Ukraine

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Ukraine. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For entry requirements to the Ukraine, please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

CRIME

You should be aware of petty crime and keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots or when using public transport, where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate.

You should take particular care on public transport. If you take the overnight train you should, if possible, travel accompanied and you should secure your compartment from the inside.

A common scam is to drop a wallet or bundle of money in front of a tourist.  The crook then “finds” the money and asks if it is the tourist’s or offers to share the money with them. If you are approached in this way, you should walk away without engaging in conversation.

While the great majority of visits to the Ukraine are trouble-free, there has been an increase in the instance of muggings and other attacks in Kiev and in other urban centres throughout the country. In some cases these have been proven to be racially motivated. Travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent and individuals belonging to religious minorities should take extra care, but all visitors should exercise caution.

Do not buy drugs on the street, the sale and distribution of which is illegal.  Such drugs are often hazardous counterfeits.  Penalties for drug offences are severe.

Never leave drinks or food unattended, or accept drinks from strangers.

Theft of property should be reported to the police as soon as possible.

ROAD SAFETY

Irish driving licence holders must possess a valid International Driving Licence to drive legally in Ukraine. There is a zero tolerance policy on drink driving.  Road conditions in Ukraine, especially in rural areas, can often be extremely hazardous, especially at night.

HEALTH

You should consider immunisation against diphtheria, hepatitis, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies.  There is a high level of sexually transmitted diseases in Ukraine and HIV is widespread.

The risk of radioactive contamination from the 1986 accident at Chernobyl is insignificant, other than within the exclusion zone immediately around the Chernobyl site.  No special precautions are necessary.

Do not drink tap water without boiling it.  Bottled water is readily available.

Avian Influenza

The Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in domestic poultry.  No reported human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk of avian flu to Irish nationals visiting affected countries is believed to be low.  There are no specific restrictions for travellers to any of the countries affected by avian influenza as the risk is believed to be low. 

For further information and advice on Avian Influenza, please click here .

CASH/BANKING

Euros may be exchanged at a more limited number of sites. Use only official exchange booths. ATMs are also available and credit cards are widely used, but not universally accepted, in cities. Outside cities you should ensure that you have sufficient funds available in local currency.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS

If you intend to stay in Ukraine for an extended period of time, you are encouraged to register your presence with the Irish Embassy, which is based in Prague, through the Consulate of Ireland in Kiev. Contact details are available here. (Opens in new window)