Ukraine: Various travel information
Formalities, visas
For a stay of up to 90 days, Germans, EU citizens and citizens of Switzerland can stay in the country as tourists or for visiting purposes for a maximum of 90 days per half-year (from the first entry) without a visa. The days spent in Ukraine within six months of first entry (stamp of the border authorities) are added together – the number of entries within the six months is unlimited. A passport or a provisional passport that is valid for at least one month after the end of the planned stay in Ukraine is still required when entering the country. An identity card is not sufficient for entry. For children and adolescents up to the age of 16, a child ID or, alternatively, a child’s passport is sufficient, but in any case with a photo.
For a stay of more than 90 days in Ukraine, a visa obtained in advance from a Ukrainian diplomatic mission is required. The same applies if gainful employment is to be carried out in Ukraine. Furthermore, due to a government resolution of 1997, there is an obligation to provide evidence of travel health insurance valid in Ukraine. It should be noted, however, that medical treatment usually has to be paid for immediately in cash, despite existing health insurance.
Issuing of visas in Germany
Embassy
Albrechtstrasse 26
10117 Berlin
Tel: +49 – (0) 30 – 28 88 70 (head office), 28 88 72 20 (consular department)
Fax: +49 – (0) 30 – 28 88 71 63 (head office), 28 88 72 19 (consular department)
email: [email protected]
www.botschaft-ukraine.de
Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland
See under Representations of Ukraine in Austria and Representations of Ukraine in Switzerland.
Import and export of foreign currency
- National currencyThe import and export of Ukrainian currency is limited to a maximum of 10,000 UAH.
- Foreign currencyUp to 10,000 US dollars (or the equivalent of this amount in another currency according to the current exchange rate of the National Bank of Ukraine) in cash and/or 50,000 US dollars in checks. The amounts must be declared. Travelers in transit are permitted to import up to US $ 30,000 in cash or checks or bank metals in bars up to 1,000 grams on presentation of documents proving onward travel.
Departure fee
There is no departure fee from Ukraine.
Goods import and export
The following articles can be imported into Ukraine duty-free:
- 200 g cigarettes or
- 50 cigars or
- 250 g tobacco products
- 1 liter of spirits
- 2 l wine (only people over 20 years)
- Goods up to a total value of € 200 (or an indivisible part up to € 300)
When entering the country, a customs declaration must be filled out, which must be presented on departure.
The export of the following cultural goods is strictly prohibited:
Cultural goods that are included in the State Register of National Cultural Achievements that belong to the National Archive Fund and cultural objects that belong to the Museum Fund of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian customs and border authorities strictly monitor compliance with import and export regulations. Even minor violations can lead to high fines. In the event of a violation, foreigners can expect prolonged investigations during which they cannot leave the country or pretrial detention is imposed.
How do you get to Ukraine?
The airline Ukraine International Airlines www.ukraine-international.com flies directly to Kiev from Frankfurt and Berlin Tegel and Vienna and Zurich. Further flight connections are offered from Lviv to Warsaw, from Simferopol to Turkey and from Ivano-Frankivsk to Great Britain. The Swiss company flies from Zurich via Munich to Kiev, while Lufthansa flies from Munich and Frankfurt am Main to Kiev. Austrian Airlines flies daily from Vienna to Donetsk and Lviv. Donbassaero connects Munich and Donetsk. Ukraine’s international airport, Borispol International (KBP), is about 35 km from Kiev, every half hour there is a bus to the city center.
Ukraine is also connected to the other Danube countries via the Danube www.danube-river.org. The most important port cities are Odessa, Ismail on the Danube and Yalta, Sevastopol and Evpatoria in the Crimea. There are connections to the Russian ports of Novorossiysk and Sochi and the Georgian ports of Batumi and Sukhumi. There is also a ferry connection from Odessa to Istanbul www.ukrferry.com. Odessa and Yalta from start some cruise ships or take on Black and Mediterranean cruises stop here www.aida.de.
Rail connections exist between Kiev and the other CIS countries. The train takes you to Moscow in around 16 hours and St. Petersburg in 36 hours. From Odessa there are direct connections to Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Prague, Moscow, Vilnius, Riga, Wroclaw and Warsaw. There are also train connections to Kiev from Vienna and Berlin.
There are also buses between Odessa and Berlin, Hamburg and Munich as well as Greece and Bulgaria.
Travel in the country
Air connections
There are connections for domestic flights between Kiev and all other major Ukrainian cities. However, fuel is scarce, so flight schedules are often not adhered to. In winter there is often no flight at all. For most domestic flights, tickets can only be bought in Ukraine and as a foreigner you sometimes have to pay more than a Ukrainian. There are connections between Kiev and Lviv, Dnepropetrovsk, Donetsk and Odessa by the company Aerosvit www.aeroswit.ua/eng.
Railway
Comfortable trains now run daily between all major Ukrainian cities. Especially in winter it is advisable to take the train instead of flying, as the trains are more reliable than the planes, but here too it is often not easy to buy tickets.
Bus
Buses also run between all major cities, but they don’t have a particularly good reputation.
Ship
There are river cruises between Kiev, Sevastopol and Odessa.
Roads
Most of the road network is paved and most of the roads are in relatively good condition. There are large connecting roads with refueling and overnight accommodation facilities, there are also repair shops and now almost all petrol stations also have unleaded petrol. However, it is generally advisable to refuel early enough and also to take a spare canister with you. At petrol stations you can only pay in the local currency and credit cards are rarely accepted.
City Transport
There are buses, trolleybuses and trams in most cities. Kiev also has a subway that is clean, inexpensive and runs reliably. In contrast, the buses and trolleybuses are often overcrowded and often run only at irregular intervals. There are also minibuses on some routes that stop at any point. All public transport stops between 1 and 6 a.m.
Car, rental
car Rental cars can be booked at all major car rental companies, there are numerous places available in the larger cities. However, the cars are often in relatively poor condition.
Taxis
Taxi driving is relatively cheap, so taxis are a good alternative even for long journeys. There is a surcharge at night. But you should pay attention to the fare, the state taxis have taximeters, with the private companies the price should be agreed before driving. For Russian-speaking passengers, prices are often lower. For example, a trip from Kiev to Odessa is around $ 200. The taxis can be ordered by phone or stopped directly on the street with a show of hands, all cars have a black and yellow indicator light.
Traffic rules
To avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, drivers should strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain more detailed information from the ADAC, the AvD or the Ukrainian traffic clubs. Seat belts are compulsory and you must have an international driver’s license and a green insurance card.
Top speeds
- Urban: In built-up areas there is a speed limit of 60 km/h.
- Country roads: There is a speed limit of 90 km/h on country roads.
- Motorways: There is a speed limit of 110 km/h on motorways.
In addition, it is of course necessary to pay attention to the current local speed limits, which are indicated by traffic signs.
Special regulations
Anyone who obtained their driver’s license less than two years ago is generally not allowed to drive faster than 70 km/h.
Motorcycles must always drive with dipped headlights. Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system while driving. Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists and their passengers.
Blood alcohol limit
The official blood alcohol limit in Ukraine for drivers of motor vehicles is 0.0.
Attention
There is a strict ban on alcohol in traffic. If a traffic offense has been committed under the influence of alcohol, this constitutes a significant aggravation of the penalty. Even minor personal injury must be expected in this case with a prison sentence.
Unfortunately, many Ukrainian citizens do not adhere to this rule. Cars with foreign license plates are checked more often and more strictly by the police.
International license plate
According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of Ukraine is:
| UA |
Infectious Diseases
The following infectious diseases are to be expected in the Ukraine, which do not occur or rarely occur in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. However, you should be particularly careful:
- Malaria, there is no risk of malaria in the country.
- AIDS, HIV, there is a high risk of infection, for example the majority of prostitutes are infected
- Amoebic dysentery
- Bacterial agitation
- Lyme disease, as a result of tick bites
- Cholera, an infection risk only exists for travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
- Intestinal infections from contaminated food or water, including amoeba, lamblia, salmonella, shigella and worm infestation, as well as all kinds of viruses and bacteria
- Early summer meningo encephalitis, mainly as a result of tick bites
- Hepatitis A and B, an infection with hepatitis B, is only possible in people who can come into contact with blood or those who are looking for sexual contact.
- Polio, polio
- measles
- tetanus
- rabies
- tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever, an infection risk only exists for travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food.
Vaccination recommendations When traveling to Ukraine, the same vaccinations are recommended as in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Cholera, but only among travelers who can come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
- Diphtheria, a vaccination against diphtheria should always exist, also in the home country.
- Hepatitis A and B, vaccination against hepatitis B, is only required for those people who may come into contact with blood or who seek sexual contact.
- Polio, polio, vaccination against polio should always exist, also in the home country.
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Tetanus, a vaccination against tetanus should always exist, also in the home country.
- Typhoid, but only in travelers who may come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food
Vaccination requirements There are no vaccination regulations when entering or staying in Ukraine.
Current warnings
The penalties for drug offenses are much higher in Ukraine than in Germany. Several years of imprisonment are threatened with the import, possession, transport or personal consumption of small amounts of so-called soft drugs. Drug smuggling or trafficking in drugs within Ukraine is punishable by imprisonment of up to twelve years.
Be careful when photographing technical equipment. Military facilities should generally not be photographed. It cannot be ruled out that charges of espionage will be brought on the basis of such photos. If convicted on this basis, there is a risk of at least eight years imprisonment in Ukraine.
When exporting art and cultural goods as well as foreign exchange, but also other objects, attention is required. It is strongly advised to find out about “customs regulations” before exporting items purchased in Ukraine and to carefully follow the instructions there
Foreign Office (AA) of the Federal Republic of Germany
Citizen Service
Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 2000
www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de
Currency, shopping and exchange rate
National currency
The national currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia
Hryvnia = 100 kopecks.
In the larger cities there are numerous ATMs that accept major credit cards as well as Maestro cards, etc. The exchange rate is often much cheaper than that at the exchange offices.
Banks and hotels accept all trading currencies, traveler checks and numerous credit cards:
Shop
Shop opening hours
Most shops in Ukraine have the following opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (department stores)
- Smaller shops: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: closed
Some shops are also open until 8:00 p.m.
Inexpensive or country-specific goods, souvenirs
Of course, a lot is sold in the tourist areas that basically nobody can use. Many of the souvenir items are of poor quality and often overpriced. However, some ceramic and leather goods, wood carvings, jewelry and paintings are recommended. You can buy art and craft items at street stalls directly from the artist, in galleries or souvenir shops. In addition, a bottle of Ukrainian sparkling wine or wine from the Crimea is always a good gift.
Ukraine: Embassies and Consulates
Visit Countryaah for a full list of Ukraine embassies and consulates in each country around the world.
Representations of the Ukraine in Germany
The Ukrainian embassy has been located in Albrechtstrasse in Berlin Mitte since. Very close to the embassy – at Schumannstrasse 13 is the Deutsches Theater Berlin – and directly opposite the Heinrich Böll Foundation building.
Embassy of the Ukraine in Berlin
Albrechtstraße 26
10117 Berlin
Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 28 88 72 17
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mfa.gov.ua/germany
Consulate General of Ukraine
Brönnerstrasse 15
60313 Frankfurt am Main
Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 29 72 09 20
E-Mail: [email protected]
Consulate General of Ukraine
Mundsburger Damm 1
22087 Hamburg
Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 22 94 98 10
E-Mail: [email protected]
Consulate General of Ukraine
Lessingstrasse 14
80336 Munich
Tel: 0049 – (0) 89 – 55 27 37 12
E-Mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of Ukraine
August-Bebel-Straße 51
04275 Leipzig
Tel: 0049 – (0) 341 – 24 25 15 20
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consulate of the Ukraine
Schillerplatz 7 (IHK for Rheinhessen)
55116 Mainz
Tel: 0049 – (0) 6131 – 21 30 350
E-Mail: [email protected]
German representations in Ukraine
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kiev
Wul. Bohdana, Chmelnyzkoho 25
01901 Kiev
Tel: 00380 – (0) – 44 – 247 68 00
Fax: 00380 – (0) – 44 – 247 68 18
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kiew.diplo.de
Consulates
Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany
Prospect Mira 15, Office 71
83015 Donetsk
Tel: 00380 – (0) 62 – 343 45 47
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany
Wul. Artema 58
83000 Donetsk
Tel: 00380 – (0) 62 – 345 17 17
Email: [email protected]
Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany
Wulyzja Vynnytschenka 6
79008 Lviv
Tel: 00380 – (0) 322 – 75 71 02
E-Mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany
9, Lanzheronovskayastr., Office 17
65026 Odessa
Tel: 00380 – (0) 48 – 777 89 03
E-Mail: [email protected]
Representations of Austria in Ukraine
Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Kiev
Ivana Franka 33
01030 Kiev
Tel: 00380 – (0) 44 – 277 27 90
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bmeia.gv.at/kiew
Consulates
Austrian Honorary Consulate
vul. Artema 131
83015 Donetsk
Tel: 00380 – (0) 62 – 381 08 72
E-Mail: [email protected]
Austrian Honorary Consulate
Shevchenko Prospekt 26, 79005 Lemberg
Tel: 00380 – (0) 32 – 261 20 14
E-Mail: [email protected]
Representations of Ukraine in Austria
Embassy of the Ukraine in Vienna
Naaffgasse 23
1180 Vienna
Tel: 0043 – (0) 1 – 479 71 72 11
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ukremb.at
Honorary Consulate of the Ukraine
Pernhartgasse 8
9020 Klagenfurt
Tel: 0043 – (0) 463 – 54 70 013
Representations of Switzerland in Ukraine
Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in Kiev
vul. Kozyatynska 12
01015 Kiev
Tel: 00 380 – (0) 44 – 281 61 28
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.eda.admin.ch/kiev
The Swiss embassy in Ukraine is also responsible for Moldova.
Representations of Ukraine in Switzerland
Embassy of the Ukraine in Bern
Feldeggweg 5
3005 Bern
Tel: 0041 – (0) 31 – 352 23 16
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mfa.gov.ua/switzerland
Consulates
Consulate of Ukraine
Chemin de Conches 4
1231 Conches
Tel: 0041 – (0) 22 – 890 04 38
Consulate of Ukraine
Unter Altstadt 10
6301 Zoug
Tel: 0041 – (0) 41 – 729 08 55
Email: [email protected]
