Safety Policy

The safety and security of our clients is our highest priority at Ukraine War Tours. This Safety Policy outlines the measures, protocols, and guidelines we implement to minimize risks associated with tours in conflict-affected areas of Ukraine.

By participating in our tours, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to comply with this Safety Policy in its entirety. Failure to adhere to these safety guidelines may result in immediate termination of your tour without refund.

Please note that while we take extensive precautions to ensure your safety, travel to conflict-affected regions inherently involves risks that cannot be completely eliminated. Your compliance with this policy and our guides' instructions is essential for your protection and the safety of the entire group.

Our safety protocols begin long before your tour starts:

• Continuous Monitoring: We maintain constant communication with local authorities, military units, and security experts to assess the current situation in all tour areas.
• Dynamic Route Planning: All tour routes are carefully planned based on up-to-date security assessments and are subject to change if safety conditions deteriorate.
• Safety Buffer Zones: We maintain a minimum distance of 20 kilometers from active frontlines unless specific security guarantees are in place.
• Weather and Environmental Factors: Tours may be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions that could affect safety.
• Maximum Group Size: Groups are limited to 8-10 participants to ensure quick movement and effective supervision.
• Advance Reconnaissance: Our security team conducts preliminary visits to all locations before bringing tour groups.

We reserve the right to cancel or modify any tour without prior notice if our security assessment indicates elevated risk levels.

All Ukraine War Tours guides meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Military, law enforcement, or emergency services background
• Minimum 2 years experience in conflict zones
• Advanced first aid and trauma care certification
• Defensive driving training
• Regular security and emergency response refresher courses
• Proficiency in Ukrainian, Russian, and English languages
• Detailed knowledge of local terrain and evacuation routes

Each tour is staffed with a minimum ratio of 1 guide per 4 participants. For higher-risk areas, this ratio is increased to 1:2.

Our guides maintain constant communication with our security operations center throughout each tour.

Ukraine War Tours provides the following safety equipment to all participants:

• Level IIIA Body Armor: Ballistic vests capable of stopping most handgun rounds
• Ballistic Helmets: Rated to protect against fragmentation and some ballistic threats
• First Aid Kits: Including trauma supplies, tourniquets, and emergency medications
• Emergency Communication Devices: Satellite phones or other reliable communication equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment: Hearing protection, eye protection, and respiratory masks when necessary
• High-Visibility Identification: Clearly marking participants as civilians and tourists

All participants will be properly fitted with safety equipment and given instructions on proper use before departure.

Additional specialized equipment may be provided depending on specific tour requirements and risk assessments.

We have comprehensive emergency protocols for various scenarios:

• Medical Emergencies:
  • All guides are trained in emergency first aid and carry trauma kits
  • Pre-identified evacuation routes to nearest medical facilities
  • Established relationships with local hospitals and medical evacuation services
  • Emergency contact protocol with client's emergency contacts and insurance providers
• Security Incidents:
  • Immediate withdrawal from affected areas
  • Secure rally points and alternative evacuation routes
  • Communication protocols with local authorities and emergency services
  • Shelter-in-place procedures if evacuation is not possible
• Natural Disasters:
  • Weather monitoring and early warning systems
  • Identified shelter locations and evacuation routes
  • Emergency supplies including water, food, and basic necessities
• Lost or Separated Participants:
  • Regular headcounts and buddy system implementation
  • Predetermined meeting points and communication procedures
  • GPS tracking of tour vehicles and key personnel

Our emergency response plan is reviewed and updated quarterly and after any incident or near-miss.

For your safety and the safety of the group, all participants must meet the following requirements:

• Age Requirement: Minimum age of 21 years
• Health Disclosure: Full disclosure of medical conditions that may affect participation
• Physical Fitness: Ability to walk 5km over uneven terrain and quickly enter/exit vehicles
• Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers conflict zones
• Documentation: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and required visas
• Pre-Tour Briefing: Mandatory attendance at safety briefing before tour departure
• Sobriety: Zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use during tours

We reserve the right to deny participation to anyone who does not meet these requirements or whom our guides determine may pose a safety risk to themselves or others.

Participants with certain medical conditions may be required to provide physician clearance before participating.

Clear communication is essential for safety in high-risk environments:

• Pre-Tour Communication:
  • Safety briefing materials provided 7 days before tour
  • Medical and emergency contact information collection
  • Opportunity to ask questions and address concerns
• During Tour Communication:
  • Daily safety briefings before departure
  • Clear hand signals and voice commands for emergency situations
  • Regular status updates to our operations center
  • Restricted use of personal mobile devices in certain areas
  • Emergency contact cards with key phone numbers and phrases
• Inter-Team Communication:
  • Guides equipped with reliable two-way radios
  • Backup communication systems including satellite phones
  • Regular check-in schedule with operations base
  • Established code words for various emergency situations

All participants must comply immediately with any safety instructions issued by our guides.

Conflict zones may contain unexploded ordnance (UXO) which presents serious risks:

• Basic Rules:
  • Never touch, move, or approach suspicious objects
  • Stay on designated paths and cleared areas at all times
  • Follow the exact footsteps of your guide when instructed
  • Report any suspicious objects immediately to your guide
• UXO Recognition:
  • All participants will receive basic UXO recognition training
  • Visual materials showing common UXO types in the region
  • Warning signs and markers to be aware of
• In Case of Discovery:
  • Stop movement immediately and alert the group
  • Do not use radios or phones within 100 meters of suspected UXO
  • Retrace steps carefully along the same path used to approach
  • Mark the location from a safe distance if possible
  • Report to relevant authorities after reaching a safe area

Our tours only visit areas that have been surveyed and cleared by professional demining organizations when possible, but vigilance is always required.

Our transportation protocols include:

• Vehicle Requirements:
  • All vehicles undergo daily safety inspections
  • Armored or reinforced vehicles used in higher-risk areas
  • Vehicles equipped with first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency supplies
  • GPS tracking and communication equipment in all vehicles
  • Fuel reserves and spare tires for emergency situations
• Driver Requirements:
  • Professional drivers with defensive driving training
  • Local knowledge of roads, checkpoints, and alternative routes
  • Strict rest periods enforced to prevent fatigue
  • Zero tolerance policy for alcohol or substance use
• Convoy Procedures:
  • Minimum two-vehicle policy for all tours
  • Established convoy order and communication protocol
  • Predetermined rally points if vehicles are separated
  • Emergency extraction procedures for disabled vehicles
• Participant Requirements:
  • Seatbelts must be worn at all times
  • Follow boarding and disembarking procedures as instructed
  • Maintain low profile when traveling through sensitive areas
  • No photography from moving vehicles without explicit permission

Vehicle routes are planned to avoid high-risk areas and are subject to change based on current security assessments.

The following activities and behaviors are strictly prohibited during our tours:

• Wandering away from the group or designated areas
• Handling weapons, ammunition, military equipment, or suspicious objects
• Taking souvenirs from tour sites, especially military items
• Photography of military personnel, equipment, or installations without permission
• Wearing military uniforms or camouflage clothing that could cause misidentification
• Consumption of alcohol or drugs during tour activities
• Engaging with local military personnel without guide approval
• Posting real-time location information on social media during tours
• Making political statements or engaging in political activities
• Entering buildings or areas not explicitly approved by guides
• Ignoring or arguing with safety instructions from guides

Violation of these restrictions may result in immediate termination of your tour without refund and potential legal consequences.

All participants must have valid travel insurance that explicitly covers:

• Travel to conflict zones or regions with travel advisories
• Emergency medical treatment and evacuation/repatriation
• Minimum coverage of $500,000 USD for medical evacuation
• Minimum coverage of $100,000 USD for emergency medical treatment
• Coverage that remains valid during organized tours in conflict-affected regions

Proof of appropriate insurance must be provided at least 14 days before your tour departure. We can recommend specialized insurance providers if needed.

Ukraine War Tours maintains its own comprehensive liability insurance, but this does not replace the need for personal travel insurance.

Participants should be aware of the following health and medical considerations:

• Medical Infrastructure: Medical facilities in conflict-affected areas may be limited or damaged
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Disclose all relevant medical conditions during booking
• Medications: Bring sufficient supplies of required medications (with prescription documentation)
• Vaccinations: Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date
• Physical Demands: Tours may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and quick movements
• Mental Health: Be prepared for potentially distressing sights in conflict-affected areas
• Water and Food: Only consume food and water provided or approved by our guides
• Environmental Factors: Be prepared for extreme weather conditions and their effects

Our guides carry basic first aid supplies, but specialized medications or equipment should be brought by participants who require them.

Our continuous improvement process includes comprehensive incident reporting:

• Immediate Reporting: All safety incidents or near-misses are immediately reported to our operations center
• Documentation: Detailed incident reports are compiled for all events affecting safety
• Post-Tour Debriefing: All guides participate in post-tour safety assessments
• Participant Feedback: We actively seek feedback on safety aspects from all participants
• Regular Reviews: Safety protocols are reviewed quarterly and updated as needed
• External Audits: Annual safety audits by independent security consultants

Participants are encouraged to report any safety concerns or suggestions through our dedicated safety feedback channel.

By participating in Ukraine War Tours activities, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Travel to conflict-affected areas involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated
• You are voluntarily participating with full knowledge of the potential dangers involved
• You assume full responsibility for your own safety and well-being during the tour
• You will comply with all safety instructions provided by Ukraine War Tours guides
• Ukraine War Tours cannot guarantee absolute safety under all circumstances
• In case of force majeure events, our ability to provide assistance may be limited

This Safety Policy forms part of our Terms of Service. By booking a tour, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted all the terms and conditions contained herein.

Ukraine War Tours reserves the right to update this Safety Policy at any time. Significant changes will be communicated to booked participants.