Europe

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Although the great majority of visitors experience no difficulties, there have been murders, muggings and other violent attacks on foreign nationals both in central Kyiv and other major regional centres in recent years.  In some cases these have been racially motivated.  Travellers of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent and individuals belonging to religious minorities should take extra care, but all travellers should exercise caution.  You are encouraged to report any security incidents or problems to the Consular section of the British Embassy.  The Embassy is unable to assist in the reporting of crimes to the police or the provision of translators for this purpose but a list of local translators can be found on the Embassy website.

You should be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft and aware that foreigners offer lucrative targets. You should keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots, where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate. Recently, an increasing number of pickpocketing incidents on public transport – especially the Kyiv Metro – have been reported.

A common scam is to drop a wallet or bundle of money in front of a tourist.  The criminal 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.

You should also beware of accepting drinks in bars from casual acquaintances, as they could be spiked.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 
Political Situation

Ukraine Country Profile

Road Travel

You must possess a valid International Driving Licence to drive legally in Ukraine.

 

There is a zero tolerance policy on drink driving.  You should avoid driving outside urban areas.  Driving standards are poor and roads are of variable quality.  There are a high number of traffic accidents, including fatalities. Take extra care.

 

We have received reports of traffic police stopping vehicles and levying on the spot fines for minor traffic violations.  Ukrainian law allows the police to stop a vehicle but only if a traffic offence has been committed, though a faulty light bulb is sufficient grounds for this.  However, the police are not permitted to fine you on the spot.  They should issue a ticket and send a report to the court to decide if a penalty should be paid.  You are entitled to know why you have been stopped and to ask for the name and rank of the police officer that has stopped you.  The police do not have the right to confiscate your driving license or other documentation.  If requested to pay a fine you should decline and, if necessary, insist on going to the police station to speak to someone.  The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Department of Traffic Police has published the following Helpline and Duty Telephone numbers that you may contact for advice;

 

Ministry of Internal Affairs:

 

Helpline: (8044) 256 1675
Duty Tel: (8044) 256 1002/4

 

Department of Traffic Police:

 

Helpline: (8044) 272 4659
Duty Tel: (8044) 272 3660

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Rail Travel

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.

 

Air Travel

On 25 July 2007, Ukraine's State Aviation Administration suspended the air operator's certificates of three airlines - Baltic Airline, Aeromost Kharkiv airlines and Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines (UM Air) - because of concerns that they did not meet international and national standards.  On 26 July 2007, the State Aviation Administration reported that a Kyiv court had cancelled its decision.

Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines (UM Air), Ukraine Cargo Airways, Motor Sich Airlines and Valare Avaition Enterprise (which may now be operating under the name Albatross Avia Ltd) have been refused permission to operate services to the EU because they do not meet international safety standards http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm.  It is recommended that you avoid flying with these airlines.  If you have a flight booked with these airlines and it is part of a journey which commenced in the EU you should consult your travel agent.  A number of other Ukrainian airlines do have permission to operate services to the EU.

 

The European Commission published a Regulation on 11 April 2008, which stated that the overall exercise of safety oversight, and in particular the implementation and enforcement of the relevant safety standards by the competent authorities of Ukraine, needs to be strengthened in order to ensure for sustainable corrective actions by the carriers under its regulatory control.  You may wish to take this into account when making travel arrangements.