Exploring Ukraine And The Uk: A Us Traveler's Guide

The US State Department currently advises US citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia. However, those who wish to travel to Ukraine or the UK should be aware of the current entry requirements and security situation in each country. Both countries have specific rules regarding visas, passports, and insurance.

Flying to the UK or Ukraine from the US

Flying from the US to the UK or Ukraine is not recommended at this time due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The US Department of State advises US citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict, and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to parts of Ukraine.

If you choose to disregard this advice, there are several things you should consider before travelling to Ukraine. The US Department of State recommends taking the following steps:

• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and emergency contacts with loved ones.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case your family needs to access them.
• Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organisation, or consult a professional security organisation.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas.

If you are a US citizen, you should carefully monitor US government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts. You should also be aware that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting US aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine.

If you are a UK citizen, you should be aware that Ukraine's airspace remains closed. The FCDO cannot confirm that all the information it provides reflects the latest situation in Ukraine, and the situation can change quickly. Local rules and measures may change with no notice.

If you are flying to the UK, you will need permission to enter. Check which visa you can apply for, and once your application has been processed, you will receive either a visa or an official letter of permission to board your plane or other transport to the UK. If you are a Ukrainian citizen, you can still come to the UK even if you don't qualify for the Family Scheme, as long as you can find someone who will agree to let you stay for at least six months through the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.

Transport within the UK or Ukraine

Transport within the UK

The UK has a fairly decent public transport system, especially in the major cities. The best way to get around the UK is by train, which is generally efficient and fast, taking you straight into the centre of the city. However, train travel in the UK can be expensive, so it is essential to book in advance and avoid travelling during peak times.

If you are planning to visit rural areas of the UK, such as the Cotswolds, it is much easier to hire a car and take a road trip. The cost of renting a car in the UK is approximately £140-180 a week for a compact car, and you will need to budget for petrol, insurance, tolls, and parking costs.

Other transport options in the UK include coaches, which are the cheapest but also the slowest option, and flights, which are often quicker and cheaper than taking the train. Ferries are also available from English ports such as Dover, Hull, Newcastle, Portsmouth, and Poole.

Transport within Ukraine

Transport in Ukraine includes ground transportation (road and rail), water (sea and river), air transportation, and pipelines. The transportation sector accounts for roughly 11% of the country's gross domestic product and 7% of total employment.

Ukraine has an extensive network of paved roads, totalling 164,732 kilometres, which connect all major cities and provide cross-border routes to neighbouring countries. Rail transport in Ukraine also connects all major urban areas, port facilities, and industrial centres with neighbouring countries. The state has a monopoly on passenger rail transport, and all trains are operated by the company Ukrzaliznytsia.

International maritime travel is mainly provided through the Port of Odesa, with regular ferry services to Istanbul, Varna, and Haifa. Kyiv Boryspil is Ukraine's largest international airport, with other large airports in Kharkiv, Lviv, and Donetsk.

Entry requirements for the UK or Ukraine

Ukraine Entry Requirements

Ukraine has confirmed that UK citizens do not need a visa to enter the country for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you are travelling without a visa, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. If you are applying for a visa, your passport may need to have an additional period of validity. Check with the Ukrainian Embassy for further details.

At the Ukrainian border, you will need to:

• Complete an immigration card
• Scan your fingerprints as part of biometric data collection at border crossing points if requested by the immigration officer
• Have evidence of sufficient funds, which can be shown through bank cards with bank statements, accommodation bookings, or a letter of financial support from your sponsor
• Declare in writing any currency exceeding €10,000 or the foreign currency equivalent

If you are a dual citizen of Ukraine and another country, you will be treated as a Ukrainian citizen while in Ukraine and will be required to use a Ukrainian passport upon entry and exit. Men aged 18-60 with Ukrainian citizenship are also subject to exit restrictions and possible mobilisation during the period of martial law.

U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Ukraine for tourism purposes for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but they must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

UK Entry Requirements

The UK has different entry requirements depending on the traveller's country of origin. For example, U.S. citizens can enter the UK as a tourist without a visa for up to 6 months. However, they must have a valid passport and complete an online passenger locator form in the 72 hours before arrival in the UK.

Safety and security in the UK or Ukraine

The UK and Ukraine have vastly different safety and security landscapes, with the UK being a stable, developed nation and Ukraine currently being affected by an ongoing war with Russia.

UK

The UK has a substantial security market valued at approximately $29 billion, which is growing. This market includes physical security, cybersecurity, and border security. The UK has a high threat of terrorism, particularly targeting transport infrastructure, and there is an increased focus on national security and counterterrorism efforts. The UK government is investing heavily in border security and aims to create "the world's most effective border by 2025". The UK also has strict alcohol and drug laws, with severe penalties for possession.

Ukraine

Ukraine is currently facing an active armed conflict with Russia, and the security situation is unpredictable. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to this active conflict, which includes frequent missile and drone attacks that have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and resulted in civilian casualties. Martial law is in force throughout Ukraine, and there is a state of emergency in place. Crime rates in Ukraine have increased due to manpower shortages in the security sector, and the country had one of the highest business crime risk levels in Central and Eastern Europe even before the Russian invasion. Robbery and motor vehicle theft are prevalent, and violent crime is on the rise. Ukraine's police force faces issues of high corruption and excessive use of force, and the country's largest mobile network operator has been disrupted by cyber-attacks. There is a risk of street crime and petty theft, and foreigners may be seen as lucrative targets.

Accommodation in the UK or Ukraine

Accommodation in Ukraine

There is a range of accommodation options in Ukraine, from hotels to hostels to rural farm stays.

In larger towns and cities, particularly Kiev, Odessa, Lviv, and Yalta, there are modern hotels offering the same high standards found elsewhere in Europe. These include the ibis Lviv Center, the Victoria Deluxe Hotel in Chernivtsi, and the Emily Resort in Lviv.

For a more budget-friendly option, backpacker hostels are on the rise in Ukraine, especially in Kiev, Lviv, Odessa, Crimea, and the west of the country. These are often cheap, converted city apartments that offer dormitory-style accommodation and shared facilities.

For those looking to explore the countryside, rural farm stays are an option, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains in the west and in Crimea. These offer bed and breakfast accommodation at low prices, and are ideal for hiking and experiencing traditional rural life. However, English is rarely spoken, so communication with host families may be challenging.

Camping is another option in Ukraine, especially in the Carpathian Mountains, where campsites often have wooden chalet-like huts available for rent. Wild camping is also possible in some mountainous rural areas, although restrictions apply in certain regions.

Accommodation in the UK

The UK offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to student housing.

For those seeking a more traditional hotel experience, there are many options across the country, including:

• Maldron Hotel Liverpool City Centre
• Art'otel London Hoxton
• Hampton By Hilton Rochdale
• School Lane Hotel in Liverpool ONE
• Wilde Aparthotels Manchester St. Peters Square

In addition, serviced apartments, such as The Salisbury - Luxury Apartments by Stay In Scarborough, are also available and can provide a more home-like experience.

For students or those seeking a longer-term stay, websites like Accommodation for Students and Rightmove offer a range of housing options, including houses, flats, and halls of residence.

With a variety of accommodation choices available, travellers can find options to suit their preferences and budgets in both Ukraine and the UK.

Frequently asked questions