Dolobychiv & Uhryniv Border Crossing

A Modern, Local Crossing

Important Note for Travelers: Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, all border crossings with Poland 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 Uhryniv with Dołhobyczów in Poland is one of the newest and most modern checkpoints on the border. Opened in 2014, it was specifically designed to alleviate congestion at the busier crossings and to serve the local communities of the historic borderland region. This is not a crossing for heavy freight or long-distance transit; it is a purpose-built facility for passenger cars and light vehicles, situated in a quiet, rural landscape. To cross here is to experience a modern, EU-funded vision of what a local border crossing can be: efficient, small-scale, and integrated with the needs of the surrounding communities.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Ukraine’s Lviv Oblast with Poland’s Lublin Voivodeship. It is an international crossing with a crucial restriction: it is limited to passenger cars, buses, and vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. This complete exclusion of heavy freight traffic is the key to its character, making it a much quieter and typically faster option for eligible travelers. It generally operates 24/7 and was built with a modern, streamlined layout to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic, a stark contrast to some of the older, more cramped border posts.

A History of a Divided Land

The history of this region is one of a deeply intertwined Polish and Ukrainian heritage, part of the historic lands of Red Ruthenia and Galicia. The villages on both sides of the border have shared a common history for centuries within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The border on the Bug River, established after World War II, was a painful division that cut through communities and separated families. The opening of this new crossing in the 21st century was a significant event for the local population, a tangible result of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation and the EU’s Eastern Partnership policy, designed to restore local connections that had been severed for decades.

Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process for entering the EU and the Schengen Area, but it is often more efficient due to the modern design and the absence of trucks. You will first complete exit formalities at the Ukrainian checkpoint at Uhryniv. After a short drive, you will arrive at the Polish checkpoint at Dołhobyczów for a full EU entry inspection by the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) and Customs Service. You will need a valid passport, vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card). While the process is generally faster than at the major crossings, the increased traffic since 2022 means that queues can still form, especially during peak hours and holidays.

The Surrounding Region

The surrounding area is a rural landscape of rolling hills and agricultural fields. On the Ukrainian side, the crossing is near the historic town of Sokal. The road provides a good connection to the city of Lviv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the main cultural and tourist center of western Ukraine. On the Polish side, Dołhobyczów is a small village. The crossing is a gateway to the Roztocze region of Poland, a beautiful area of hills and forests known for the Roztocze National Park. It is also a good route for those heading towards the historic Renaissance town of Zamość, another UNESCO site.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is key. The most important factor is the vehicle weight restriction of 3.5 tonnes. The roads leading to the crossing are regional and generally in good condition. The official currencies are the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) and the Polish Złoty (PLN). Services at the border itself are very limited. It is essential to plan for fuel and any currency exchange in the larger towns like Sokal in Ukraine or Tomaszów Lubelski in Poland. You will need the Polish `e-TOLL` system if you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes, though such vehicles are not permitted here.

Final Considerations

The Uhryniv–Dołhobyczów border crossing is a modern and efficient option for passenger car travel between Ukraine and Poland. It stands as a successful example of cross-border cooperation aimed at improving local connectivity and easing pressure on major transport corridors. It offers a generally faster and less stressful experience for eligible travelers. In the current context, its role has become even more important, providing another crucial link for the movement of people. It is a border crossing that represents a forward-looking approach to border management, focused on the needs of people and communities.