The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Ukraine at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Do not travel to Crimea due to arbitrary detentions and other abuses by Russian occupation authorities; or the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, especially the non-government-controlled areas, due to armed conflict.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Ukraine-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is considerable risk from crime in Kyiv. In Kyiv, National Police report an overall decrease in crime in 2018, similar to 2017 and 2016 trends. However, overall public perception is that crime is increasing, largely due to media reports highlighting sensational crimes like public assassinations, armed robberies, and violent assaults.

Reports of illegal weapons-related crimes decreased significantly in 2018, after reported increases in 2017. The decrease in reporting could be due to public desensitization or acceptance of a weapons culture, especially after the EuroMaidan protests and with the continuing conflict in the east. Regardless, there are an estimated 3 million illegal weapons in circulation due to the conflict with Russia-led forces in the east. The use of improvised explosive devices (IED) and firearms in broad daylight is of more concern, but these incidents have caused minimal collateral injuries/damage.

The most common types of non-violent property crime affecting the expatriate community include pickpocketing, bag snatching, theft from parked vehicles, street scams, and residential burglaries. Criminals typically commit residential burglaries by forced entry when the occupant is not at home, or when doors are unlocked.

Scattered reports of spiked drinks in bars and on trains occurred in 2017; some victims claimed to have been robbed while unconscious. While reports of such incidents have continued, they were not as widespread in 2018. General situational awareness and caution regarding accepting drinks can mitigate the risk. For more information, review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Reports of vehicle key fob intercepts increased significantly in 2018. Vehicle key fob intercepts involve the perpetrator standing near a victim and intercepting the transmission between the key fob and car as the victim locks the doors. The criminal unlocks the vehicle and steals it or contents left inside. Locking manually or standing close to the vehicle when locking prevents this from happening.

The Wallet Scam remains a common confidence scheme used to victimize foreigners. There are many variations to this scam, but all involve a criminal accusing the victim of stealing cash and then bullying the victim into paying to avoid further conflict. These incidents occur at locations frequented by foreigners including major tourist attractions, western hotels, shopping malls, sporting and other large-scale event venues, and throughout downtown Kyiv. The typical scam involves a suspect who drops a wallet or a plastic bag in front of a potential victim hoping the potential victim will pick it up. The suspect then states that money is missing and loudly/aggressively (but not violently) accuses the victim of stealing, threatening to call the police to panic the victim. Often an accomplice interjects by introducing himself as a police officer and flashes identification to the victim. The police officer will ask the victim to produce his or her wallet to ensure the victim did not take the money. The officer counts the money in front of the victim, the criminal grabs it and flees, or more often steals the money by sleight of hand. The best defense is to not pick up the wallet/bag, walk away, and do not engage the perpetrators in conversation. Foreigners are more likely to be confronted with this confidence scam, and U.S. citizens are heavily targeted.

In the second half of 2017 and early 2018, there was an increase in reports of criminals abducting visitors and forcing them to withdraw money at an ATM. In this scam, referred to as an express kidnapping, the criminal lures the victim with promises of cheap lodging and/or companionship. Then, often with the help of accomplices, the criminal forces the victim to make an ATM/bank withdrawal and/or steals their account information and makes ‎large sum purchases using the victim’s credit cards.

Identity theft involving ATM/credit cards is prevalent, occurring on a regular basis. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime activity affecting services within Ukraine remains a major concern. In recent years, U.S. law enforcement pursued a number of joint cybercrime/identity theft investigations with Ukrainian law enforcement authorities. The Embassy strongly recommends a Virtual Privacy Network (VPN) for personal internet use.

Ukrainian government officials, private sector experts, and journalists report that Ukraine experiences several hundred to several thousand cyberattacks against government ministries and information portals each month. These have included run-of-the-mill denial-of-service (DOS) attacks, which prevent users from connecting to a site or server for a limited period, to attacks that affect critical infrastructure, and attacks that deface publicly accessible information and service portals—often with a political message.

Marriage and dating scams via the Internet are routinely reported. There have been numerous instances of online contacts extorting U.S. citizens for thousands of dollars because they thought were friends, loved ones, or romantic interests. These scams include lotteries, online dating/introduction services, and requests from a “friend” in trouble. In such scams, supposed doctors, nurses, or civilian officials may contact the victim, stating the victim’s friend has been injured, detained, or is otherwise unable to communicate and is in need of financial assistance to overcome the supposed hardship.

Other Areas of Concern

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, and the Crimean peninsula. Russian-backed separatists continue to control areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. These groups have established illegal checkpoints and have threatened, detained, or kidnapped individuals, including U.S. citizens, for hours or days. Travelers to, in, near, or through these areas are subject to threats of mines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO), as well as sniper and other small arms fire exchanges. The situation is constantly changing.

Ukrainian authorities restrict travel in a 30-kilometer radius surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

The Ukrainian State Migration Service (SMS) allows visitors/foreigners to remain in the country permit-free for tourism purposes for a term of 90 out of every 180 days. Foreigners can apply to SMS for an extension (e.g. for medical treatment, education, etc.). Overstay fines range from 500 to 5,000 UAH. If a visitor overstays, they should go to a local SMS office provide their passport and a ticket to depart the country. The visitor receives a “protocol” documenting the violation and uses this to proceed with payment. This may prevent a ban on re-entry. The process can take place at the airport. There is a strong push by the Government of Ukraine to clamp down on illegal immigration and overstays.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Roads throughout the country are in various degrees of disrepair. Traffic in Kyiv is heavy on weekdays during commuting hours, and unexpected (often-inexplicable) traffic patterns often delay travel in the city during workdays. Main thoroughfares are usually well illuminated and maintained, but side streets and less commonly used avenues are often poorly illuminated, narrow, and poorly maintained. Driving can be a challenge to foreigners. Local drivers routinely disregard traffic laws and engage in excessive speeding, driving the wrong way on one-way streets, driving in oncoming lanes to maneuver around blocked traffic, and driving on sidewalks. Using sidewalks for parking is common practice, often blocking pedestrian access and endangering pedestrians. Drivers must always be alert for pedestrians crossing busy streets where they can and without hesitation. The only indication of an authorized crosswalk is often a signpost, instead of markings in the street visible to drivers. Drivers must be ready to stop on short notice and drive defensively.

Highways and roads in smaller towns are not illuminated, and emergency services are not reliable or prompt. Use caution driving outside of major cities after dark. Snow removal is intermittent and unreliable creating dangerous conditions, especially along secondary roads. Subsequent snowfall and ice build-up cause considerable traffic delays, parking problems, and accidents.

Vehicle accidents are common, and even fender benders routinely tie up traffic. Drivers involved in accidents may not move their vehicles unless they present a clear safety concern. Drivers must notify police, who will then decide responsibility, take drivers' personal information, and file an accident report. Even in Kyiv, accident evaluation can take up to two hours before vehicles can move. The introduction of the Patrol Police has reduced response times, but heavy traffic and limited resources, especially outside of major cities, continues to delay the arrival of police and ambulances.

Ministry of Internal Affairs statistics on traffic accident related fatalities and injuries are alarming; on average eight people die in road accidents and 92 more are injured every day.

 January to November 2018

• 135,695 road incidents, the majority accidents (15.9% increase from 2017)
• 28,305 injuries on roads (13.2% increase from 2017)
• 3,024 deaths on roads (30.5% increase from 2017)

A recent change to the traffic laws lowered the speed limit within the city limits to 50 kilometers per hour from 60 km/h.

For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

Public Transportation Conditions

Ukraine has an extensive train, bus, subway, and airport transportation system. Large cities also have aboveground trolleys and small shuttle buses (marshrutkas). Buses and trolleys in Kyiv occasionally break down, but are generally safe. When riding public transportation, keep purses, shoulder bags, and backpacks closed, in front of you, or tucked under your arm to prevent theft.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that Ukraine complies with the international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A restricted air space zone exists over Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. In 2014, a Malaysia Airlines civilian aircraft was shot down in an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists, killing 297 people.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is moderate risk from terrorism in Kyiv. Government buildings, metro stations, shopping malls, and train stations receive bomb threats on an almost daily basis throughout the country. Ukrainian authorities continue to respond appropriately to all threats (the vast majority are hoaxes).

Regular acts of low-level terrorism target Ukrainian government establishments and result primarily in property damage. Seizures of weapons caches are common, and intermittent reports of individual use of grenades and similar ordnance to settle disputes underscores the availability of weapons. In 2018, there were nearly two dozen incidents related to illegally obtained grenades or explosives.

The response to these threats by the Ukrainian security services has been deliberate, coordinated, and increasingly proactive.

The following incidents took place in 2018:

• January 2018 near Kyiv, lawyer and civil activist Iryna Nazdrovska was stabbed to death. Police detained a suspect currently in court hearings.

• July 2018 in Berdyansk, ATO veteran and civil activist Vitaliy Oleshko was shot to death. Police detained five suspects, but the organizer of the assassination remains at large.
• July 2018 in Kherson, civil rights and anti-corruption activists Kateryna Gandzyuk was attacked with sulfuric acid. She died on November 4 because of her injuries. Police detained the organizer and five suspects, who await trial.
• May 2018 in Odesa, civil activist Sergii Sternenko was attacked with a firearm. Police are investigating as attempted murder.
• June 2018, “Automaidan” activist Vitaliy Ustymenko was wounded in a knife attack. Police are investigating as attempted murder.
• In 2018, there were 96 firearm shootings, 51 explosions, and three cases of Molotov cocktails thrown at buildings. Authorities intercepted 70 cases of illegal weapons and discovered 12 case of IEDs on a bus.
• June 2018 near Kyiv, several children were injured when a boy discovered bag of grenades in an abandoned vehicle.

 

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is considerable risk from civil unrest in Kyiv.

In 2014, Russian forces illegally invaded the Crimean peninsula. They continue to occupy Crimea in support of the Russian Federation’s claim of Crimean annexation. The U.S. and Ukraine do not recognize this annexation.

Russian-backed separatists’ occupation of territories in the oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk beginning in 2014 has resulted in a prolonged war to reunify these oblasts with the rest of Ukraine. Multiple ceasefires and diplomatic negotiations, most prominently the Minsk Agreements, have not brought about peace. Armed conflict occurs on a daily basis.

Since the fall of the former government, demonstrations, marches, and commemorations continue regularly through the center of Kyiv, especially near the Parliament (Rada) and Presidential buildings. These events are mostly peaceful and vary in demands, inspiration, and impulse. There are a number of small demonstrations around the city. Below are the most significant that took place in 2018:

• In April, 2,500 people participated in an anti-oligarch march in Kyiv organized by the Nationalists of Ukraine.

• In October, a march took place in the center of Kyiv in the name of 76^th anniversary of Ukrainian national insurgent army.
• In July and November, large protests in front of Parliament organized by car owners with foreign registration blocked roads in Kyiv and few other regions. Their main demand was better custom charges.
• In November, a group of Nationalists representing radical organization Sokil appeared in a Kyiv shopping mall and announced its seizure as a part of a protest against Russian business in Ukraine. The problem was resolved within 2 days.

In general, avoid large demonstrations and crowds, even peaceful ones, as they may become violent without warning and may attract petty criminals and hooligans. However, if attending such events, it is always best to remain on the perimeter of crowds and identify easy exit routes should problems occur.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Although religious and ethnic violence is rare, most incidents involve known hate groups. While most foreigners do not encounter problems with violent crime, there is potential for violently motivated racial and biased-motivated crimes against non-Slavic and religious minorities. Victims have reported verbal harassment, discrimination, and physical assaults on the streets. Although senior government officials have publicly condemned these crimes, slow response to hate crimes is a continuing concern.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Flooding occurs in western Ukraine, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains, during the spring thaw. The last major flood reported was in 2010.

Critical Infrastructure

In 1986 the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (unit no. 4), located 90 kilometers northwest of Kyiv, exploded and burned, leading to an uncontrolled release of radiation. The accident resulted in the largest short-term, release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere ever recorded. The areas with the highest radioactive ground contamination occurred within 30 kilometers of the station. This area is now an uninhabited exclusion zone. Favorable winds kept most of the contamination away from Kyiv, although the capital was not immune. The plant's last operating reactor closed in 2000. The Embassy maintains a close cooperative relationship with authorities responsible for monitoring the radiological and operational conditions at nuclear facilities.

Forest fires continue to be a concern in the 30-mile exclusion zone around Chernobyl. A forest fire raged for three days in June 2018. Authorities extinguished it, and detected no increased radiation levels.

Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and contract disputes between Naftogaz and Gazprom have resulted in concerns about future gas supply. In addition, the Ukraine-Russia conflict has resulted in coal supply interruptions that could affect power generation, especially at anthracite coal-fired plants. Ukraine is working to improve energy efficiency, diversify supply of fuels, and convert anthracite units to gas-grade coal to mitigate these concerns.

Economic Concerns

Ukraine has a long history of inadequate intellectual property rights (IPR) protection. Ukraine was designated a Priority Foreign Country in the 2013 Special 301 Report due to the widespread use of unlicensed (pirated) software within the government and in the private sector. Other issues included the transshipment and sale of counterfeit goods, rampant Internet piracy, and an overabundance of rogue music royalty collection societies (collecting royalties without distributing any of the royalties to legitimate rights holders). In 2015, the U.S. Government moved Ukraine to the Priority Watch List based on evidence that the Government of Ukraine had invested political effort in tackling these problems, in conjunction with other economic reforms. However, tangible progress in protecting IPR has been limited, and Ukraine remains on the Priority Watch List. In 2017, the United States announced the partial suspension of Ukraine’s benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for failure to meet the GSP eligibility criterion related to the adequate and effective protection of IPR.

Personal Identity Concerns

Racially motivated attacks occur in Ukraine. Victims report verbal harassment, discrimination, and physical assaults. All foreigners – including those who are not racial minorities – should exercise an appropriate level of caution. Senior government officials have publicly condemned these crimes, but slow response to hate crimes is a continuing concern,

Same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults in private is legal in Ukraine. However, the prevailing social attitude is intolerant of the LGBTQI community. There were a few incidents involving threats or attacks on members of Ukraine’s LGBTQI community including a 2016 protest against an LGBTQI gathering in L’viv that turned violent, and consistent attempts to disrupt Pride Week activities. The annual LGBTQI parade took place in downtown Kyiv in 2018. Although police were robust in their support for a secure parade, a few incidents of a minor nature took place as well as a small number of arrests. 

Police Response

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies do not meet U.S./Western European standards, and their ability to investigate criminal incidents adequately is limited. While there has been some significant progress (e.g., with the Patrol Police in Kyiv), response time remains below Western standards, and case resolution remains an ongoing problem. The police are often reluctant to take victim statements in cases of a minor criminal act, primarily to avoid poor crime statistics and additional work. Due to insufficient pay, law enforcement officers often lack the motivation to solve crimes. 

Individuals must carry personal identification documents. Local law enforcement may stop people on the street to conduct identification checks; no probable cause is required. Foreign visitors should carry a copy of their passport’s identification page at all times.

Corruption remains a persistent problem in Ukraine, including reports of persecutions of anti-corruption activists in 2017. Some see law enforcement agencies as part of the problem, but there has been some progress with the establishment of a new police structure. Police rarely possess English-language capability, even in units designated to combat crimes against foreign nationals. As a result, reporting a crime and following up on the status of a case is often a difficult and lengthy process.

Crime Victim Assistance

Fire emergency: Dial 101

Police emergency: Dial 102

Ambulance/emergency medical services: Dial 103

Note: These numbers function in Kyiv and in major cities; however, there may not be an English-speaking operator.

Report crimes to the police and to the Embassy. In the event that police do not accept a crime report, the Embassy’s American Citizen Services unit can potentially raise the matter with police. Reporting a crime is also advisable even if time has elapsed, as criminals often repeat the same crime within the same general locale. File a police report when a passport has been lost or stolen. Consular staff can also furnish lists of lawyers who have expressed willingness to work with U.S. citizens; lawyers can file police reports and follow up accordingly on behalf of their clients.

U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should call U.S. Embassy Kyiv at +38-044-521-5566 during regular business hours or +38-044-521-5000 after hours.

Police/Security Agencies:

The National Police under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is the civilian police agency. The SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) is the main government security agency dealing with counterintelligence issues and combating terrorism. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) controls borders and points of entry.

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities do not meet Western standards. Travelers with pre-existing conditions should carefully consider whether adequate care would be available during a trip to Ukraine. Travelers with chronic medical conditions that require medication should bring enough medicine with them, since medicine may not be readily available. You may not import narcotic pain relievers into Ukraine, even in small quantities and with a prescription. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, Traveling with Medications.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Several European firms provide private jet evacuations; the AMC and Boris Clinic in Kyiv can organize and assist with evacuation for a fee. Aero medical evacuation companies that service Ukraine include SOS, EURO FLITE, MEDEX Assistance Corporation, and TRICARE/SOS (for military personnel). Boris Clinic has a limited agreement with Tricare for active duty personnel only.

SOS: 007-495-937-6477 (24/7 phone) - Moscow

TRICARE/SOS (for U.S. military): 00 44-20-8762-8133 (24/7 phone) - London

EURO FLITE: 00 358-20-510-1900 (24/7 phone) - Finland

MEDEX Assistance Corporation: 00 410-453-6330 (24/7 phone) – U.S.

Insurance Guidance

Consider purchasing traveler's medical evacuation insurance before arriving. Familiarize yourself with the conditions of existing medical coverage and medical resources in Ukraine. The fastest way to secure Western medical care remains medevac to Western Europe. This is a very expensive option, and assistance may not arrive until several hours after the need for care arises.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The government has a service to control fresh foods and meats, but it is difficult to confirm its effectiveness. Avoid wild berries, wild fowl and game, and mushrooms originating from areas surrounding Chornobyl, as these retain higher than average levels of radiation. Radiation background levels vary in different areas depending on natural/geological conditions, industrial development levels, and specific industries. In Ukraine, the allowable limit for the background radiation is 25 microrems per hour. Since 1987, levels exceeding that figure have not been observed in Kyiv; the average and constant numbers for Kyiv are 12-14 microrems/hour. The Ministry of Emergencies website posts daily readings on background radiation.

Tap water is not potable, but is safe for bathing and cooking in large cities. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Ukraine.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Kyiv Country Council meets four times a year and has approximately 50 members. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Embassy Kyiv

4 Aircraft Designer Igor Sikorsky Street, Kyiv, Ukraine 04112

Вул. Авіаконструктора Ігоря Сікорського, 4, Київ, Україна 04112

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 0800-1700

Embassy Contact Numbers

Telephone: (38-044) 521-5000

American Citizen Services: (38-044) 521-5566, fax (38-044) 521-5544

Regional Security Office: (38-044) 521-5515

Website: https://ua.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Ukraine should register with the Embassy’s American Citizen Services unit. Registration will permit the Consulate to contact American citizens quickly in the event of an in-country emergency. Online registration is available at on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website.

Additional Resources

Ukraine Country Information Sheet