disturbing find on duration of stay in UA

[Deckard]

Is there a way to stay in Ukraine for 5-10 months on a 3 year multiple entry visa?

I thought it was no problem, 3 years is 3 years, but I just got off the phone with "Universal Passports & Visas Inc.", and to my surprise and dismay, I was told that I would need a resident visa in order to stay there for that long.

I originally called to find out if I would be able to get a one way ticket there, since I have no idea when my return flight would be.

I was told one cannot buy a one way ticket to Ukraine, as they'll want to make sure I intend to leave the country. I was told that the return flight must be set within a 90 day period.

I blew that "theory" away, as when I went there the first time, my return flight date was set almost 120 days after my arrival flight date. The man on the phone was surprised they let me in the country.

I don't know whether to believe the rep at Universal or not, but I have doubts now.

Any of you think I'll have a problem staying in Ukraine for 5-10 months on a 3 year business visa?

I leave very soon, and I'm thinking I may just wing it and use the visa I bought already, but I'd like to hear some opinions on whether or not that's foolhardy.

-Deckard

[FLASH2D]

... in response to disturbing find on duration of stay in U..., posted by Deckard on Apr 28, 2003

sorry i can't be specific as to saying yes you can or no you can't. i have aggressively reseached many ua. sites for different kinds of info. type in ukraine embassy or ukraine visa, and there is a wealth of info including recent changes in policies. it is from the washington d.c. office. as a rule don't sweat the ticket issue. 99 times out of 100 a round trip ticket is always cheaper than a one way. just don't use the return portion. there is usually a penalty of maybe $200 if you want to change dates, however, there is only about a 6 month life for tickets anyway.  once you enter the ukraine, you can always change you status once you are there. just go to the consulate. it is easier to extend  once you are there than to try and plead your case here. hope this helps. flash.

[Dan]

... in response to disturbing find on duration of stay in U..., posted by Deckard on Apr 28, 2003

Simply plan to take a train to Poland (or Hungary or Czech Republic) just prior to the 6-month point in your stay. Get the stamp in your passport from that other country - and then turn around and return to Ukraine for another 5 months plus 28 days stay - until your next excursion --smile--.

It is done all the time.

I used to do this when I was working in Taiwan and didn't want to get a work visa. I left for a 1-day trip to Hong Kong each 59 days (there, the limit was 60 days). Similarly, when in Malaysia I did something similar with trips to Thailand and Singapore.

It is a common practice and keeps you from running afoul of the law.

Not to worry.

- Dan

[Deckard]

... in response to Relax - It is NOT A Problem . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 28, 2003

Guess I'll be seeing a lot of the Ukrainian countryside from trains

I'll probably end up purchasing a 6 month ticket that I have reserved ($808 +$122 tax = $930 through Lufthansa).

-Deckard

[Globetrotter]

... in response to disturbing find on duration of stay in U..., posted by Deckard on Apr 28, 2003

Why not just leave every 3 months for a weekend to Belarus, Russia, Poland, etc.,and re-enter Ukraine?  Then you live by their rules.  I did this when I lived in an Asian country,...just left and re-entered to start the 3 month clock again.