The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided recommendations to pilgrims traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah on how to plan their route across the Polish-Ukrainian border.

This is stated in a letter from Vladislav Teofil Bartoszewski, State Secretary of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated August 31, 2026.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, large groups of pilgrims heading to Uman have been forced to use alternative routes every year. In many cases, these routes pass through Polish territory.

The Polish side urges pilgrims to plan their trips well in advance to minimize the risk of long waits at the border and other difficulties.

The letter drew particular attention to the situation at the “Medyka–Shehyni” border crossing, where large-scale modernization work is underway. As a result, the number of buses that can be processed at the border crossing is currently limited.

Poland recommends using the “Korchova” and “Budomierz” border crossings when returning from Uman, if possible. At the same time, pilgrims are asked to avoid crossing the border via “Medika” if there is an alternative.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reminded travelers about the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been in operation at the European Union’s external borders—including the Polish-Ukrainian border—since April 2026.

During initial registration in the EES, fingerprints and other biometric data are collected. As a result, the time required to pass through border control may increase.

The Polish side urges pilgrimage organizers to provide information in advance about the groups, routes, airports, and border crossing points that pilgrims plan to use.

Where in Uman will vehicle access be prohibited?

During the period of special measures, vehicle access will be completely prohibited in certain areas.

The ban will apply to the following routes:

• from Highway M-30 to Uman—on Derevyanka Street, near the “Standard Budivelnnyi” LLC facility;
• from the M-30 highway to Uman — on Gorikhova Street;
• from the village of Rodnikovka to Uman — on Pavlova Street.

Both local drivers and those planning to visit Uman during this period should take these restrictions into account.

Where Enhanced Traffic Controls Will Be in Effect in Uman

In addition to a complete ban on entry along certain routes, enhanced checkpoint controls will be in effect throughout the city.

Enhanced checkpoints will be established:

• from the M-30 — onto Derevyanka Street;
• from the M-05 highway onto Yednannia Street;
• from the village of Horodetske in the Palanska Territorial Community — at the intersection of Horodetska Street and Maksym Zaliznyak Street;
• from the M-30 — onto Mykhailivska Street;
• from the M-30 to Vokzalna Street;
• from the village of Rodnikovka in the Palanska Territorial Community — onto Kyivska Street.

Drivers should be prepared for additional checks and possible traffic delays in these areas.

Special traffic arrangements for pilgrims on Vyzvolyteliv Street

A separate rule will apply to traffic from the M-05 Kyiv–Odesa highway to Uman on Vyzvolyteliv Street.

This route will be open only to Hasidic pilgrims.

Therefore, other drivers should choose alternative routes in advance.

Restrictions in the pilgrimage district in Uman

During Rosh Hashanah, the sale of goods that may pose a safety risk will be prohibited in the pilgrimage district.

Specifically, the following items may not be sold:

• alcohol;
• fireworks;
• pyrotechnics;
• knives;
• other sharp or piercing objects;
• air guns;
• toys that imitate air guns.

These restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of public disorder and dangerous situations in places where large crowds gather.

Who Is Affected by the Restrictions

The restrictions apply to:

• local residents;
• visitors to Uman;
• drivers;
• transportation providers;
• Hasidic pilgrims;
• business owners operating in the pilgrimage district.

Why This Is Important

Rosh Hashanah in Uman attracts large numbers of Hasidic pilgrims every year. During this period, the strain on road infrastructure, law enforcement, medical services, and public utilities increases.

Special traffic regulations allow for better control of traffic flows, ensure safe access to the pilgrimage area, and reduce risks in areas with large crowds.