On October 15, 2026, representatives of the government and the tourism business discussed draft law No. 4162 on amendments to the law "On Tourism" and other legislative acts in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Its adoption is linked to the negotiation process regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union. This is a discussion of the draft, not a notification of the new rules coming into effect.
The draft provides for more transparent rules for the tourism business and increased responsibility for violations. For travelers, the proposed financial guarantees in case the tour operator fails to fulfill obligations, as well as a mechanism for returning tourists from abroad under such circumstances, are important.
Certain provisions concern short-term rental of housing through online platforms and the creation of a Unified Tourist Register. The register is intended to simplify the registration of service providers, help collect statistics, and provide consumers with information about accommodation establishments. The draft also includes requirements for the qualification of guides, taking into account the characteristics of the regions.
The meeting discussed whether individual entrepreneurs could operate as tour operators, how to determine the qualification requirements for guides, and whether to direct part of the tourist tax to the development of the tourism infrastructure of communities. For travelers, the practical conclusion at this time is that these proposals should not yet be perceived as valid rules; it is advisable to check the terms of the contract with the tour operator and the refund procedure before booking.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft law in the first reading in April 2021. The relevant parliamentary committee processed over 1,300 amendments and in April 2025 prepared a version for the second reading and recommended that the parliament adopt the document as a whole.
