On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia invaded its neighbor country Ukraine, starting a war between these two countries.
This act of invasion caused many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek shelter in places like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, etc…
At this time, we recommend no travel to Russia or Ukraine, or any neighboring countries for your own safety.
Ukraine : Safety by CityLviv is one of the most important cities in Ukraine and the surrounding region.
It is not a big city, amounting to approximately 724,000 people
The city was part of Poland until 1939 when it became part of Ukraine.
Right now, apart from it being the city of the biggest importance in the region, it’s also a major Ukrainian cultural hub, not to mention that its historic city center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Regarding the current situation in the eastern part of Ukraine, Lviv has not been affected by political instability and is considered to be a pretty safe place among all Ukrainian cities.
Warnings & Dangers in Lviv
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Generally speaking, Lviv is a safe city for visitors, and one of the safest cities in Ukraine. It is a city where travelers aren't too common, though, but if you do visit, you can mostly relax and just follow the rules of common sense.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation is one of the most common places where you'll find pickpockets operating. Transport is generally safe, though you should keep in mind that most of the signs are written in Cyrillic letters.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpockets are a serious issue in Lviv, as in the rest of Ukraine, and it can occur everywhere so you should be careful particularly in crowded places, in tourist areas, in bars and nightclubs and on public transportation.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
As for natural disasters, what still represents the biggest issue in Lviv is the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster. It is also susceptible to frequent flooding, freezing winters, and storms.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
As for violent crime, it is very rare in the city of Lviv - especially towards foreigners This isn't to say you shouldn't be careful, particularly in secluded and dark streets and areas.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Lviv, and the authorities in Ukraine have announced that they have already disrupted numerous planned attacks, including the main and most important cities of the country.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There aren't any particular scams typical for this city. Still, you are advised to be careful on the streets, keep an eye on your drink and always check your change twice. Be especially careful around taxi drivers trying to overcharge you.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Lviv is a safe place for solo female travelers. Just don't do anything you wouldn't do in your city. Though there are petty crimes and terrorist threats, as a woman, you're mostly safe in this city.
So... How Safe Is Lviv Really?
Lviv is much safer than most other cities in Ukraine and is on par with most European cities of its size in terms of public safety
As with any city, there are places one should not wander alone, and these areas can shift, so be wise and ask locals for advice.
Also – if you are a person of color, unfortunately, you are at higher risk.
Lviv is not as safe for black people, especially black men, and if you’re colored you will not want to walk alone at night, and you will want to avoid groups of guys hanging out on the street at night.
There are a few other minor hazards or things to be aware of: drink bottled water, be aware of uneven road and potholes, watch out for some crazy drivers, etc.
As for petty crime, it’s on the rise in this city, and a real problem!
Don’t flash your money around, don’t go down empty streets alone at night, make copies of all your important papers and generally act like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going.
Attacks on ethnic grounds are very rare and would be on par with many other cities in Europe, like, for instance, Poland.
There is low tolerance to LGBT but this doesn’t cause present danger on the street.
How Does Lviv Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Lviv | 61 |
| Kyiv | 52 |
| Odesa | 47 |
| Kharkiv | 55 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many countries do not need a visa to enter Lviv. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of your travel and you need to apply for your visa well in advance as they cannot be acquired on Ukranian airports. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Ukrainian embassy for further information.
Currency
Ukrainian hryvnia is the official currency in Lviv. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and you can expect them even outside of the city. Credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.
Weather
Lviv has a cold and humid continental climate. Lviv has a significant amount of rainfall during the year, even during the driest month. Winters here are warm without much snow while summers are rainy.
Airports
Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport is an international airport in Lviv, Ukraine. It is located approximately 6 km from the center of Lviv.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Lviv, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Lviv Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | -1 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Low °C | -6 | -6 | -2 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | -4 |
| High °F | 30 | 32 | 41 | 54 | 64 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 64 | 55 | 41 | 34 |
| Low °F | 21 | 21 | 28 | 37 | 46 | 52 | 54 | 54 | 46 | 39 | 32 | 25 |
Ukraine - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Kharkiv | 55 |
| Kyiv | 52 |
| Lviv | 61 |
| Odesa | 47 |
Color people could feel totally safe
Absolutely wrong. I frequently see black people and in Lviv, you could feel totally safe if you’re black, white or any other color.
“Also – if you are a person of color, unfortunately, you are at higher risk.
Lviv is not as safe for black people, especially black men, and if you’re colored you will not want to walk alone at night, and you will want to avoid groups of guys hanging out on the street at night.”
Yes but no
Sorry, Ihor, but it is untrue to say that men of color are safe in Ukraine (and most of Eastern Europe), especially after the rise of the Azov movement. And not even so much in Lviv either, lately.
But that’s life. Because other than that, it’s a paradise city! 🙂
Lviv is safe for people of color
I have been living in Lviv for the past three years and coming to lviv on business for the last 10. I can say that you can encounter racism, but it’s really rare. I never felt unsafe and I’m a Black American.
“after the rise of Azov movement”? what is that even supposed to mean? Azov is a military unit of the Ukraine army, they give a shot about foreigners regardless of their color as long as it’s not russians. I assume you are just one of them.
Ukraine, especially western Ukraine is generally totally safe for any ppl. Tons of foreign tourists and students from Africa, Asia etc. come there every year.
I’ve been living in Lviv for the last 15 years. I came here for college education and stayed because I met the love of my life, and because it’s the most tolerant, vibrant, friendly, open, and pretty city in whole Ukraine.
Russian propaganda
Lmao this is stupid, Lviv is way safer than any city in the US, especially if you’re black cuz our police aren’t trying to kill you.
Totally agreed,I wish to come ukrain and stay life time,bcoz of Ukrainian ppl❤️
I am a black African American who visited Lviv Ukraine as one of Jehovah’s witnesses. My experience was great with the city people on the streets, my shopping experience as well as offering encouragement from the Bible…A Book for aLL people. I loved that experience.💞