Your journey across the border from Slovakia into Ukraine is a passage into the heart of the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. This is a relatively short frontier, but it is rugged, scenic, and feels more remote than many other European borders. It marks a clear transition as you move further into Eastern Europe. There are two main international road crossings for travelers. The busiest is at Vyšné Nemecké (Slovakia) and Uzhhorod (Ukraine). Uzhhorod, the main city in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast, is just a few kilometers from the border and serves as a fascinating introduction to the region with its distinct Hungarian and Slovak influences.
A second, smaller road crossing is located at Ubľa. There is also a crucial rail crossing at Čierna nad Tisou, which is a major hub for freight traffic. This border region is renowned for its beautiful wooden churches, or tserkvas, many of which are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites on both the Slovak and Ukrainian sides of the Carpathians. Planning a trip to see these architectural gems is a wonderful way to experience the shared cultural heritage of this mountainous and beautiful borderland. As an external Schengen border, you should be prepared for full passport and customs procedures.