Need to show some financial resources now to enter Ukraine

[ML]

Ukraine will now start enforcing earlier decree regarding proof of funds to support yourself upon entry to Ukraine.

So plan to take $2-3,000 in cash with you for a 30 day visit, or show a credit card statement with at least that amount as spending limit, or ATM receipt showing at least that amount as remaining balance, etc.

More details here:

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/foreigners-need-to-pass-cash-threshold-to-enter-ukraine-341462.html

[theguide]

The embassy sent me a letter saying that too. On a different note on my last trip I went through customs in Kiev, this next trip I will be going through in Donetsk. I heard different airports can be tougher, is that true? How is Donetsk? On another tread they said Odessa is bad. In Kiev they stampped my passport and said bye.

[cc3]

I enter the country through Donetsk frequently. It's a lot less hassle than Kyiv.

[stilllooking]

I am going to Lvov for a long weekend soon, and had read something like that in the Kyivpost, though a google search does not reveal anything. They mentioned something along the lines of 20x the normal average daily spend in ukraine, but proof of hotel / accommodation being pre-paid etc all counts towards reaching that sum.

I wonder if that will be enforced more for nationals from certain countries? I was planning on taking more cash than normal due to not being sure if the restrictions on withdrawing cash are still in place and whether the restrictions are also applicable to westerners using their cards or only for cards linked to Ukrainian bank accounts.

[Anotherkiwi]

I am going to Lvov for a long weekend soon, and had read something like that in the Kyivpost, though a google search does not reveal anything. They mentioned something along the lines of 20x the normal average daily spend in ukraine, but proof of hotel / accommodation being pre-paid etc all counts towards reaching that sum.

I wonder if that will be enforced more for nationals from certain countries? I was planning on taking more cash than normal due to not being sure if the restrictions on withdrawing cash are still in place and whether the restrictions are also applicable to westerners using their cards or only for cards linked to Ukrainian bank accounts.

That's a sensible idea, but also remember that the situation could change instantly while you are there.  Even if banks say that you won't have a problem with your card(s), you may suddenly find that you DO have a problem.  Also, make sure that you don't carry anything like all of your extra cash around - if you get your pocket picked or (like me in Odessa) manage to drop or mislay your wallet it will be extremely helpful if you still have most of your money sitting in your apartment or hotel safe.

[theguide]

 The embassy sent me an email about it. To give an easy break down of what it was, about $80 per day you visit plus 5 days worth added on. So for a one day trip about $500. They gave me the formula it has to do with the average income multiplyed by 20 and other things. $80 per day should be a good guideline though

[lonedrake]

 On my recent trip they never asked to see any funds.

[steveboy]

I have been into Ukraine several times recently , and was never asked to show proof of money. I certainly would not have $3000 in my pocket!! lol Last time I went to Odessa last month I had about $100 in my pocket! If any border officer even asked how much cash I had on me I would of told him to "Mind his own bloody business"
If this propaganda is correct it means its the end of my trips to Ukraine:(

[Maxx2]

The embassy sent me an email about it. To give an easy break down of what it was, about $80 per day you visit plus 5 days worth added on. So for a one day trip about $500. They gave me the formula it has to do with the average income multiplyed by 20 and other things. $80 per day should be a good guideline though

Huh? So if you decide to stay 80 days you better show you have $6400? What if your apartment only costs $500 a month?


What is the reason for all of this?


Moldavia is looking more and more attractive.

[steveboy]

Unfortunately Moldova is not going to be so easy to catch a women today, as of the 28th April Moldovan citizens are free to travel around Europe visa free.

Not that will be the end of things, but do you see latvian or Lithuanian women searching for a foreign husband? Its good bye Moldova very soon!

[stilllooking]

Have just spent a few days in Lvov. I entered Ukraine at Boryspol airport, and entry was no different than on any of my other visits, with no need to show proof I could 'afford' my stay in Ukraine.

[ML]

Caution to all:

There is a big difference between official rules AND what people report as their experience.

The rules may or may not always be enforced equally at all times and at all locations.

This will be of little consolation to those who are not prepared when the rules are enforced.

[GQBlues]

Considering Ukraine have an illegitimate government at this time due to a recent illegal, hostile and violent siege, chances are the banking institution have very limited functionality. This fact largely and directly impact sex tourists, wife-hunters, and back-up seekers who are trying to live large in country while relying on ATMs/CCs to draw money from.

No money, no honey, baby...is all. Folks will just need to take more than a few Andrew Jacksons along with them. Ka-Ching!

 

[Maxx2]

Unfortunately Moldova is not going to be so easy to catch a women today, as of the 28th April Moldovan citizens are free to travel around Europe visa free.

Not that will be the end of things, but do you see latvian or Lithuanian women searching for a foreign husband? Its good bye Moldova very soon!

I checked the World Bank website to get some GNI (per capita income) numbers.


Russia     $12,700
Latvia      $14,060
Estonia    $16,270
Lithuania $13,820
Ukraine      $3,500
Moldova      $2,070


I heard the Grivna AUH was 8 to the USD not long ago (true?). Now it's .088 which is more than 11 to 1. It was .079 (12.6 to 1) a few days ago.

[BillyB]

I heard the Grivna AUH was 8 to the USD not long ago (true?). Now it's .088 which is more than 11 to 1. It was .079 (12.6 to 1) a few days ago.

I heard 12 to 1 from my MIL, who lives there, a few days ago. She told me it's a good time to invest in Ukrainian currency since it may someday go back down to 8 to 1. I really wish I knew the future. Can make some serious money this way but there's no guarantee there will be a Grivna and Ukraine if Russia keeps annexing it.

[Maxx2]

I heard 12 to 1 from my MIL, who lives there, a few days ago. She told me it's a good time to invest in Ukrainian currency since it may someday go back down to 8 to 1. I really wish I knew the future. Can make some serious money this way but there's no guarantee there will be a Grivna and Ukraine if Russia keeps annexing it.

That is quite a fluctuation. It means their cost of living went up by a third. 

[stilllooking]

The places I saw in the past few days in Lvov were quoting somewhere between 13 or 14 UAH to the dollar.