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TRAVEL REPORT
Ukraine

1. RECENT UPDATES

The information on H1N1 has been moved to Section 7.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Ukraine

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution. They should avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure personal belongings, passports, and all other travel documents are secure at all times.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Street crime, such as pickpocketing and scamming, is common, particularly on public transportation, in crowded places, in tourist areas, and in bars and nightclubs. The crime rate has increased due to the economic situation and unemployment. Racially-motivated violence and harassment occur with a lack of corrective actions by local authorities. Armed robbery can also occur, especially in bigger cities. Be vigilant when accepting food or drink from strangers or casual acquaintances, as these may be drugged.

Demonstrations

The second round of Presidential elections took place in Ukraine on February 7, 2010. Avoid demonstrations, protests, and large gatherings, as they can turn violent without notice.

Scams

Credit card and automated banking machine (ABM) card fraud occurs. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing. A scam often reported is where a person drops a wallet or a bundle of money in front of a tourist; the crook then pretends that he just found the money and asks you if it is yours or offers to share the money with you. Should this happen, simply walk away without engaging in conversation.

Internet Relationship Fraud

Be aware of potential fraud by persons claiming to live in Ukraine who offer goods for sale or profess companionship, romantic interest, and/or marriage proposals over the Internet. Neither the Embassy of Canada nor Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is in a position to help recover lost funds or property in such cases.

General Safety Information

Always carry proper identification. Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time. Cooperate with local authorities at all times. Be aware that you may be stopped by local police officers on the street in order to verify your identification documents and may be detained for up to three hours while your identity documents are being verified. Racially-motivated mistreatment and harassment by Ukrainian authorities occurs.

Tourist facilities outside of major centres, such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa are not highly developed.

For emergency assistance, dial 102 for police, 103 for ambulance, and 101 for the fire department.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Ukrainian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of Ukraine and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Ukraine. It is recommended that the passport be valid for at least six months after the date of your expected departure from the country. It is also highly recommended that the names of Canadian-born children not be added to the Ukrainian passports of their parents as it may cause significant problems in crossing borders in Europe.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

Canadians do not require a visa to enter Ukraine if their stay is less than 90 days, no matter what the purpose (work, business, study or personal reasons, including tourism). A visa is necessary for longer stays and must be obtained in advance, prior to entering Ukraine. Violators can expect to pay a fine.

Canadians working in Ukraine must have their employer request and obtain a work permit from a local employment centre.

Upon arrival, Canadians may have to purchase medical insurance issued by the state-owned joint-stock company Ukrainmedstrakh for the period of the visa's validity, even though they may have already been asked to provide proof of medical insurance when they submitted their visa application. Visa extensions inside the country may also require purchase of Ukrainian medical insurance for the period of the extension.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Ukraine - KYIV, Embassy of Canada
Address: 31 Yaroslaviv Val Street, Kyiv 01901, Ukraine
Tel.: 380 (44) 590-3100
Fax: 380 (44) 590-3134
E-Mail: kyiv@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Ukraine.gc.ca

Working hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Ukraine - LVIV, Consulate of Canada
Address: 2 / 4 Academika Bohomoltsia Street, Lviv 79005, Ukraine
Tel.: 380 32 2601572
Fax: 380 32 2601154
E-Mail: oksmyr@link.lviv.ua
Internet: http://www.Ukraine.gc.ca

Working hours: Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kyiv and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 00-613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common. The Ukrainian medical insurance policy provided by the state-owned joint-stock company Ukrinmedstrakh covers all expenses for medical care and provides medical supplies in case of emergency.

Travellers should boil water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked food and unpasteurized dairy products.

Some parts of Ukraine were contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Foods such as dairy products and locally grown fruits and vegetables may still carry levels of radiation and should be avoided. Visitors should drink bottled or filtered water.

Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in wooded areas from spring to autumn. If you plan to visit forested areas, you should seek advice regarding inoculations before leaving Canada.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

There are strict customs regulations and procedures regarding the export of antiquities and items of historical interest.

Dual nationality is not recognized in Ukraine, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Public Transport

Public buses are usually overcrowded and in poor condition. Vehicles can be rented at rental agencies in major cities and some major hotels in Kyiv.

Exercise caution on trains, particularly at night, due to the risk of robbery and muggings. Store personal belongings and travel documents in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure the door is secured from the inside. Avoid travelling alone.

Only use officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers.

Sea Travel

The main ports are Izmail and Odessa on the Danube Delta. Ferry service is available to the Russian Federation as well as to a number of cities on the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. A ferry service connects Sevastopol and Istanbul, Turkey.

Road Travel

Road conditions are poor outside major cities. Drivers are often aggressive and dangerous. Motorists should not stop or camp overnight in isolated areas. While roadside services such as gas stations and repair facilities are increasingly common, they remain inadequate. Avoid driving after dark outside major cities, as limited road visibility, poor vehicle maintenance, and intoxicated drivers pose substantially increased threats to evening and nighttime highway travel.

Car insurance is mandatory. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Mobile phone coverage outside major cities has improved significantly but still remains unpredictable.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Ukrainian driver's licence is required.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the hryvnia (UAH). The economy operates primarily on a cash basis. However, credit cards are accepted in most major cities. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and licensed exchange booths. Carry crisp bills, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The climate is temperate with warm summers, crisp, sunny autumns, and cold, snowy winters.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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