As in travelling to most countries, it helps to know some basic information about the place – this not only makes travelling easier, safer and more convenient but also makes the experience more pleasurable. If you’re planning on travelling to Ukraine whether for business or for pleasure, consider the following practical tips to help you manage your expectations about the place and the way of life in the place.
Getting in and Around Ukraine
The easiest route into Ukraine is to fly to Kyiv which has two main international airports – the Boryspil International Airport and the Kyiv Zhuliany International Airport. If you want cheaper modes, you can take the train into western Ukraine from Hungary, Poland or Slovakia. As for getting around there are several choices, depending on where you’re planning to go, your budget or the time you need to get to your destination. There is the Metro station, the public bus and funicular, boats and also the train. There are car rentals but they can be very expensive. For longer trips, the train is still the most convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get to your destination. First time visitors and those who travel alone are advised to purchase two tickets or at least book the entire compartment so as to avoid sharing quarters with strangers. Remember that Ukraine is a newly independent nation and as such it is just starting to open its doors to the rest of the world. Transport vehicles and roads need much improvement and although traveling within Ukraine is largely unrestricted, internal travel can be difficult and flight and train schedules may be irregular. It is always wise to check with local stations for real-time schedules before planning a long trip within Ukraine.
Immigration, Customs and Clearing Entry Requirement
Passport and visa are required and will be asked for presentation upon entry. The passport must be valid for at least four months upon entry to Ukraine. Visitors from EU, Canada, the USA, Iceland, Japan, Norway and Switzerland do not need a visa. Other nationalities and those who intend to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days should apply for a visa. For detailed explanations as well as a list of documents required, check with your local embassy or go to the website of the Embassy of Ukraine.
Upon clearing passport control, you will be issued a “passport registration slip” which you must keep as you will need to submit this upon exit from Ukraine. You will also need to clear customs where you need to submit a declaration form of all items and cash which you are bringing into Ukraine. You are allowed up to US$10,000 in cash, anything over this amount and you should have a special authorization form filed with your embassy otherwise it will be confiscated. Keep the entry declaration form as well after you clear customs as you will need to submit this upon exit. Failure to do so will lead to a confiscation of all your items, including your cash.
Safety and Sanitation
Safety is generally a primary concern for any traveler wherever his or her destination may be. Practicality dictates that you ensure that all important documents that you’re carrying – passport, declaration forms, airline tickets, credit cards and any other forms and ID’s are kept in a safe place. If you are staying in a hotel and they provide a safe in the rooms then keep them there. Or else carry them inside your clothing and not just in a pouch or a bag. If you’re not sure of the safety condition in a place that you’re going to, ask your hotel concierge or a trusted local – better if you can have someone accompany you especially if you are going out at night. Even though most retail outlets in Ukraine just accept cash, do not flash large amounts of money in public and attract undue attention.
When taking an overnight trip in a train or just going on a long trip within the country, bring your own toiletries with you – soap, toothbrush, a roll of tissue paper. Public toilets on the road can be generally unsanitary. In the cities, relatively clean public restrooms can be found in restaurants and major shopping malls. It is also highly advised not to drink tap water anywhere in Ukraine. Purchase and drink bottled water or soda but never drink from the faucets.
Medical Facilities and Supplies
It is highly advised that you bring enough medical supplies with you when you travel to Ukraine, especially if you are on prescription medicine or you have specific types of medicine that you need to take. Emergency remedies and first-aid supplies should also be part of your travel kit. Medical care in Ukraine is generally limited, especially in the provinces, so it is wise to have your immunization shots for measles, diphtheria, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and flu.
