Dzvinkove & Lonya Border Crossing

A Quiet Passage in the Tisa Lowlands

Important Note for Travelers: Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, all border crossings are under significant strain. Wait times can be long and unpredictable. It is essential to consult official government sources and live queue data for the most up-to-date information on its operational status before planning any travel.

The border crossing connecting the Ukrainian village of Dzvinkove with Lónya in Hungary is one of the smallest and quietest checkpoints between the two nations. This is a journey into the heart of the Bereg region, a flat, fertile lowland plain defined by the Tisa River and its tributaries. It is not a route for heavy commerce or long-distance transit; it is a local crossing, designed to serve the small, predominantly Hungarian-speaking communities that straddle the border. To cross here is to experience the border at its most intimate and local scale, a simple passage through a landscape of agricultural fields, small villages, and a network of flood-control dikes.

Operational Details and Limitations

This checkpoint connects Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast with Hungary’s Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. It is a minor international crossing with a crucial feature: restricted operating hours. It is typically open only during daylight hours, for example from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and is intended for passenger cars and pedestrians. The exclusion of heavy freight traffic is key to its tranquil character. It is absolutely essential to verify the current operational hours before planning your trip, as schedules for such small crossings can be subject to change, especially outside the main summer season. Arriving to find it closed would necessitate a significant detour to the larger crossing at Luzhanka-Beregsurany.

A History of a Shared Cultural Region

The history of this region is the history of the Bereg County of the former Kingdom of Hungary. For centuries, this was a unified administrative and cultural area. The border, established after World War I and solidified after World War II, divided this cohesive region, leaving a large and deeply rooted Hungarian community within the territory of modern-day Ukraine. The crossing at Dzvinkove-Lónya is a testament to the need to maintain local connections in the face of these geopolitical changes. It allows families to visit relatives, farmers to access their lands, and communities to maintain the cultural ties that have existed for centuries. The nearby Hungarian village of Lónya is famous for its beautiful 13th-century Calvinist church with stunning medieval frescoes.

Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process for entering the EU and the Schengen Area, but on a much smaller scale. You will first complete exit formalities at the Ukrainian checkpoint at Dzvinkove. After a short drive, you will arrive at the Hungarian checkpoint at Lónya for a full EU entry inspection by the Hungarian Police (Rendőrség) and National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV). You will need a valid passport, a Schengen visa (if required), vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card). Because the traffic volume is very low, the process is usually quick and personal, a stark contrast to the hours-long waits that can occur at the main crossing at Chop-Záhony.

The Surrounding Bereg Region

The surrounding area is a flat, agricultural landscape, part of the Pannonian Basin. On the Ukrainian side, the crossing is in the Berehove Raion, the heart of the Hungarian cultural region in Zakarpattia. The nearby city of Berehove (Beregszász in Hungarian) is the main cultural and political center for the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, where Hungarian is an official regional language. The region is also known for its wine production, with numerous small cellars continuing a tradition that dates back centuries. On the Hungarian side, Lónya is a quiet village. The crossing provides access to the small town of Vásárosnamény and the wider Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, an area known for its unique medieval churches and its agricultural products, particularly apples and plums.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is essential for this route. The most important factor is the limited operating hours. The roads leading to the crossing are regional and can be narrow. The official currencies are the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) and the Hungarian Forint (HUF). There are no services like currency exchange or petrol stations at the border itself. You must take care of these necessities in larger towns like Berehove in Ukraine or Vásárosnamény in Hungary. You will need the Hungarian `e-matrica` vignette for your vehicle, which should be purchased online in advance.

Final Considerations

The Dzvinkove–Lónya border crossing is a route for the traveler seeking an authentic, unhurried experience of the Ukrainian-Hungarian borderland. It is a peaceful and uncomplicated passage that serves its local community with quiet reliability. Its limited hours and rural location make it unsuitable for transit on a tight schedule, but for those exploring the unique Hungarian cultural heritage of Zakarpattia or the medieval churches of northeastern Hungary, it offers a unique and personal border crossing experience. It is a journey that highlights the everyday human connections that persist across the formal lines of international politics.