
Foto: Alexandru Chiriac Kiri. R. Moldova. Refugee children from Ukraine waiting for a train to Romania at the Chisinau railway station
With more than three million refugees fleeing Ukraine, and thousands more crossing the borders every day, hundreds of initiatives have sprung up to provide practical support in neighbouring countries and beyond, ranging from small volunteer NGOs to major international organisations and state services.
Below is a list of just some of these initiatives and how you can access the support.
NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
HUNGARY
- Hungarian Association for Migrants information for Ukrainian refugees.
- Helsinki Committee information for Ukrainian refugees in four languages.
- Official Facebook page of the Embassy of Ukraine to Hungary.
- Hungarian Helsinki Committee, professional and free legal assistance, from counselling to representation. They published a guide for people fleeing to Hungary in Ukrainian and English. They also offer information on the new decree.
- Facebook group about transportation and accommodation sharing in Budapest, and from the borders to Budapest.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use all MAV trains with a free “solidarity ticket”. Wizz Air supports Ukrainian refugees by offering them 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.
MOLDOVA
- Dopomoga.gov.md – the main website for Ukrainian refugees, set up by Moldovan government, includes information about: banking facilities, housing (including free options), so-me support, info for medical care, support for kids, employment, food etc.).
- ‘First source’ of information provided by Moldovan government, Telegram channel – link
- Facebook page for helping Ukrainians and info – link
- Main Facebook group to find and offer help to refugees – link
- Telegram channel offering help for Ukrainians – link
- Viber support for Ukrainians – link
- FAQ about entering and transiting Moldova as a refugee – link
- Free transport from Moldovan border – link
- Guide for refugees link
- How to apply for asylum in Moldova link
- Info about queues on the border – link
POLAND
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- Polish government website page dedicated for Ukrainian citizens seeking refuge. It has a list of checkpoints and information in Ukrainian language.
- #PomagamUkrainie – platform for Ukrainian refugees to get help in Poland and volunteers from Poland willing to help Ukrainians.
- YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN ME – For the thousands of Ukrainian children who have fled to Poland since the war began, many now face the daunting task of starting new schools in a foreign country. This trilingual website connects Ukrainians seeking support with Polish students who want to help them. In just a week since going online, 7,000 people have contacted the site to either offer help or ask for support.
- https://sosdlaedukacji.pl/sos-dla-ukrainy/ Network of Social Organisations for Education – resources for Ukrainians.
- https://refugeeswelcome.pl/ Help for refugees.
- Free psychological support for Ukrainian artists and their relatives: link
- Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna): https://www.pah.org.pl/en/ukraine/
- Polish Center for International Aid: https://pcpm.org.pl/en/about-us/support-us.
- Polish-Ukrainian Foundation for Cooperation (U-Work): https://u-work.pl/en/darowizna/ (A Polish-based NGO which helps with integration of Ukrainian migrants.
- Polish Red Cross – Aid for Ukraine/Ukrainians https://pck.pl/na-pomoc-ukrainie/.
- Fundacja Ocalenie provides information on evacuation from Ukraine in Ukrainian and Polish.
- For transport: this bus company offers to transport refugees and accommodation. UA-PL transport group also organise and share transport (Facebook page).
- Information from Polish media in Ukrainian language. And a newspaper for Ukrainian citizens in Poland.
- For general help there are a lot of pages and organisations offering their support such as: “Our Choice”, “Ukrainian House in Warsaw” and the foundation EMIC.
- The Halina Nieć Legal Aid Center, the Association for Legal Intervention and Prawniczki i prawnicy Ukraińcom (Facebook group) can help you with legal support.
- If you are looking for information about a specific city you can look for help at: Rzeszów, Lublin, Gdańsk, Cracow, Łódź, Poznań, Warszaw, Wrocław, Katowice, Bydgoszcz.
- The Polish government has a helpline for people who feel they are in danger of human trafficking: It is +48 226280120.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use free of charge:
- PKP trains
- Polferries
- Flixbus transportation from Polish border cities to elsewhere in Poland
- They can also benefit from discounted tariffs with LOT Airlines.
- Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.
- Uber also offers unlimited free trips between the Ukrainian border and Polish cities
ROMANIA
- Kit from the International Organisation for Migrants in Romania – Useful information for people entering Romania from Ukraine (in English and Ukrainian).
- Dopomoha Platform – developed by Code for Romania with information and support for Ukrainians that want to enter Romania.
- UNHRC Romania – The UN Refugee Agency in Romania.
- UNION Romania – The UN International Organisation for Migrants in Romania.
- Romanian National Council for Refugees – CNRR
- JRS Romania – Official government website about asylum.
- LOGS Group for Social Initiatives support for refugees arriving in Romania.
- Refugees.ro Platform – containing a map and a database with types of assistance provided by Romanian citizens.
- UNIȚI PENTRU UCRAINA – Об’εднанi за Украiну – United for Ukraine – a Facebook group where Romanian people mobilise with anything they have (providing food, shelter, transport) (200k members).
- Call Centre (on WhatsApp) for information about asylum and information for Ukrainians (English, Russian and Ukrainian): +40 765 861 888. Call Center for social and psychological counselling for Ukrainians who have already taken refuge in Romania +40 745 139 747.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use CFR trains free of charge with a “Help Ukraine Ticket”, and STB shuttle bus.
- They can also use Romfour shuttle bus from station to station free of charge. Romfour organises bus transport to Italy and other European cities.
- Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.
- Hotel units in Romania that offer free accommodation for refugees from Ukraine
SLOVAKIA
- Official website introduced by the government of the Slovak Republic.
- Official website introduced by the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic – set up by the Ministry of Transport and construction of the Slovak Republic offering free accommodation for people fleeing from Ukraine.
- Official website introduced by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
- Official website of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic.
- Official website of the IOM Migration Information Centre.
- Official website of the Human Rights League (NGO).
- Website of the NGO initiative ‘Kto pomôže Ukrajine’.
- Website with available means of public transport.
- Ukraine-Slovakia SOS (NGO). Facebook page and Hotline: +421911201889 (Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber), ukrajina.sk.sos@gmail.com – Charity fund “Ukraine-Slovakia SOS”, civic association. “SME SPOLU” are coordinating humanitarian aids from Slovakia to Ukraine
- ČESMAD Slovakia: Rail Company of the Slovak Republic offers free transport in all trains for Ukrainian citizens who can provide a valid passport.
- NGOs offering support to refugees in Slovakia; Človek v ohrození and Mareena.
- Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that offers legal and practical guide for people leaving Ukraine to Slovakia.
- Free Dental care for Ukrainian refugees.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use ZSSK trains free of charge.
- Wizz Air offers Ukrainian refugees 100,000 free seats on all continental Europe flights departing from Ukraine’s border countries.
OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
AUSTRIA
- Facebook page where people get in touch to find help to cross the border, accommodation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tuma.austria
- Caritas Austria. All information for Ukrainian refugees in German and Ukrainian including on housing and financial support.
- Labour Market in Austria for Ukrainian Refugees. Information on getting a work permit in Austria.
- Help-line for Ukrainian refugees dealing with psychological emergencies.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use all Wienen Linien local public transport and OeBB trains free of charge.
BELGIUM
- Info Ukraine. General information for Ukrainians coming to Belgium.
- Facebook group for solidarity actions for Ukraine.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use SNCB/NMBS trains free of charge.
BULGARIA
- Facebook group offering information about accommodation and support to refugees.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use BDZ trains free of charge.
CROATIA
- Civil Protection Directorate: leaflet in Croatian and Ukrainian with instructions and useful information for Ukrainian refugees, to be distributed at Croatian border crossings. Includes information on nearest reception centres in Osijek, Varaždinske Toplice, and Gospić, and regional Red Cross offices.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use HŽ Putnički prijevoz trains free of charge with ‘solidarity tickets’ and with a “Help Ukraine Ticket”.
CYPRUS
- UNHCR Cyprus – information for people arriving from Ukraine.
- For information and to download Application for Temporary Protection, visit the website of the Asylum Service of the Republic of Cyprus.
CZECH REPUBLIC
- This site contains all the necessary information in one place
- Ministry of the interior site (shelters and more, phone: +420 974 801 802)
- For refugees who need a ride from borders: this site.
- Embassy of Ukraine in Prague (they inform about evacuation trains to Prague)
- FB group to support refugees (shelter & transport)
- Accommodation from Czech Refugees Welcome and their form for the ones seeking a place to stay
- Association for Integration and Migration – NGO offering legal, social and psychosocial counselling.
- Organization for Aid to Refugees (OPU): NGO offering accommodation and legal help.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use RegioJet, Leo Express, České dráhy trains and Arriva transport free of charge. They can also use Prague public transport and public transport in the Central Bohemian Region.
DENMARK
- Information to persons from Ukraine: Q&A from Danish immigration service for displaced persons from Ukraine – the page will continuously be updated and expanded with relevant information. In English and Danish.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use DSB trains free of charge. Ukrainian cars can pass Öresundsbron (Denmark-Sweden bridge) without being charged.
ESTONIA
- Estonian government website page dedicated for Ukrainian citizens and Estonian citizens living in Ukraine. Provides official information and resources.
- Estonian youth portal, where it is possible to find related topics in Russian and Estonian.
- Information for refugees coming to Estonia.
- Ukraina Heaks. Organisation supporting Ukrainians to come to Estonia as well as supporting them with supplies.
- Estonian refugee help also available in Ukrainian: https://www.pagulasabi.ee/uk.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Public Transport trains free of charge.
FINLAND
- Finnish Immigration Service – instructions on arriving in Finland from Ukraine, including temporary protection and asylum, access to accommodation, services and work, and continuously updated FAQ – available in Ukrainian.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Onnibus transports and VR trains free of charge. They can also benefit from a 95% discount on net fares for one-way Finnair tickets from Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Budapest and Prague to Helsinki.
FRANCE
- Information for Ukrainian displaced people and seeking to apply for temporary protection in France – government website in Ukrainian.
- City of Paris: practical information for refugees including reception centres, temporary accommodation, psychological support, and assistance to Ukrainian youth and students. In French and English.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use SNCF and Thalys trains free of charge.
GEORGIA
- ‘Spend 4 Seasons in Georgia’ (Public group in FB) – In the light of the current events, the platform which was initially designed to boost the image of Georgia, country’s tourism potential & attract more tourists from the whole world is now fully dedicated to serve as a support platform for all those who can help Ukrainians both located in Ukraine and Georgia. Ordinary citizens are offering shelter, humanitarian support, collecting funds, clothes & other primary items, transportation, jobs.
- NGO ‘HelpUkraine.ge’ – A Georgian based volunteer group focused on helping Ukrainian people with humanitarian aid. This non-profit organisation is working directly with the Ukrainian Embassy to help coordinate any assistance necessary including collecting food, medicine and any essential household goods.
- RELOCATION.GE – Support project for Ukrainian citizens in Georgia, connecting people who are in difficult life situations with people who are ready to help. The project offers support with accommodation, medical care & humanitarian aid (food & hot meals, clothes & shoes, hygiene kits)
- UNHCR Georgia – UNHCR Georgia is offering Ukrainian refugees offers legal assistance, support on social issues and for human rights related issues.
- Hotline: +995 577 415 610
- Email: geotbprt@unhcr.org
- Address: 2a Kazbegi Avenue, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Rights Georgia – for Legal Assistance: Hotline: +995 593 111 405, email: office@rights.ge, Address: 11a Gakhokidze Str., 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
- World Vision Georgia – for Social Issues: Hotline: +995 577 045 645, Address: 67B Zhiuli Shartava Str., Tbilisi, Georgia
- Public Defender of Georgia (PDO) – for Human Rights related matters: Hotline: 1481, email: info@ombudsman.ge, Address: 80 David Aghmashenebeli Ave., 0102, Tbilisi, Georgia.
GERMANY
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees: Information for people from Ukraine on entering and staying in Germany.
- ‘Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe’ – emergency aid for Ukrainians:
- Pro Asyl offers advice for refugees from Ukraine.
- ‘Helpukraine’ ticket of the Deutsche Bahn (German railway) allows refugees from Ukraine to travel to any station in Germany free of charge. You can travel with your Ukrainian passport/ID card to Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg and Munich.
- More than 25,000 beds in private homes are offered by over 11,000 people in Germany. Temporary homes for Ukrainians in Germany can also be found here.
- Ukraine – BIPOC and LGBTQ+ accommodation, inclusive space for people fleeing from Ukraine – for persons that might be non-white, non-European, non-cis, non-straight.
- List of Berlin-based lawyers specialised in asylum.
- Immigration specialists in Berlin: Ina Pilkington (INA@expatsinwonderland.com ) and Peer Rogge (PEER@expatsinwonderland.com).
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use DB trains (https://www.bahn.de/info/helpukraine), ODEG trains and all VBB local public transport free of charge.
- Psychological Assistance: for those in need of psychological support at this time, the German-Ukrainian Academic Society has compiled a list of resources on their page Psychological support: #ЯБудуТвоїмТилом (ukrainet.eu).
GREECE
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum – Information for Displaced Persons from Ukraine: includes information on arrival, temporary protection, accommodation, unaccompanied minors and FAQs ranging from schools to health care and travelling with pets – available in Greek, English and Ukrainian.
IRELAND
- Irish Refugee Council. Provides useful information to people fleeing Ukraine.
- Information about the lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens travelling to Ireland can be found here.
- Citizens information, provides all the necessary information and important links in order to apply for international protection in Ireland.
- Ukrainian Crisis Centre in Ireland – Website containing information about donations, legal, medical & general support, jobs & volunteering for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. Hotline: +353894425522 (10:00 – 19:00 Dublin Time [GMT+00]), email: irelandstandswithukraine@googlegroups.com.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use free of charge: Irish rail trains, Bus Éireann transportation and Expressway transportation.
ITALY
- Interior Ministry: Information for Ukrainian refugees entering Italy.
- The ‘Help’ website run by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, offers information to refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless people in order to help them know more about their rights, obligations and the services available to them.
- Consiglio Italiano per i Rifugiati (CIR). Information, news and general help.
- Practical Guide For Asylum Seekers In Italy.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Flixbus transportation and Marino Bus transportation free of charge. They can also travel free of chargewith Trenitalia group transport within a maximum of 5 days from entering Ita
LATVIA
- Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem – NGO helping asylum seekers.
- Information for Ukrainians coming to Latvia – https://www.ukraine-latvia.com
- Aid provided by the City Council of Riga – The current information on the services offered to refugees from Ukraine can be received 24/7 via the toll-free phone number: +371 80000800 (in Latvian, Russian, and/or English) or on-site at the Riga Congress house, K. Valdemara iela 5, on working days from 9:00 – 18:00.
- Healthcare paid for by the Latvian state – All the state funded healthcare services are available for free to every Ukrainian citizen who arrives in Latvia or is already here and cannot return home due to war. More information is available by calling the toll-free information line +371 8000 1234. Communication in English and/or Russian. Working hours from Monday to Thursday: 8:30 – 17:00; on Friday: 8:30 – 15:00). When calling using a foreign number, use: +371 67045005.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Latvijas dzelzceļš trains free of charge.
LITHUANIA
- Official information and resources from the Migration Department of Lithuania.
- Eurodesk Lithuania launched a sub-page on the national portal with all necessary practical information for Ukrainians and Belarusians in one place. The information is available in English, Russian and Lithuanian languages, and it is continuously updated.
- National Volunteer Support Coordination Center. Provides general assistance. If you are in a need for accommodation or any other assistance you can get in touch with them by filling out this form.
- Practical information for Ukrainian citizens on arriving, living and working in Lithuania.
- NGO Blue/Yellow (Lithuania) supports Ukraine, its Armed Forces and the civil population in Donbass area since 2014.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use LTG trains and Vilnius buses free of charge.
LUXEMBOURG
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: webpage with information for arriving refugees including emergency accommodation (in Ukrainian), as well as information about temporary protection status and FAQs for refugees.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use all all public transport free of charge.
NETHERLANDS
- Immigration and naturalisation service: Coming to the Netherlands as a Ukrainian
- Emergency reception centres: special emergency reception centres have been opened by Dutch municipalities, for example in The Hague (in Ukrainian), Groningen, Amsterdam and Maastricht (also include local resources for refugees). The reception centres offer sleeping places for people with Ukrainian nationality, and also for people with a Ukrainian residence permit – e.g. a Syrian with an asylum permit in Ukraine, or a student from Nigeria with a study permit in Ukraine. Everyone who is entitled to stay in Ukraine is now entitled to reception by the municipality.
- Dutch Council for Refugees: including information for Ukrainians in Ukrainian and Russian.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use NS trains free of charge.
NORWAY
- Norwegian immigration administration: information about protection and residence in Norway for people affected by the situation in Ukraine, including Q&A for Ukrainian refugees travelling to Norway and emergency services for psychological support.
PORTUGAL
- On this page you will find the following information and support available in Portugal for Ukrainian citizens
- Reception of displaced persons and request for temporary protection
- Transportation to Portugal
- Accommodation in Portugal
- Working in Portugal
- Education and equivalence of academic degrees
- Pet admission
- Other issues (associations, volunteering, offering help, etc.)
- Telephone and e-mail support for Ukrainian citizens.
- The Portugal for Ukraine platform aims to combine in one place all the Portuguese State actions underway regarding the conflict in Ukraine, in terms of international action, sending humanitarian aid and the integration and hosting of displaced persons in Portugal
- Information about the International Protection Status (English).
- Information about International Protection status for unaccompanied minors (English)
- List of SEF, immigration and border agency offices by region.
- Asylum Information Database (AIDA) for Portugal– information about the asylum procedure in English.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use CP – Trains of Portugal free of charge.
SLOVENIA
- Slovenia’s assistance to the citizens of Ukraine: government webpage providing practical information, as well as further links for support. In English and Ukrainian.
- Call Center for information on assistance to refugees from Ukraine provides information about entry and residence in Slovenia, procedures for international protection and information on how individuals or organisations can provide financial or material assistance. Call daily from 8am to 6pm. For calls from Slovenia use a toll free number 080 41 42, for calls from abroad use +386 1478 7530. e-mail address info.ukrajina@gov.si.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Slovenske železnice trains free of charge.
SPAIN
- Spanish government website page dedicated for Ukrainian citizens seeking refuge.
- Office for asylum and refuge – Official information about the asylum procedure and list of NGOs providing support and legal help.
- Helping Ukrainians in Barcelona and beyond. Facebook group for information support for Ukrainians.
- Info help Ukrainians in Barcelona. Telegram group chat for help in Barcelona. With the presence of volunteers, who publish up-to-date information.
- Refugee Assistance Center Saier (Tel.: 931 53 28 00).
- Guide to protection in Spain for people affected by the war in Ukraine.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Renfe trains free of charge.
SWEDEN
- Swedish Migration Agency – information for refugees from Ukraine and FAQs for Ukrainians coming to Sweden. In English and Swedish. Information about residence permit with temporary protection – in Ukrainian.
- People fleeing from Ukraine can use Stena Line transport free of charge.
SWITZERLAND
- State Secretariat for Migration: Q&A for Ukrainian refugees coming to Switzerland – information on Federal Asylum Centres in Ukrainian.
- Swiss Refugee Council: Ukraine: Helpful information for people seeking protection including contacts, as well as information on accommodation and the rights of asylum seekers.
UNITED KINGDOM
- Information about the immigration routes available for Ukrainian nationals in the UK, British nationals and their family members. English, Українська.
- British Red Cross: Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK – a detailed resource including information on how to:
- support family members in Ukraine
- find out about the family migration visa
- find out about the Ukrainian family scheme
- get help travelling to the UK
- find missing family in Ukraine
- find out about temporary visas
- find out about claiming asylum in the UK
- get safety tips for families on the move
- Home Office: UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals.
- Ukraine Advice UK project – offering free UK immigration advice for people fleeing Ukraine https://advice-ukraine.co.uk.
- Immigration Advice Service: Visa Concessions for Ukrainians. Information about visa concessions to support Ukrainians with valid visas in the UK as well as other measures to assist Ukrainian residents migrating to the UK. Webpage offers full details and FAQs, as well as offering free legal advice sessions for refugees https://iasservices.org.uk
INTERNATIONAL
Hospitality Helps Initiative
- The #HospitalityHelps initiative – providing temporary hotel accommodation to Ukrainian residents, who are forced to leave their homes as a result of the war. The initiative connects families on the run from the war in Ukraine with hotels providing free stays in different countries (214 supporting hotels in 24 countries currently available).
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- IOM – International Organization for Migration – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has set up information and support hotlines for persons fleeing Ukraine in different countries. This page compiles the currently operational hotlines, and will be updated regularly.
Refugees Welcome International
- The NGO ‘Refugees Welcome International’ is part of a Europe-wide initiative providing long-term housing for Ukrainian refugees. If you are able to offer housing in any way shape or form, please take the time to register with us.
#ScienceForUkraine
- #ScienceForUkraine – a community group of volunteer students and research scientists from academic institutions in Europe and around the world. Their mission is to collect and disseminate information about support opportunities at the university, national, and international level for graduate students and researchers directly affiliated to an academic institution in Ukraine. On this website you will find a wide range of paid academic positions for scientists (PhD student or above), academic transfer opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as temporary housing.
UkraineShelter.com
- UkraineShelter.com – an online platform that is offering safe housing for Ukrainians displaced by the war by collecting and connecting hosts with those in need of accommodation. Useful information on immigration by country in Ukrainian here.
UNHCR
- UNHCR support for refugees from #Ukraine – The UN Refugee Agency is working with governments in neighbouring countries, calling on them to keep borders open to those seeking safety and protection. Visit the page for the country you are going to arrive or you are in: Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia. In any other country: UNHCR – Help Service.
ERA4Ukraine
- ‘European Research Area for Ukraine‘ (ERA4Ukraine) portal, a one-stop-shop for information and support services to Ukraine-based researchers and researchers fleeing Ukraine. The portal brings together initiatives at the EU level, per country and from non-governmental groups. It aims to help affected researchers find housing and job opportunities, facilitate the recognition of their diplomas, and offer other services.
Restoring Family Links
- Restoring Family Links: the International Committee of the Red Cross helps people to trace family members.
Source: euneighbourseast.eu
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