Visa question for Ukraine

[Frank O]

I just checked the Ukraine embassy in the USA web site. According to what I read & UNDERSTOOD (which could be wrong) I read that
1.) IF you have visited the Ukriane WITHIN the last 6 months a visa is NOT required.
Ok so if it's 8 month you WOULD need a visa correct? I'm being told
2.) that IF your visit is for LESS than 90 days it does NOT require a visa however I can't find that in the Ukraine ebmassy website.
Can anyone clarify this or do I need to e mail (YIKES!) the embassy myself?

[RickM]

... in response to Visa question for Ukraine, posted by Frank O on Aug 11, 2005

Ukraine Sets Visa Free Regime for Revisiting U.S. Citizens
Please, be informed that the President of Ukraine signed the Decree No. 1008/2005 “On the Establishment of Visa-Free Regime for Citizens of the United States of America” on June 30, 2005.

According to the mentioned Decree, starting July 1, 2005 visas are not required for the US citizens who reenter Ukraine within six months after their previous trip to Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period of up to 90 days with a valid American travel passport.

For the US citizens who enter Ukraine with the purpose of employment, permanent residency, study and work at the diplomatic missions of the USA in Ukraine or with any other purpose if they are going to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, visas are required.

[RickM]

... in response to US Citizens - No Entry Visa Required!! , posted by RickM on Aug 12, 2005

Sounds like 2 seperate types of USA citizens with valid passports...
1(Those with pvevious 6 month Ukraine passports...)
and
2)Those who have valid passports and wish to transit Ukraine for a period of up to 90 days...
________________________________________________________

Ukraine Sets Visa Free Regime for Revisiting U.S. Citizens
Please, be informed that the President of Ukraine signed the Decree No. 1008/2005 “On the Establishment of Visa-Free Regime for Citizens of the United States of America” on June 30, 2005.

According to the mentioned Decree, starting July 1, 2005 visas are not required for the US citizens who reenter Ukraine within six months after their previous trip to Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period of up to 90 days with a valid American travel passport.

For the US citizens who enter Ukraine with the purpose of employment, permanent residency, study and work at the diplomatic missions of the USA in Ukraine or with any other purpose if they are going to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, visas are required.

[LP]

... in response to US Citizens - No Entry Visa Required!! , posted by RickM on Aug 12, 2005

[This message has been edited by LP]

....I see what you mean. No visa is required as the entry stamp in the passport would denote the previous entry. So I'm wrong that entry could be done without possession of a vaild visa. Then again, since the typical visa is good for 6 months the point is moot.

But a visa is still needed for a first trip or if 6 months elapses. That isn't an issue for guys who have lots of time off and can travel cheap but it's nearly useless for those who get a few weeks per year and must pony up for the fare. It's a step forward for UA though.

[lawcom]

... in response to Re: US Citizens - No Entry Visa Required..., posted by LP on Aug 12, 2005

A few weeks ago Red Star Travel, the travel agency that has processed my visa requests to Ukraine in the past, advised me that the UA consulate in DC is not even accepting visa requests from US citizens because they are no longer required.  The UA website indicates no visa required only if you plan more than one visit within 6 months, but it seems in practice no visa is required at all.  Delta Airlines also states no visa required for UA (nothing about the 6 months reentry requirement).  Check out Delta's website for passport and visa info: http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp.

So, who's gonna be the brave one to try it?  I'd be interested to know what the real scoop is.

[Jack]

... in response to Re: Re: US Citizens - No Entry Visa Requ..., posted by lawcom on Aug 12, 2005

The real scoop is you do not need one.

Now two people I know, one a client, who have never been to Ukraine before, who have gone without a visa. One man has been back for a few weeks and one client is there as we speak.

No visa is required to enter Ukraine if you are going as a tourist and your stay is less than 90 days.

[Travis]

... in response to Re: Re: US Citizens - No Entry Visa Requ..., posted by lawcom on Aug 12, 2005

Sounds like the "peguin theory of life" :-)

[Frank O]

... in response to US Citizens - No Entry Visa Required!! , posted by RickM on Aug 12, 2005

That's what I'm getting at. If it's been more than 6 months you DO NEED A VISA.

[T P Cornholio]

... in response to Visa question for Ukraine, posted by Frank O on Aug 11, 2005

You don't need a visa for traveling to Ukraine for less than 90 days within a six month period.  The Ukrainian newspapers have reported as such from offical government news releases, and the consulate sites have an interpretation problem that they are (as usual) slow to correct.  The air carriers are not requiring a visa, and they would see heavy fines for letting people travel without one.

[LP]

... in response to Visa question for Ukraine, posted by Frank O on Aug 11, 2005

...This ain't rocket science people. The typical private stay visa (don't apply for a tourist visa) is a single entry visa with a duration of 6 months.

Based on that the way I understand all this is:

1) As a US citizen you still need a visa to make your first trip.

2) You get the typical visa mentioned above.

3) You go.

4) You can go again within six months but can stay for only 90 days. Repeat as desired.

5) Beyond six months you need a new visa, assuming the original visa was a typical single entry 6 monther. (If it was a multi-entry visa of greater than 6 months duration this is all moot).

In effect the new rule basically renews the typical single entry 6 month visa as long as you enter again within six months. It simply negates having to go through the application process again and coughing up the fee. However, note that you're limited to a 90 day stay if using this "grandfathered" visa. This is in contrast to an allowed 6 month stay using the visa in it's "original" form. Note also that if you bug out of Ukraine during your trip this new decree should cover your re-entry. (Advantageous for taking her someplace).

That's my take on it. If anyone knows different speak up. Fwiw, I still feel a better route is to obtain a multi year, multi entry visa.

Fwiw, a condensed version of the decree itself. (I like the part about fostering contracts in "all fields of relationships". Somehow I doubt they were talking about MOB):

President's Decree No. 1008/2005

On Introduction of Visa Free Regime for US Citizens

With the aim to develop and realize into practice principles of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States of America and guided by the aspirations to simplify the regime for mutual travels and to foster bilateral contacts in all fields of relationships, I issue a decree:

To introduce on July 1, 2005 visa free regime for the US citizens for entering Ukraine and for transit through the territory of Ukraine, if they visit Ukraine for the second time within 6 months from the date of their first visit to Ukraine for the period which doesn't exceed 90 days.

The President of Ukraine

Viktor Yushchenko

June 30, 2005

They aren't clear on defining the term "visit" so the only question I have is if the 6 months begins on the original entry date or the exit date. For example, you enter Ukraine on Sept 1 and stay one month. You exit on Oct 1. Does the 6 month clock start on Sept 1 or Oct 1? I'll go out on a limb and assume it's the entry date but hey, it's Ukraine...anything is possible.

If you want clarification Frank I suggest you send an email *and* pick up the phone. Do it for multiple embassies/consulates. Ask them about the points I made. Or check with the US State Dept. They should know and you should have better luck reaching them.

I thought you were going to Colombia? Becoming a tad erratic aren't we? Not a good sign. You just got yer ass whooped remember? Just what is it with you and the marriage thing anyway? Are you that lonely? You're beginning to come across as a real desperado.

[Philb]

... in response to Re: Visa question for Ukraine, posted by LP on Aug 11, 2005

this is Ukraine's diplomatic tit for tat.  I don't know if most are aware of this, but, at the beginning of June, the US waived the $65.00 fee for Ukrainian citizens to obtain a multiple entry visa to enter the USA.

Now there is only the $100.00 application fee for all tourist visas (I am not sure about other types of visas) for Ukrainian citizens.  It used to be $100.00 for the application plus visa fees as follows $10.00 for double entry and $65 for multiple entry.  Ukraine charged US citizens the same fees.

Basically Ukraine is trying to do away with multiple entry fees with their new schedule.  But in typical FSU fashion the wording is obtuse and the bureaucracy doesn't know how to interpret this.

[Frank O]

... in response to Re: Visa question for Ukraine, posted by LP on Aug 11, 2005

that's what I read on it LP. However Jack has told me his clients have gone recently WITHOUT a visa. I simply did not want to make a 20+ hour trip only to have to stay at Boryspol. I WILL call or e mail myself to the embassy.
As for me going to Colombia...I AM going to Colmbia. I'm ALSO going back to Ukraine. Something wrong with that? Having said that not going ANYWHERE till at least October. Got my ass whooped?! well ok I did. So what am I supposed to settle for an AW now or go gay? I don't think so man.

[LP]

... in response to So you understood it the same way as me, posted by Frank O on Aug 11, 2005

...I dunno, you've always struck me as a happy-go-lucky kinda guy

I seriously doubt any US citizens entered Ukraine without a visa of some form. Euro folks can do it until Sept 1 as I understand it though.

"Settle" for an AW? Yeah Frank, you could. Most everyone else in the US does. There are plenty of good ones out there. Maybe not as many 21 year old trophies as you'd like but plenty of good ones who are nevertheless looking for exactly same things you are and are way less of a risk. But you don't really want that do you? Instead you want other, more shallow traits, for purely self centered reasons. Why is it that MOB men condemn AW for shallowness and then go abroad armed with the same? It's the height of hypocrisy. If you're to the point where you really think FSU women are "better" in ways that truly matter in a partner, in ways that will power a relationship over a lifetime, then you're further gone than I thought.

I remind you billions of people the world over "settle" for marrying their own kind and are just as happy as any MOB couple. Jeez Frank, do you *honestly* believe MOB guys have stumbled onto some great secret of maritial happiness? One that the rest of the world doesn't know about? Good grief, you'd have to be seriously screwed up to believe that. The "problem" doesn't lie with any particular brand of women Frank, it lies with MOB men. It lies with you. The sooner you wise up to this basic truth the better off you'll be and the sooner you'll find real happiness.

And that wasn't the source of my puzzlement anyway, it was why you're in such a headlong rush to be married in the first place, why you seem to feel the need to depend on another individual for happiness or to feel complete...so much so you're willing to go through what you already have and whatever awaits in the future.

[Frank O]

... in response to So you're not gay?...., posted by LP on Aug 11, 2005

I TRY to be a happy go lucky kind of guy. Look I get my share of Pu$$! being a musician just because of WHERE I work man. But dude I don't want the one nighters for anything else man. Sorry but I got over that by the time I was 24 (I'm going on 37). I was HAPPILY married for 6 years to my first wife. I'd like that back man. Nothing wrong with that .My first was a Mexicana. If I could & DID find an AW that could be what I wantd I'd marry her in a heartbeat man. Just haven't found one. Like I've said in other posts You go out on dates & everything is cool as soon as you mention you are not looking for casual sex or dating but are looking for marriage & CHILDREN then suddently it's over. No prob there other than that's what I want. As to why I want to be married hey I've been single for QUITE a bit so nothing wrong in wanting what I had before. don't see what the crime is in that.
The thing about the MOB scene for me is that when you meet someone the understanind right off the top is you ARE SEEKING A WIFE not a one night stand.
As for a tropy wife that's not what I'm seeking. I wouldn't call my Uke wife a trophy wife. She was NOT ugly but I've dated MANY more beautiful than her (which messed her up when she saw the pics). It was NOT the looks that attracted me to her.

[LP]

... in response to Ok now your just rambling buddy, posted by Frank O on Aug 11, 2005

...No need to get riled. Permit me the pleasure of more rambling:

I think you missed a few of my points, one of which is you don't seem to be looking for an A/W. Not in the last few years at least. You seem to have focused (and still are) all your attention abroad. Nor do you have to have one night stands with the AW you were meeting. How hard have you been trying to do otherwise? And you're trying to convince me there are no AW who want to have a family? Come on, do you really believe that? What planet are you living on?

Lol, I wonder how many guys wish they had your problem: that every women they meet is only looking for casual sex. Is that representative of the women in Texas? Since when? If that's the kind of women you're always meeting than you're looking in the wrong place, age group, galaxy, something. Whose fault is it you're dealing with those types? Whose fault is it you're dealing with the kind you've been meeting in the FSU? Or the one you married? You're the one doing the pickin' Frank. Here, chomp on this:

http://tinyurl.com/55qjx

There's nothing wrong with marrying a foreigner if you meet one in a "normal" way. But you're shopping for them in impoverished countries where their motivation for marrying you is anything but pure. Jeez, your recent experience alone should've shown you that. If you think otherwise you're more naive than I thought. And of course they understand you're seeking a wife, why else would you even be in those particular countries? Duh.

How come you don't go to Spain or France? Or New Zealand? You know, where men are men and the sheep are nervous? Or any number of other countries? It's because there is no market, because the motivation for marriage in those countries would be based on something other than a desire on their part to escape or a desire on your part to snag something you can't get at home...and not because of the local talent. It ain't their fault, it's yours. You've been hoodwinked Frankie, sucked deep into the MOB ether. There is only one chance for your salvation. Come my son, come over to the Dark Side and pray with me:

http://tinyurl.com/97ygr

Btw, I wasn't refering to your ex-wife's looks. I'm aware of what she looked like. I know she was nothing to write home about but I was refering to her age. And if it wasn't her looks, what was it that attracted you to her? Was it her personality? Her desire to be wife and mother? Her fidelity? Are we talking about the same woman you just sent home? The one you picked in spite of all the red flags? You're awash in a sea of lemon juice Frank.

As for you getting lots of action I'm also aware you're not quite the dashing leather clad rocker you make yourself out to be. So don't try and BS me Frank, I know better.

My point still stands: As long as you're unwilling to face the fact the problem is yours and yours alone, either in attitude, technique, demographics, ignorance, or whatever, it's gonna be a rough ride. Sure, you may pull this off. Anyone can go over and find an FSU girl to marry, Lord knows there are plenty of FSU women looking specifically for "easy" guys like you. But the odds of you being happy, no, the odds of you staying happy, are much slimmer when compared to doing it the normal way, and for the right reasons.

Btw, what happened to this wonderful 6 year marriage of yours? Lemme guess: Whatever happened was mainly her fault right? Most MOB guys blame the woman you know. They haven't learned the only thing common in every one of their failed relationships was themselves.

Ah well. It's your life Frank, not my place to tell you how to run it...but you'd better not come cryin' again.