During curfew hours, it is prohibited to be outdoors and in public places without a special permit or without the status of an employee of critical infrastructure facilities. If there is a need to travel at this time, for example to go to the railway station, law enforcement agencies should be notified in advance. In addition, during curfew hours it is forbidden to make noise, hold mass events, or carry out any actions that may pose a security threat.
The curfew in Odesa in 2025 is in effect daily from 00:00 to 05:00
On February 24, 2022, martial law was declared in Ukraine. Shortly thereafter, a curfew was introduced in all regions of Ukraine. During 2022–2024 this curfew underwent changes, and it also differs from region to region.
The definition of the term “curfew” is contained in Paragraph 5 of Part One of Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law,” namely, it is the prohibition of being outdoors and in other public places during a certain period of the day without specially issued permits and identification documents. The introduction of a curfew and the establishment of a special blackout regime are carried out only if there is a real threat to the life and safety of individuals, to the interests of society or the state, and also in order to ensure public order.
Thus, a curfew is a restriction on the movement of citizens and on the activity of enterprises, institutions, and organizations during a certain period of time, usually at night. In Ukraine, a curfew may be announced in cases of threats to national security, natural disasters, epidemics, and other emergency situations. During curfew hours, citizens must remain at home and refrain from any actions that may endanger their personal safety or the safety of others.
Rights and obligations of citizens during curfew
However, curfew does not mean that citizens are deprived of rights and freedoms, including the right to communication. The legislation of Ukraine establishes rules that must be followed during curfew to ensure the protection of national security and citizens’ rights.
First of all, during curfew hours it is prohibited to move around the streets unless this is related to the performance of official or emergency duties. Confirmation of such duties is an appropriate permit that grants the right to move freely during curfew hours. Any activity that may hinder the work of the military, law enforcement agencies, and other institutions is also prohibited.
During the implementation of curfew and the special blackout regime, the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Fiscal Service, the State Migration Service, and the State Emergency Service continue to carry out their tasks.
What is prohibited during curfew
During curfew hours it is prohibited to gather in certain places, hold any assemblies, rallies or demonstrations. Visiting entertainment and cultural establishments is also prohibited, except in cases related to the performance of official or emergency duties.
In addition, citizens must refrain from any actions that may disturb public order. For example, it is not allowed to sing or shout loudly, play music through open speakers, light bonfires, fireworks, or firecrackers.
During curfew hours it is prohibited to transport weapons, ammunition, explosives, as well as any items that can be used to commit crimes.
If there is a need to leave one’s place of residence during curfew hours, citizens must carry documents confirming the reason for being outdoors, including official documents or certificates from medical institutions.
In case of an air raid alert: if an air raid alert sounds during curfew hours, you must take your documents and proceed to the nearest shelter.
If you are stopped by a patrol, do not panic. Show your documents, explain the reason for being outdoors, and do not make sudden movements so as not to be mistaken for a saboteur.
In case of violation of curfew rules, citizens may be held liable in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine.