Beregsurany & Luzhanka Border Crossing

The Gateway to the Hungarian Heart of Zakarpattia

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 Luzhanka with Beregsurány in Hungary is one of the most important and busiest checkpoints on this part of the border. It serves as the primary gateway to the city of Berehove (Beregszász), the undisputed cultural and political capital of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast. This is a major 24/7 international crossing, a bustling artery for passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. To cross here is to travel directly into the heart of a unique cultural enclave, a region where the Hungarian language, culture, and traditions have been preserved for centuries, creating a fascinating borderland experience.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast with Hungary’s Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. It is a full-service international crossing, open to all traffic 24 hours a day. Its strategic location, just a few kilometers from Berehove, makes it the preferred route for the majority of local cross-border traffic, as well as for international travelers exploring the region. The facility is large and designed to handle a high volume of traffic, but its popularity means that it is often congested, with queues for both cars and trucks being a common occurrence.

Before Crossing

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A History of the Bereg Region

The history of this region is the history of the Bereg County of the former Kingdom of Hungary. For over a thousand years, this was a core part of the Hungarian state. The city of Beregszász was a royal town with a rich history. The border, established after World War I and solidified after World War II, divided this cohesive region, placing its main city and a large part of its population within the Soviet Union (and later Ukraine). Despite this, the region has maintained its strong Hungarian identity. The Luzhanka-Beregsurany crossing is, therefore, more than just a checkpoint; it is a vital lifeline that connects the Hungarian community of Zakarpattia with their cultural homeland.

Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a rigorous and often slow process, reflecting its status as a major external border of the EU and the Schengen Area. You will first complete exit formalities at the Ukrainian checkpoint at Luzhanka. After a short drive, you will arrive at the Hungarian checkpoint at Beregsurány for a full EU/Schengen 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). Customs inspections can be thorough. The high volume of local traffic, with many people crossing regularly for work or shopping, combined with tourist and freight traffic, leads to persistent congestion.

The Surrounding Region

The main attraction is the city of Berehove (Beregszász) itself. It is a charming city where Hungarian is the predominant language heard on the streets. The city has beautiful architecture from the Austro-Hungarian era, a thermal spa, and is the center of the region’s wine-making tradition. The area around Berehove is dotted with small villages, many with beautiful historic churches. On the Hungarian side, Beregsurány is a small border village. The crossing provides good access to the Hungarian city of Vásárosnamény and the wider Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. The entire region is part of the flat, fertile Pannonian Plain.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is essential for this route. Be prepared for potentially long wait times. Have a full tank of fuel and some supplies. The official currencies are the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) and the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Services are widely available in Berehove and in the towns on the Hungarian side. You will need the Hungarian `e-matrica` vignette for your vehicle, which should be purchased online in advance. Be aware of the strict EU limits on the quantity of goods you can bring from Ukraine, as customs checks are frequent.

Final Considerations

The Luzhanka–Beregsurany border crossing is the pulsating heart of the Ukrainian-Hungarian borderland. It is a place of immense cultural significance and constant movement. While the queues can be daunting, the journey through it offers a unique insight into the life of one of Europe’s most significant national minority communities. It is a crossing that is both a major international gateway and an intimate local lifeline, a bridge that connects not just two states, but two parts of a single, enduring culture.