Ukraine

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex and rapidly changing. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly. Should you decide to travel despite our advice, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand must undertake 14 days of government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand (excluding those from Antarctica, Australia and most Pacific Islands) must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against Covid-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Ukraine

Crimea/Eastern Ukraine
The security situation is highly volatile in Crimea and in parts of eastern Ukraine. Russian forces and pro-Russian groups established control in Crimea in February 2014.

Conflict continues in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions between Ukrainian government and separatist forces, including during specified ceasefire periods. Armed groups have established road blocks and checkpoints in certain areas. There have been a significant number of deaths and injuries, including of civilians. Kidnappings and other violent incidents have also occurred, affecting government buildings, airports, military installations, transportation networks and other services.

Under Ukrainian law it is illegal to enter internationally recognised Ukrainian territory through a border point that is not currently controlled by Ukrainian authorities. Currently, these include border points in Crimea, Donetsk Oblast and Luhansk Oblasts.

Civil Unrest
The situation in Kyiv and other western cities is generally calm however public protests occur sporadically in and around government buildings. Violent protest activity has occurred throughout the eastern regions, and can cause transport disruption. New Zealanders throughout Ukraine are advised to be vigilant and avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. We recommend staying informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and following any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, including those based in Syria and Iraq, continue to make threats to conduct attacks across Europe. The Ukrainian authorities have announced that they have disrupted a number of planned attacks, including in Kyiv. Around 100 small scale targeted attacks (assassinations and bombings) including car bombs occur in Ukraine every year, some involving casualties. Further attacks could happen anywhere at anytime, including in areas frequented by foreigners. New Zealanders in Ukraine are advised to exercise vigilance in public places, and stay alert.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing is increasing, particularly in Kyiv at night. Incidents are increasingly occurring on public transport. Muggings, street scams and drinks spiking have also been reported. We recommend taking extra care to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended and being cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and recent acquaintances. 

We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to ensure their safety and secure their personal belongings.As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery. Avoid travelling alone and at night.

Credit card fraud, including skimming, and internet fraud is common in Ukraine. We recommend New Zealanders take extra care when using credit cards and ATMs and carefully check credit card statements for fraudulent charges. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams.

Don’t hail a taxi on the street – order one from your hotel or a taxi company. Only use official taxis, and agree the fare before you get in. At airports, order a taxi from a designated taxi booth.

General Travel Advice
Carry your passport at all times, as local authorities may stop foreigners and ask them to present their passport and visas. Keep a photocopy in a safe place.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

New Zealanders in Ukraine are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Ukraine should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Warsaw, Poland is accredited to Ukraine

Emergency Telephone 24/7 Consular emergency line: 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) Email nzwsw@nzembassy.pl Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/poland

The New Zealand Honorary Consulate Kyiv, Ukraine

Street Address 7th Floor; 56/21A Prospect Valeria Lobanovskogo, Kyiv 02000, Ukraine Telephone Mobile +38 050 4696771 (During work hours only) Fax Email mark.wright@pulse.ua

See our regional advice for Europe

MIL OSI