Applicants for tourist visas require a letter of confirmation from a hotel or tour company; for business visas a letter of invitation from a company or organization in the
Ukraine is required. Citizens of the
US,
Canada,
Japan,
Switzerland,
Slovakia and
Turkey do not need invitation letters to obtain a visa. On arrival, all foreign nationals must fill in an Immigration Card, to be presented when entering and leaving the country.
EU citizens do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Americans: US nationals require a passport, but no visa is
required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Canadians: Canadians require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Australians: Australians require a visa and a passport to enter the Ukraine.
South Africans: South Africans require a visa and a passport to enter the Ukraine.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a visa and a passport to enter the Ukraine.
Health
Immunization against diphtheria, hepatitis A, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies should be considered. Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for long-term travelers who might eat outside of major hotels and restaurants. Tap water is best avoided, or treated by boiling or with chemicals. Bird flu has been confirmed in parts of
Crimea, but no human infections have been reported. Travelers are not at risk, but close contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. HIV is widespread and the level of sexually transmitted diseases is high. Due to the risk of exposure to pollutants and radioactive materials, swimming in the
Dnieper River should be avoided. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised, and visitors are advised to bring a supply of personal medication.
Safety
Foreigners are lucrative targets for petty theft and street crime, and valuables should be kept out of sight, especially in crowded areas and at tourist spots. Particular care should be taken on public transport, and overnight trains.
