Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Event: The 2018 UEFA Champions League Final will take place in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium (“NSC Olympiyskiy”) on Saturday, May 26, 2018. The accompanying UEFA Champions Festival is scheduled for May 24 through May 27 in downtown Kyiv.
More than 100,000 visitors are expected in Kyiv. Authorities anticipate crowds and congestion around NSC Olympiyskiy, Shevchenko Park, and elsewhere in central Kyiv. Khreshchatyk Street (from Instytutska to Bohdana Khmelnytskogo streets) is expected to remain closed to traffic through May 31, 2018.
Expect additional street and transit closures, restrictions, and searches of persons and bags. We cannot discount the possibility of unexpected public disorder; even peaceful gatherings can become violent without warning, and large events may attract petty criminals and hooligans. As with any large, high-profile event, threats of terrorism remain, as noted in the State Department’s Worldwide Caution. Ukrainian authorities are actively working to ensure the safety and security of venues and visitors.
The “money drop” scam is common in Kyiv: An unsuspecting victim picks up a dropped wallet, but is then accused of having stolen from it and coerced into paying. Pickpocketing and credit card fraud are also common. In addition, there have been a few reports of suspected drugging of drinks in establishments in Kyiv. General awareness and monitoring can help guard against these and other criminal activities. More information is available here.
Actions to Take:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep a low profile.
- Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches.
- Comply with instructions from local law enforcement.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy – Kyiv, Ukraine
+380-44-521-5566
+380-44-521-5000 (after hours)
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Ukraine Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
