Consular Questions

Obligatory medical insurance

 Now, according to a commission of a Cabinet of ministers of Ukraine from 16.11.2000 years, the State joint-stock insurance company "“Укринмедстрах" has the right realizations of the insurance policies, which guarantee payment of cost of extraordinary medical aid to the foreigners, in items of the miss (passing) through state border of Ukraine. The realization of the insurance policies on check-points finding on automobile and railway frontier transitions of Ukraine, will come true up to the moment of formation of an agency network of this insurance company in the Estonian Republic.

Since 29.06.2001 years the insurance coverage of the foreigners for entry in Ukraine will be decided by the insurance companies of the Estonian Republic.

The information on the insurance companies of Estonia realizing the insurance policies for entry in Ukraine, will be given in addition.

Consular department of Embassy of Ukraine in the Estonian Republic

The information on the customs rules for the citizens crossing customs border of Ukraine.

 At entry it is authorized to import into Ukraine without payment of customs payments:

- 1 litre of alcoholic drinks;

- 2 litres guilt;

- of tobacco items 2000 cigarettes (or 200 grammas of tobacco items);

- of beer of 10 liters.

 At entry in Ukraine the sanction to importation is necessary:

- cold and fire-arms from the Ministry of internal businesses of Ukraine;

- of home animals - international film-logic certificate (passport), and in case of his(its) absence - veterinary health certificate.

 It is forbidden to import:

- subjects, which can cause damage to health or threaten to life of the population and fauna or can result in destroying an environment;

- production, which contains propagation of ideas of war, racism and racial discrimination of a genocide and such, which contradicts the appropriate norms of the Constitution of Ukraine;

- of the goods, which import comes true with a violation of rights of the industrial or intellectual property.

 The importation of currency (is subject obligatory declaration).

 The importation of currency of Ukraine is permitted (solved).

By the residents of Ukraine up to 170 гривень, non-residents of Ukraine up to 85 гривень.

 Foreign exchange, the importation is permitted (solved):

- up to 10 thousand US dollars or equivalents in other currency, without the documents, which confirm a source of derivation of currency;

- from 10 thousand and up to 50 thousand US dollars or equivalents in other currency if there is the documents, which confirm a source of derivation of this currency.

The note

Free, at exportation from Ukraine, the currency is dropped which was imported into Ukraine (within 1 year earlier), that is confirmed by the in appropriate way made out customs declaration.

Consular department of Embassy of Ukraine in the Estonian Republic

Information concerning visa operations

September 1, 1993 with the purpose of settlement of questions of entry, departure, movement(traffic) in transit and temporary stay on territory of Ukraine entered the visa order of entry into Ukraine of the citizens of the stateless persons, which constantly live on territory of Estonia.

In a number of cases of the invitation for receiving the visas it is not required:

- if there is the tourist permit;

- if there is the permit in a boarding house, house of rest, sanatorium or other health-improving establishment arranged on territory of Ukraine;

- in case of tenure on territory of Ukraine;

- for the citizens, which were born in Ukraine;

ATTENTION

Visas are NOT necessary for citizens of the USA, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Andora, Vatkan, San Marino citizens of the countries of the European Union.

For registration of the visa it is necessary to present to a consular department of Embassy of Ukraine in the Estonian Republic: the passport, first copy of the invitation or voucher (depending on the purpose of trip), 1 photo and filled in visa questionnaire.

The reception of the visitors on visa questions by a consular department of Embassy comes true on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 9.00.

The visas are made out in current 10 of calendar days (from the 1-st of November till the 31-st of March) and 14 of calendar days (since the 1-st of April till 31 Octobers)

The visa also can be made out in the urgent order in current 48 hours with collection of consular dues in the double size. The persons of pension age are freed from payment 50 % of the tariff of consular dues. Children up to 16 years also are freed from payment of consular dues.

THE TARIFFS

Tourism in Ukraine

Ukraine is one of the largest countries in the South-Eastern Europe. Its overall area is 603.7 ths. sq. km, the population is about 47 million.

Ukraine borders on Russia, Byeloruss, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.

In the South Ukraine is washed by the Black and Azov Seas. The length of the Black Sea coastline within Ukraine is over 1500 km.

The climate of Ukraine is of moderate continental type with certain peculiarities in the Crimean mountains and the Carpathians, as well as in the southern coastline of Crimea, where it has features of subtropical one. The largest mountain system - Ukrainian Carpathians - lies in the form of a stripe, 270 km long and 100 - 110 km wide. The highest peak of Ukraine - Goverla Mountain (2061 m) - is situated in Chornogirya massif of Ukrainian Carpathians.

The riches of natural and historic-cultural potential of Ukraine is hardly to overestimate. Black and Azov Seas, Crimea, Carpathians, Dnipro River Side, Podillya and Volyn regions, over 70 ths. rivers run through the territory of Ukraine; the largest of those are Dnipro, Dnister, Pivdenny Bug, Siversky Donets and Danube are tourist-recreational resources of Ukraine.

Forestlands constitute 14 percent of the territory of the country. 8 National Nature Parks, 4 Biosphere and 15 State Nature Reservations, numerous Preserves, Dendroparks, Monuments of Landscape Architecture were created in Ukraine. The most famous of these are Askaniya-Nova (Kherson region), Shatsk National Nature Park (Volyn region), "Sophiyivka" (Cherkassy region), "Alexandria" (Kyiv region), Trostyanets Dendropark (Chernigiv region), as well as natural monuments - Dovbush cliffs in Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv regions, Stone Graves in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya regions, Great Canyon in the Crimea.

Tourists have a possibility to get acquainted with the history and culture of Ukraine from very ancient to modern times. The most famous historical and cultural monuments are in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as in cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Chernigiv, Kamyanets-Podilsky. A great number of archaeological monuments is concentrated in the southern part of Ukraine. Tourists may be interested in the excavations of ancient towns of the northern Black Sea Side - Tira, Olviya, Chersonese, Panticapea, as well as in archaeological museums in Odesa, Kerch and Kyiv.

More than 500 cities of Ukraine has their history of more than 900 years old, 4500 villages of Ukraine are more than 300 years old. Historical cities and villages are our national riches.

There are 150 ths. of monuments of culture, history, archaeology, citybuilding, architecture, palaces and park building art, as well as 300 museums in Ukraine. 7 national historical and cultural preserves have been created. More values are monuments of Kyivan Rus (IX - XII centuries) epoch - 80 % of monuments of this period are concentrated on the territory of Ukraine. The most remarkable monuments are the Kyyevo-Pecherska Lavra (Kyivan Cave Monastery), the St. Sophia's Cathedral and the historical center of Lviv city. They have been entered into the List of the World Heritage of UNESCO. Very rich historical and cultural heritage is represented by St.Andrew`s and St.Cyryl`s Churche in Kyiv, historical monuments, related to the historical and cultural heritage of Zaporizhzhya Cossacks, as well as those from the days of the national liberation struggle of Ukrainian people in 1648 - 1654, and the World War II; architectural and house-holding museums under open sky in Kyiv, Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky, Lviv, Uzhgorod, Chernivtsi, Galych, art galleries in Kyiv, Odesa, Feodosiya, Lviv, Kharkiv etc. Tourists are very interested in architectural monuments of various epochs and styles: monuments of defensive architecture - fortresses in Lutsk, Medzhybizh, Kamyanets-Podilsky, Khotyn, Bilgorod-Dnistrovsky, Uzhgorod, Mukacheve; palace complexes in Crimea, in Lviv and Chernigiv regions; monuments of wooden worship and civil architecture in the Carpathians.

Tourists have great possibility to get acquainted with Ukrainian national culture, songs, dances and meals.

The statistical data show that in 2001 Ukraine has visited 5,8 million foreign tourists (the growth in comparison with the year 2000 is 31 %), 9,4 million Ukrainian tourists travelled abroad, 7,5 million domestic tourists travelled within the country and 18,5 million people went on excursions around Ukraine (the growth on this figures in comparison with the year 2000 is 8 - 10 %).

By the calculation of the World Tourism Organization recommendations the volumes of consumption of goods and services of tourist and other branches of economy, that is provided by domestic and international tourist flows in 2001 averaged 22 billion grivnas (about 4 billion US dollars). At the same time due to the incoming tourism, it is sold tourist and satellite services and goods for 14,3 billion grivnas (2,7 billion US dollars).

More than 4000 licensed tourist enterprises operate on Ukrainian tourist market. Over 1300 hotels, motels, campings, holiday camps, over 3000 sanatoria, rest-houses, splendid resorts, restaurants, bars, casinos, bistros, cafes, as well as comfortable buses and passenger cars provide their services for tourists.

The Law of Ukraine "On Tourism" ensures the safety of tourists, protection of their rights, interests and property.

Ukraine develops the international tourist cooperation. On October, 1997 Ukraine became the Full Member of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), and on September, 1999 at the 13-th session of the WTO General Assembly in Chile Ukraine became the Member of the WTO Executive Council.

The introduction by the Decree of the President of Ukraine of the National Tourism Day in Ukraine, celebrated by our country annually on September, 27 together with the World Tourism Day, demonstrates the acknowledgement by the State of the importance of tourism for the country.

The first official visit of the Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli in Ukraine was in October, 2000. The meetings of the Secretary-General of the WTO with the President of Ukraine, Prime-Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Mayor of Kyiv City was held during this visit. Mr. F. Frangialli participated in the International Tourist Fair "Ukraine`2000" and in the WTO Regional Seminar "New Information Technologies in Tourism".

In 1993 - 1996 Ukraine headed the Council for Tourism of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); since October 2000 Ukraine once again presides this Council. Ukriane fruitfuly cooperates in the framework of Working Groups for Tourism of Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and Central European Initiative (CEI).

Ukraine confidently enters the world tourist market thanks to the carrying out the International Tourist Fair "Ukraine". This Fair is held annualy in October in Kyiv under the aegis of the National Tourism Administration of Ukraine and the World Tourism Organization. It is the most representative and mass tourist event in our country. All regions of Ukraine are widely represented at the International Tourist Fair "Ukraine", that will give an opportunity to demonstrate all tourist potential of our country.

The VIII International Tourist Fair "Ukraine'2001" was held on October, 11 - 13, 2001 at the National Exhibition Center of Kyiv. Participants in this Fair were 208 tourist companies and agencies, associations and organizations, national and regional tourist administrations, hotels, resorts, transport and insurance companies and tourist editions from 27 countries, 60 % among them are Ukrainian firms and organizations. The Tourist Fair "Ukraine-2001" was visited by about 34 thousands of visitors. The II. International Seminar "Tourism in ХХI Century: Global Challenges and Regional Peculiarities"; was held in Kyiv, on October, 10, 2001.

We wish to all the guests of our country unforgettable impressions, wonderful and pleasant discoveries on tourist spaces of Ukraine!

The National Tourism Administration of Ukraine:

Tel.: (380-44) 212-42-15

        (380-44) 212-58-20

Fax.: (380-44) 212-42-77

t/f: (380-44) 212-59-90

Entering and leaving Ukraine

To enter Ukraine, a visa is needed for all non-Ukrainian citizens, with the exception of CIS citizens and people with diplomatic or special passports of countries that have special agreements with Ukraine.

When entering or leaving Ukraine, one should proceed either through the “green” or “red” customs corridors. All documents that one receives and fills out when going through customs should be saved - they are needed when leaving the country.

“Red” corridors are for people carrying goods or cash that must be declared:

·           Any prohibited items, such as explosives and weapons (except gas and hunting weapons officially approved by Ukrainian authorities), drugs, artwork, antiques, and luggage sent separately.

·           More than $1,000 and 85 hryvnyas in cash.

·           Personal jewelry with value exceeding $240.

·           More than 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.

·           More than 200 grams of tobacco products.

“Green” corridors are for those people who do not have any goods to declare.

In order to ensure that all foreign citizens who are temporarily staying in Ukraine are provided with the opportunity to receive foreign aid, the Cabinet of Ministers has issued a decree regarding these procedures. According to the decree, foreigners who are temporarily staying in the country should have insurance policies that guarantee the payment for any medical aid provided to them. These insurance policies can be purchased from the State JSC for Providing the Foreign Citizens with Emergency Aid and other places where visas are processed or when crossing the state border.

AIRPORTS

Almost all international flights to Kyiv arrive at Boryspil International Airport at http://www.airport-borispol.com.ua, located 30 kilometers from the city center. The departure and arrival lounge features a Duty-Free shop and Irish bar. The other main airport, which handles mostly domestic flights, is Zhuliany-Kyiv, located 7 kilometers from the center of Kyiv. It is important to save all documents you receive and fill out while going through customs, as you will need to present these when leaving Ukraine.

The most convenient way to get from Boryspil airport to downtown Kyiv is by taxi. Taking into account the fact that taxi drivers do not usually speak English, you should know or have your destination written in Russian or Ukrainian. There are also shuttle buses connecting Boryspil airport to central Kyiv.

MONEY

Cash

The Ukrainian national currency is the hryvnya. US dollars and Euro can be exchanged at exchange points around Kyiv. However, large amounts of money should not be revealed when exchanging currency. Foreign currency bills should be crisp and appear to be in new or good condition. Rumpled, torn, written-on bills are generally not accepted. Changing money with private individuals should be avoided.

Credit

Many western-style shops and some hotels accept major credit cards. However, do not rely solely on credit cards or travelers checks. Cash is preferred.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis

Taxis can be ordered by dialing 0-58. However, private cars and taxis swarm the city streets, so getting a ride is not a problem. To hail a car, simply put out your hand to flag down a ride, and a car will stop. Private cars (locals who have cars and on occasion act as a taxi) cost significantly less than taxis. Be wary of getting into a private car with more than one person already inside. Although this is the most common way of getting a ride (besides public transportation), one should be cautious and careful. Most drivers do not follow many traffic laws and usually do not speak English. Negotiate and agree on a price beforehand.

Metro

Ukraine boasts a very convenient, safe, and inexpensive metro system in three cities: Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. In Kyiv, you can buy tokens at any metro station. The price of one token is 50 kopiykas, and it allows you to transfer from line to line. If metro is going to be your most frequently used transportation type, it is reasonable to purchase a monthly metro pass at a price of 25 Hryvnias.

Trolleys and Buses

These tend to be crammed tight with people but provide a good and cheap way to travel around the city. You can purchase tickets at a price of 50 kopiykas at bus stops or from a controller on the trolley or bus. The monthly passes are also available at a price of 17 hryvnias per month. If you do not punch your ticket and are caught, you will be charged a 10 Hryvnia fine. In addition, there are private minibus companies that serve practically the same routes and will offer you a faster and a more comfortable ride. The price per ride varies from 60 kopiykas to 1 hryvnia.

Trains

Kyiv is connected to European and Asian cities by an extensive network of railways (Ukrainian Railways at http://www.uz.gov.ua/index_eng.html). The capital’s only station is located in the center of the city, next to the Vokzalna metro station (tel: 223-1111). The ticket office for rail travel is located at 38/40 Tarasa Shevchenka Blvd. (tel: 050).

Train travel is the least expensive and most convenient way to reach just about any city! Prices are higher for foreigners, and the rate usually includes a per-ticket commission.

For more comfort and privacy, it is recommended to buy out all of the tickets for a compartment. This is a good idea for women and anyone traveling alone who does not feel safe sharing a compartment with other people.

It is always a good idea to bring a personal supply of toilet paper, soap, food and drink. Also, in order to secure baggage, a simple bike lock can insure against theft, and a bungee cord can be used to keep the door closed. It is suggested to bring a travel belt to keep valuables and money close to oneself.

Car Rental

The agencies of leading European companies offer cars rental cervices. High quality services, their efficiency allows you to make your choice of car and other additional rental conditions.

"Europcar"
http://www.europcaramericas.com/ua.htm
Phone: (380 44) 296 7737

"Hertz"
http://www.hertz.com.ua
Phone: (380 44) 296 7616, 296 7614, 296 7715

COMMUNICATION

Post Offices

Post offices are located all around Kyiv. The Central Post Office is at 22 Khreschatyk Street. Stamps and post cards may be purchased, fax machines may be used, and international phone calls can be made.

Time

The time in Ukraine is set two hours ahead of the Universal time in Greenwich. To save electric power, it is altered twice a year. The watches are set one hour forward in the last week of March and one hour backward in the last week of October.

For exact time information, dial 060.

HOLIDAYS

Holidays are often celebrated for several days, depending on when the holiday falls. For example, if a holiday falls on Thursday, then Friday and Saturday may also be holidays. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then Monday is considered a holiday as well.

January 1  New Year’s Day

January 7  Orthodox Christmas

March 8  Women’s Day

Easter celebrated on a Sunday and Monday in the spring, according to the calendar; after Passover

May 1,2  Labor Days

May 9  Victory Day

June 7 Trinity Day

June 28  Contitution Day

August 24  Ukrainian Independence Day

SHOPPING

Stores

State-owned and private stores in Kyiv are generally divided into grocery stores, department stores and supermarkets which offer a variety of domestic and imported products. When purchasing groceries at state-owned stores, check the expiration dates and labels in Ukrainian language, which ensure the quality of the products. Stores in Kyiv are open on Saturdays until 18:00 and are closed only on Sundays. The majority of stores have a lunch hour, during which stores are closed. This is usually from 13:00-14:00 or from 14:00-15:00.

Markets

The bustling farmer market (Bazaar) is the best place to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, eggs, and flowers. Remember that the metric system is used in Ukraine.

LANGUAGE

Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine. That is, it is the official language of Ukrainians who represent the major part of the state’s population. Approximately 10-13 million people in the diaspora speak Ukrainian. This includes people living in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Australia and others.

For flights to Ukraine please contact:

 Estonian Air – the only Airline with non-stop service to Kyiv.

Consular department of Embassy of Ukraine in the Estonian Republic