aaus-list @ ukrainianstudies.org -- [aaus-list] Ukraine Consular Information Sheet (fwd)

[Max Pyziur <pyz@brama.com>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2002 12:11:13 -0400
From: PA List Manager <statelists@STATE.GOV>
To: DOSTRAVEL@LISTS.STATE.GOV
Subject: Ukraine Consular Information Sheet

Ukraine Consular Information Sheet
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC  20520
For recorded travel information, call 202-647-5225
Internet Address:  http://travel.state.gov
For information by fax, call 202-647-3000 from your fax machine




September 26, 2002

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Ukraine is a nation undergoing profound political and
economic change as it moves towards a market economy and integrates into
Western institutions.  In recent years, availability of goods and services
has increased, and facilities for travelers have improved.  Nevertheless,
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.  Travel within Ukraine is
unrestricted; however, travelers should be prepared to show their documents
to police upon demand.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  A passport valid for sixth months beyond the date of
travel is required.  In addition, all travelers to Ukraine must have a valid
single - or multiple entry visa before arriving in the country.  A visa may
be obtained from the Consular Office of the Embassy of Ukraine, in
Washington, D.C. or from Consulates General in New York or Chicago.  No
invitation letter is necessary for EU, Canadian and U.S. citizens for
business, official, cultural, sporting, and private visas.  However, to
receive a tourist visa, you have to submit one of the following:  a letter
of invitation from a Ukrainian or American tourist agency, confirmation from
a hotel, an itinerary, or copies of tickets with valid dates.

IF YOU LIVE IN ONE OF THESE STATES: 

Alabama, Ohio, Alaska, Oklahoma, Arizona, Oregon, Arkansas, South Carolina,
California, Tennessee, Colorado, Texas, Delaware, Utah, District of
Columbia, Virginia, Florida, Washington, Georgia, 
West Virginia, Hawaii, Wyoming, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina

APPLY FOR YOUR VISA AT THE:

Embassy of Ukraine,
3350 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel. (202) 333-0606
Fax (202) 333-0817
web site: www.ukremb.com

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, 
Rhode Island, Vermont

Consulate General of Ukraine
240 East 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-371-5690
Fax: 212-371-5547
web site: www.brama.com/ua-consulate <http://www.brama.com/ua-consulate>

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Consulate General of Ukraine
10 East Huron St.,
Chicago, IL, 60611
Tel. 312-642 4388
fax: 312-642 4385
web site: www.ukrchicago. <http://www.ukrchicago.com)/>com

U.S. citizens who stay in Ukraine for less than six months on a private,
tourist, or business visa, do not need to register with local authorities.
Once inside Ukraine, it is possible to get an extension of stay, over and
beyond the validity of the visa, for up to six months, from the Ministry of
Interior's Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR).  However, the extension
is only valid for continued presence in the country.  It is not possible to
depart Ukraine and return on the extension.

The Government of Ukraine does not issue visas at the point of entry into
Ukraine.  All visitors without a valid entry visa will be turned back to the
United States or will have to travel to another European country to obtain a
visa.  Please check your visa carefully upon receipt.  Each traveler is
responsible for understanding the type of visa issued and the provisions of
the visa.  American citizens have been refused entry to Ukraine because they
thought they possessed a multiple entry visa when actually their visa was
valid for only a single entry.  Or, Americans have tried to reenter Ukraine
after using their single entry visa thinking they had unlimited travel for
six months.  In rare cases, Americans attempted to enter Ukraine before
their visa became valid.  This is due to the fact that in Ukraine the date
is spelled day-month-year, not month-day-year like in the United States.
Thus, a visa issued on May 1, 2002 is valid from January 5, 2002 and NOT
from May 1, 2002.

These travelers were turned away as well.  The U.S. Embassy in Kiev is not
able to assist travelers in these situations.

Travelers who intend to visit Russia from Ukraine must also have a Russian
visa.  The Russian Embassy in Ukraine is located at Prospekt Kutuzova 8,
Kiev, tel. (380-44) 294-7797 or 294-6816.

Effective July 1, 2002 the Ukrainian Government introduced visa free travel
for stays of up to eight days for American citizens arriving at the
international airports of Simferopol and Odessa and at the international
port of Odessa.  Travel must originate abroad and end at these ports of
entry without any other initial stop in Ukraine.  Travelers must also depart
Ukraine from the same port used at the time of arrival. 

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have
initiated procedures at entry/exit points.  These often include requiring
documentary evidence of a child's relationship to accompanying travelers and
permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not
present.  Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may
facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: 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 national service.  Also, Ukrainians who have
immigrated to the United States 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 United States.
For additional information, please see the Consular Affairs home page on the
Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our "Dual Nationality" flyer or the
Embassy's web site at 
http://usinfo,usemb.kiev/ua.amcitmiscdualnateng.html.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:  Although most travelers encounter no problems with
crime while in Ukraine, Western foreigners, perceived to be wealthier than
most local residents, still remain a favorite target for criminals.
Occasionally, Americans of African or Asian heritage also report incidents
of racially motivated assaults or harassment.  In cases involving the
latter, complaints center on being frequently stopped on the street by both
civilians and local law enforcement officials.

Over the past several years, we have also received a number of reports of
harassment and intimidation directed against foreign businesspersons and
interests.  While these reports have become considerably less frequent in
recent years, they have not ended.  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.  These
activities appear designed to harm the business rather than be a genuine
attempt at good governance.

As in all countries undergoing political and economic change, organized or
spontaneous demonstrations can and do occur in Ukraine.  When such protests
occur, they most often occur in the capital or larger cities.  We wish to
remind American citizens though the intent for these events may be peaceful,
even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes become
confrontational and escalate into violence.  Therefore, we urge American
citizens to avoid demonstrations and protest gatherings and to exercise
caution when near such gatherings. 

CRIME:  As stated earlier, most travelers do not encounter problems with
crime while in Ukraine.  Nonetheless, the country is undergoing a severe
economic, political and social transformation, and income disparities have
grown sharply.  As a result, visitors perceived to be wealthier are targets
for criminals.  Americans stand out in Ukraine, and they are  more likely to
be targeted than in Western European countries where incomes are higher and
Americans may blend in better.  Most street crime is relatively low level,
but crimes involving small caliber firearms have been reported.  Street
crime ranges from wallet scams, simple pick-pocketing and purse snatching,
to muggings, armed robbery, or drugging unsuspecting victims at nightspots
and bars (where they are then robbed).  Cases of assaults in apartment
building corridors and stairwells, and armed break-ins have also been
reported.

Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread.  Ukraine operates as a cash
economy, and money scams are widespread.  We strongly recommend that
visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain from using credit cards
or ATM cards

Burglaries of apartments and vehicles represent the most 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 becoming more common.

Computer fraud is also becoming more common in Ukraine.  Internet scams
appear to be on the increase.  We suggest refraining from wiring money
unless the recipient is well known and the purpose of business is clear.
Americans citizens have reported transferring money to Ukraine to pay for
goods purchased from residents of Ukraine via on-line auction sites, but
never having received the goods in return.  The U.S. Embassy regularly
receives complaints from Americans regarding scams involving marriage and
dating services.  Numerous Americans have lost money to agencies that
claimed they could have unmarried Ukrainians sponsored for student or
fiancée visas to the United States.  Additional information is available on
our web site in a document titled "Marriage Brokers" at
http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcit_marriage_brokers_eng.html.

Please note that the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be
reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to
reporting the incident to the local police, please contact the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for
example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family
members or friends, and to explain how funds can be transferred from the
U.S.  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.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip
Abroad," for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey.  The pamphlet is
available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet -
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs
home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Additional information and recommendations on how to avoid becoming a victim
of criminal activity are available on the Embassy web site in a separate
document, "Security Information for Ukraine," at
http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcit_security_eng.html.

MEDICAL FACILITIES:  Medical care in Ukraine is limited.  The U.S. Embassy
maintains a list of hospitals and physician with some English-speaking
staff.  Many facilities have only limited English-speakers.  Ukrainian
standards do not meet American and Western-European professional standards
of care.  Some facilities are adequate for basic services.  Basic medical
supplies are available, but travelers requiring prescription medicine should
bring their own medications with them.  Elderly travelers and those with
existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical
facilities.  When hospitalized, patients or their relatives or acquaintances
are often expected to provide for their own medication, bandages, etc.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has information on various air
ambulance companies that perform medical evacuations to Europe and the
United States.  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or
medical evacuation to Europe can cost from $25,000 to $50,000, and to the
United States it can cost over $70,000.  

More information can be found on the Embassy's web site in a separate
document on Medical Services in Kiev at
http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcitmedicalserveng.html. 

Please note that while the U.S. Embassy can help an individual or his or her
family make contact with a medevac service, the U.S. Government cannot pay
for the medical evacuation.

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 if it will cover emergency
expenses such as a medical evacuation.  U.S. medical insurance plans seldom
cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental
coverage is purchased.  Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not
provide payment for medical services outside the United States.  However,
many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will
cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services
such as medical evacuations. 

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider
that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to
providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may
cost well in excess of $50,000.  Uninsured travelers who require medical
care overseas often face extreme difficulties.  When consulting with your
insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to
the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for
expenses that you incur.  Some insurance policies also include coverage for
psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.


Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of
Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax:
(202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION:  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 hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet
site at   http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of
infectious diseases abroad, please consult the World Health Organization's
website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers
is available at http://www.who.int/iht.


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.  The information below concerning Ukraine is provided
for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation:              Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:     Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:            Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:        Poor

Generally, roads in Ukraine outside major urban areas are in poor condition
and poorly lit.  Defensive driving is an absolute necessity since drivers
often disregard traffic rules.  Drivers are often poorly trained or drive
without a valid driver's license.  Drivers can also be very aggressive, and
they 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 America.  

Overland travel at night and in winter can be particularly dangerous.  We
strongly recommend that visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain
from driving their private vehicles after dark outside of Kiev.  However,
major roads are driveable 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 been an
increase in the number of documented reports of criminal acts occurring on
trains.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed Ukraine's civil aviation authority as Category 1 - in
compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of
Ukraine's air carrier operations.  For further information, travelers may
contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel.
1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at
http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.  

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.  For
information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may
contact the DOD at tel. (618) 256-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:  Ukrainian law requires that travelers  declare all
cash and jewelry, regardless of value, upon entering Ukraine.  Travelers
should fill out a customs declarations and ask customs officials to stamp
it.  According to Ukrainian law, foreign citizens  may bring up to $10,000
cash or up to $50,000 in traveler's checks into Ukraine without a special
license.  Travelers must declare the cash or checks.  If customs officials
determine that a traveler entering or leaving the country has undeclared
cash on their person, they can and often do confiscate the undeclared funds.
When leaving the country, travelers are only allowed to take out a maximum
of $1,000 in cash or as much cash as they declared upon entry into Ukraine.
A traveler wishing to depart the country with more than $1,000 must be able
to present a customs declaration proving he or she brought the corresponding
sum of money into the country.  

If you wish to bring more than $10,000 you must obtain a special license
AFTER entering the Ukraine.  Details for obtaining this license are
available on the Embassy web site in a document entitled, "Ukrainian Customs
Procedures for Transporting Currencies, Monetary Instruments, or Precious
Metals" at:
http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcittravelukrcustomseng.htm.

Ukraine also has strict limitations for the export of antiques and other
goods and artifacts deemed to be of particularly important historical or
cultural value.  

According to Ukrainian customs laws, travelers are allowed to take up to
10,000 hryvnya out of Ukraine as long as the entire amount is declared.
Additionally, travelers are only allowed to bring back the same amount of
hryvnya as they originally took out of Ukraine, as substantiated by their
customs declaration.

It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. or one
of Ukraine's consulates in the United States for specific information
regarding customs requirements.  

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 Ukrainian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or
imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Ukraine are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and
heavy fines.

CONSULAR ACCESS:  U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S.
passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials,
proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.  If stopped or
detained, Americans should comply with instructions from law enforcement
officers but also make it known that they are American citizens.  In
accordance with a bi-lateral agreement between the USSR and the United
States, which remains in force for the successor states of the Soviet Union,
including Ukraine, U.S. Consular Officers are to be notified of an arrest or
detention of a U.S. citizen within one to three days, and access to the
arrestee/detainee is to be granted in two to four days.  If arrested,
American citizens should insist on calling a Consular Officer at tel. (044)
490-4422 or (044) 490-4000 after-hours.  Please be advised that consular
access and assistance does not allow the U.S. Embassy to act as your legal
counsel, or otherwise intervene on your behalf if you are detained or
arrested.  Only a lawyer can represent you.  The U.S. Embassy, however, can
assist you in obtaining legal counsel from a list of lawyers and law firms
that it maintains.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Ukraine is a cash economy.  While Travelers' Checks
and credit cards are gaining wider acceptance in larger cities, acceptance
of credit cards is not nearly as widespread as in the United States or in
Western European countries.  Expect credit card use to be limited to better
hotels, upscale restaurants, international airlines and the rapidly growing,
but still select number of up-market stores.  When bringing U.S. dollars
into Ukraine, ensure that bills are in good condition because those that are
worn, torn or written on may not be accepted. 

Travelers should also note that customs regulations prohibit sending cash,
travelers' checks, personal checks, credit cards, or passports through the
international mail system.  Customs authorities regularly confiscate these
items as contraband.  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.
Exchanging U.S. dollars into Ukrainian currency or other currencies is legal
only at banks, currency exchange desks at hotels, and licensed exchange
booths; anyone caught dealing on the black market can expect to be detained
by the local militia. 

ATMs (a.k.a. Bankomats) are becoming available throughout Ukraine,
particularly in Kiev and in other larger cities.  In smaller cities and
towns, ATMs are still virtually non-existent.  Most ATMs disperse cash only
in the local currency, hryvnya.  However, because the incidence of credit
card and ATM bankcard fraud is high, it is strongly recommend that visitors
and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain from using credit cards or ATM
cards.  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 at secure locations and travelers checks may be
cashed at many locations.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children,
international parental child abduction, and international child support
enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.


REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION:  All U.S. citizens residing in Ukraine for
more that a few days are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in Kiev and obtain updated information on travel and
security within Ukraine. 

The completely voluntary registration system allows the Embassy to: 

-- help you more quickly if your passport is lost;

-- contact you in case of an emergency;

-- provide information on your whereabouts to family and friends (you must
sign a Privacy Act Waiver - which is included in the registration form - in
order for us to provide this service);

-- inform you, via our email-based warden system, of changes in the assessed
security situation in Ukraine or elsewhere, and otherwise keep you informed
about issues of interest to Americans present in Ukraine.

To register, you simply need to present your U.S. passport at the Consular
Section during American Citizen Services' public hours and complete a simple
form.  There is no charge for this service.  The form may also be downloaded
at usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua and mailed or faxed, along with a copy of the
citizen's passport to the Consular Section.
 
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at #6, Pimonenko St.,
01901 Kiev, Ukraine, tel. (380-44) 490-4422, fax 236-4892.  The U.S. Embassy
is  located at 10 Vulitsa Yuria Kotsubinskoho, 01901 Kiev, Ukraine, tel.
(380-44) 490-4000; after-hours 240-0856.  Mail using U.S. domestic postage
should be addressed to U.S. Embassy Kiev, U.S. Department of State,
Washington, D.C.  20521-5850.  Please visit the Embassy's Internet home page
at http://www.usemb.kiev.ua.

*  *  *

This replaces the Consular Information sheet dated July 26, 2001 to update
the Country Description and information on Entry Requirements, Safety and
Security, Crime, Medical Facilities, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions,
Customs Regulations, Special Circumstances, Embassy Registration, and to add
a section on Consular Access.

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See http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for
State Department Travel Warnings
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