Ukrainian Customs

Ukrainian customs regulations place strict limits on the types and amounts of currency and other items that may be brought in to or taken out of Ukraine. The Embassy usually is unable to intervene in cases of money or other property seized by customs authorities, and the individual typically would need to hire a lawyer and go to court to seek the return of his or her money or property. We encourage you to contact the State Customs Service of Ukraine or a qualified legal advisor for information about specific customs regulations and requirements. The Customs Service public hotline for inquiries is +38-800-501-3130 or +38-044-249-9284, or you may email them. Customs operators typically speak only Ukrainian or Russian.

Visas and Registration

U.S. citizens do not require a visa as long as their length of stay in Ukraine is less than 90 days. Individuals requiring a visa must obtain it at a Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate before arriving in Ukraine. Individuals in the United States may contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C., or the Consulates General in Chicago, New York, or San Francisco for information about current visa requirements and application procedures.

Upon arrival in Ukraine, U.S. citizens generally will be registered for an authorized stay of 90 days. In some cases, it may be possible to extend the registration for an additional 90 days. However, the Embassy understands that the extension is valid only for continuous stay in Ukraine, but may not allow re-entry to the country. Requests for extension are processed through the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS), and must be submitted at least three days before the current registration expires. Please contact your local SMS office for detailed information about current registration requirements and application procedures.