligibility criteria for the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway

The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway is a safe, efficient way for Ukrainians to apply for temporary expedited visas. Until July 15, 2023, individuals in the below categories were eligible to apply for temporary residence in Canada under the CUAET:

You are a Ukrainian national currently outside Canada

You can apply if you have a valid Ukrainian passport or national identity document. You may still be able to qualify if you don’t possess these documents, provided a visa officer determines that you meet the requirements.

You are a family member of a Ukrainian national

You can apply if you are the spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, or dependent child of a dependent child of a Ukrainian national and are not in Canada. You must be able to prove your family relationship (with documents such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or a shared home address), have a valid passport, and require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to come to Canada. If you are from an eTA-required country, you’ll need to apply and pay for an eTA for Canada.

You are a Ukrainian national or family member with a valid visitor visa or eTA for Canada

You can travel to Canada on your existing documents and, upon arrival, extend your stay as a visitor or apply for a work or study permit without paying a fee.

You are a Ukrainian national or family member already in Canada on a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa

You must have a valid Ukrainian passport or be able to prove your family relationship with a Ukrainian national. You can apply to extend your status as a visitor or worker for up to three more years or until your passport expires. If you’re in Canada as a student, you can extend your study permit and status for the duration of your studies.

How does the CUAET work?

Under the CUAET, Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members can receive a visitor visa to come to Canada temporarily, until it is safe to return to Ukraine. You will also be given the option of applying for a fee-exempt work permit. The fee-exempt visitor visa will be: 

  • Valid for 10 years or until your passport expires. 
  • A multiple entry visa (you can travel in and out of Canada, with a maximum stay of three years at a time).

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll be given status as a visitor, worker (if you’ve applied for an open work permit), or student (if you’re under 18 years of age and wish to study). You can apply to extend your stay when your status in Canada is about to expire.

Ukrainian nationals and their family members who already have a valid visitor visa or eTA, or require an eTA to travel to Canada will be able to:

  • Extend their stay in Canada as a visitor for up to three years or until their passport expires.
  • Apply for a fee-exempt work permit on arrival.
  • Apply for a fee-exempt study permit on arrival, if they are under 18 years of age.

Fees being waived under the CUAET

To make it easier for Ukrainians to travel to Canada, the government waived the following fees for Ukrainians and their family members:

  • Temporary resident visa fees.
  • Temporary resident permit fees.
  • Fees for extension of temporary residence status (also known as visitor record).
  • Study permit and study permit extension fees.
  • Work permit and work permit extension fees (including for open work permits).
  • Biometrics fee.

You’ll still need to pay for a medical exam if you’re required to take one to travel to Canada. In addition, visitors who require an eTA to travel to Canada will need to pay a fee to get one.

For Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are in Ukraine or have left Ukraine and are in another country on their way to Canada, the following fees are also being waived:

  • Permanent resident travel document fees.
  • Canadian citizenship certificate fees (including fee for replacements).
  • Emergency travel document fees.
  • Replacement fee for lost or stolen passports.
  • Passport pick-up fees.
  • Temporary Canadian passport fees.

Financial assistance under CUAET

Starting June 2, 2022, Ukrainians who have moved to Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel on a valid work permit, study permit, or temporary residence permit will be entitled to a one-time cash payment to help them settle in Canada.

Each eligible adult can receive $3,000 and children aged 17 and under will be entitled to receive $1,500. This one-time financial assistance amount will be non-taxable.

How to get a one-time cash benefit under CUAET

You may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the Canadian government if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You are already in Canada.
  • You were approved under CUAET.
  • You have a Canadian bank account.

To apply for financial assistance, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Open a Canadian bank account

You must have a Canadian bank account to receive your cash payment in your account through direct deposit. To open your bank account , you will require:

  • Your temporary resident status document (IMM 1442), which is your visitor record, work permit, study permit, or temporary residence permit. Your IMM 1442 form should mention that you’ve been authorized under CUAET.
  • Your passport.

Step 2: Apply for financial assistance

Fill out the online form to apply for financial assistance . You can submit this form for yourself and for your dependents.

You will be asked to provide your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number and your temporary resident document number. In addition, to receive the direct deposit, you’ll also need your bank’s transit number and institution number, and your bank account number.

Make note of the confirmation number you receive. Once your application is approved, the government will make the payment to your account by direct deposit within five business days after you apply. (It may take 3-5 additional days for the funds to reach your account.)

For Ukrainians who want to move to Canada permanently under the Family Sponsorship program

Ukrainian nationals who are not currently in Canada but have immediate family members in Canada may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the family sponsorship program .

Your family sponsorship program application will be expedited if it meets all the following criteria:

  • The sponsor a Canadian citizen , permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act of Canada.
  • The individual being sponsored is a Ukrainian national outside Canada.
  • The application is for the sponsor’s dependent child (including adopted children), spouse, or common-law or conjugal partner. 

PR applications that have been filed by Ukrainians under other immigration streams will also be prioritized.

For Ukrainians who are already in Canada on temporary visas

Ukrainian nationals who are already in Canada as international students, temporary foreign workers, or visitors but do not meet the eligibility criteria for the PR pathway introduced in October 2023 can extend their study permit , work permit , or visitor status from within Canada on a priority basis. 

You may be eligible to extend your status if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You have a valid visitor status or have a study permit or work permit.
  • You’ve applied to extend your status before it expires.
  • You’re eligible to restore your status in Canada.

Extend your stay as a visitor in Canada under the CUAET

Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members who are currently in Canada with a valid temporary resident status can extend their stay as a visitor. Use the following steps to extend your stay:

  • You must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. Be sure to check your passport or visitor record to confirm how long your status is valid.
  • Complete the online application . Select “Yes” when asked if your application is fee-exempt.
  • In the IMM 5708, under “Details of visit to Canada”, select your purpose of visit as “Other” and write “UKRAINE 2022” in the “Other” box. This will ensure that your application is processed on priority.

Extend your stay in Canada as a student under the CUAET

Ukrainian nationals and their family members in Canada may be eligible to extend their stay in Canada as a student. To extend your status as an international student:

  • Create or sign in to your IRCC account and fill out your online application .
  • To qualify for the study permit processing fee exemption and priority processing, in the tuition payment section of your application, select “other” for “expenses paid” and write “UKRAINE 2022” in the description box.

Applying for a work permit under the CUAET if you’re already in Canada

To apply for a work permit under this public policy, you must:

  • Have a valid visitor status in Canada on the day you apply for a work permit, have applied to extend your status before its expiry, or be eligible to restore your status.
  • Create an online IRCC account or sign in to your existing account to start an application for a work permit. 
  • Click “Apply to come to Canada” and on the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section. Click on “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” and select “Work.”
  • Answer “Work” for the “What would you like to do in Canada?” question.
  • Select “Temporarily – more than 6 months” for the “How long are you planning to stay in Canada?” question.
  • For the “What is your immigration status in Canada?” question, select “Worker”.
  • Select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for the application” when asked if you’ll be paying fees or if you are fee-exempt.
  • Fill out the application form after you receive your document checklist. In the section on details of intended work in Canada, select “Open Work Permit.” Enter “UKRAINE 2022” as the job title and “Ukraine 2022 public policy – open work permit” in the brief description of the duties field. Once the form is complete, you can upload your documents and submit your application.
  • Meet all other standard criteria for admission into Canada, including getting a medical exam if required.

For Canadian citizens or permanent residents returning from Ukraine to Canada

The government is prioritizing the processing of new or replacement passports and travel documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as their families, who are currently in Ukraine and wish to return to Canada.

Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and PR holders who don’t have valid passports will be provided with single-journey travel documents so they can come to Canada safely and quickly.

You can contact the government by phone at +1-613-321-4243 (collect calls will be accepted).

Contact the government if you’re impacted by the situation in Ukraine

If you’ve been impacted by the Ukraine crisis or have questions about submitting an application to come to Canada, you can contact the government directly through their web form . 

To ensure that your request is prioritized, use the “Tell us about your situation” section to describe your situation and the help you require and add the keyword UKRAINE2022 at the end of your description. You can also contact the government by phone at +1-613-321-4243 (collect calls will be accepted).

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Six killed and 35 injured in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

Belgorod region which borders ukraine has been repeatedly attacked by ukrainian artillery, drones and proxies over the past year.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Russian missile and drone strikes overnight disrupted power supplies on Monday morning in Ukraine’s northern Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Photograph: Yakiv Liashenko/EPA

Ukrainian drone attacks on two buses taking people to work killed six people and injured another 35 in the Belgorod region of Russia, the governor said on Monday.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the attack took place near the village of Berezovka. He published a picture of a bus with its windows blown out.

Gladkov said one man was in serious condition and two children had superficial injuries.

Belgorod region which borders Ukraine has been repeatedly attacked by Ukrainian artillery, drones and proxies over the past year. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Six killed and 35 injured in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

Ukrainian author Tanja Maljartschuk: ‘Our national memory is a mass grave ... No one was ever punished for all these crimes’

Ukrainian author Tanja Maljartschuk: ‘Our national memory is a mass grave ... No one was ever punished for all these crimes’

Russian attacks on Kharkiv region kill one and injure 17, officials say

Russian attacks on Kharkiv region kill one and injure 17, officials say

Russia says it shot down four US-made long-range missiles over Crimea

Russia says it shot down four US-made long-range missiles over Crimea

Kyiv denies targeting civilians and says it has the right to strike Russia, which says the West ignores Ukrainian attacks on civilians.

It comes as Russian missile and drone strikes overnight disrupted power supplies on Monday morning in Ukraine’s northern Sumy and Kharkiv regions, the national power grid operator Ukrenergo said on Facebook.

The attacks damaged a high-voltage power facility in Sumy, while neighbouring Kharkiv had emergency power system shutdowns, according to the statement.

Ukraine intercepted 12 out of 13 Shahed drones in Sumy region that were launched from the north at night, the Air Force said on Telegram.

The attack temporarily disrupted power supply to parts of Ukraine’s northeast region of Sumy, officials said on Monday.

“Electricity supply has been restored in the affected settlements and parts of the city of Sumy,” the region’s military administration said on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukraine's air force said that Russia launched 13 attack drones targeting Ukraine. Air defence systems downed 12 of the air weapons over the Sumy region.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia, which has been pummelling Ukraine’s east and south regions with drones and missiles throughout the war. – Reuters. Additional reporting: Bloomberg

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2024

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Why Ukrainian newcomers are not refugees and why that matters

Program bringing ukrainians to canada is confusing to some, lauded by others.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

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This month the New Brunswick government chartered a plane to bring in 170 Ukrainians fleeing the war.

At the airport, the tearful reunions and welcoming hugs looked the same, but despite having travelled to find safety, these newcomers in Canada are not considered refugees.

In March, the federal government created a special program that fast tracks immigration for Ukrainians. The resulting program, called the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, is different from any other program to date.

People coming in through this program are considered temporary residents. This means they can work and study in Canada for three years. However, unlike refugees, they don't have permanent residency when they land, they don't get social assistance in some provinces, would have to pay international students fees if they want to go to university, and at first had no settlement support.

Moncef Lakouas, president of the Multicultural Council of New Brunswick, said the government's decision to do it this way confuses him. He said the barriers that come with being a temporary resident could make settling more difficult. 

"I ask that question every single day … What's the difference between what's happening in Ukraine versus Syria and Afghanistan? Well, they're not prosecuted by their own government, but there's still a bomb that's going to fall."

Moncef Lakouas

The answer lies with the Ukrainian community, according to the federal immigration minister's office.

Aidan Strickland, press secretary for the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, said refugee status is permanent, and the Ukrainian community wanted a temporary solution.

If a refugee returns to their country after settling in Canada their status would be revoked, she said.

Ukrainians arriving in Canada through this program can travel freely, and after the three years, they can apply for permanent residence.

"In the conversations with the Ukrainian community, specifically the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, they really made it clear that many of the Ukrainians coming to Canada will want to return home when it's safe to do so," she said.

"Because they really feel like that's going to be an option for them, they feel like they're going to be able to win this war and they feel that in a couple of years they'll be able to return." 

The refugee process also takes longer, she said. 

"Initiatives in Afghanistan and Syria can take years to implement," she said.

'I'm in favour of this program'

Ivan Zakharenkov, president of the Ukrainian Association of Saint John, came to Canada from Ukraine 20 years ago, and is hosting three families who have arrived through the new program this month.

He said it's inaccurate to say that all Ukrainian people in New Brunswick have the same opinion about this issue, but he personally believes the temporary arrangement works. 

"I don't think that Ukrainians, at least the ones that I've spoken to that are thinking about moving to Canada, want this 'never-come-back' situation," he said. "But they also want to have an opportunity in this country.

"I'm in favour of this program."

He said people who aren't able to work immediately, don't have English proficiency, have many children and don't have savings may need the support that comes with a refugee program. This new program is making it easier and faster for people who don't need these supports to come to Canada, he said.

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Strickland said Ukrainians applying through the expedited program don't have to meet any specific work experience, language or education targets to be approved. 

"Individuals are still subject to security screening," she said. 

Since the program was introduced, a few changes were made to address issues that come with being a temporary resident, Strickland said. The federal government created an exception allowing Ukrainian newcomers to access settlement services like language classes. 

They also at first did not receive any financial assistance, but later the program was changed to provide a one-time cheque of $3,000 for adults and $1,500 per child. People arriving on chartered flights can also get accommodations for 14 days until they find a new home.

canada ukraine for emergency travel

On the provincial side, immigration department spokesperson David Kelley said the province contributes funds to settlement agencies.

"Should individuals need greater services, government is ready to consider options for assistance," he said.

Opportunities New Brunswick is also connecting newcomers with employers, he said.

Zakharenkov said 7.7 million Ukrainians have left the country and are distributed throughout Europe. Close to 200,000 of them filled out the application to get to Canada through this program.

He said if he could give any advice to Ukrainians considering coming to Canada, it's not to underestimate how big a move it is, despite it being temporary.

"A rocket landed today two blocks away from my aunt and uncle. And they're still thinking that this is going to be over in a couple of days or couple of weeks," he said.

"The decision to move to Canada is permanent, with the opportunity in the future to go back to your country any time that you want when the things are settled. I think that the immigration in this particular program allows you to do that, but you need to make a firm decision that you are establishing yourself in this new country."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

canada ukraine for emergency travel

Hadeel Ibrahim is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick based in Saint John. She reports in English and Arabic. Email: [email protected].

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The Morning

How humans failed racehorses.

An exploration of the troubled state of horse racing in the U.S.

The shadow of a worker at Churchill Downs. Attendees are out of focus in the background.

By Joe Drape

He has covered the Kentucky Derby for 25 years.

It was a thrilling finish: A long-shot named Mystik Dan held off a late charge by Sierra Leone and a colt from Japan named Forever Young on Saturday to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, America’s oldest major continuing sporting event, bringing to a close a much-needed casualty-free week of thoroughbred racing.

It was a welcome conclusion for the multibillion-dollar sport imperiled by frequent racing fatalities , reckless breeding, dodgy doping practices and the old-fashioned greed of veterinarians, trainers and owners.

Last year, 12 horses perished at Churchill Downs in the days surrounding the famous race. It only got worse. Two weeks later, a horse trained by one of the sport’s most recognized trainers died at Pimlico Race Course . At the historic Saratoga Race Course in New York a few months later, another 13 horses died while racing and training at the sport’s signature summer meet, including two that seemed poised to win their races before they broke down near the finish line on nationally televised broadcasts.

Ambulances rumbled onto the track, emergency workers erected privacy screens and, behind them, vets euthanized the horses with injections. All of it put the social acceptability of one of America’s oldest sports at risk.

The root of the problem

Why do racehorses die? As beautiful as a thoroughbred is in full flight, the legs that seemingly rarely touch the ground are fragile. Ankles the size of a Coke bottle and hooves the size of a crystal ashtray propel a 1,200-pound thoroughbred at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.

Over the past 12 months, my colleague Melissa Hoppert and I analyzed confidential documents and covert recordings made by law enforcement authorities to report on why so many horses, supposedly in peak physical condition, were breaking down. (Our investigation, which you can read here, also became a documentary, “ The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses ,” which is streaming on Hulu.)

As is so often the case, money is the root of the problem. Trainers push horses too hard, sometimes giving them illegal performance-enhancing drugs. That’s because owners know that a signature win will turn their million-dollar investment into a multimillion-dollar A.T.M. in the breeding shed. Do the math: Mystik Dan can be retired tomorrow and enter a life where he mates twice a day, to 155 mares, potentially earning $31 million annually over a breeding career that can last 10 years or more.

Even at the more modest levels of the sport, trainers sometimes rely on illegal drugs. More often, though, the problem is overuse of legal corticosteroid medications that mask pain and allow at-risk thoroughbreds to run until they perish. Among the cluster of 13 deaths at Saratoga, for example, 11 were the result of injuries to a fetlock joint, which can be weakened by injections. Three of the 11 received corticosteroid injections within 30 days of racing. Another three had been declared unsound by veterinarians before their breakdowns, though their owners and trainers still managed to get them into competition.

In short, the humans failed the horses.

Most people involved in the sport have put their horses first, and they were integral in creating the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the federal body that now polices the sport. But if that group does not do its job, horse racing could be in trouble. It is at risk of losing its core audiences, including horse lovers, who do not want to see animals die, and gamblers, who now have many other options for betting on sports.

Along with a multibillion-dollar economy, an important part of American history and its soul would be lost.

“And they’re off”: See photos from this year’s race .

Attendees donned wide-brimmed hats adorned with spring florals and soft feathers. Here are images of the best ones .

Yesterday, Larry Demeritte became the second Black trainer since 1951 to compete in the Kentucky Derby.

Mike Repole is racing’s loudest critic and a prominent horse owner. He’s still trying to win his first Derby.

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Israel-hamas war.

Two Israeli men who were thought to have been taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7 were actually killed during the attacks , according to the Israeli authorities.

A doctor from Gaza who was detained by Israeli forces and held for four months has died in Israeli custody , Palestinian officials said.

Iran says it has released the crew of an Israeli-linked container ship that its forces had seized last month.

Campus Protests

The police arrested at least 25 people yesterday at the University of Virginia and took down an encampment on campus.

Pro-Palestinian supporters briefly interrupted a commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan. And at Indiana University, protesting students walked out of a ceremony, some shouting “free, free Palestine” as they left.

At Vassar, protesters dismantled their encampment after the college agreed to review a divestment proposal.

The protests are the latest in a tradition of student-led, left-leaning activism dating back at least to the 1960s.

Tensions appear to be spreading to campuses in several countries , including France, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied a building at Science Po, an elite university.

War in Ukraine

The families of some Ukrainian soldiers say they have spent months trying to get official death confirmations . The military, they say, is overloaded with casualties.

Russia’s army is recruiting more women to fight in the war . That effort clashes with Vladimir Putin’s conservative agenda.

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Voters in Britain appear hungry for change after 14 years of Conservative government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seems unable to persuade them otherwise .

Xi Jinping has chosen France, Serbia and Hungary — nations that, to varying degrees, embrace China’s push for a new global order — for his first trip to Europe in five years.

Months after a coup in Niger, its deposed president is still imprisoned in the presidential residence without access to his phone or his lawyers , members of his inner circle said.

Latino evangelicals are helping to re-energize the Republican coalition. Read about how one pastor became a foot soldier for Donald Trump .

“The chattering class is freaking out”: At dinner parties and receptions , many in official Washington joke about where they would go if Trump returns to the White House.

Florida banned the production and sale of lab-grown meat , a move considered by other states.

Other Big Stories

Many U.S. jails and prisons are ill-equipped to deal with the thousands of inmates estimated to have major psychological problems. One man’s story illustrates the system’s failure .

At this point in the year, high school seniors should be celebrating their college choices. A new FAFSA application has left some unsure of which college they will be able to afford .

THE SUNDAY DEBATE

Who puts campus safety at risk?

The protesters. Pro-Palestinian protests and encampments on college campuses disobey rules and orders meant to protect everyone. “It is terrifying to contemplate where such occupations might end — and who might get hurt,” Jay C. Hartzell writes for Houston Chronicle .

The universities. The choice to call riot police leaves administrators directly responsible for the escalation of tensions. “For the administration to sanction violence against its students without a fundamental understanding of what they are voicing is embarrassing,” Antonio Wu writes for CalMatters .

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Most people trust vaccines . The true barrier to people getting vaccinated is poverty and lack of access, Jessica Grose writes.

The best college you can go to is one where you don’t fit in , Michael S. Roth , president of Wesleyan University, writes.

Here are columns by Nicholas Kristof on a photo from Gaza , David French on Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ross Douthat on Covid vaccine injuries .

MORNING READS

Golden years: Retired couples have time; they have money; they have leisure. They also have a problem: They are driving each other mad .

The wood age? An analysis of 300,000-year-old wooden tools revealed that Neanderthals were better craftsmen than was originally thought.

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Lives Lived: The artist Frank Stella moved American art away from Abstract Expressionism toward cool minimalism. His exploration of colors and form were constantly on exhibit. He died at 87 .

THE INTERVIEW

By David Marchese

This week’s subject for The Interview is the comedian and actor Marlon Wayans. We talked about his upcoming standup special, “Good Grief,” which is about how humor helped him heal after the death of his parents, and also what he’s learned from his transgender son.

How do you find the funny thing in the sad thing?

I mean, all of us Wayanses, we’re crazy people. The worst thing happens, and the first thing we’d think is What’s funny about it? I remember when my cousin Ceddy died and my auntie buried him on jeans and a T-shirt and some Air Force 1s and a baseball cap. [Wayans’s brother] Damon looks and goes, “If there’s a dress code in heaven, I don’t think Ceddy’s getting in.”

Are there elements of the new special that you could point to and say, This is the kind of material that I couldn’t have done five or 10 years ago?

When you talk about real-life pain, like parents passing, and you can get through that set and you can still be irreverent, edgy, crazy, silly, thought-provoking and vulnerable, I think that’s growth. I miss my parents dearly, but I’m a different human with my parents gone than I was when they were here. Now I’m a man.

In the special, you talked about how you learned to be a man from your dad. And here with me you talked about how finding a way to move forward after your parents died also helped you grow into manhood. But I’m curious what you learned about manhood and masculinity from your son.

It’s OK to be vulnerable. It’s OK to unstrap from your masculinity and your ego. Sometimes it’s not about trying to teach them. Maybe God’s trying to teach you something. It’s OK to have those stupid thoughts — those egotistical thoughts like, Nah, I think I can control everything. Then God breaks you down, and life breaks you down, and when you realize you’re on your knees, that’s when God can whisper to you, and you’re like, Oh, that’s what you’re trying to teach me.

Read more of the interview here .

THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE

Click the cover image above to read this week’s magazine.

Robert Cormier: “The Chocolate War,” published 50 years ago, became one of America’s most challenged books. Its author spent years fighting attempts to ban it .

Modern classics: Looking for your next read? The Book Review has a new collection showing its favorite books from 2000 to 2023 .

Our editors’ picks: “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder,” in which Salman Rushdie recalls surviving an attempted assassination, and seven others .

Times best sellers: Emily Henry’s romance “Funny Story” lands at No. 1 in its first week on the hardcover fiction list .

THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with delicious Asian snacks .

Survive your high school reunion .

Start composting .

THE WEEK AHEAD

What to watch for.

Panama’s presidential elections are today.

Xi Jinping begins a tour around Europe this week, starting in Paris.

The Met Gala is tomorrow.

The Eurovision Song Contest final is on Saturday.

In this week’s Five Weeknight Dishes newsletter , Emily Weinstein suggests using leftover chicken to make crispy Cheddar chicken tacos, or pouring a glass of white wine to enjoy with spaghetti al limone with shrimp (the dish is ready in 25 minutes).

NOW TIME TO PLAY

Here is today’s Spelling Bee . Yesterday’s pangrams were deceiving and evidencing .

Can you put eight historical events — including the first European universities, Joan of Arc and roller disco — in chronological order? Take this week’s Flashback quiz .

And here are today’s Mini Crossword , Wordle , Sudoku , Connections and Strands .

Thanks for spending part of your weekend with The Times.

Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox . Reach our team at [email protected] .

An earlier version of this newsletter misidentified the winner of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. It was Mystik Dan, not Sierra Leone.

How we handle corrections

Joe Drape is a Times reporter writing about how the intersection of money, power and sports impacts our culture. More about Joe Drape

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Minister Blair announces additional military assistance for Ukraine at the 21 st meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group

From: National Defence

News release

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The meeting was held virtually on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries.

April 26, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 21 st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The meeting was held virtually on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries.

At today’s meeting, Minister Blair announced that Canada is donating $3 million to Ukraine for the production of drones by Ukraine’s domestic defence industry. This marks the first time that Canada is contributing directly to the production of military drones in Ukraine, and this donation will be made in collaboration with the United Kingdom.

Minister Blair also confirmed that Canada is providing an additional contribution of approximately $13 million to Czechia’s initiative to procure and deliver large-calibre ammunition for Ukraine. This contribution comes in addition to last month’s announcement of $40 million and brings Canada’s total contribution to the Czech initiative to over $53 million.

In addition, Minister Blair noted that Canada’s donation of drones from Teledyne FLIR in Waterloo, Ontario, announced in February 2024 , will grow by an additional 100 drones – bringing our total contribution of SkyRanger drones to 900. Delivery of these drones will begin in May.

These donations are funded by the $500 million military assistance package that Prime Minister Trudeau announced in Kyiv on June 12, 2023.[DM1] [AV2]

Minister Blair also provided updates on the delivery of other donations:

  • The first 10 of 50 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles that Canada will donate to Ukraine will be delivered to Europe this summer. Ukrainians will be trained on the vehicles in the summer, and the vehicles will move to Ukraine in the fall. These vehicles are built by Canadian workers at General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in London, Ontario.
  • The 10 Multirole Boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies committed in January are set to be delivered this July, including the provision of commercially contracted training for Ukrainian operators, as well as trailers and spare parts; and
  •  As announced earlier this year, Canada has been contributing to Ukraine’s F-16 fighter capability by providing training since February 2024. Canada is providing civilian instructors, planes, and support staff contracted from Montreal-based Top Aces Inc. to support pilot and maintenance personnel training [AV3] [SW4]  for Ukraine’s incoming F-16 fleet, under the auspices of the Air Force Capability Coalition. In addition, Canada is providing language training to 14 Ukrainian air force members at the Canadian Forces language school in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.  

Canada’s military assistance to Ukraine demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing Ukrainians with the military aid that they need in their fight against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war. As indicated in the Agreement on security cooperation between Canada and Ukraine , Canada will continue to support Ukraine for the long-term.

“Ukrainians have been relentless in their fight for freedom, democracy, and the rules-based international order that keeps us all safe. On the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Canada reaffirms that it will stand with Ukraine for as long as victory takes.” -        The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

The UDCG was created by the United States Secretary of Defense in April 2022 to allow Allies and partners to synchronize donations, consult, and coordinate military assistance to Ukraine, and build the capabilities of the AFU. Convening monthly at the ministerial level, the UDCG now brings together more than 50 countries. 

Canada is a member of the UDCG’s Armour, Air Force, and Drone coalition capabilities, which were established by UDCG members to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities in particular areas.

Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more. Canada is also contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s.

Since the launch of Operation UNIFIER, Canada has trained over 40,000 members of the AFU. Canada has announced the extension of this mission until March 2026, so that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can continue to respond to Ukraine’s urgent training needs.

Canada continues to train AFU members under Operation UNIFIER, with more than 300 CAF members deployed in various roles such as the provision and coordination of training, national command support, and the facilitation and delivery of military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies.

Since late March 2022, the CAF has been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine within Europe from Canada and on behalf of our Allies and partners, transporting over 16 million pounds of military donations to date.

Associated links

  • Canadian military support to Ukraine
  • Operation UNIFIER
  • Agreement on security cooperation between Canada and Ukraine
  • Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Diana Ebadi Press Secretary and Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of National Defence Email:   [email protected]

Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: 613-904-3333 Email : [email protected]

Page details

COMMENTS

  1. Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel

    Украї́нська. The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) is one of the many special measures the Government of Canada has introduced to support the people of Ukraine. It offers Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status and allows them to work, study and stay in Canada until it is safe for ...

  2. Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel

    The Canada‑Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (or CUAET) is a temporary travel visa introduced by the Canadian government in March 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.The program provides temporary status to Ukrainian nationals and their family members, allowing visa holders to travel, study, and work within Canada for up to three years.

  3. Canada extends Ukraine temporary visa program by 4 months. What to know

    The federal government will extend the emergency visa application period for Ukrainians fleeing Russia's war to July 15. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser's update Wednesday comes as the Canada ...

  4. Canada extends emergency travel program for Ukrainians fleeing war

    Ukrainians will now have until July 15, 2023, to apply to the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. The program was set to expire on March 31. The program was set to ...

  5. Prime Minister announces new measures to support Ukraine

    Streamlining current visa and travel requirements, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada. As of October 18, 2022, close to 315,000 applications have been approved. Associated Links. Ukrainian Canadian Congress; Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia

  6. Canada to extend Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel

    The Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada implemented the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). Under CUAET, Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. The CUAET measures also give Ukrainians who are already in Canada the ...

  7. Ottawa reveals details of emergency immigration program for Ukrainian

    7:39. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser joins Power & Politics to discuss the new emergency immigration program for Ukrainians that waives many of the typical requirements for Canadian visa ...

  8. Ukraine-Canada: Free travel visas in place until mid-July

    The federal government will give Ukrainians until mid-July to apply for a free temporary visa to Canada under an emergency program put in place last year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

  9. Canada launches special temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians

    On March 17, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), an accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians fleeing war. Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada for up to three years. Overseas applicants need to apply online for a visitor visa

  10. Ukrainians fleeing to Canada temporarily can stay for three years

    Through the 'Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel' program opening on Thursday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser says that those who come will be able ...

  11. Travel advice and advisories for Ukraine

    The government of Ukraine has declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law, which gives local authorities broad powers to enforce security measures including: ... The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or ...

  12. Canada's Ukraine emergency visa program is ending. What now?

    The government launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program in February 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. That war is now in its third year. The ...

  13. Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET)

    The CUAET is a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues. we stand with you—not only in our words, but also in our actions. Canada will offer safe haven to your families while you fight on the front lines of a war to defend your freedom to the ...

  14. Canada prepared to welcome an 'unlimited number' of Ukrainians fleeing

    People accepted under the Canada Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel program will have an open work or study permit and employers will be free to hire as many Ukrainians as they want ...

  15. Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

    The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel pathway is a safe, efficient way for Ukrainians to apply for temporary expedited visas. Until July 15, 2023, individuals in the below categories were eligible to apply for temporary residence in Canada under the CUAET: You are a Ukrainian national currently outside Canada

  16. Russian drone attack disrupts power supply to parts of Ukraine's Sumy

    Ukraine intercepted 12 out of 13 Shahed drones in Sumy region that were launched from the north at night, the Air Force said on Telegram. READ MORE Russian drone attack disrupts power supply to ...

  17. Why Ukrainian newcomers are not refugees and why that matters

    The resulting program, called the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, is different from any other program to date. People coming in through this program are considered temporary ...

  18. Canada to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine

    For Ukrainians who want to come to Canada temporarily, we will create a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, available for individuals fleeing Ukraine. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply. This is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada and eliminates many of the ...

  19. How Humans Failed Racehorses

    Ambulances rumbled onto the track, emergency workers erected privacy screens and, behind them, vets euthanized the horses with injections. All of it put the social acceptability of one of America ...

  20. Minister Blair announces additional military assistance for Ukraine at

    The meeting was held virtually on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries. At today's meeting, Minister Blair announced that Canada is donating $3 million to Ukraine for the production of drones by Ukraine's domestic defence industry.