Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Ukraine Ukraine
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Ukraine
Has anyone entered Ukraine from Romania recently. We're in Romania and heading for Hungary but thought we might pop in to Ukraine as I've been told it's a nicer way to get across to Hungary.

Apparently as UK passport holders we don't need anything special for Ukraine.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Aug 2014
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,478
Crossed over from Romania to Ukraine yesterday from Suceavea, Siret in Romania along E85/M19 up to Kam Yanets in Ukraine. Border crossing was easy but met some extremely corrupt an unpleasant ukranian cops along the road. This months scam seems to be alcohol. Was stopped and asked about alcohol and had to breath into a cops face. One in our group came a little later and had to breath into a breathalyzer that showed he got 2,8 level of alcohol. Which of course were totally ridicolous as he havent bern touching alcohol at all that day. Wanted 600 US dollars, held him back for 1 h 15 minutes, threatend him by confiskating the bike, his passport, driving licence etc. 8 cops and one poor westerner. Not a pleasant meeting at all...... Almost forgot - he ended up with paying 120 US dollars.

The road standards are several steps down from Romania and Hungary by the way. Very little english seems to be spoken here.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonesome George View Post
Has anyone entered Ukraine from Romania recently. We're in Romania and heading for Hungary but thought we might pop in to Ukraine as I've been told it's a nicer way to get across to Hungary.

Apparently as UK passport holders we don't need anything special for Ukraine.
You don't, they just stamp your passport for EU.

Western Ukraine is lovely, very backward and poor but the people are extremely nice and some of the scenery is beautiful. Well worth the trip.

I spent most of last September in Ukraine and had no problems at all. As soon as you leave the L'Viv, Kiev tourist hack, there is very little English spoken. Never had any problems at all.

Some of the roads are diabolical though, and it isnotalways easy to guess what will be good or bad, it could take you 3hrs to do 100km, or 50 min. Its often better to stay off the secondary type main roads because they are usually the worst.

Given that all the 'trouble' is in the East you should be perfectly safe. It is a pleasant place and the people very helpful. The cops aren't meant to be great at times (but where are they??) as the above poster states, but I had no bother at all with them.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Thanks both of you. If we do go we'll only be there two days. Crossing from Sighetu Marimatei in Romania. Heading west and crossing back in to Hungary. We were told it might be a nicer more interesting way to get back into Hungary. We're travelling alone so I don't want the hassle of being ripped off by the police but we might give it a go.

Sate travels.

Dom
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Aug 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,125
Hi Dom:

Honestly, I don't think this summer is a good time to visit Ukraine, even if you are at the opposite end of the country from where all the troubles are.

I've been to both Ukraine and Romania on my bike. I'll never go back to Ukraine, this due to poor quality roads, corrupt police everywhere, and a general sense of unease that I had all the time I was there. You can be assured that you will be hassled and ripped off by the police and other government officials. It's not a question of 'if', it's a question of 'how often is this going to happen today'. Last time I was there, I was stopped 5 times in one day for document checks, accused of speeding every time, etc. Truly, a massive PITA.

Romania, on the other hand, is a very pleasant place, and it is "100% EU", which gives you some assurance that the worst excesses of corruption, etc. will be held in check.

Geographically, there's not a whole lot of difference between the two countries along the border area... hence I don't see any benefit (only downsides) to entering Ukraine.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
Hi Dom:


Romania, on the other hand, is a very pleasant place, and it is "100% EU", which gives you some assurance that the worst excesses of corruption, etc. will be held in check.

Geographically, there's not a whole lot of difference between the two countries along the border area... hence I don't see any benefit (only downsides) to entering Ukraine.

Michael
There is plenty of unchecked corruption in the EU. I would imagine that a lot of the people in Romania (as in much of the EU) would find it very difficult to agree with those sentiments. Personally when I get out of the damn place it feels like a breath of fresh air; you can top looking for signs telling you what you are allowed to do

Some of the countryside in Western Ukraine is similar to Romania, but it is a very different place. There is less logging for one thing (because it is not in the EU). And yes the roads are rubbish, but many people just use the road to get from place to place. Not rate a place by the roads.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Aug 2014
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
You can be assured that you will be hassled and ripped off by the police and other government officials. It's not a question of 'if', it's a question of 'how often is this going to happen today'. Last time I was there, I was stopped 5 times in one day for document checks, accused of speeding every time, etc. Truly, a massive PITA.



Maybe it depends on who you run across...


Been to Ukraine two times in 2011 towards and back from Central Asia and I crossed it West to East and East to West (Uzghorod to Sverdlovsk and back), and I've always found helpful and polite officers (close to Kharkiv they even accepted a picture together, with one of them that was sitting on my Harley I had at that time).


It's not 100% sure you will find corrupted officers, even if it's likely, maybe.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Aug 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bilbao
Posts: 56
This won' help Lonesome George but I think is good to share experiences.
Iive just crossed Romania to Ukraine through Moldova and Transdniestria.

In Moldova border I was ripped of by the military. They asked me 20€ and after a brief discussion I finally gave them 10$; but no problem at all neither in Transdniestria nor Ukraine.

Regards.



Basauritik mundura... motorrez: RUMANÍA, MOLDAVIA y UCRANIA en moto
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Aug 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and advice. We decided not to bother with Ukraine. We would only have been there for 48 hours so it didn't seem worth it. Instead we crossed back in to Hungary direct from Romania and are today heading for Budapest.

All I can add is that Romania was fantastic. More details on my blog at The Dom way round

Dom
__________________
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
EU vehicle insurance that includes Ukraine? Edd Trip Paperwork 5 1 Jun 2014 23:33
Ukraine daveandles Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 26 Mar 2014 19:44
Romania, Ukraine and more for 3 weeks, 2013 jesperdybdahl Travellers Seeking Travellers 25 19 Dec 2013 08:41
Driving through Ukraine. Easy? or Not? BigO Route Planning 27 26 Nov 2013 16:30
Ukraine Insurance nigel_tailyour Trip Paperwork 0 16 Sep 2013 10:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top