Horodyshche & Verkhnii Terebezhov Border Crossing

A Closed Local Crossing

Important Note for Travelers: Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the volatile political situation with Belarus, this border crossing is closed and the entire region is a high-risk security zone. It is not operational. This guide is provided for historical and informational purposes only.

The border crossing connecting the Belarusian village of Verkhnii Terebezhov with Horodyshche in Ukraine was a small, local checkpoint situated in a deeply rural part of the Polesie region. This was a route that served the needs of the local communities, a simple passage through a landscape of forests, fields, and small rivers. It was not a crossing designed for international transit or heavy commerce; its purpose was to allow residents to maintain the close-knit social and economic ties that have long characterized this borderland. To cross here was to experience the border at its most fundamental level: a line that people needed to cross to go about their daily lives.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connected the Brest Region of Belarus with the Rivne Oblast of Ukraine. It was a minor crossing with limited daylight operating hours and was restricted to passenger cars and local traffic. This ensured that the crossing remained a quiet and integrated part of the local landscape. Its existence was a practical solution to the challenges posed by a border that cut through a historically cohesive area, allowing for a degree of normalcy and convenience for the local population.

A History of the Polesie Region

The history of this region is the history of Polesie, a vast lowland that has long been a distinct cultural and geographic zone. The people of this area, known as Poleshuks, have their own unique traditions and dialects, shaped by the forested and often waterlogged environment. The region has been part of various larger states over the centuries, but it has always retained a strong local identity. The border established in the 20th century between the Belarusian SSR and the Ukrainian SSR divided this region. The Verkhnii Terebezhov-Horodyshche crossing was one of the small links that helped to mitigate this division, allowing people to visit relatives, access markets, or work on land that was now in another country.

Former Border Procedure

The border crossing procedure, when it was operational, was a simple and personal two-part process. Travelers would first complete exit formalities at the small Belarusian checkpoint at Verkhnii Terebezhov. This involved a straightforward check of passports and vehicle documents by the border guards. They would then proceed to the Ukrainian entry checkpoint at Horodyshche for inspection by the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service. A valid passport and vehicle documents, including international insurance (Green Card), were required. Given the very low volume of traffic, the process was typically very fast, with none of the queues or impersonal nature of the major international posts.

The Surrounding Region

The surrounding area is deeply rural and known for its natural beauty. On both the Belarusian and Ukrainian sides, the landscape is a mosaic of pine and birch forests, agricultural fields, and extensive wetlands. This is a region that appeals to those seeking to escape the cities and experience traditional village life. The nearest town of any significance on the Belarusian side is Stolin, and on the Ukrainian side, the town of Dubrovytsia. The region is popular for its traditional crafts, folklore, and its pristine natural environment, offering opportunities for hunting, fishing, and foraging.

Closure Due to War

The closure of this crossing, like all others on the Belarus-Ukraine border, was an immediate and direct consequence of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Belarus’s complicity in the invasion turned the entire border into a hostile frontier. All checkpoints were sealed, and the area became a militarized zone. The small, peaceful crossing at Verkhnii Terebezhov-Horodyshche ceased to exist as a point of passage overnight.

Final Considerations

The Verkhnii Terebezhov–Horodyshche border crossing was a small but vital link for the local communities of the Polesian borderland. It was a testament to a time when border policy could accommodate the simple, everyday needs of people’s lives. Its closure is a tragic but necessary consequence of the war. The quiet country road that once connected neighbors now leads to a fortified and closed border. It is a poignant symbol of how major geopolitical conflicts have a devastating impact on the small, local connections that form the true fabric of a region, turning a familiar path into an impassable and dangerous frontier.