Genvisec advises that  business and leisure travel should continue to Ukraine. Certain areas of the country should be avoided:

 

 We advise against all travel to:

 

Crimea

Donetsk oblast

Lugansk oblast

 

We advise against all but essential travel to:

 

Kharkiv oblast

 

 

Crimea

 

Russian forces and pro-Russian groups have established full operational control in Crimea.  Tensions remain high.

 

Ukrainian International Airlines have cancelled all flights to and from Simferopol.

 

All train and official bus services to Crimea have been cancelled.

 

There are reports of road blocks, with private vehicles and passengers being searched but traffic is able to get through. If you’re currently visiting or living in Crimea, you should leave now. If you choose to remain, you should keep a low profile, avoid areas of protest or stand-off and stay indoors where possible.

 

The Crimean sea ports of Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosia, Yalta and Yevpatoria have been designated by the Ukrainian authorities as closed to international shipping.

 

Eastern and Southern Ukraine

 

Since March 2014 there has been instability in the east of Ukraine as a result of clashes between Ukrainian armed forces and Russian-backed armed separatists. This has resulted in around 6,000 deaths and the displacement of over one and a half million people. A ceasefire was agreed on 12 February 2015, but sporadic fighting has continued in several locations in the southern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Civilians continue to get caught up in the fighting, including in major incidents in and around Donetsk and Mariupol.

 

There are no scheduled flights into or out of Donetsk and Lugansk airport.

 

There has been a series of hoax bomb warnings, including in Kyiv, in recent weeks as well as isolated explosions and other security incidents in Kharkiv city, Odesa, Kherson and Lviv. These have included bombs being placed in pubs and cafes. On 22 February 2015, 3 people were killed and others injured in a bomb attack on a march in Kharkiv. You should take great care and remain vigilant throughout Ukraine. Avoid all demonstrations and take extra care in public gatherings.

 

Other parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv

 

The situation in Kyiv and western cities is generally calm, although occasional non-violent public demonstrations continue in and around the Verkhovna Rada (parliament building) and elsewhere in the city. Be vigilant and monitor the media for information about possible safety or security risks.

 

Political situation

 

Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible safety or security risks. You should avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, as even peaceful protests may turn violent.

 

Crime

 

Most visits are trouble free. But foreign nationals have been the victims of violent crime in Kyiv and other major cities. In some cases attacks have been racially motivated. Travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent and individuals belonging to religious minorities should take extra care.

 

Be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft. Foreigners may appear to be lucrative targets. Where possible, avoid walking alone late at night in dark or poorly lit streets. Keep valuables and cash safe and out of sight, especially in crowded areas, tourist spots, and public transport, where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate.

 

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.

 

Don’t lose sight of your credit cards during transactions.

 

Theft of and from vehicles is common. Don’t leave documents or money in your vehicle. Unregulated taxi drivers can overcharge. Use official taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi.

 

Do not leave drinks or food unattended as they could be spiked. Beware of accepting drinks from casual acquaintances.

 

Local travel

 

Bus, trolleybus and tram tickets normally need to be validated by being ‘punched’ when you board. You can be fined on the spot if you are travelling with a ticket that has not been validated.

 

There is a wide network of minibuses. The fare is normally displayed on the window inside the minibus. You may need to pass your money to the driver via other passengers.

 

There is no metro connection to Kyiv city centre from Boryspil International Airport. The most convenient way to reach the city centre is by taxi. Alternatively you can take the ‘Sky Bus’ from the airport to the city centre (via Kharkivska metro station to the South Station of Kyiv-Pasazhirskyy train station). Sky Buses go from Terminals B and F. You can buy a ticket from the driver or at the ticket office of Kiy Avia in Terminals B and F.

 

Chernobyl

 

A number of local companies offer tours to Chernobyl. Some areas around the reactor are covered by an exclusion zone, and you may need to get a permit and travel with a guide. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, although some of the radioactive isotopes released into the atmosphere still linger, they are at tolerable exposure levels for limited periods of time.

 

Road Travel

 

You must have a valid International Driving Permit to drive legally in Ukraine. Make sure you have original vehicle-registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers available at all times. These will be required if you are stopped by the police and when crossing borders. This also applies to rental vehicles. If you do not have these papers when stopped by the police they have the right to impound your vehicle and charge you for this.

 

Local driving standards are poor. Street lights are weak, speed limits, traffic lights and road signs are often ignored, and drivers rarely indicate before manoeuvring. There are a high number of traffic accidents, including fatalities. Speeding, drunk driving and infrequent use of helmets, seat belts and child restraints in vehicles are the main contributing factors.

 

Roads are of variable quality. Driving outside major towns at night can be hazardous. Avoid night-time travel wherever possible.

 

You must wear a seat belt. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. There is a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving.

 

There have been 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 their name and rank, explain why you have been stopped and make an administrative offence report. Fines have to be paid at 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 can contact for advice:

 

Ministry of Internal Affairs:

 

Helpline: (8044) 256 1675

Duty Telephone: (8044) 256 1002/4

 

Department of Traffic Police:

 

Helpline: (8044) 272 4659

Duty Telephone: (8044) 272 3660

 

Ukrainian officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian. See the AA and RAC guides to driving in Ukraine.

 

Rail travel

 

If you take the overnight train, make sure your belongings are secure.

 

Train timetables and ticket reservation is available online on the Ukrainian Railways site.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Penalties for being caught in possession of drugs are severe.

 

Smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks in public places is officially banned. Public places include transport, bus stops, underground crossings, cultural, sports and governmental establishments, playgrounds and parks.

 

Although homosexuality is not prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the EU and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. There is no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and there has been an increase in intolerance towards the LGBT community.

 

Corruption remains a major problem. If you think you have been mistreated by an official body then you should report your case to the police or the relevant government department:

 

Immigration – telephone: +380 44 527-63-63 (in Ukrainian)

 

Police – report to the General Prosecutor’s office in writing only

 

Customs – telephone: + 38 044 247 2719, email: dovira@customs.gov.ua;

 

Other state officials – report to the Organised Crime Department (Guboz), telephone: +38 044 362 8327, 222 6812, or 521 6628.

 

Ukrainian officials generally only speak Ukrainian and Russian.

 

Carry your passport at all times for ID purposes. Police often carry out passport checks on foreign nationals, particularly in the Khreschatik (central) area of Kyiv. Policemen should 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 can provide information on your legal status in Ukraine. If you are detained because you have been unable to present your passport, you should ask for an official report.

 

Don’t take photographs in the vicinity of government or military establishments.

 

Money

The official currency of Ukraine is the Hryvnia (UAH). US dollars and Euros are the easiest currency to exchange in Ukraine. Sterling may also be exchanged at a more limited number of sites. There are numerous currency exchange kiosks and travellers cheques can be cashed at some banks. Use only official exchange booths. You will need to present your passport to exchange money. You should be given a receipt (NBU form № 377). Keep the receipt as you may need to produce it if you exchange money back on departure.

 

ATMs are also available and credit cards are widely used in cities. Outside cities you should make sure you have sufficient cash in local currency.

 

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks have mainly been aimed at official Ukrainian targets, but could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted. Most attacks have taken place in eastern and southern Ukraine, but there have been occasional attacks elsewhere, including in Kyiv where there remains a continued threat. There has been a series of explosions in Kharkiv which has included pubs and cafes. You should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

 

Health

There is an agreement between Ukraine and the EU covering emergency medical treatment only.  Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

State medical facilities in Ukraine are generally poor. Private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care, though these do not always meet western standards and practices. If you are involved in an accident or taken ill, it is likely that you will be taken to a state hospital unless you can show that you have comprehensive medical insurance cover.

 

English is not always widely spoken and foreign patients may face communication difficulties.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 or 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

EU citizens are allowed to enter Ukraine without a visa for a visit of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

 

You will need to get a visa if you are travelling to Ukraine for other purposes. For further advice on entry requirements contact the Ukrainian Embassy in your home country.

 

Proof of financial means

 

You may be asked to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support you during your stay. Types of evidence that may be suitable are: cash, bank statements or other financial documents, credit cards, accommodation bookings, tourist vouchers, a letter from the person or company you’re visiting stating that they will cover your expenses, or a return or onward travel booking. Further information can be found on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and State Border Service of Ukraine

 

Passport validity

 

If you’re travelling without a visa, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. If you’re applying for a visa, your passport may need to have an additional period of validity. Check with the Ukrainian Embassy in y our home country for further details.

 

The Ukrainian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Ukraine.

 

Customs regulations

 

There are strict customs regulations governing the export from Ukraine of antiques and items of historical interest. If in doubt seek prior permission from customs authorities: telephone: (38-044) 247-27-19 or (38 044) 247-28-50.