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Offline B.B.

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Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« on: July 19, 2020, 10:26:22 AM »
Info on entering Ukraine, from the Kiev Post.

Traveling to Ukraine: Who can enter and what rules apply

Ukraine started welcoming foreigners arriving by land and air since June 15, three months after imposing travel restrictions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

But while most land borders are open for people arriving by cars, trains or on foot, air travel is limited to a handful of airports.

There are two main conditions for travelers:

all foreigners arriving in Ukraine must have medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment in case they contract the virus;

people arriving from countries with a high number of cases (listed below) have to undergo controlled observation or self-isolation for 14 days upon arrival.

Borders and airports

Ukraine reopened all border checkpoints with European Union countries and Moldova on June 21, while some of them have already been restored back in May.

As for Belarus and Russia, Ukraine restored only 10 border checkpoints with these countries this week.

Starting June 10, Ukraine also reopened two checkpoints with the Russian-occupied territories of Donetsk and Lugansk oblasts. On June 15, Ukraine reopened all three checkpoints with the Crimea peninsula occupied by Russia since 2014.

All available border checkpoints can be viewed on the interactive map by Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service.

The map also shows that checkpoints in all of Ukrainian airports are functioning as well. However, only a handful of airports have scheduled flights despite that international air travel has been allowed since June 15.

Most of the arriving and departing flights go through Kiev Boryspil International Airport, Ukraine’s main airport. Air traffic is far from what it used to be, though: Only about a dozen international flights are scheduled for arrival on Monday, June 22. They will be arriving from Amsterdam, Berlin, Delhi, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Minsk, Prague, Tel Aviv and Southend.

Other airports have very few flights. While Kiev Sikorsky International Airport (Zhuliany) lists 30 arriving international flights for June 22, many of them have been canceled. But flights from Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Hamburg, Leipzig, Luton, Memmingen, Minsk, Tallinn are on track.

Lvov International Airport also lists most international arriving flights for June 22 as canceled, except those from Dortmund and Katowice. Kharkov International Airports has flights from Budapest and Minsk. Odessa International Airport also has arriving flights from Budapest and Minsk on June 22.

Observation

Generally speaking, Ukraine has opened its borders for citizens of all countries. However, all people coming from the lists of countries where the epidemiological situation is worse than in Ukraine have to undergo controlled observation or self-isolation for 14 days upon the arrival.

Every three days, border guards receive an updated “red list” of such countries from Ukraine’s Health Ministry. The red list includes countries where there are 40 or more COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, meaning more than it is in Ukraine, according to the ministry.

The latest red list, or list of countries whose citizens have to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in Ukraine, can be found here.

As of June 17, the red list has 48 countries, including: the United States, Russia, Belarus, France, Italy, Bahrain, Peru, French Guiana, Belgium, Oman,, Sao Tome and Principe, Kuwait, Brazil, San Marino, Panama, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bolivia, Chile, Portugal, Gabon, Djibouti, North Macedonia, Moldova, Ecuador, Cayman Islands, Mayotte, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Canada, Cabo Verde, Maldives, Liechtenstein, Guinea-Bissau, Colombia, South Africa, Afghanistan, Argentina, Guatemala, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Israel, Central African Republic, Qatar and Armenia,

According to the State Border Service of Ukraine, the citizens of these countries will have to undergo self-isolation at home or observation in a government-selected facility upon arriving in Ukraine. Travelers who choose to self-isolate at home will have to install the state-developed app called Diy Vdoma (Apple App Store link, Google Play link), which monitors people’s location using their smartphones.

Having a document certifying that the traveler recently had a negative COVID-19 test result will not wave the 14-day isolation rule.

All other countries are on the “green” list. Travelers arriving from those countries won’t have to be isolated upon arriving in Ukraine. They will still need to have medical insurance that covers their treatment if they get infected. The green list countries include Germany, Poland, Egypt, India, Greece, Turkey, Austria, and others. The full list is available here (as of June 17).

If travelers who come from the “red list” countries have documents that prove they have been in a “green” country during the last 14 days, the border service will consider letting them in without self-isolation, according to the Health Ministry.

Insurance

All foreigners who wish to come to Ukraine have to have medical insurance that would cover COVID-19 treatment in case they contract the virus.

“Why this is important: because according to our law and program of medical guarantees, the state covers only the treatment of citizens of Ukraine and refugees who are in the territory of Ukraine,” Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said in a press briefing on June 20.

This means that all non-citizens, foreigners and refugees arriving to Ukraine should have such medical insurance, Stepanov said.

Read more about insurance and observation here: FAQ about entering Ukraine – Insurance, self-isolation and more

Airport rules

On June 12, Boryspil Airport published a list of new COVID-19 related rules that passengers must follow upon departure or arrival. All travelers will be restricted to Terminal D.

Preparing for traveling:

Cancel your trip if your body temperature is above 38 degrees Celsius or if you are experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath or a loss of taste and smell;

You must fill out a survey about the state of your health if requested to do so by the airline;
Ensure that you have a sufficient amount of medical masks for the trip (one per 2-3 hours), gloves, and sanitizer (less than 100 millilitres);

Have all your documents at hand and check the requirements of your destination country;
Plan your trip to the airport in advance and ensure you arrive 3 hours before your expected departure time.

Departure:

Be aware that only passengers who have tickets and wear medical masks can enter Terminal D (the main international terminal). Others will be restricted from entering. The only exceptions will apply to people accompanying a disabled person or child who will be flying without their parents or guardians;

Go through body temperature screening at the terminal entrance. If your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or if you have visible symptoms like fever, coughing or shortness of breath, you may be prevented from entering the terminal or plane;

Follow all signs, including social distancing directions. Wear medical masks and use sanitizers;

You may be asked to take off your medical mask for a short time at the passport checkpoint;

If you have questions, visit the information desk.

Arrival:

Follow directions on social distancing, wear a medical mask and use sanitizer;

You may be asked to take off your medical mask for a short time at the passport checkpoint;

Download and install the state-made tracking application Diy Vdoma. This application is mandatory for people required to self-isolate upon arrival to Ukraine;

Limit your contact with other people while at the airport;

Pick up your baggage and leave the terminal quickly.
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Offline B.B.

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Who can enter and what rules apply
« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2020, 10:33:54 AM »
FAQ about entering Ukraine: Insurance, self-isolation and more

Three months after imposing travel restrictions to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, Ukraine is reopening and welcomes foreigners back to the country.

The government has already released guidance on who can enter and what rules apply for those entering Ukraine.

However, many of those rules are still unclear and raise many questions among foreigners planning a trip to Ukraine.

The Kiev Post answers frequently asked questions about entering Ukraine during the coronavirus pandemic.


Is it possible for foreigners coming from one of the countries on the “red list” (countries with more COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people than in Ukraine) to come to Ukraine for less than 14 days?

No. Travelers coming from the countries on the “red list” can’t come to Ukraine for less than 14 days.

According to the State Border Service of Ukraine, the citizens of these countries will have to either self-isolate or undergo observation in a government-selected facility for 14 days upon arriving in Ukraine.

Those who choose to self-isolate will have to install the state-developed app called Diy Vdoma (Apple App Store link, Google Play link), which monitors people’s location using their smartphones.

Only after 14 days of observation or self-isolation, foreigners will be able to travel across Ukraine or to leave.

The latest red list of countries can be found here.

Also, mind that all foreigners arriving in Ukraine must have medical insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment in case they contract the virus.

Health insurance

Is it possible to get medical insurance at the airport upon arrival?


No. There are no services available at airports where travelers can purchase insurance upon arrival before the passport checkpoint.

Although it is possible to purchase insurance online upon arrival, there are many obstacles to do so: Payment may take more time than expected; there might be no proper wi-fi connection at the airport; the insurance company won’t be able to prepare the document fast enough.

Therefore, all foreigners are asked to get medical insurance before traveling to Ukraine.

The passport desk accepts an electronic document verifying the traveler’s health insurance.

Are foreign health insurance plans accepted? On which terms?

Yes. According to the State Border Service of Ukraine, foreign health insurance policies are accepted.

The only requirement is that it should cover COVID-19 treatment and observation for the time a person plans to stay in Ukraine. The insurance document should specifically mention that.

Diy Vdoma application

When I arrive from one of the “red list” countries, how will the Ukrainian government track whether I self-isolate for 14 days?


Travelers arriving from the “red list” countries will be required to install a government app that will track their location during the 14-day self-isolation. The app is called Diy Vdoma (Дій Вдома, which means “Act At Home”) and is available on App Store and Google Play.

Travelers must have it installed on their smartphones to go through passport control upon arrival.

Is there an English version of the app for those who self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival?

Unfortunately, the application is available in the Ukrainian language only.

However, those planning to register at the airport upon arrival can always ask for help from the airport employees who usually speak English.

Does the application work for holders of non-Ukrainian mobile numbers?

No. To register one is required to enter a Ukrainian phone number.

Is it possible to get a Ukrainian phone number at the airport upon arrival?

There are no vendors selling Ukrainian SIM cards before the passport checkpoint.

Before the quarantine, travelers could purchase SIM cards after passing passport control, at the terminals. Now, however, some of those points are closed.

The Kiev Post asked the Kiev Boryspil International Airport, Ukraine’s main airport, to clarify where arriving travelers can buy Ukrainian SIM cards at the airports. This story will be updated with their response on June 23.

What can I do if I’m arriving from the “red list” country and I don’t have a Ukrainian phone number?

There is still an option for those willing to self-isolate using Diy Vdoma application, but don’t have a Ukrainian SIM card to install the application upon arrival.

To do so, travelers need to know the Ukrainian phone number they are going to use during self-isolation. One can ask friends or relatives in Ukraine to purchase a SIM card beforehand. At the passport checkpoint, together with their documents, one needs to show that he or she has a foreign SIM card installed in their phone, then show that Diy Vdoma application is installed and active. 

After that, travelers will be required to provide the migration services workers with the Ukrainian phone number that will be available for the next 14 days for the application and tell the exact address where they plan to self-isolate.

Those who can’t or don’t want to use the app, can opt for undergoing the 14-day quarantine in a government-selected facility.

Do foreigners with residency permits have to buy insurance?

According to immigration lawyer Vasyl Cherednichenko, yes they do, and the health insurance that foreigners have to buy when they get residency permits does not cover COVID-19 treatment.

When the 14 day quarantine rule will end?

When a “red-list” country’s infection rate falls below Ukraine’s per-capita infection rate, they are put on the “green list,” updated periodically.

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2020, 03:22:39 AM »
Spasiba bolshoi


Offline redroo

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2020, 05:10:00 AM »
Didn't our hero from the US currently in Odessa, state he did not have to self isolate for 14 days quarantine? or did I misunderstand

Online andrewfi

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2020, 05:39:24 AM »
Didn't our hero from the US currently in Odessa, state he did not have to self isolate for 14 days quarantine? or did I misunderstand

His need to self-isolate may have stemmed from his entry date. Many countries in Europe have set up similar schemes to control entry on the basis of similarity of infection rates between countries but these are a relatively new development. For example, the UK's version came in only on July 10th. Estonia's came in on a similar date. In both cases one might have travelled in to the country with no need to self isolate - although Estonia still had a list of 'banned' countries.

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Offline B.B.

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2021, 05:21:31 PM »
As I understand things, foreigners can now enter Ukraine with a passport (and visa if required), a vaccination card issued by a recognized organization (CDC, WHO, plus whatever the EU & UK have) and proof of insurance.

B/B
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Offline Dogsoldier

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2021, 12:30:14 AM »
As I understand things, foreigners can now enter Ukraine with a passport (and visa if required), a vaccination card issued by a recognized organization (CDC, WHO, plus whatever the EU & UK have) and proof of insurance.

B/B
Pretty much.

Just make sure it’s an approved vaccine.
Getting into Ukraine is a breeze now and life is very normal.

Offline B.B.

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2021, 06:40:04 PM »
As I understand things, foreigners can now enter Ukraine with a passport (and visa if required), a vaccination card issued by a recognized organization (CDC, WHO, plus whatever the EU & UK have) and proof of insurance.

B/B

Following up on this, I was in Ukraine in late July/early August.  I went through immigration in Kiev.  Handed over passport and waited for them to request the other docs, which they did.  I had insurance covering covid as well as a negative test (the Binax one from Abbott Labs that you can do a remote test on via eMed.)  A vax card with the right vaccine should be enough but having thought it over, I decided to get a test anyway just to avoid any drama.

Used the same Binax test (different kit of course) to get back into the States.  Also,  :censored:  Joe Biden.  He is a Big, Wet Douche.

B/B
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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2021, 05:49:55 AM »
When I entered for the summer, from Istanbul, I was asked to show 90 days insurance since I said I was staying the full 90 days, and then I had my Electronic Vaccine Passport on my phone, which showed both dates of Pfizer jabs and batch numbers. (The EU/UK have a similar electronic  document). That was enough without a PCR test (mine had expired any by the time I arrived in Ukraine, being more than 72 hours since taken). No quarantine requirements.

There is some expectation that Ukraine will move from "Green" to "Orange" this friday due to rising case numbers.
Might be some changes post that determination.

Offline Steveboy

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #9 on: September 08, 2021, 01:36:21 PM »
Im running an escorted tour 8th October Moldova - Odessa.. so what exactly do you need to enter Ukraine now? If your fully vaccinated and your from Israel ..in plain simple English ;D
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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #10 on: September 08, 2021, 04:34:16 PM »
Im running an escorted tour 8th October Moldova - Odessa.. so what exactly do you need to enter Ukraine now? If your fully vaccinated and your from Israel ..in plain simple English ;D
I actually did this from Tiraspol a couple of weeks back. Fully vaccinated: your certificate, QR code in the app (I used my NL app with QR code, which seemed OK for them since it showed my 2 Pfizer shots and their dates). Another requirement is the Covid-19 medical insurance. (see https://visitukraine.today/). The requirements for this insurance are a bit vague (needs to be issued by an Ukrainian insurance company, or a foreign company with an office in Ukraine or having a partnership with a company in Ukraine).

I have all-year-round travel insurance from Allianz. My Policy was in the Dutch language, they do cover Ukraine though (called them and also the required Covid-19 related medical costs). I requested an English certificate from them, but it arrived after my entry. So I winged it by showing them my Dutch policy, telling the nice female UA customs officer I called Allianz and Allianz confirmed that they provide the required coverage (in my best Russian, which isn't too shabby these days ;D). It was around 5:00 AM, so I guess she didn't want to go into discussion and just waved/stamped me in. In case she didn't I would have need to make a few phone calls to Allianz and probably the result would be the same. The costs of the insurance are peanuts (a few EUR for policy + EUR 1 per day or something), but I didn't want to get it out of principle, since I have an insurance that covers it.

Another good resource with up-2-date requirements: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

Offline Steveboy

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Re: Traveling to Ukraine: Entry Requirements and FAQ.
« Reply #11 on: September 08, 2021, 05:00:55 PM »
Im running an escorted tour 8th October Moldova - Odessa.. so what exactly do you need to enter Ukraine now? If your fully vaccinated and your from Israel ..in plain simple English ;D
I actually did this from Tiraspol a couple of weeks back. Fully vaccinated: your certificate, QR code in the app (I used my NL app with QR code, which seemed OK for them since it showed my 2 Pfizer shots and their dates). Another requirement is the Covid-19 medical insurance. (see https://visitukraine.today/). The requirements for this insurance are a bit vague (needs to be issued by an Ukrainian insurance company, or a foreign company with an office in Ukraine or having a partnership with a company in Ukraine).

I have all-year-round travel insurance from Allianz. My Policy was in the Dutch language, they do cover Ukraine though (called them and also the required Covid-19 related medical costs). I requested an English certificate from them, but it arrived after my entry. So I winged it by showing them my Dutch policy, telling the nice female UA customs officer I called Allianz and Allianz confirmed that they provide the required coverage (in my best Russian, which isn't too shabby these days ;D). It was around 5:00 AM, so I guess she didn't want to go into discussion and just waved/stamped me in. In case she didn't I would have need to make a few phone calls to Allianz and probably the result would be the same. The costs of the insurance are peanuts (a few EUR for policy + EUR 1 per day or something), but I didn't want to get it out of principle, since I have an insurance that covers it.

Another good resource with up-2-date requirements: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

Thanks..
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