No visa required for tourist and private visa

[Son of Clyde]

I was reading on another board that the requirement for Ukrainian tourist and private visa's will be lifted soon if they haven't been already. No visa will be required for a US citizen travelling as a tourist or visiting someone in Ukraine.  It sounds too good to be true. 

[ielocal]

This was actually discussed quit a lot over the weekend on the other board. It seems some think this applies to first time visitors as well as repeat visitors. That is yet to be determined IMO. But as to the issue for repeat visitors, here is a quote from the Ukrainian Consulate site in San Francisco:

On 30 June 2005, President of Ukraine Victor Yuschenko signed the Decree on the Establishment of Visa-Free Regime for Citizens of the United States of America, which introduced visa-free regime of entry to Ukraine and transit through it territory for U.S. citizens who may stay in Ukraine up to 90 days with at least six month intervals between visits.

http://www.ukrainesf.com/

It should also be noted that they have removed the single entry visa (while lowering the cost of the 2 entry visa) and also re-termed the 5 year multi-entry visa. Before the 5 year visa was listed as a business visa. Now they are only terming is as a multi-entry visa.

[Goombah]

Picking nits, but I have an Ukraine 5-year multi-entry private tourist visa - not a business visa.

Kevin

[ielocal]

Picking nits, but I have an Ukraine 5-year multi-entry private tourist visa - not a business visa.

Kevin

 

I stand corrected. When I applied for my visa in April I remember it still being termed as a business visa. But then that was 1, 2, ..., well too long ago to remember for sure.  Now, I am sure if I need one I'll be getting the 5 year.

-ielocal

[Michelangelo]

I tried to get a 5 year visa last March for my last visit to Ukraine, but was turned down in New York--they said something like "it's for people who have relatives in Ukraine."  So I got another double entry...my second.  I burned it with trips in April and then again in May.

But this is good news--if I return within 6 months I can go now without a visa?  But it still scares me, knowing that different officials at the entry airports have different answers...

Plus, after reading the actual decree

"...1. To introduce on July 1, 2005 visa free regime for the US citizens for entering Ukraine and for transit through the territory of Ukraine, if they visit Ukraine for the second time within 6 months from the date of their first visit to Ukraine for the period which doesn't exceed 90 days."

It could be read to mean you can come back in as long as you do so every 6 months???  

Does anyone know???

[Goombah]

The trick is to use the Rob Thomas instructions and apply through Chicago.  Took me 13 days to get my 5 year private tourist visa back in October.

Kevin

[dorogoyroberto]

Kevin,

The "Rob Thomas instructions," while laudable, aren't a sure thing: 10 acquaintances recently applied using them and four were rejected for reasons that elude them and me. Three of the turn-downs were through Chicago, too...

Roberto, also with a five-year private visa...

[Goombah]

Hi Roberto.

Of course, if they didn't go through Chicago, they don't count as following the "Rob Thomas" instructions... <smile> (since that is clearly part of the instructions).

As you know, mine was accepted and was my first attempt at a visa.  Perhaps I just got lucky.

Kevin

[Alesis]

Here's what I've come up with so far re: my need for a visa for Ukraine. I will be entering Ukraine for the first time in just a few weeks. I am a U.S. citizen, visiting for private/tourist reasons and I will be staying for 30 days.

I called the Ukrainian Washigton embassy and they told me I do not need a visa. A call to the San Francisco consular office yielded the same results. Then yesterday, I emailed the U.S. embassy in Kiev and they got back to me with this.

Thank you for your e-mail.  The following information has been provided by the Mininstry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

A passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is required.  According to Ukrainian Presidential Decree #1008 dated June 30, 2005, U.S. citizens traveling to Ukraine on short-term tourist, business or private travel do not need a visa to enter Ukraine.  (Visas are still required of other categories of travelers including those who intend to study, reside, or work in Ukraine.)  Short-term travelers entering Ukraine under the auspices of the June 30 decree can stay in Ukraine up to 90 days during a six-month period beginning with the date of their initial entry.  Any requests for extension of stay due to extenuating circumstances should be directed to the Ministry of Interior's Department of Citizenship, Immigration and Registration (formerly known as OVIR).  Extensions are not automatic, however, and are valid only for continued presence in the country.  It is not possible to depart Ukraine and return on the extension, nor can an adjustment to visa status be made from within Ukraine.

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Many of the private visa service websites are also confirming this.

We could really use a post from someone who has actually entered Ukraine under the new visa"less" regime.

[Michelangelo]

Thanks, Alesis!  This seems to be very clear.  But like you, I'd like to hear from someone who flies into Ukraine without a visa and is allowed to stay!!!

[Alesis]

Hi Mike,

I actually contacted my U.S. Senator today and they are looking into the inconsistencies. Please don't take my word until all the embassy websites are on the same page. Then print them out and take them with you. Many of the problems are arising from Yuschenko's comments regarding "re-entering" and "previous visits".

Alesis

[Michelangelo]

Thanks, Alesis...I am planning a trip at the end of August, but will wait a little longer to see how the "smoke clears" on this issue.  Anyone else going to try without a visa?

[wxman]

Here is a reply I received from NWA/KLM airlines asking about visa regime in Ukraine for Americans:

"According to the latest information available, you will need to bring
your normal passport. However, as you mentioned, a travel visa is no
longer required for visits limited to 90 days, or less. It is also
stated that you may be asked to show a legitimate invitation from an
official sponsor in Ukraine, depending on your business there."

The airlines do not want to get stuck with sending a person back who is rejected entering Ukraine at Ukrainian customs, so they clarify the requirements much quicker tham our government.  These are the instructions they pass on to their attendants.  Also the airline does not want to get nailed with a $700 fine for allowing one to fly without a visa if it is required. I found the amount of fine on Ukrainian embassy web site. So if the airlines are letting you proceed to Ukraine without visa, they probably have a better clue. Money talks and airlines do not want to have to shell out money for rebooking a flight or paying a fine.