Ukraine eases visa requirements for US citizens

[philb]

It appears Ukraine is making it easier for US citizens to travel there. Although it is difficult to say how much easier. I have read two articles and they report different facts in this regard. Here is the text to a Reuters article (it won't let me link to it) and a link to the Moscow Times article. I couldn't find the "Presidential Decree" refered to in the Reuters article.


KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine said on Thursday it was making it easier for U.S. nationals to obtain visas, part of liberal President Viktor Yushchenko's plan to move the ex-Soviet state closer to the West.
A presidential decree posted on the government Web site http://www.president.gov.ua said visas would no longer be required by U.S. citizens making a second trip within six months, provided the new stay in Ukraine did not exceed 90 days.
It said the measure was intended to develop a "strategic partnership" with Washington.
Citizens of EU states and Switzerland have been allowed visa-free entry to Ukraine on an experimental basis from May to September.
The president has said he hopes that move will prompt EU nations to lift their visa requirements for Ukrainians.
But the 25-nation bloc, anxious to maintain secure borders along its new eastern frontier and deter trafficking of people and drugs into member states, is highly unlikely to lift its visa restrictions in the near future.
Yushchenko, elected last December on a wave of mass protests against electoral fraud and revulsion at his predecessor's administration, has linked virtually every policy decision to a long-term plan to join the EU.


http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/07/01/017.html

[bbernard]

It is already posted on the Ukrainian Consulates websites. http://www.ukraineinfo.us/consular/visas.html

One less thing to worry about in this complex affair.. Especially if you find a woman you want to explore or develop a serious relationship with.

bbernard

[Ste]

I'm going to Kiev end of this month and I can tell u it was hard to get a seat on the plane. I suspect the withdrawal of the visa requirement for us EU types has generated a lot of foriegn currency for Ukraine.

As for EU dropping visa reqs for Ukrainians, no chance! Not till Ukr. accedes to EU and then with restriction as per the former Eastern Bloc countries now. Having said that there are plenty who get here so nothing is immpossible.

So, Ukraine, wots it like?

Ste
 

[bbernard]

STE Wrote:

So, Ukraine, wots it like?

STE,

I couldn't tell ya what it is like!! I'm going for the first time in 2.5 weeks for 10 days. I'll let you know my opinion after that... But it seems to be a very interesting country with a lot of history.

bbernard

[Ste]

STE Wrote:

So, Ukraine, wots it like?

STE,

I couldn't tell ya what it is like!! I'm going for the first time in 2.5 weeks for 10 days. I'll let you know my opinion after that... But it seems to be a very interesting country with a lot of history.

bbernard

I'm out on 23rd July for 16 days (I think!) - meeting lubimaya moya there. I've been to Russia twice so far, Nadia is from the Urals, nice trip!

No visa/invite/registration worries this time!

Ste

[bbernard]

STE Wrote:

So, Ukraine, wots it like?

STE,

I couldn't tell ya what it is like!! I'm going for the first time in 2.5 weeks for 10 days. I'll let you know my opinion after that... But it seems to be a very interesting country with a lot of history.

bbernard

I'm out on 23rd July for 16 days (I think!) - meeting lubimaya moya there. I've been to Russia twice so far, Nadia is from the Urals, nice trip!

No visa/invite/registration worries this time!

Ste


[/quote]
It's my first trip to the FSU! I will be leaving on July 19th to visit a friend in Mariupol. No matter the destination it is always nice fun to break away from the everyday humdrum!!! Can't wait!!! Most of my travels have been in the Spanish \ Portuguese speaking Central and South America's. This trip is a much welcome change!

In any event, hope your trip goes well, enjoy!!

bbernard

[Sivrug]

I just read the consular site and it says if you return with in 6 months then you do not need a visa. Sounds like you still need a visa for the first trip. Ukraine has made it eady to get a 5 year multi entry visa starting about 2 years ago. I quess what I am trying to get at is why buy a visa each year when you can get a multi for $165?

I also read in the news that they have changed the red line green line to one line.