Curfew in Kyiv
Because of martial law, most regions of Ukraine have a curfew — a restriction on being outdoors without special permission during certain hours. In Kyiv, the curfew currently runs from 12:00 am to 5:00 am.
Without a special permit, you may only be outside during curfew hours in emergency situations, including:
- Going to a shelter during an air raid alert;
- Reaching a Point of Invincibility (heated resilience centers set up during outages);
- Getting home from the train station if your train is delayed and arrives after midnight — this can occasionally happen due to attacks or power outages.
If you need to be outside between 12:00 am and 5:00 am, make sure to carry an ID and be prepared to explain your situation to police or security patrols on the streets. Violating curfew without a valid reason may lead to detention or a fine.
How the city operates during curfew hours
- Most restaurants, shops, pharmacies, and other venues close by 10:00 pm.
- The metro runs until 11:00 pm, and ground public transport usually runs until about 10:30 pm. In practice, it’s safest to plan your trips so you arrive by 10:00 pm to avoid long waits or missing the last ride.
- During curfew hours, only two taxi services — Bolt and Uklon — operate, and only for emergency rides. Prices usually increase after about 11:00 pm.
How to check for curfew updates
Curfew hours may change depending on the security situation in a specific region, but this does not happen often. In Kyiv, the schedule was last changed on March 26, 2023, and has remained 12:00 am to 5:00 am since then.
If any updates are introduced, they are announced through official city channels and major news outlets.
Q&A about Curfew in Kyiv
Yes, due to martial law, there is a mandatory curfew in place across the capital. During these hours, being outdoors without a special permit is strictly prohibited, though there are essential exceptions for emergencies (such as going to a shelter during an air raid alert).
The official Kyiv curfew hours for 2026 are from 12:00 AM (midnight) to 5:00 AM. This schedule has remained consistent since March 2023, but you should always stay tuned to official city channels for any sudden updates.
Curfew begins precisely at 12:00 AM. To ensure everyone can get home safely, most restaurants and shops close by 10:00 PM. Ground public transport and the metro generally stop running between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, so it is highly recommended to plan your trips so you arrive at your accommodation by 10:00 PM.
