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BRAMA, Dec. 20, 1999, 9:00am EST
Ukraine - Consular Information Sheet (12/17/99) & Travel Warning (10/29/99)
October 29, 1999
The Department of State has made a decision to authorize the voluntary departure of eligible family members and employees who can be spared from duty from the U.S. Embassy in Kiev prior to January 1st due to potential Y2K-related disruptions. Although a USG-funded study of Ukraine's energy sector indicated that risk of major disruptions to heat and electrical service in Ukraine is low, the USG has decided that employees who can be spared from duty and eligible family members should have the option of temporarily departing the country.
U.S. citizens should consider deferring travel to Ukraine over this period until the extent of Y2K-related disruptions, which may begin on January 1, becomes clear. The U.S. Embassy in Kiev will remain open and available to provide assistance for U.S. citizens in case of emergency. The Embassy, however, does not have facilities to provide private U.S. citizens with food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter or other equipment and supplies in the event of disruptions of essential services. All U.S. citizens in Ukraine should consider their personal situations and take actions they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being, including considering spending the pre- and post-New Year period outside Ukraine. If U.S. citizens decide to depart, arrangements should be undertaken immediately, given the likelihood of diminished availability of seats on commercial airlines as January 1, 2000 approaches.
Americans living in or visiting Ukraine 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 U.S. Embassy is located at Vulitsa Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10, 254053 Kiev 53, Ukraine; tel. (380) (44) 246-9750, 244-7343, 244-7345 or 244-7349; after-hours 216-3805; fax 244-7350, or visit the U.S. Embassy's Internet home page at http://www.usemb.kiev.ua.
For further information on travel to Ukraine, please consult the latest Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Ukraine.
Ukraine - Consular Information Sheet
December 17, 1999
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Ukraine is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change as it moves to a market economy and integrates into Western institutions. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Travel within Ukraine is unrestricted. Travelers, however, must register with Ukrainian authorities upon arrival (please see paragraph on Entry Requirements). Travelers may also be asked to present their passport and visa on demand by local police. Crime is a serious and growing problem in Ukraine, and a number of racially motivated assaults and incidents of harassment have been reported.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Visas can be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine, located at 3350 M Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 333-0606 or 333-7507. Visas can also be obtained from the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago, located at 10 E. Huron St., 60611, tel. (312) 642-4388 or the Ukrainian Consulate in New York (website: http://www.brama.com/ua-consulate/), located at 240 E. 49th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, tel. (213) 317-5690. A copy of the visa application for Ukraine can be obtained on the Ukraine Embassy's web page at http://www.ukremb.com/confr1.html. A letter of invitation from a person, company, or organization in Ukraine or a tour company voucher is currently required to obtain a visa.
Travelers from the United States and other countries where there is a Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate cannot obtain visas at airports or border crossings. Travelers arriving without proper visas have been denied entry into Ukraine. Americans are advised to obtain the required visa for Ukraine before departing the United States.
All foreigners visiting Ukraine, except those staying less than three working days and minors (under 18), are required to register their passports with local law enforcement authorities. Visitors who do not register may experience delays when leaving Ukraine or difficulty when trying to extend visas. The registration requirement is automatically met when foreigners stay in hotels, when resident businesspersons register their companies, or when students register under established exchange programs. Private visitors must have their hosts, relatives, or landlords register their U.S. passport at the local "Section of Visas and Registration" - Office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (known by the acronym "VVIR" in Ukrainian and "OVIR" in Russian). A fee is usually charged for visa extensions or passport registration.
Note: 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. (38) (044) 294-6701.
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. In addition, 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.
SAFETY/SECURITY: A number of racially motivated assaults and incidents of harassment have recently been reported. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of at least two assaults on African-Americans. These attacks do not seem to be premeditated or related. The areas around the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, including Unification Park, which was the sight of one of the attacks, are used as gathering points for "skinhead" groups, who have targeted individuals of African or Asian heritage in the past. Persons of African or Asian descent, including American citizens, are subject to frequent stops and searches by local police ("militia"). There are several credible reports that such incidents have led to harassment and physical abuse. To minimize the risk of an incident with local law enforcement authorities, Americans should carry photocopies of their passports at all times. Under Ukrainian law, individuals may be detained for up to three hours while their identity documents are being verified. If stopped and detained, Americans should attempt to comply with all instructions from law enforcement officers, but also make it clear that they are American citizens and that they wish to contact the U.S. Embassy. Any incidents should be reported to the Embassy immediately.
CRIME INFORMATION: Inflation, unemployment, and the breakdown of the country's social fabric have contributed to an ever-increasing violent crime rate. Crime in general is a growing problem. Criminals increasingly view Westerners and their residences as choice targets. Pick pocketing, robbery, and other petty crimes are a common occurrence on the mass transit system. Special care should be taken on the subways, buses, trams, and other means of mass transportation. Americans should avoid traveling alone, particularly via mass transit and at night.
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. 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 at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a short list of English-speaking physicians and a list of pharmacies that offer American and Western European supplies and medicines. The availability of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics and antibiotics, still does not meet expectations. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether 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.
The Ukrainian authorities currently require all foreigners entering Ukraine to have proof of emergency medical insurance. A state insurance company offers emergency medical insurance policies, which may be purchased at the airport or port-of-entry upon arrival. At this time, enforcement of the insurance regulation remains uneven; sometimes foreigners are made to purchase insurance at the airport and sometimes they are not. This regulation also does not seem to be enforced at all ports-of-entry. It appears to be most consistently enforced at the international airports in Kiev, Lviv, and Odessa. The Embassy continues to receive information from the Ukrainian government that this policy may be revised. The Embassy will update the traveling public as soon as more information becomes available.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions 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 the CDC Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
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 may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Roads in Ukraine are in generally poor condition. Travel between cities at night and in winter can become extremely treacherous. Carjackings of Western-made or foreign-registered cars are on the rise. There has been an increase in the number of documented reports of criminal acts occurring on trains, including gassings and robberies. Major roads, however, are drivable during daylight hours. Roadside services such as gas stations and repair facilities are becoming more common but remain inadequate. Travelers should plan accordingly.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Ukraine's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Ukrainian carriers operating to and from the U.S.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm. 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 (618) 256-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Travelers must declare all cash and jewelry, regardless of value, upon entering Ukraine. Any undeclared items are subject to confiscation. Under customs regulations, travelers may bring up to 10,000 U.S. dollars into Ukraine without special permission. More than 10,000 U.S. dollars requires a written statement by the traveler.
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.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Ukraine is a cash economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are gaining wider acceptance in larger cities. However, use of credit cards is limited to better hotels, Western-style restaurants, international airlines and selected stores. Customs regulations prohibit sending cash, traveler's checks, personal checks, credit cards, or passports through the international mail system. Customs authorities regularly confiscate these items as contraband. Changing U.S. dollars for Ukrainian hryvnia or another currency is legal only at banks, currency exchange desks at hotels, and licensed exchange booths.
Y2K INFORMATION: As a consequence of the so called Y2K "bug", on or about January 1, 2000, some automated systems throughout the world may experience problems, including unpredictable system malfunctions. In countries that are not prepared, the Y2K problem could affect financial services, utilities, health services, telecommunications, energy, transportation and other vital services. American citizens who are traveling to any country during this time period should be aware of the potential for the disruption of normal medical services. Travelers with special medical needs should consult with their personal physician and take appropriate precautions. It is difficult to predict the severity or duration of Y2K-related disruptions. U.S. citizens should take practical precautions, anticipate the potential for disruption to their daily activities, and be prepared to cope with the impact of such disruptions. Information about personal preparedness and Y2K is available in the Department of State Worldwide Public Announcement of July 26, 1999 which is accessible on the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html.
The Department of State has made a decision to authorize the voluntary departure of eligible family members and employees who can be spared from duty from the U.S. Embassy in Kiev prior to January 1st due to potential Y2K-related disruptions. Although a USG-funded study of Ukraine's energy sector indicated that risk of major disruptions to heat and electrical service in Ukraine is low, the USG has decided that employees who can be spared from duty and eligible family members should have the option of temporarily departing the country.
U.S. citizens should consider deferring travel to Ukraine over this period until the extent of Y2K-related disruptions, which may begin January 1, becomes clear. The U.S. Embassy in Kiev will remain open and available to provide assistance for U.S. citizens in case of emergency. The Embassy, however, does not have facilities to provide private U.S. citizens with food, water, fuel, medicines, shelter or other equipment and supplies in the event of disruptions of essential services. All U.S. citizens in Ukraine should consider their personal situations and take actions they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being, including considering spending the pre- and post-New Year period outside Ukraine. If U.S. citizens decide to depart, arrangements should be undertaken immediately, given the likelihood of diminished availability of seats on commercial airlines as January 1, 2000 approaches.
Aviation and Y2K: The Department of Transportation is heading an international Year 2000 civil aviation evaluation process to review information on Y2K readiness in aviation based on reports to the International Civil Aviation Organization and other available sources. The Federal Aviation Administration is working with the industry and its international partners to encourage sharing of Y2K readiness and contingency planning information so that air carriers will be able to make appropriate decisions. Please consult your airline about contingency plans in the event of unforeseen Y2K-related delays, cancellations, or disruptions. Please see the Department of Transportation Y2K home page at http://www.dot.gov/fly2k for updated information on Y2K and aviation issues.
As January 1, 2000 draws nearer, we will provide updated information available to us about important Y2K issues in Ukraine on the Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html. In addition, please monitor the home page of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine at http://www.usemb.kiev.ua for additional updates. Please see also the Government of Ukraine Internet home page on Y2K issues at http://www.ipi.kiev.ua.
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 AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Ukraine 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 Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has moved to a new location at #6, Pimonenko St. The telephone numbers are (380) (44) 246-8048 and 246-8559, fax 216-3392. The U.S. Embassy is still located at Vulitsa Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10, 254053 Kiev 53, Ukraine; tel. (380) (44) 246-9750, 244-7343, 244-7345 or 244-7349; after-hours 216-3805; fax 244-7350. Mail using U.S. domestic postage should be addressed to U.S. Embassy Kiev, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20521-5850. Visit the Embassy's Internet home page at http://www.usemb.kiev.ua.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Ukraine dated September 14, 1999, to add the Travel Warning, update the sections on Dual Nationality, Medical Insurance and Y2K Information, and indicate the new address and telephone numbers of the U.S. Embassy Consular Section.
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