USC Going Back to Visit UKR - Some Questions?

[CJ]

[This message has been edited by CJ]

It's been quite awhile since I've been here but I'm planning to go back to Ukraine at Christmastime and am looking for some info.

Some background:  in 1997, I met and married my now-wife, Natasha, while she was here on an au-pair program.  She was 23 and I was 37.  We're still happily married and after she was naturalized as a USC last October, she began work as a software engineer on an INS program.  (Given the hell INS puts us all through that's just a little bit ironic!)  On the fist trip to meet the folks in 1998, her red Soviet-style passport was invalidated upon entry and we spent two weeks (and about $700 in bribes) getting new internal and international passports.  There was never any mention of the PMZh stamp and we got out with only a little trouble.  After inquiring at the Ukr Embassy about getting the stamp and being to that only OVIR in her hometown could issue it, we decided not to go back until she was on a US passport.  I've heard now that because she did not leave 'legally' with the PMZh stamp that we may experience problems even though she is no longer a Ukr citizen.  Has anybody experienced this or had any problems with their wife going in or out as a USC?  What's the latest scam at Odessa airport Customs to get $$$ out of travelers?  (I was arrested the first time through for refusing to pay 'import duties' on my wife's wedding ring!)

Second question:  With the heightened security posture on airlines, I've been told that luggage should be left unlocked.  I can't imagine that *anything* will arrive in Odessa.  The cameras and valuables will be in my carryon but has anyone lost the contents of their suitcases lately?  (We're going on Austrian Air via Vienna, leaving Washington on Christmas Day.)

[cherokee]

... in response to USC Going Back to Visit UKR - Some Quest..., posted by CJ on Aug 13, 2003

we were there in april 2002 and my wife was on her gc without this infamous stamp in her passport. no problems really. I can't see them bothering your wife since she's U.S. citizen now. Maybe use the VIP in Odessa, its worth it there, but not in Kiev.
From what I understand this Pmzh stamp is bogus anyway. None of my wife's friends have it either.
good luck!
viva Ukraine!

[CJ]

... in response to Re: USC Going Back to Visit UKR - Some Q..., posted by cherokee on Aug 14, 2003

Thanks! An example like this is just what we're looking for.  We anticipate no problems but want to know what experiences others have had.  We agree on the validity of the PMZh stamp - just a relic of the bureaucracy...

[Richard]

... in response to Re: USC Going Back to Visit UKR - Some Q..., posted by cherokee on Aug 14, 2003

I think it makes a difference which passport you use to enter Ukraine.  If you have both passports and enter on the Ukrainain passport, you are treated as a Ukrainian.  On the other hand, if you have both, and enter on the US (or other foreign passport) you are considered an American Citizen.  It might be a small point.  

The difference, also, might be whether the Ukrianians see the Ukrainian passport or not: if they don't see it, they don't know to ask about the PMZH stamp.

[cherokee]

... in response to Re: Re: USC Going Back to Visit UKR - So..., posted by Richard on Aug 14, 2003

Ukraine doesn't recognize dual citizenship so you have to give up your UA passport.

[CJ]

... in response to you cant' use both U.S. and  Ukrainian p..., posted by cherokee on Aug 14, 2003

... or don't carry it overseas.  My wife's will be left behind.  Her intention is to travel as a 100% US citizen with no possibility of any misuderstandings by carrying identification as anything else.  Her UA passport is now nothing more than a souvenir as far as she's concerned.

[Richard]

... in response to you cant' use both U.S. and  Ukrainian p..., posted by cherokee on Aug 14, 2003

I understand that you can't use *both* passports.  That is why I said it depends upon which you use to enter the country.

You may not be able to have dual citizenship in this case, but there are cases where you can have dual citizenship.

[cherokee]

... in response to Re: Re: USC Going Back to Visit UKR - So..., posted by Richard on Aug 14, 2003

my wife only has her international passport and Ukrainian passport. I can't remember which one they asked for, but I think they looked at everything including GC

[Zoidberg]

... in response to USC Going Back to Visit UKR - Some Quest..., posted by CJ on Aug 13, 2003

I don't know about your USC questions either but I was just there in May & June. I left my baggage unlocked and everything arrived in Dnepropetrovsk via Vienna by United-Austrian-Tyrolean. I also carried on my camera and other important items. Going back all my bags also made it through customs in DC. From DC to San Diego is where they lost my bags. Turned up in about a week with obviously everything being "looked through" but it was all there.

Z

[AronM II]

... in response to USC Going Back to Visit UKR - Some Quest..., posted by CJ on Aug 13, 2003

Never been through USC, but in regards to your luggage question:  I've locked mine every time in the past 2 years.  I was asked to unlock them at the initial check-in at Detroit, and upon my return for the customs inspection in NY, but that was it.