Ukraine

One of the largest countries in Eastern Europe, the Ukraine is situated on the Black Sea, surrounded by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. It is a popular holiday destination for tourists from surrounding countries, and is becoming increasingly attractive to citizens of Western Europe and North America.

One of the main attractions for visitors to the Ukraine is the country's rich history, with more than 500 cities dating back over 900 years, and a fascinating assortment of architecture influenced by its diverse neighbours. Most travellers begin in the historical capital city of Kiev, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, where the ancient streets, striking architecture, stunning scenery, and wealth of cultural and religious sights make it a fascinating places to explore. The early capital of Old Rus is also enriched with monuments such as the grandiose St Sophia's Cathedral, famous for its 11th-century mosaics and frescoes; and the Cave Monastery, the holy centre of the early Orthodox Church.

The other major attraction for Ukraine tourists is the natural beauty of the country, with areas like the Carpathian and Crimean mountain ranges; the Black Sea and Sea of Asov; and the Crimean peninsula, a popular tourist haven with its warm climate, famous resorts, history, and old cities such as Sevastopol and Yalta. The Carpathian Mountains draw skiers and hikers year-round, and the region is also popular for its restorative spas and historic sites. Gateway to the mountains is the city of Lviv, one of the main cultural centres of the country and a delight to explore with its medieval old town and distinctive architecture. The harbour town of Odessa, known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea', is an established tourist destination that also serves as the gateway to many of the famous Black Sea resorts, and is a fascinating city with a wonderful mixture of cultures and historical architecture.

With things looking up for a country that is beginning to loosen its ties with Russia and forge new ones with the EU and NATO, Ukraine is a destination worth considering for its history and culture alone. Cruises on Europe's longest river, the Dnieper River, from Kiev to the Black Sea coast is one of the most popular ways to tour the Ukraine, providing a discovery of Ukraine's history, and its architecturally rich cities, while cruising the 1,370 mile-long stretch of river (2,205km) on board ship.

Climate

The climate is temperate continental, characterised by plenty of rain and cloudy autumns and winters. The southern Crimean coast experiences a Mediterranean climate. There are regular snowfalls in winter (between October and April) with average temperatures of 17-35°F (-8 to 2°C), with colder temperatures inland. While winters are long and cold, summers are short and can get very hot, especially in the south, with average temperatures of 64-81° F (18-27°C). Rainfall occurs in the form of thundershowers and the occasional downpour; rainfall is highest in the west and north of the country.

Money

The official currency is the Hryvnia (UAH), which is divided into 100 kopecks. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday until 3pm, and readily exchange Hryvnia for hard currency (banknotes only). US dollars and Euros are exchanged easily at banks and currency offices, and while other currencies can also be exchanged, they are not as widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in all major cities. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted and attract high commission rates and lengthy paperwork. Major restaurants, shops and hotels accept Visa, MasterCard and EuroCard; however credit cards are not widely accepted, particularly in remote areas and smaller establishments. Outside the main cities it is advisable to carry a supply of local currency.

Passport Visa

Applicants for tourist visas require a letter of confirmation from a hotel or tour company; for business visas a letter of invitation from a company or organisation in the Ukraine is required. However EU citizens do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Citizens of the US, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Slovakia and Turkey do not need invitation letters to obtain a visa. On arrival, all foreign nationals must fill in an Immigration Card, to be presented when entering and leaving the country. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• UK nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Canadians require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Australians require a visa and a passport to enter the Ukraine.
• South Africans require a visa and a passport to enter the Ukraine.
• Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• New Zealand nationals require a visa and a passport to enter the Ukraine.

Health

Immunisation against diphtheria, hepatitis A, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies should be considered before travel to the Ukraine. Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for long-term travellers who might eat outside of major hotels and restaurants. Tap water is best avoided, or treated by boiling or with chemicals. Bird flu has been confirmed in parts of Crimea, but no human infections have been reported. Travellers are not at risk, but close contact with domestic, caged and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. HIV is widespread and the level of sexually transmitted diseases is high. Due to the risk of exposure to pollutants and radioactive materials, swimming in the Dnieper River should be avoided. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised, and visitors are advised to bring a supply of personal medication.

Embassy Consulates

• Ukraine Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 333 0606.
• Ukraine Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7727 6312.
• Ukraine Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230 2420.
• Ukraine Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6230 5789.
• Ukraine Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 1946.
• Ukraine Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 5189.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 490 4000.
• British Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 490 3660.
• Canadian Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 590 3100.
• Australian Consulate, Vienna, Austria (also responsible for the Ukraine): +43 (0)1 506 740.
• South African Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 287 7172.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Kiev: +380 (44) 285 5902.