Ukraine

Operators generally do not speak English. There could be long delays for police and/or emergency services.

Most travellers to Ukraine have no serious safety or security problems. However, foreigners can be targets for petty crime, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, especially in bars, crowded shopping areas, tourist areas, on public transportation, etc. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution as you would when travelling in general. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Do not leave your documents or valuables in a vehicle.

Ethnic or racially-motivated violence and harassment can occur with little corrective action from local authorities, or can even be perpetrated by Ukrainian authorities, particularly toward those of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent or toward religious minorities. Cooperate with local police at all times.

Be cautious and aware of the possibility of scams. A common scam occurs in Ukraine in which a person drops a bundle of money or wallet in front of a tourist, then claims he has just found it, and offers to share the money. If the victim stops to pick up the money, the criminal will then loudly and aggressively accuse them of stealing and threaten to tell the police, etc. Travellers are strongly advised to walk away and avoid engaging in any conversation when a scam is suspected.

Due to credit card scams, keep your credit cards in sight at all times during transactions.
Use only recommended official taxis and agree on the fare before entering the taxi.
Always carry your passport. Local police may stop travellers on the street and detain them while verifying their travel status. The police officer should introduce themselves providing their name, post, rank, and reason for ID check. They should be able to present a document verifying their position.

Road travel can be unsafe. Drivers may not follow standard driving rules, such as ignoring traffic signs and traffic lights, drunk driving, aggressive driving, etc. Road lighting may be poor, and roads outside of urban areas may be in poor repair.

There is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. However, many drivers ignore this law.

Drivers may not stop at pedestrian crosswalks.

Be sure to validate (punch at a machine) any bus, trolley or tram tickets. If you are travelling without a validated ticket, you can be fined on the spot.

Same-sex relations are legal in Ukraine, however, there is no law preventing discrimination. Public attitudes are generally not tolerant. Exercise caution and avoid public displays of affection.

Penalties for drug offenses are severe.

Do not photograph government, military or security installations.

Avoid all travel to Crimea. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, and Russian forces continue to occupy the area. Many countries do not recognize Russia’s control over Crimea, and therefore, the ability for countries to provide consular assistance to citizens is very limited.

Avoid travel to Donetsk Oblast and Lugansk Oblast. Due to ongoing armed conflict (including during ceasefires), the safety and security situation is unpredictable and volatile. Separatists control some areas and have been known to threaten and/or detain foreign nationals.

Landmines make travel hazardous in the conflict zone of Donetsk and Luhansk. People have been killed or seriously injured.

There have been violent demonstrations and protests in Ukraine in the past. To minimize safety risk, avoid all areas of large public gatherings and demonstrations. These situations can quickly escalate and become violent.

There are frequent rallies at Maydan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), the National Bank of Ukraine, around the Verkhovna Rada (parliament building and other government buildings, and the National Bank of Ukraine. Road traffic can be disrupted since police may temporarily close roads. Rallies are common on anniversary dates of major events, especially from November to March.