Presenting immigration form when leaving Kiev's Borispol airport.

[Jack]

I know a lot of you guys fly in and out of Borispol when going to Ukraine.  Just when I think I have learned where everything is and how things work, their are changes.  Last month when entering the immigration control area of Borispol airport the immigration booths for those not needing visa's had been moved to the far right. Before they had always been in the middle and the far right were for Ukraine citizens. No longer.  Guys without visa's, head to the far right booths next time you arrive into Borispol.

Today while exchanging post's about the Kharkov airport I see that one of our members has had to show his immigration paper every trip he has made over the last 6 years, some 10 times.  During this same 6 year time span I have departed 17 times.

I think since we have two members here who have two vastly different experiences we should share our experiences and see what is happening.  What does one member do to never have to show this immigration paper and what does another member do so that he always has to show his immigration paper. I think if you guys can avoid not having to show your immigration paper it's one less possible hassle that could arise.

ManLooking, would you walk us through what you do when you depart Borispol.  What time do you leave?  Do you use a particular flight?  At what point do you show an official your immigration paper?   Do you have to show any other documents?

Let's see what your doing and then I'll share what I do.

[ML]

I have departed at various times, but since I am not an earlier riser, my flights out are typically between 10:30 AM and 2 PM.

At KBP, you first go through an area with detachable rope.  They just check to see if you have a ticket.  Maybe have to show passport also, can't remember.  But it's not for the passport stamp, just to check minimally if you are supposed to be in that area. 

A few years back they did a customs check at this location also.  Sometimes had you count out the money in your pocket, etc.  But now, since they have raised the limit on how much you can take out, I haven't encountered the 'money counters.'

Then go to ticket counters to get boarding pass and check your large bags.

Then upstairs to Passport control.  At Passport control you show your Passport AND this is where they ask for the second half of the immigration card.

After Passport control, you used to go through metal detectors and then on into the lounge area.  Now, the metal detectors have been moved to inside the various boarding gates area.

[ECOCKS]

Over the last 5 years I have departed the country 7 times (air X 3, train X3 and bus X1). All departures asked for the card. One time I didn't have it (bus) and was told I would be fined about $65-70 but waited them out and they let me go without paying it. Another time they were unhappy that I had overstayed but I had my registration papers from the OVIR showing I had 5 months remaining on my one year registration and gave me back my passport as soon as a senior officer got involved. Minor inconvenience but I know guys who were fined the $65-70 amount and, for some unknown reason, a couple who were fined twice that.