So, is a visa needed to travel into Ukraine

[lawman65]

Gentlemen,

What is the verdict. Is a visa required to travel into the Ukraine? I hear yes and no, which one?  Anyone travel there in the winter time? Let's say Dec. to Jan. Lawman

 

[philb]

No to all.

[Admin]

[user=235]lawman65[/user] wrote:

Gentlemen,

What is the verdict. Is a visa required to travel into the Ukraine? I hear yes and no, which one? Anyone travel there in the winter time? Let's say Dec. to Jan.Lawman

As Phil mentioned, for an American there is no longer a visa requirement for a short term stay.

I have been there quite a few times in the winter - in all sections of the country. Aside from it being COOOOOLLLLLLD, what other questions do you have?

Actually, I was only there one time when it was so downright frigid it was difficult to bear. That was in November of 1998. Started in Odesa and then by train to Kremenchug where an ice storm had settled-in and encapsulated all the trees in 1/2 inch of solid ice. From there to Kyiv by train where it was snowing ice pellets horizontally. A very nasty storm.

Since then, I've been to Lviv for New Years in 2000 and was in Kyiv/Kremenchug from December to February in 2004.

Actually, I was in Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk and Yaremche in 1999 in Feb also. Tried to do some skiing at Tysovets in both '99 and '00, but no luck.

Any other questions?

- Dan

[philb]

Actually,  I will be in Ukraine at the beginning of December.  Like Dan says, the weather can really vary from year to year and place to place.  I find it very similar to the upper midwest in the USA (for the most part).  In 2004 I was cross country skiing along the Dneiper in Kiev.  One year later I brought my own skis and there was no snow.

Now ask me about Siberia and skiing there in January and I will tell you a very different story. 

[lawman65]

Thanks,

I guess I'll pack my thermals:D

[lawman65]

I forgot ,

Do you know of any decent hotels in Kiev? which one to stay away from?

[groovlstk]

Lawman, you're probably better off renting a flat. Not only will you save a bundle, you won't have any problems bringing girls back to your place (the latter can be difficult in some hotels unless you're paying for a double). In July I rented a studio within spitting distance of the metro for $50 per night.

[Goombah]

Many may object to this since they are an Escort agency, but the prices at aaa.bbb.ccc for apartment rental, airport pickup, and the like are more reasonable than many marriage agencies.  I found there list price something like $10 a night cheaper than my negotiated price FOR THE EXACT SAME FLAT, as where their transfer fees, etc.

I'd also suggest www.kissesfromukraine.com for such services.

Kevin

By Dan: Suggest you PM Kevin if you are interested in his recommendation.

[Preston]

My wife and I been to Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine in Dec. and Jan. the last 2 years! I was checking on airfares to Dnepro and 3 travel agents told me that the law about not needing a visa for Ukraine went into effect July 05, 2005! So no if you have a US passport you don't need a visa for Ukraine!