End of visa for US citizens visiting Ukraine?

[Philb]

I had been hearing rumors concerning this for several weeks.  Yesterday a friend of mine who works at the US consulate in Kiev told me that Yushchenko was going to make an anouncement in regards to this during his visit to the US.

So far this is all I have read and it is far from being official.  It figures, I was just issued a 5 year multi entry visa yesterday.

quote  by Yushchenko before joint session of US Congress

Step seven, Ukraine has agreed to waive visa regime for the United States citizens.
(APPLAUSE)
I would request the U.S. government to, in the speediest possible manner, make reciprocal steps to help in relation to Ukrainian students, politicians and business people.

link

http://www.ukraineinfo.us/embassy/press-releases/press-releases-05/050406.html

[tim360z]

... in response to End of visa for US citizens visiting Ukr..., posted by Philb on Apr 7, 2005

Wish I had better news for you PhilB,  nyet.  The EU did get the non-visa designation til the fall...but nyet for here...so far.  However,  Yuschenko will continue to make overtures to the west.  This is who he wants Ukraine aligned with and to get a little...he's got to give more than a little.  

However our homeland-security-invasion-imminent-at-any- moment-mindset will rule.  Red Alert!  "Was that an explosion"  On the border.  Ya know,  Just how do we stop all the "terrorists" coming across the Mexican border?  Of course our biggest invasion is from the hungry Mexicans.  And all these guys wanna do is to work.   Soon any American will need a Passport to hit the men's room.  Ya just gotta laugh.  HoHo!

[LP]

... in response to End of visa for US citizens visiting Ukr..., posted by Philb on Apr 7, 2005

[This message has been edited by LP]


...This is actually big news in Ukraine but I wouldn't get too worked up over it.

As mentioned, the US (and other countries) set visa requirments and fees based on reciprocity. The odds of the US altering it's stance towards non-immigrant entry for even a small segemnt of the UA population is unlikely. In fact we are in the process of toughening it for countries like Canada, ect. The border is being squeezed shut on all sides these days and the trend will continue. I say good...it's about time.

And even though King Geroge told Yush there were no hard feelings about him pulling his troops out of Iwhack you can bet he'll be spank in some way. It's the nature of the beast. Not to mention the much needed revenue stream UA would lose if they changed anything. Hopeful? Sure, but I wouldn't get too excited just yet. I'm sure Yush knows if he does anything the odds are UA will be on the losing end of the deal.

On a positive travel note the well known Aerosvit run outta JFK to Kyiv will be increased to 5 times per week begining mid May. Again, I say good...the non-revs were getting tired of duking it out with the paying for available seats.

[Frank O]

... in response to End of visa for US citizens visiting Ukr..., posted by Philb on Apr 7, 2005

I just came back frommy 5th trip. I was planning to get a mulitple visa as well.