Ukraine Visas

[Orson]

I'm a Canadian and would like to take a trip along the length of the Carpathian Mountains through Romania, Ukraine & Slovakia.

Lonely Planet says Romania gives 90 day visas to Canadians. Can anyone tell me if Ukraine gives Visas at border crossings?

Thanks.

[CountPacMan]

Not yet, but I imagine they will change their visa system soon with their new government now trying to open negotiations with the EU and trying to get closer to western nations. I'd be surprised if we'd still need visas in two years. Until then though, you need to get it before hand. You can do that when you get to Bucharest if you want, though it takes 3-5 days for "processing" and when I got mine it was $90. Ouch. You don't need an invitation like you do for Russia, you just need to put down who's inviting you if its for a "tourist visa" or the company thats inviting you for a "business visa". I put down that the "Federation Motorcycling of Ukraine located at 226 B. Russka str. UKR-274023 CHERNIVTSI" is inviting me - but they don't check it and of course the Federation had no clue that they were inviting me...

Good luck on your trip! When will you be coming through?


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Improvement makes strait roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement, are roads of Genius - William Blake

[PanEuropean]

I'm also a Canadian, and my experience 3 years ago getting a visa here in Canada to visit Ukraine was that the embassy was kind of cranky, the fees were expensive, and the process was slow... but, as long as you have the 'invitation', there are no barriers to the process.

My suggestion is that you do your best to get the visa from an embassy near where you are living now, start the process well in advance, and get it before you begin the trip. They ain't exactly 'tourist-oriented' at the embassies.

[Orson]

Thanks guys.

I went to the library & checked the Atlas. Unfortunately, there are very few crossing points between Romania & Ukraine so, my initial intent of following the Carpathians would be sidetracked almost a thousand miles into the Ukraine. I might forget the visa hassle and take the easy route through Hungary.

Thanks for your replies.