Travel Summary
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers
Crime
Although the great majority of visitors experience no difficulties, there have been murders, muggings and other violent attacks on foreign nationals both in central Kyiv and other major regional centres in recent years. In some cases these have been racially motivated. Travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent and individuals belonging to religious minorities should take extra care, but all travellers should exercise caution. The British Embassy is unable to assist in reporting of crimes to the police or the provision of translators for this purpose but a list of local translators can be found on the Embassy website.
Be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft and aware that foreigners offer lucrative targets. Keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots, where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate. Recently, an increasing number of pick pocketing incidents on public transport – especially the Kyiv Metro – have been reported.
A common scam is to drop a wallet or bundle of money in front of a tourist. The criminal then "finds" the money and asks if it is the tourist's or offers to share the money with them. If you are approached in this way, you should walk away without engaging in conversation.
You should beware of accepting drinks in bars from casual acquaintances, as they could be spiked.
Local Travel - Road Travel
You must possess a valid International Driving Licence to drive legally in Ukraine.
There is a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. Avoid driving outside urban areas. Driving standards are poor and roads are of variable quality. There are a high number of traffic accidents, including fatalities.
We have received reports of traffic police stopping vehicles and levying on the spot fines for minor traffic violations. Ukrainian law allows the police to stop a vehicle. The police officer should give his name and rank, explain the reason why you have been stopped and make an administrative offence report in case of traffic violation. Fines are to be paid in a bank within fifteen days.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Department of Traffic Police has published the following Helpline and Duty Telephone numbers that you may contact for advice:
Ministry of Internal Affairs:
Helpline: (8044) 256 1675
Duty Tel: (8044) 256 1002/4
Department of Traffic Police:
Helpline: (8044) 272 4659
Duty Tel: (8044) 272 3660
(Ukrainian officials speak only Ukrainian and Russian)
Local Travel - Rail Travel
Take particular care on public transport. If you take the overnight train, if possible, travel accompanied and secure your compartment from the inside.
Local Travel - Air Travel
The list of airlines banned within the EU has recently included four Ukrainian carriers: Ukraine Cargo Airways, Volare, Motor Sich and Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines (UM Air). However, in the most recently updated list on http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm three of these carriers have been removed from the list. Ukraine Cargo Airways and Volare have both lost their Air Operator Certificates, and following the receipt of certain information from the Ukrainian authorities Motor Sich has been removed from the list. A fourth carrier, Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines, remains on the EU blacklist but is allowed to resume operations to/from the EU with one of its aircraft.
The European Commission published a Regulation on 11 April 2008, which stated that the overall exercise of safety oversight, and in particular the implementation and enforcement of the relevant safety standards by the competent authorities of Ukraine, needs to be strengthened in order to ensure for sustainable corrective actions by the carriers under its regulatory control. You may wish to take this into account when making travel arrangements.
Local laws and customsAccording to Ukrainian law foreign workers need to obtain work permits to work in Ukraine and their documentation needs to be legalised prior to application. This cannot be done by the British Embassy in Ukraine. For information on how to legalise a document, go to http://www.fco.gov.uk/legalisation. Speak to your employer or a local lawyer regarding which documents might be required.
Penalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe.
Smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks in public places is officially banned in Ukraine as of February 2010. Regulation also applies to beer and other relatively low percentage alcoholic drinks. Public places include: transport, bus stops, underground crossings, cultural, sports and governmental establishments, playgrounds, parks, etc. Details (in Ukrainian) are here.
Homosexuality is legal in Ukraine. There is a reasonably tolerant attitude towards homosexuality, although much less so than in the United Kingdom. You should be careful about open displays of affection in public.
Corruption remains a major problem in Ukraine. If you think you have been mistreated by an official body then you should report your case to either of the following contacts below:
Ukrainian Immigration hot-line: +380 44 527-63-63 (in Ukrainian)
Ukranian Police Force – you can report it to the General Prosecutor’s office in writing only, www.gp.gov.ua (in Ukrainian);
Customs - + 38 044 247 2719, dovira@customs.gov.ua
State Officials – contact Organized Crime Department (Guboz) on tel. +38 044 362 8327, 222 6812, 521 6628, www.guboz.gov.ua (in Ukrainian).
You should carry your passport at all times for ID purposes. Police often carry out passport checks on foreign nationals, particularly in the Khreschatik area of Kyiv. Policemen must introduce themselves (name, post, rank, reason for ID check) and present a document verifying their position. Your original passport is required since no other document (e.g. driving licence, National Insurance card etc) can provide information on your legal status in Ukraine (officers will often check your registration or entry/exit stamps). Failure to provide your passport can be a legal ground for detention until your identity and legal stay in the country is confirmed. If you are detained you should request an official report.
Don’t take photographs in the vicinity of government or military establishments.
Entry Requirements - Visas
Citizens of the EU (including British citizens) are allowed to enter Ukraine without a visa for a visit of up to 90 days and you should be aware of Ukraine’s immigration rules before travelling. The overall duration of any stay without a visa must not exceed 90 calendar days per 180 calendar days from the date of first entry to Ukraine. Please seek further advice from the Ukrainian Embassy in London or Consulate General in Edinburgh.
An appropriate visa will be required if you are coming to Ukraine for the purpose of employment, study, family reunion, immigration etc. Information about applying for a visa and application forms are available on the Ukrainian Embassy website.
If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you require a visa, you should check with your travel agent or your nearest Ukrainian Embassy prior to travel.
If you plan to stay more than three months, you must register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs following your arrival in Ukraine. Your passport must be valid for at least one month beyond your date of departure from Ukraine.
Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
Non-Ukrainian children travelling with a single Ukrainian parent or other adult may be required to produce documentary evidence of parental responsibility before being allowed to enter or, leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact: www.ukremb.org.uk/eng/cvs/
