Romania/Ukraine border crossing

[dane@]

We will travel from Serbia to Japan this summer, going through Romania. We would like to cross a border between Romania and Ukraine at north-east of Romania, south of Moldavia. Is this possible? If not, is there some ferry from Romania to Odessa?

[GD_SPb]

Between Galat (Romania) and Reni (Ukraine) is small part Moldova

[Ghost Rider]

Yes, there is a small part of Moldova to cross, but entry into Moldova is not too difficult, providing you're patient. Having recently crossed into Ukraine via Transnistria, all I can say is don't! It's not worth the hassle and numerous bribes necessary - stick to the official Moldova - Ukraine crossing.

[dane@]

Is it possible to get Moldavian transit visa on border? I heard if you arrive early at 8, you can get one for 50 eur, without problems.

[Ghost Rider]

Hi Dane@

EU citizens do not require a visa to enter Moldova as from 1st January 2007 - I'm not sure what the rules are from Serbian citizens, maybe you can check with the embassy/representation locally.

Entry was no problem - they just wanted to see my passport, the original bike registration papers and my green card.

After this, I needed to visit the "Ministry of Ecology" for the relevant bike paperwork necessary to ride in Moldova. This cost 50 Moldovan Lei for the "existing documents check", then 86 Moldovan Lei for the actual paper with stamp, meaning a total amount of about EUR 8,50.

I hope this helps!

[dane@]

Thanks Ghost Rider. There is no embassy here, but I will check in Bucharest, since it is on our way. For Russia, Ukraine, Mongolia and China it is very easy to get visas for us, our police issue them. So maybe there will be no problem for us since Moldavia is former Soviet republic, and old socialistic connections with former Yugoslavia . We will definitely cross to Ukraine via Moldavia.

[PanEuropean]

Dane:

I toured Ukraine and then Romania last summer. The border crossing from Czech Republic INTO Ukraine was a massive pain - huge lineups, border guards on the Ukraine side that looked at every bit of paperwork I had, the works. Eventually they became curious about the bike, got friendly, and I was on my way... but all in all not a good experience.

I left Ukraine via the south, into Romania. That was a delight - no lineup, the Romanian customs guy took a 3 second look at my passport, smiled and then said 'Welcome to Romania'. It was faster, simpler, and more pleasant than when I enter Canada (where I live).

So - that was my experience. Romania was wonderful, one of the nicest countries I have ever visited, but Ukraine was just awful... I couldn't get out of that place fast enough. Professionally, I work in Western Sudan and in Somalia, and I think both of those countries are better places to be than Ukraine. Seriously - at least at the Somalian roadblocks, they don't shake you down for money. The Ukrainian cops will shake you down for about USD $10 every 30 to 50 kms along the road.

[Ghost Rider]

PanEuropean,

I've just returned from Ukraine and didn't find it bad at all. Entering via Transnistria, where I had to pay several bribes after being threatened and shouted at in Russian, Ukraine was at least honest and efficient. Sure, I picked up a speeding "fine" during the first 20 minutes in the country, but to be fair, I was well over the limit. The problem I found with Ukraine is that you're never sure when you're in the town/village limits, and therefore in a 60 km/h zone. What really impressed me Ukraine is the respect all drivers have for one another. Every time the Police were out, almost ALL oncoming traffic flashed their lights as a warning, meaning that after about 1500km in Ukraine, I received no further police attention.

Tip for anyone riding in the Ukraine:

The police always set their hidden radar traps in the 60 km/h zones. If oncoming vehicles are flashing their lights, slow down to 60!

[mlader]

@dane, sorry 'bout my last post which I've deleted just now, I feel a bit frustrated over the whole thing, and reacting with more impulse than usual. I know it's not your problem, but I'm sure you understand...

I really DO wish you guys all the best, and I think it's great you made it for real!!! Just ride safe, get back in one peace, bring back some good raw material, and don't worry about your camera skills too much, you'll get the groove in few days, trust me...

We're tracking you all the time via GPS, so be sure you're not gonna get lost

Just have a blast and keep on rolling!