Law of Ukraine on Tourism

This section lays the legal foundation for the entire industry, defining terminology and key market players.

Article 1. Definition of Terms
This article serves as the industry "dictionary," eliminating double interpretation of concepts:
• Tourism — a temporary departure of a person from their place of residence for health, cognitive, or professional-business purposes (without obtaining income at the place of visit).
• Tourist — a person traveling within Ukraine or abroad for a period from 24 hours to one year.
• Tour Operators — legal entities with a license engaged in organizing and ensuring the creation of a tourism product (forming service packages).
• Travel Agents — intermediaries (individual entrepreneurs or legal entities) selling a tourism product created by tour operators.
• Hotel — a primary means of accommodation providing lodging and catering services according to established standards.

Art. 1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 2. Legislation of Ukraine on Tourism
Defines the legal field in which Four Gates Group operates:
• Based on the Constitution of Ukraine and this Law.
• Includes other regulatory acts and international treaties.
• Priority of international norms: if an international treaty establishes different rules than this Law, the rules of the international treaty shall apply.

Art. 2 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 3. Tourism Resources of Ukraine
Defines exactly what constitutes the object of interest for travelers:
• Objects of natural, historical, and cultural significance that satisfy the needs of the tourist.
• The state maintains records of such resources and ensures their protection.
• Access to resources is free, except for restrictions established by legislation (e.g., nature reserve regimes).

Art. 3 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 4. Organizational Forms and Types of Tourism
Classification of trips by direction and purpose:
• Forms of tourism: domestic (within the country), outbound (abroad), inbound (foreigners in Ukraine).
• Categories by purpose: wellness, cognitive, professional-business, sports, religious, ecological, rural, and others.
• Children's, youth, and tourism for persons with disabilities are highlighted separately as requiring special state support.

Art. 4 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 5. Participants in Tourism Activity Relations
Defines the circle of persons and organizations you interact with:
• Subjects of tourism activity: tour operators, travel agents, as well as guide-interpreters and excursion guides.
• Service providers: accommodation facilities (hotels), carriers (air, sea, road), catering, and cultural establishments.
• Authorities: ministries and local self-government bodies managing the industry.
• Tourists: as the primary consumers of services and subjects of protection.

Art. 5 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

SECTION II. STATE MANAGEMENT IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM

This section defines how the state monitors service quality, who is responsible for industry development, and what guarantees a traveler receives at the legal level. We at FOUR GATES GROUP strictly adhere to these regulations to provide you with European-standard service.

Article 6. Goals, Priority Directions, and Methods of State Regulation
Defines the main goals and instruments of state influence on the tourism sector:
• The state declares tourism as one of the priority directions for economic and cultural development and creates conditions for tourism activity.
• Main goal: ensuring the rights of citizens to rest, freedom of movement, safety, environmental protection, satisfaction of spiritual needs, and health improvement.
• Priority directions: implementing favorable conditions for children's, youth, and social tourism, as well as stimulating inbound and domestic tourism.
• Regulation methods: state registration of business subjects, licensing of tour operator activity, certification of services, and establishment of hotel categories ("star rating").

Art. 6 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 7. Bodies Exercising State Management in the Field of Tourism
Lists the responsible institutions shaping the market rules:
• The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (defines general principles of state policy).
• The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (ensures the execution of state programs, approves licensing procedures).
• Central executive body (ensures the formation and implementation of state policy in tourism and resorts).
• Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, local state administrations, and local self-government bodies.

Art. 7 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 8. Powers of the Central Executive Body
Outlines specific tasks of the specialized agency:
• Drafting laws and other regulatory acts in the field of tourism.
• Organizing and conducting the licensing of tour operator activity, monitoring compliance with license conditions.
• Maintaining the State Register of Tourism Activity Subjects.
• Facilitating the creation of modern tourism infrastructure and attracting investments.
• Representing Ukraine in international tourism organizations.

Art. 8 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 9. Powers of Local Bodies in the Field of Tourism
Regulates the development of tourism destinations at the level of regions and communities:
• Development and implementation of regional tourism development programs.
• Conducting market analysis and forecasting industry development in the region.
• Ensuring information support for tourists (creation of information centers).
• Facilitating the protection and rational use of tourism resources locally.

Art. 9 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 10. Environmental and Cultural Heritage Protection
Establishes rules for tourism that is safe for nature and history:

• Tourism development must not lead to the deterioration of the environment or the destruction of cultural monuments.
• Subjects of tourism activity are obliged to take measures to preserve ecosystems and historical sites in places where tourists stay.
• Use of tourism resources is carried out taking into account maximum permissible loads on the natural environment.

Art. 10 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

SECTION III. TOURISM SAFETY

This section is critically important for every traveler, as it defines state standards for your protection — from physical safety on the route to financial guarantees for refunds.

Article 13. Support of Tourists by Tourism Support Specialists
Establishes strict requirements for those responsible for your trip "in the field":
• Services related to tourism support (excursion services, guide-interpreters) may only be provided by persons with relevant professional education or special training.
• Every specialist (guide, excursion guide, instructor) is required to have a document (ID or certificate) confirming their right to provide such services.
• The presence of certified support is a mandatory condition for tours with an increased risk level, guaranteeing professional assistance in any situation.

Art. 13 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 14. Tourism Safety
The main article regulating the tour operator's duties regarding your protection:
• Subjects of tourism activity are obliged to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of tourists and prevent injury or harm to health.
• Information safety: the organizer is obliged to provide the tourist with exhaustive information about potential dangers during the trip, climate, customs, and necessary vaccinations in advance (before the contract is concluded).
• In the event of an emergency, the tour operator is obliged to immediately provide assistance to the tourist and report to the relevant state authorities.

Art. 14 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 14-1. Ensuring Safety of Tourism Infrastructure Objects
Responsibility of owners of hotels, recreation centers, and cruise ships:
• Owners and managers of infrastructure objects bear personal responsibility for the safe operation of buildings, structures, attractions, and other equipment.
• All objects must comply with technical, fire safety, and sanitary standards established by legislation.
• Mandatory presence of evacuation plans and first aid equipment on the territory of every object.

Art. 14-1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 15. Financial Security for Tour Operator and Travel Agent Liability
Your monetary "body armor" in case of force majeure:
• To obtain a license, a tour operator is required to provide confirmation of financial security (a bank guarantee). The amount is 20,000 euros for outbound tourism and 2,000 euros for domestic/inbound tourism.
• These funds are reserved for reimbursing losses to the tourist in case of company insolvency or for the emergency return of travelers home.
• For a travel agent, such a guarantee must be at least 2,000 euros.

Art. 15 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 16. Insurance for Tourists
Mandatory requirements for insurance protection during the trip:
• Insurance for tourists (medical and against accidents) is mandatory and is usually provided by the tour operator based on contracts with insurance companies.
• The insurance policy must provide for medical assistance and reimbursement of expenses directly in the country of stay.
• The tourist has the right to independently choose an insurer if the offered policy meets the tour's requirements.

Art. 16 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

SECTION IV. ORGANIZATION OF TOURISM ACTIVITY

This section defines professional standards and conditions under which a company has the right to be called a tour operator and an accommodation facility — a hotel. We at FOUR GATES GROUP strictly follow these license conditions, which is a guarantee of our reliability.

Article 17. Licensing of Tour Operator Activity
Defines state control over company admission to the market:
• A business entity has the right to conduct tour operator activity only after obtaining the relevant license.
• The license confirms the company's compliance with established personnel, financial, and organizational state requirements.
• Conducting activity without a license or in violation of its conditions entails liability according to the law, up to the cancellation of the right to work.

Art. 17 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 18. Standardization and Certification in Tourism Activity
Regulates service quality through a system of state standards:
• Tourism infrastructure objects (hotels, catering establishments) are subject to certification for compliance with safety and quality requirements.
• Standardization is aimed at protecting consumer rights and ensuring uniform service criteria.
• A certificate of conformity is official confirmation that the service is provided at the proper level and is safe for the client.

Art. 18 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 19. Establishing Categories for Tourism Infrastructure Objects
The procedure for assigning "stars" and professional categories:
• Hotels and other accommodation means are assigned categories (from 1 to 5 stars) based on the results of official certification.
• A category is established for a period of 5 years. It is prohibited to provide accommodation services without a category certificate or confirmation of compliance with safety norms.
• Information regarding the hotel's actual category must be available to the traveler even before booking.

Art. 19 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 19-1. State Register of Tourism Activity Subjects
A unified database for full market transparency:
• The state maintains an open register containing information on all licensed tour operators and certified hotels.
• The register allows any citizen to verify a company's legitimacy, the presence of a valid license, and a bank guarantee.
• Data in the register is updated based on reports from activity subjects, which eliminates "shadow" firms.

Art. 19-1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 20. Tourism Services Contract
The main legal document protecting the tourist's interests:
• Under the contract, the tour operator undertakes to provide a range of services (tourism product) as ordered by the tourist, and the tourist undertakes to pay for it.
• The contract is concluded in written or electronic form and contains the tour program, type of transport, hotel category, meals, insurance amount, and price.
• Any change to contract terms after signing is possible only with the consent of both parties and mandatory notification of the tourist.

Art. 20 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 21. Excursion Services Contract
Under an excursion services contract, one party (a tourism activity subject) undertakes, for a fee established by the contract, to provide services at the order of the other party (excursionist) not exceeding 24 hours, accompanied by a tourism support specialist along a pre-arranged route.
The excursion services contract is concluded according to the rules defined by this Law, including by issuing a voucher.

Art. 21 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 22. Hotel Services Contract
Under a hotel services contract, one party (a hotel or other accommodation provider) undertakes, at the instruction of the other party (resident), to provide temporary accommodation services in a specially equipped living space (room), as well as other services related to stay, and the resident undertakes to pay for these services in accordance with contract terms and established rules.
Respective provisions of civil legislation apply to hotel services contract relations unless otherwise provided by the contract, this Law, or other regulatory acts.

Art. 22 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 23. Voucher
A voucher is a form of written contract for tourism or excursion services that can be used in accordance with this Law.
A tourism services contract concluded via a voucher must include: voucher series and number; name and location of the tourism activity subject that issued the voucher; type of tourism service; period of service provision; total cost of services; information about the tourist.

Art. 23 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 24. Rights and Obligations of Tourism Activity Subjects
Tourism activity subjects have the right: to produce and sell tourism services according to legislation; to submit proposals regarding the protection of Ukraine's tourism resources, their preservation, and restoration.
Tourism activity subjects are obliged: to ensure conditions for the preservation of tourists' lives and health, to provide full and accurate information about services, and to reimburse losses in case of non-fulfillment of contract terms.

Art. 24 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 25. Rights and Obligations of Tourists and Excursionists
Tourists and excursionists have the right to: the realization of citizens' rights to rest, freedom of movement, restoration and strengthening of health, an environment safe for life and health as fixed by the Constitution of Ukraine, and to receive mandatory information about the country (place) of stay.
Tourists are obliged: to comply with contract terms, the legislation of the country of stay, respect its traditions, and follow customs and border control rules.

Art. 25 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

SECTION V. PERSONNEL, SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT, AND ASSOCIATIONS IN TOURISM

Article 26. Training, Retraining, and Advanced Training of Personnel in Tourism Activity
Professional training, retraining, and advanced training of personnel in tourism activity are carried out by state, communal, and private educational institutions in the manner established by law.
The central executive body ensuring state policy formation in tourism, together with the central executive body in education and science, develops state educational standards and curricula for training specialists for the tourism industry.

Art. 26 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 27. Scientific Support in the Field of Tourism
Scientific support in tourism is carried out by specialized scientific institutions, higher educational institutions, and other organizations.
Main tasks of scientific support include developing tourism development concepts, studying the tourism market, developing standards and norms, monitoring tourism resources, and assessing tourism's impact on the socio-economic state of the country.

Art. 27 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 28. Associations of Tourism Activity Subjects
For the purposes of coordinating their activities, protecting common interests, and exercising professional self-government, tourism activity subjects have the right to create associations, unions, and other organizations in the manner defined by law.
Such associations have the right to participate in drafting regulatory acts and submit proposals for improving state policy in tourism.

Art. 28 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

SECTION VI. STATE CONTROL AND LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF TOURISM LEGISLATION

Article 29. Monitoring Compliance with Tourism Legislation
Monitoring compliance by tourism activity subjects with tourism legislation is carried out by the central executive body ensuring state policy formation in tourism, as well as other executive and local self-government bodies within their powers.
State control over compliance with license conditions for tour operator activity is exercised by the licensing body in accordance with the law.

Art. 29 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 30. Violation of Tourism Legislation
Violations of tourism legislation include: conducting tour operator activity without a license or after its cancellation; employing persons who do not meet qualification requirements for tourism services; providing inaccurate information about a tourism product; violating requirements for tourism services contract processing; non-fulfillment of obligations to the tourist provided for in the contract.

Art. 30 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 31. Liability for Violation of Tourism Legislation
Persons guilty of violating tourism legislation bear civil-legal, administrative, or criminal liability in accordance with the laws of Ukraine.
Application of liability measures does not release guilty persons from the obligation to compensate for harm caused as a result of violating tourism legislation.

Art. 31 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 32. Liability of Foreigners and Stateless Persons
Foreigners and stateless persons in Ukraine for the purpose of tourism, in case of violation of Ukrainian legislation, bear liability in accordance with the laws of Ukraine and international treaties, the binding nature of which has been consented to by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Art. 32 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 33. Compensation for Damages
Harm caused to the life, health, or property of a tourist (excursionist) is subject to full compensation by the tourism activity subject that provided the services, in the manner determined by the Civil Code of Ukraine, unless otherwise provided by contract or law.

Art. 33 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 34. Dispute Resolution Procedure
Disputes regarding the provision of tourism services are considered by courts in the manner established by law.
Protection of tourism service consumer rights is carried out by authorized state bodies in accordance with consumer protection legislation.

Art. 34 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Section VII. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM

Article 35. Principles of International Cooperation in the Field of Tourism
This article defines the strategic directions of Ukraine's interaction with the international community for the development of the tourism industry:
• Ukraine carries out international cooperation in the field of tourism through participation in the work of international organizations and the conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreements.
• The state promotes the expansion of ties with foreign countries to simplify formalities related to tourist exchanges.
• Development of cooperation with the aim of attracting foreign investment into the tourism infrastructure of Ukraine.
• Coordination of efforts to ensure the safety of tourists and the exchange of experience in the field of training personnel for the hospitality industry.

Art 35 of the Law of Ukraine On Tourism as amended in 2026 No. 324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, revised on 16.10.2020

Article 36. Representations of Ukraine in Tourism Outside of Ukraine
In order to promote the national tourism product on the global market, the state implements the following mechanisms:
• Creating tourism representations of Ukraine in other countries in the manner established by legislation.
• Carrying out advertising and information activities regarding Ukraine's tourism opportunities abroad.
• Establishing direct links with foreign tourism partners and organizing international events.
• Representing the interests of the Ukrainian tourism industry at international exhibitions, fairs, and conferences.

Art. 36 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 37. Specifics of Activity in Ukraine by Foreign Tourism Activity Subjects
This norm regulates the rules for foreign companies and specialists working in the Ukrainian market:
• Foreign subjects can work in Ukraine only through the creation of legal entities or the opening of branches (representations).
• Sales of tourism services by foreign firms are permitted exclusively through tour operators or travel agents who are residents of Ukraine.
• Services of guide-interpreters, guides, and excursion guides may only be provided by citizens of Ukraine or persons permanently residing in Ukraine.
• The activity of foreign subjects must comply with safety and quality standards established by Ukrainian legislation.

Art. 37 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 38. International Treaties in the Field of Tourism
Establishes the priority of international law over national law in case of legal discrepancies:
• Ukraine participates in international cooperation based on ratified international treaties.
• If an international treaty establishes different rules than those provided by this Law, the rules of the international treaty shall apply.
• Facilitating the harmonization of Ukrainian norms with the requirements of international organizations (specifically, the UN World Tourism Organization).

Art. 38 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

Article 39. Liability for Violation of Tourism Legislation
This article regulates the legal consequences for non-compliance with the norms of the law and protects traveler rights:
• Conducting tourism activity without the relevant license or in violation of its conditions.
• Providing poor-quality tourism services or inaccurate information to clients about tour conditions.
• Violating established safety rules during tours, creating a threat to life or health.
• Non-fulfillment of obligations to the tourist provided for in the tourism or excursion services contract.

Art. 39 of the Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" as amended in 2026 №324/95-VR dated 15.09.1995, version of 16.10.2020

SECTION VIII. ECONOMIC SUPPORT, CUSTOMS CONTROL AND FINAL PROVISIONS