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Ukraine
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June 25, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Ukraine is undergoing profound political and economic change as it moves from its Soviet past toward a market economy,
multi-party democracy, and integration into Euro-Atlantic and other international institutions. In recent years, the availability
of goods and services has increased along with increased rates of growth in Ukraine's economy, and facilities for travelers
have improved somewhat. Nonetheless, the availability of travel and tourist services remains uneven throughout the country,
and Ukraine still lacks the abundance of many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries. Please see the
Department of State Background Notes on Ukraine for additional information.
REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Ukraine are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State travel registration page, so that they can obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is required. U.S. citizens are exempt from the requirement to have a Ukrainian visa as long as the duration of their stay in Ukraine does not exceed 90 days and the purpose of their travel is tourism, private travel, or business. U.S. citizens whose planned stay in Ukraine exceeds 90 days must have visas authorizing their entry into Ukraine. If the purpose of their visit is other than tourism, private travel, or business, an appropriate visa must be obtained regardless of the length of stay. The Government of Ukraine does not issue visas at its borders or ports of entry. Visas must be obtained in advance by those who need them.
U.S. citizens may apply for all types of visas through Ukrainian Embassies and Consulates overseas. Contact details for Ukrainian Embassies and Consulates are available on the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Visas may also be obtained from the Consular Office of the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C., or from Ukrainian Consulates General in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco.
For additional information about Ukrainian visas and related policy, please contact the nearest Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate.
Embassy of Ukraine
3350 M Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 333-0606
Fax: (202) 333-0817
Consulate General of Ukraine in New York
240 East 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 371-5690
Fax: (212) 371-5547
Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco
530 Bush Street, Suite 402
San Francisco, CA 94108
Tel: (415) 398-0240
Fax: (415) 398-5039
Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago
10 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: (312) 642 4388
Fax: (312) 642 4385
Please check your visa carefully upon receipt and pay careful attention to validity dates. Each traveler is responsible for understanding the type of visa issued and the provisions of the visa. Frequently, American citizens are refused re-entry to Ukraine because they thought they possessed a multiple entry visa, but in fact their visa was valid for only a single entry. In some cases, Americans attempt to enter Ukraine before their visa becomes valid. This is a common mistake, since in Ukraine the date is written day-month-year, not month-day-year. Thus, a visa issued on 01/05/09 is valid from May 1, 2009 and NOT from January 5, 2009. Such travelers can be detained at the port of entry, refused admission, and sent back to the country from which they traveled. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is unable to assist travelers in these situations.
American citizens traveling to or staying in Ukraine are reminded of the recent changes to Ukrainian immigration law. While differences in interpretation have not yet been fully clarified, it currently appears that the terms “registration” and “allowed period of stay” should be treated as synonyms.
For American citizens visiting Ukraine, whether on a visa or visa-free, registration is completed at the border by border control officers for a maximum period of 90 cumulative days during a consecutive 180 day period. The calculation of the 90 day period begins from the date of first entry into Ukraine. Registration can be extended in certain situations by Ukrainian immigration authorities and will be valid only for continuous stay in the country, but not for re-entry to Ukraine. Otherwise, visitors must leave the country before the 90 day period ends and they will not be allowed re-entry until the consecutive period of 180 days from the date of first entry expires.
Extensions of stay are processed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Office of Citizenship, Immigration and Registration (also known as “OVIR”). Most cities will have several OVIR offices. Contact numbers for central regional OVIR offices can be found on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Office of Citizenship, Immigration and Registration (in Ukrainian only). Applications for extension of registration should be submitted at least three days before the current registration expires. Extensions are not automatic, however, and are valid only for continued presence in the country. It is not possible to depart Ukraine and return on the extension, nor can an adjustment to visa status be made from within Ukraine.
For more details regarding Ukrainian visas and registration procedures, American citizens are advised to contact the nearest Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate abroad or the nearest OVIR office within Ukraine.
Travelers who intend to visit Russia from Ukraine must also have a Russian visa. The Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Ukraine is located at Prospekt Kutuzova 8, tel.: (380-44) 284-6816, fax 284-7936, email: general@rucons.kiev.ua.
Visitors to Ukraine should note that Ukrainian law requires them to obtain health insurance. For more information see the section on Medical Insurance below.
Visit the Embassy of Ukraine’s website for the most current visa information. Also, see the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Ukraine. HIV/AIDS and/or tuberculosis positive applicants cannot obtain permanent residency status in Ukraine, and waivers are not granted.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet and visit the Ukrainian State Customs Service website.
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Ukraine is largely free of significant civil unrest or any organized anti-American domestic political movements. Occasionally, mass demonstrations occur in larger cities, such as Kyiv, and are usually sponsored by individual political organizations. There has been an upsurge in the number of anti-NATO protests; these protests may increase in size and frequency as Ukraine pursues closer ties to the alliance. While the majority of these protests are small and peaceful, they can still result in violence and it is best to avoid such gatherings.
There also have been increasing incidents of racially-motivated violence; groups of “skinheads” and neo-Nazis target people of Asian, African, or other non-European descent, as well as religious minorities, in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine (see the section on Crime below).
Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Ukraine from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind
American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American
citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity
of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings
at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Ukraine can be found on the U.S. Embassy Kyiv website.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and
Canada, or by calling a regular toll-line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Ukraine is undergoing a significant economic, political, and social transformation, and income disparities have grown sharply. As a result, foreign visitors may be perceived as wealthy and as easy targets for criminals. Americans often stand out in Ukraine, and are therefore more likely to be targeted than in Western European countries, where incomes are higher and Americans may blend in better.
Most street crime ranges from various scams, simple pocket picking, purse snatching, and theft of personal items from parked cars, to mugging, armed robbery, or the drugging of unsuspecting victims at nightspots and bars (where they are then robbed). Cases of assaults in apartment building corridors, elevators, and stairwells, as well as armed break-ins and crimes involving small caliber firearms have been reported; however, most criminals are unarmed and tend to use strong-arm tactics to perpetrate their crimes. Violent assaults are often accomplished with fist strikes and kicks, with an occasional bottle or similar item used as a club. Members of organized criminal groups seem to be the only criminals who reliably carry lethal weapons, but they are very rarely involved in crimes against foreigners.
A commonly reported scam in Kyiv is the “Wallet Scam,” which involves a person dropping a wallet or a packet of money near the potential victim. After the victim picks up the wallet and attempts to return it to the individual who “dropped” it, the perpetrator then claims that the wallet is missing money and accuses the victim of stealing it. The perpetrator either threatens to call the police if the victim does not pay or asks the victim to show his or her wallet to the perpetrator to ensure that the victim did not take any money. When the victim produces his or her wallet, the perpetrator grabs the money and flees. Another variant involves a second person who claims to be a police officer and who approaches the victim after the wallet has been picked up. The second person also asks to see the wallet, grabbing the money and fleeing or, through sleight-of-hand, stealing the victim’s money.
While most travelers do not encounter problems with crime in Ukraine, there has been an increase in the number of hate crimes directed at ethnic and religious minorities over the past few years. Many of these incidents are perpetrated by “skinheads” or neo-Nazis in Kyiv, but similar crimes have also been reported throughout the country. In Kyiv, these incidents have occurred without provocation in prominent downtown areas commonly frequented by tourists. While the majority of people targeted have been of Asian, African, or other non-European descent, all travelers should exercise caution. In addition to incidents of assault, racial minorities may be subject to various types of harassment, such as being stopped on the street by both civilians and law enforcement officials. Individuals belonging to religious minorities have also been harassed and assaulted in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine.
The police and government’s slow response to hate crimes is a serious continuing concern. Although senior Government of Ukraine officials (including the President and Prime Minister) have publicly deplored these hate crimes and groups, Ukrainian street-level law enforcement activities are unable to deter hate crimes effectively or protect racial minorities adequately. The Embassy has received numerous credible reports from victims of violent hate crimes, as well as from bystanders, stating that uniformed police officers observed the assaults and did nothing to prevent the attacks, to assist the victims afterward, or to investigate and apprehend the attackers. The Government of Ukraine took initial steps to address the problem in the final months of 2007 with the establishment of special law enforcement units to prevent and investigate hate crimes in Ukraine. It remains to be seen if these units will be effective.
The reported involvement of off-duty Ukrainian law enforcement officials in attacks on U.S. citizens and the general disinterest
shown by Ukrainian law enforcement in responding to or investigating crimes against U.S. citizens in a number of cases is
a cause of concern. In particular, Ukrainian law enforcement seems to treat cases of sexual assault and rape with less seriousness
than U.S. citizens may be accustomed to.
Credit card and ATM fraud is an issue. Ukraine generally operates as a cash economy, and money scams are widespread. Although
credit card and ATM use among Ukrainians is increasingly common, it is nevertheless strongly recommended that visitors and
permanent residents of Ukraine exercise caution when using credit cards or ATM cards at any establishment in Ukraine.
Burglaries of apartments and vehicles represent a significant threat to long-term residents. Although few cars are actually stolen, primarily because of increased use of alarm systems and security wheel locks, vehicular break-ins and vehicular vandalism are common.
Ukraine lacks reliable tourist and travel services for foreign victims of crime. Transferring funds from the United States, replacing stolen traveler’s checks or airline tickets, or canceling credit cards can be difficult and time consuming. There are few safe low-cost lodgings, such as youth hostels. Public facilities in Ukraine are generally not equipped to accommodate persons with physical disabilities.
Over the past several years, the Embassy has received a number of reports of harassment and intimidation directed against foreign businesspersons and interests. While these reports have become much less frequent in recent years, they have not ended entirely. Reported incidents range from physical threats (possibly motivated by rival commercial interests tied to organized crime), to local government entities engaging in such practices as arbitrary termination or amendment of business licenses, dilution of corporate stock to diminish U.S. investor interest, delays of payment or delivery of goods, and arbitrary “inspections” by tax, safety or other officials that appear designed to harm the business rather than demonstrate a genuine attempt at good governance. American business entities are encouraged to read the Corruption, Money Laundering and Organized Crime section of the 2007 Crime Report for Ukraine. American businesses and other private sector organizations are also encouraged to read the most recent Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Annual Crime and Safety Report for Ukraine.
The Embassy suggests refraining from wiring money unless the recipient is well-known to the sender and the purpose of business is clear. American citizens have reported transferring money to Ukraine to pay for goods purchased from residents of Ukraine via online auction sites, but never receiving the goods in return. The Embassy regularly receives complaints from Americans regarding scams involving marriage and dating services. Numerous Americans have lost money to agencies and individuals who claimed to be able to arrange student or fiancé(e) visas to the U.S. Additional information is available on our website in a document titled “Marriage Brokers” and on the Department of State’s website under Ukraine: Internet and Other Fraud Schemes.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and fines.
VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (see end of this sheet or see the Department of State list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Ukraine. There are emergency numbers to call in case of:
Fire – 101
Police – 102
Ambulance – 103
Visitors should be aware that Ukrainian police and emergency services still generally remain below Western European and U.S.
standards in terms of training, responsiveness, and effectiveness. American citizens have reported waiting up to several hours
for Ukrainian police and ambulance services to respond to calls for emergency assistance. Although this may be atypical, it
does nevertheless occur. Ukrainian law enforcement provides no adequate level of deterrence to street crime, and is not able
to investigate criminal incidents to any minimal level expected in Western countries. Visitors to Ukraine should note that
Ukrainian law enforcement and emergency response officials generally do not speak English, and translators are generally not
readily available.
See our information on Victims of Crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ukraine’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ukraine are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Ukraine does not recognize dual nationality. American citizens entering Ukraine with a Ukrainian passport will be treated as Ukrainian citizens by the local authorities. This may include being required to perform mandatory military service. Also, Ukrainians who have immigrated to the U.S. without obtaining the proper exit visa from Ukrainian authorities may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, and will be required to obtain an exit visa before returning to the U.S. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs website for information on Dual Nationality.
Under Ukrainian law, police are permitted to stop anyone for any reason and check his or her identification documents (the only two such documents police will recognize are passports and immigration cards, which foreign visitors are required to carry at all times). Ukrainian police may check foreigners' passports to verify their legal presence in Ukraine. Police are further permitted to detain anyone for up to 72 hours without formal charges.
Ukraine is a cash economy. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are gaining wider acceptance in larger cities. Even in Kyiv, however, acceptance of credit cards is not nearly as widespread as in the U.S. or in Western European countries. Expect credit card use to be limited to major hotels, upscale restaurants, international airlines, and the rapidly growing, but still limited, number of up-market stores.
Exchanging U.S. dollars into the national Ukrainian currency, hryvnya, is simple and unproblematic, as licensed exchange booths are widespread, and exchange rates are normally clearly advertised. Currency exchange is only legal at such licensed exchange booths, banks, and currency exchange desks at hotels; anyone caught dealing on the black market can expect to be detained by the local police.
There are many banks and licensed currency exchange booths located in major cities. ATMs (known locally as “bankomats”) are becoming more common throughout Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv and in other larger cities. In smaller cities and towns, ATMs are still virtually non-existent. Most ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency, hryvnya. The difficulties of a currency shortage can be avoided by coming to Ukraine with a sufficient supply of hard currency to cover necessary obligations during travel. Funds may be transferred by wire, advances may be drawn on credit cards, and traveler’s checks may be cashed at many locations. Again, the Embassy emphasizes that the incidence of credit card and ATM card fraud is high and urges visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine to exercise caution when using local ATMs at any establishment in Ukraine.
Customs regulations prohibit sending cash, traveler’s checks, personal checks, credit cards, passports, or other forms of identification through the international mail system, as well as via courier mail (FedEx, DHL, etc.). Customs authorities regularly confiscate these items as contraband. Ukrainian customs authorities may also enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Ukraine of items such as firearms, antiquities, currency, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, or one of Ukraine's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. The State Customs Service of Ukraine can also be contacted for advice at (38 044) 249 9284 or (38 044) 522 8169. Operators speak only Ukrainian or Russian. As in many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
A traveler may take up to EUR 10,000 or its equivalent into or out of Ukraine under oral declaration to Ukrainian customs authorities, if asked. To transport a greater amount, travelers must declare the total amount in writing by filling out the Customs Declaration Form before checking in at airports and presenting proof of the source of the money (a bank reference) to customs officials, or travelers may face forfeiture of the money to Ukrainian customs as well as a court appearance.
Ukraine has strict limitations for the export of antiques and other goods and artifacts deemed to be of particularly important historical or cultural value. These include, but are not limited to, any items produced before 1950 regardless of the country of production. American citizens must adhere to these restrictions as a matter of law. Please contact the Kyiv Department of Culture, Expertise Section at (38-044) 279-6109 or (38-044) 279-5647, if you have any questions regarding items you own, wish to purchase, and/or plan to export.
It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, or one of Ukraine's consulates in the United States, for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our Customs Information.
RADIATION AND NUCLEAR SAFETY: In 1986, the Chornobyl nuclear accident resulted in the largest short-term, unintentional, release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere ever recorded. The highest areas of radioactive ground contamination occurred within thirty kilometers of the Chornobyl nuclear power station. The city of Kyiv was not badly affected because of the wind direction, but it was not completely spared. The last operating reactor at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant site closed officially on December 15, 2000. All identified stabilization measures on the existing sarcophagus covering the reactor damaged in 1986 are complete, and preparatory work to start construction of the new shelter is almost nearing completion. The contract for the new Chornobyl shelter was awarded in September 2007 and its construction is projected to be completed in 2012.
The Ukrainian government has an effective program of monitoring fresh foods and meats sold in local markets. Visitors should avoid purchasing produce on the street. Wild berries, mushrooms, and wild fowl and game should be avoided, as these have been found to retain higher than average levels of radiation. Background levels of radiation are monitored regularly by the Embassy and, to date, have not exceeded the level found on the Eastern seaboard of the United States. If external radiation levels are high enough to require evacuation, the U.S. Embassy will notify the American community through the Embassy warden e-mail and text messaging system. To sign up for these messages, one should register by internet with the Embassy.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:The Embassy recommends that ill or infirm persons not travel to Ukraine. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and clinics with some English-speaking staff. Many facilities have only limited English speakers, and some have none at all. No hospitals in Ukraine accept American health insurance plans for payment, and the level of medical care is not equal to that found in American hospitals. (Some facilities are adequate for basic services. Basic medical supplies are available; however, travelers requiring prescription medicine should bring their own). When a patient is hospitalized, the patient, relative, or acquaintance must supply bandages, medication, and food. The Embassy also recommends that travelers obtain private medical evacuation insurance prior to traveling to Ukraine. Payment in cash for medical services and hospitalization may be demanded before any services are provided.
Medical evacuation remains the best way to secure Western medical care. This option, however, is very expensive and can take at least several hours to arrange. Travelers may wish to purchase medical evacuation insurance prior to travel or have access to substantial lines of credit to cover the cost of medical evacuation. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has information on various air ambulance companies that perform medical evacuations to Europe or to the U.S. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to other European countries can cost from $25,000 to $50,000, and to the U.S. as much as $70,000 or more. More information can be found on the U.S. Embassy's website in the document “Medical Services in Kyiv.”
In December 2005, Ukraine reported the first cases of H5N1 (also known as “avian influenza,” "avian flu," "bird flu," "chicken flu") among birds in Crimea. Further outbreaks followed in 2006. On January 18, 2008, another outbreak of the H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected at a poultry farm in the Krasnogvardiyskyi Rayon in Crimea. There are no registered human cases of H5N1 in Ukraine. For detailed information on H5N1, please review the Avian Influenza Fact Sheet. In June 2009, the Ukrainian Government reported the first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza in Ukraine.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s websitee. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
The Ukrainian parliament passed a law in 1997 whereby all visitors to Ukraine are required to obtain Ukrainian health insurance. According to information from Ukrainian authorities, the cost of this insurance depends on the anticipated length of a foreigner's stay in Ukraine or approximately 25 cents per day (the daily rate may be higher for shorter stays). This required insurance can be purchased after arrival and covers only the costs of basic medical care inside Ukraine; it does not cover medical evacuation. Failure to purchase mandatory health insurance often results in refusal of treatment at Ukrainian public hospitals and clinics. Private clinics do not require Ukrainian public health insurance, but can be as expensive as similar clinics in the United States and may require payment in advance. More information can be found online in Ukrainian or by calling +38 (044) 206 2885 from abroad or 8-800-500-1080 from within Ukraine.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States.
Generally, roads in Ukraine outside major urban areas are in poor condition and are poorly lighted. Visitors should drive
defensively at all times, since local drivers often disregard traffic rules. Drivers are often poorly trained or drive without
a valid driver's license. Drivers can also be dangerously aggressive and normally do not respect the rights of pedestrians,
even at clearly marked pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians should also be aware of cars driving or attempting to park on sidewalks. Many
cars do not meet the safety standards common in the United States.
Due to heavy traffic and congested roads, vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in larger Ukrainian cities, especially in Kyiv. In Ukraine, it is mandatory for motorists involved in vehicle accidents not to remove the vehicle from the site of the accident, unless it presents a clear safety concern. In practice, this means that even moving a vehicle to the side of the road after an accident may be considered a criminal offense. Local police must be notified and will report to the scene to conduct an investigation. Persons should be prepared to wait until the police arrive and complete their report. Due to traffic and slow response, it may take up to several hours for police to arrive. When police arrive, they will ascertain responsibility, take the drivers’ personal information, and file a report of the accident. In most cases, the police reporting to the scene of an accident will not speak English.
Cross-country travel at night and in winter can be particularly dangerous. The Embassy strongly recommends that visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain from driving after dark outside of major cities. However, major roads are drivable during daylight hours. Roadside services such as gas stations and repair facilities are becoming more common, particularly on the main national and regional overland highways and in large and mid-size cities.
Nonetheless, such services are far from American standards and travelers should plan accordingly. There have been isolated reports of carjackings of western-made or foreign-registered cars. There has also been an increase in the number of documented reports of criminal acts (primarily thefts) occurring on trains and other modes of public transport.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ukraine’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ukraine’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information, see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Ukraine are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ukraine. Americans withoutInternet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 6 Mykoly Pymonenka St., 01901 Kyiv, Ukraine. Telephone: (38-044) 490-4422, fax (38-044) 486-3393. The American Citizen Services unit is located at the same address and can be reached at (38-044) 490-4445, fax (38-044) 490-4040. The Embassy is located at 10 Yuriy Kotsyubynsky St. 01901 Kyiv, Ukraine. Tel.: (38-044) 490-4000.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information sheet dated October 29, 2008, to update the sections on Safety and Security, Crime, Entry/Exit Requirements, and Information for Victims of Crime.
