Immigration

The immigration process at Kiev’s Boryspil Airport is now relatively fast and efficient. The slow queues and awkward questions of the past are no longer par for the course. Most officials speak a little English.

Travelers may be asked to prove they have health insurance and if not, will have to purchase a cheap Ukrainian policy (around $10 for 30 days). Citizens of the UK, and other countries with reciprocal health agreements with the Ukraine, will never be asked.

Visas for Ukraine

Recent legislation means that citizens of many countries no longer have to endure the arduous process of applying for a Ukrainian visa if their stay in Ukraine is less than 90 days. Countries included are all members of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Vatican, Monaco, Iceland, Norway and San Marino.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

Trav

I had more trouble leaving the country than I did entering. When I landed in Kiev, there was a desk where the checked your passport, and then there was a hallway with a white line, that basically said "these items are forbidden, if you bring them into the country, you're in trouble". Nobody searched my bags and nobody even looked at me. I think there were maybe 3 customs officials standing watching people walk by and they never stopped anyone from my entire flight, and it was a fully loaded 767.
Upon leaving, they x-rayed all my bags, but even still, it was nothing compared to entering the US. When I went through US customs, they opened my bags, and swabbed for drugs and explosives.

David Mann

Nov 2009 - This does indeed seem to be the present situation. I even went to my local OVIR office and they said that they couldn't care less how long EU nationals stay provided they obey the law and don't work.

M. Beddie

I have been to Ukraine 3 times in the last 7 months and found no problems with immigration or customs. Same when leaving.

B Jones

As a regular traveller to the Ukraine I have had no problems at all. It is a lot less officious than the UK.

Editor

In 2007 the government restricted non-visa stays for residents of the European Union etc. to 90 days within a 180 day period. However the Kyiv Post reported on 13/3/08 that this rule is not being enforced and foreign 'residents' of Kiev nearing the 90-day limit are leaving Ukraine for a few hours and re-entering with no problems (aka border runs).

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