Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• On 29 October 2009, the Ukrainian Health Ministry announced an outbreak of the A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) virus in Ukraine.  On 19 November, the Ukrainian Health Ministry stated that 344 people had died from acute respiratory disease and flu since 29 October, and that these figures were no higher than in previous years. The Ministry also stated that the number of confirmed deaths from H1N1 is 18, that the outbreak is moving from western Ukraine to eastern parts of the country and that the pandemic appears to be following a similar pattern to that seen in other countries.     
  
  
• A World Health Organisation field mission has recently completed a ten-day visit to Ukraine and is helping the Ukrainian authorities with their response to the outbreak of the A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) virus.  For further details, go to the website of the World Health Organisation at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.   You should also continue to monitor this Travel Advice and the Ukrainian Health Ministry website (www.moz.gov.ua in Ukrainian only).
  
  
• On arrival in Ukraine, those who are suspected of showing symptoms of A (H1N1) and those who have had contact with them are likely to be isolated and the medical authorities informed. Please be aware that the availability of vaccines and anti-viral medicine may be limited in Ukraine.
  
  
• There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• Around 71,000 British nationals visited Ukraine in 2008 (Source: Border Guard Service of Ukraine) .  Most visits are trouble-free.  19 British nationals required consular assistance in Ukraine in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (5 cases); hospitalisations (7 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (2 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (21 cases).
  
  
• You do not require a visa for ordinary visits of up to 90 days. See the Entry Requirements section of this advice for more details. You should carry your passport with you at all times for ID purposes. You should beware of petty crime, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots or when using public transport.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel Insurance page for more details.