Ukraine: Travel To Ukraine

Mother Motherland Kiev


Ukraine attracts more than 20 million foreign citizens every year (23 million in 2012). Visitors primarily come from Eastern Europe, but also from Western Europe (6.3 million) and USA and Israel and also Canada. The country is the 8th most popular tourism destination in Europe.

Ukraine is a destination on the crossroads between central and eastern Europe, between north and south. It borders Russia and is not far from Turkey. It has mountain ranges - the Carpathian Mountains suitable for skiing, hiking, fishing and hunting. The coastline on the Black Sea is a popular summer destination for vacationers. Ukraine has vineyards where they produce native wines, ruins of ancient castles, historical parks, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches as well as a few mosques and synagogues.

Kyiv, the country's capital city has many unique structures such as Saint Sophia Cathedral and broad boulevards. There are other cities well-known to tourists such as the harbour town Odesa and the old city of Lviv in the west. Most of Western Ukraine, which used to be within the borders of the Republic of Poland before World War II, is a popular destination for Poles.

Crimea, a little "continent" of its own, is a popular vacation destination for tourists for swimming or sun tanning on the Black Sea with its warm climate, rugged mountains, plateaus and ancient ruins. Cities there include: Sevastopol and Yalta - location of the peace conference at the end of World War II. Visitors can also take cruise tours by ship on the Dnieper River from Kyiv to the Black Sea coastline. Ukrainian cuisine has a long history and offers a wide variety of original dishes.

ST Sophia's Cathedral, Kiev


The country's tourism industry is generally considered to be underdeveloped, but it does provide crucial support for Ukraine's economy. Ukraine does have certain advantages, including much lower costs than other European destinations, as well as visa-free access for most people from Europe, the former Soviet Union, and North America. Since 2005 citizens of European Union and EFTA, USA, Canada, Japan and South Korea no longer require a visa to visit Ukraine for tourism purposes. Also, no visa has been required for citizens of Russia, and other CIS countries except Turkmenistan.

Popular Tourist City Destinations

Northern and Central Ukraine:

Kyiv — The historical capital of Kyivan Rus and modern Ukraine on the river Dnipro. Ancient churches, broad boulevards, beautiful landscapes and a variety of cultural facilities make it fascinating destination.
Chernihiv — ancient city of Kyivan Rus', one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, has lots of Medieval architecture. Some of the oldest human settlements in Europe have also been discovered in the area.

Western Ukraine:

Lviv — old city in the west of country, with its medieval old town and unique architecture with Polish and Austrian influences. The top tourist destination in Ukraine, when it comes to architecture and culture.
Ivano-Frankivsk — western Ukrainian city that was recognized as the best city to live in Ukraine.
Chernivtsi — the capital of Bukovina offers Balkan atmosphere and fine classical Habsburg architecture in Central-European style, as it was part of Austrian empire prior to 1918.
Uzhhorod — the capital of Transcarpathia, one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, attracts tourists because its location close to the Carpathian Mountains.
Mukacheve
Kamianets-Podilskyi
Ternopil
Lutsk
Drohobych

Eastern Ukraine:

Kharkiv — city's history started in the mid-17th century, when the kozaks created the Sloboda settlements; and since then, the city has turned into one of the largest commercial, cultural and educational centers in Ukraine with a population of over 1.7 million people. From December 1919 to June 1934, Kharkiv was the capital of Soviet Ukraine. The Ukrainian cultural renaissance commenced here in the years 1920-1930.
Donetsk
Luhansk

North-Eastern Ukraine:

Sumy - city's history started in the mid-17th century.

Southern Ukraine:

Odesa — a harbor city on the Black Sea with a mixture of different cultures, including Jewish, Armenian, German, Russian and Greek cultures along with the native Ukrainian culture. Odessa is Black Sea resort and the largest trading center of Ukraine.
Izmail — a historic town near the Danube river in the Odessa Oblast (province) of south-western Ukraine.
Yalta — a health resort on Black Sea, where the post-World War II Yalta peace conference took place.
Sevastopol — a port city on the Black Sea coast of Crimean peninsula.
Simferopol — the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, on the Salhir River. It is a manufacturing, commercial, and transportation center located in a productive agricultural region.

Olesko Castle


Seven Wonders of Ukraine

The Seven Wonders of Ukraine are the seven historical and cultural monuments of Ukraine, which were chosen in the Seven Wonders of Ukraine contest held in July, 2007.

Sofiyivsky Park in Uman, Cherkasy Oblast
Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) in Kyiv
Kamianets-Podilskyi Historical Complex in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Khortytsia in Zaporizhia, Zaporizhia Oblast
Chersonesos in Sevastopol
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv
Khotyn Fortress in Khotyn, Chernivtsi Oblast

Seven natural wonders of Ukraine

Winners of all Ukraine competition Seven natural wonders of Ukraine:

Askania-Nova near Askania-Nova, Kherson Oblast
Granite-steppe lands of Buh in Mykolaiv Oblast
Dniester Canyon, Dnister
Marble Caves in Crimea
Tovtry Podillian Banks in Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Lake Svitiaz part of a group of lakes near Shatsk, Volyn Oblast
Lake Synevyr near village of Synevyrska Poliana in Carpathian Mountains

Medical Tourism
Lately many modern dental clinics with high quality dentistry equipment and high quality materials have been established in Ukraine. They provide patients with high quality dentistry services for prices much cheaper in comparison with Western and Russian clinics. Many tourists from USA, European Union and Russia arrive for dental services, providing a sort of dental tourism.

Other popular sorts of medical tourism in Ukraine are spas, eye and plastic surgery, and mud baths.

Truskavets and Myrhorod are well known for their mineral springs.

Number of foreign citizens who visit Ukraine

Statistics are based on data from the State Statistics Agency of Ukraine.

2000: 6.4 million [6]
2001: 9.1 million [6]
2002: 10.5 million [6]
2003: 12.5 million [6]
2004: 15.4 million [6]
2005: 17.6 million [7]
2006: 18.9 million [7]
2007: 23.1 million [6]
2008: 25.4 million [6]
2009: 20.8 million [6]
2010: 21.2 million [6]
2011: 21.4 million [6]
2012: 23.0 million [6]
2013: 24.6 million [6]




CULTURAL NORMS AND ETIQUETTE
Trident - the symbol of Ukraine

GUESTS:
Ukrainians are very hospitable. As their guest, you will receive red-carpet treatment. This includes heavily-laden tables, gifts, and many toasts. While it is sometimes uncomfortable for Americans, who have so much, to accept gifts from those who have so little, they will be very insulted if you turn them down.

ETIQUETTE:
These rules of etiquette may be useful:


- If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of flowers are customary.

- If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well.

- If you bring flowers, make sure the number of flowers is uneven (3,5, etc.).

- Do not whistle; some believe it will "blow your money away."
- Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.

- Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers.

- On public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm.

- At the entrance of upscale restaurants and theaters, expect that your coat, briefcase, or baggage will be checked.

- If it is possible, have business cards printed in Ukrainian on one side and English on the other.

- When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is accepted unless otherwise specified.

- Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so.

- Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you.

- Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered when visiting friends. Turning down food may be considered rude. (If you find you cannot eat it all, keep something on your plate to avoid having it replenished!)

- For business, dress should be conservative. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked.

- In Orthodox churches, women should wear scarves or hats, and men should take off their hats.

- Be careful when complimenting a host's belongings, he or she may offer them to you.

- Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers; this is a very rude gesture.

BUSINESS HOURS:
An eight-hour day is considered a normal work day, Monday through Friday. A lunch break is taken between the hours of 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Most banks are open without breaks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-1p.m

PUBLIC RESTROOMS:
It is always a good idea to have a packet of tissues on hand because public restrooms rarely supply toilet paper. Public restaurants also may charge a small fee (approx. $.20-.30). While any public restroom can be unsanitary, relatively clean toilets can be found in most modern restaurants and hotels. Please note that public toilets are often of the squat variety, and when there are toilet bowls there is often not a toilet seat.

TIPS:
Restaurant bills normally include a 5 percent service charge. You will often find, however, that a few extra hryvnias can make your dining experience a lot more pleasurable.

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 is 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

VISAS AND PASSPORTS

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

You need a valid passport to enter Ukraine. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to have a Ukrainian visa as long as you will be in Ukraine for fewer than 90 days within a 180-day period. You need a visa or valid Ukrainian residency permit for all stays longer than 90 days. You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border. If you need a visa, please get it in advance at a Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate.

Check your visa carefully so that you know the validity period. You are responsible for knowing the rules for the type of visa you have. Sometimes U.S. citizens try to come to Ukraine before their visa allows. Remember, in Ukraine the date is written day-month-year. If you come to Ukraine before your visa allows, you can be stopped at the border, not allowed to enter Ukraine, and required to return to your point of origin at your own expense.

VISA FREE REGIME FOR SELECTED COUNTRIES

Ukraine introduced a Visa free regime for citizens of the countries of European Union, U.S.A, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, San Marino, Monaco, Iceland, Vatican, Andorra, Liechtenstein and Republic of Korea, who may stay in Ukraine without visa up to 90 days.

A passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is required.

For citizens of the above mentioned countries who enter Ukraine with the purpose of employment, permanent residency, study and work at the diplomatic missions of the above mentioned countries in Ukraine or with any other purpose if they are going to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, visas are still required.

No visas are required fro citizens of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan).

FOR ALL VISA TYPES, PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS, PROCESSING FEES AND GENERAL PROVISIONS ON APPLYING...GO TO:
http://usa.mfa.gov.ua/en/consular-affairs/services/visas

UKRAINIAN CUISINE

Varenyky
Sometimes known as halushky, varenyky are small boiled dumplings made with rolled dough and filled with a special type of potato and cheese or some other filling. Almost all restaurants serve them, usually with either cheese or meat, and almost always with sour cream or a buttery sauce. Pyrohy usually refers to larger baked, pie-like varenyky filled with the same kinds of ingredients. Smaller, appetizer-sized versions of pyrohy are called pyrizhky, which are either baked or fried.

Ukrainian Borsch
The national soup, which has also been adopted by other Slavic cultures, borsch is based on a beet and mixed vegetable broth that comes in dozens of varieties. The most popular version is a clear broth, but sour cream is often added.

Holubtsi
Translated as "little doves," holubtsi are cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned rice and meat or buckwheat. The dish is usually topped with a tomato-based sauce.

Kotleta po-Kyivsky
Known to the English-speaking world as Chicken Kiev, kotleta po-Kylvsky is a chunk of boneless chicken stuffed with butter, then seasoned, floured, and deep-fried.

Kasha
Kasha is basically a grain-based cereal. The most common kind is hrechana kasha, a buckwheat porridge, seasoned and eaten with a sauce as a side dish or as a stuffing.

Ukrainian Bread
Khleeb is the Ukrainian word for bread. Sweet breads and rolls (bulochky) are steeped with honey and are often associated with holidays or ceremonies. Babka is a sweet egg bread popular during Easter, but available all year. Kalach is similar to babka, but denser and braided into a circular shape. Paska is the official Easter bread, usually decorated and shaped into a cross. Korovay is a tall, cylindrical traditional wedding bread. Pampushki can be fresh rolls soaked in crushed garlic and oil, or a sort of sweet jam or fruit-filled baked roll. Makivnik is a sweet poppy-seed bread flavored with honey and molasses, popular around Christmas. Khrusty are deep-fried strips of sweet dough coated with sugar, and medivnyk is a honey cake that can keep for days without going stale.

Ukrainian Water
Sterile bottled water is widely available for sale. It is also ok to drink tapped water and well water. There is no detectable radiation in the water.

Ukrainian Vodka
Alcohol is consumed in great quantities in Ukraine. In many cases, alcohol is served during business lunches and dinners. It is expected that a man will be able to down a shot of vodka (horilka), although women can usually ask to drink wine or champagne instead. Shots are often chased by water or soda. Drinking is usually accompanied by toasts, for which there are certain rituals. Toasts are drunk to health of the assembled company, to friendship, to success, to love, and so on.

Alcohol is quite inexpensive and easily accessible. It is illegal to drink and drive throughout Ukraine. The fines are substantial. It is also not always safe to buy alcohol in kiosks and/or on the street.

AIRLINES THAT FLY TO UKRAINE AND WITHIN UKRAINE
Aerosvit
380 (44) 490-3-490
http://www.aerosvit.ua/eng

Air Baltic
380 (44) 238-26-49
http://www.airbaltic.com

Carpatair - Discount airline based in Timisoara, Romania, flies to Kyiv.

WizzAir now flies domestically in Ukraine, and will soon be expanding its services internationally to Poland, Germany and London.

Ukraine International
380 (44) 461-50-50
http://www.ukraine-international.com/

TRAVEL TIPS
Travel tips for Ukraine
ENTERING AND LEAVING UKRAINE
Citizens of the United States, European Union, Swiss Confederation, Liechtenstein, Canada, and Japan do not need visas for entering Ukraine anymore. The rule is valid for short term visits, up to 90 days. After the 1st of September, 2005 it has turned from a temporary campaign to a constant clause of the Ukrainian Law. However, for the reconfirmation, we would recommend to contact the Ukrainian Consulate in your country before travelling.
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 $3,000 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.