I forgot if I asked this before.  I've checked most of the resources on the Internet on this, but I have not found any real information on why one is better/worse than the other.  Neither visa requires a letter of invitation for US citizens, but this seems to be conflicted in the rest of the information I have read.  Simple is best AFAISI...

Does anyone know which one of these visas is simpler to obtain and allows the most freedom of movement?  I don't want to be tied down to staying in Kiev, and would prefer to be able to roam a bit and visit more than one of the women I have been writing.  A local Ukrainian friend said her parents would sponsor me with a private visa, but I can't tell if that one implies a home stay or not.  Has anyone got some suggestions here?  Thanks in advance.

Calvin

... in response to Ukraine visa - tourist or private?, posted by Cal on May 26, 2003

[This message has been edited by tfcrew]

Yes previously, a formal invitation was required.
That being done away with, a private visa is relatively a breeze. A tourist visa sort of implies that someone is there just "kicking around". "Private" indicates more of a personal visit.
Federal Express is more reliable than USPS with visa documents (as mentioned below) and prefered by the Ukraine consulate.
Bon voyage.
PS Unless someone is in a big fat hurry, they wouldn't need a visa service.

... in response to Ukraine visa - tourist or private?, posted by Cal on May 26, 2003

[This message has been edited by Philb]

I went with private and, as Jack stated below, it was quite easy.  I also believe it is a lettle cheaper.  The only problem I had was with the USPS (and this could have happened with a tourist visa too).  They temporarily "misplaced" my Visa and passport when it was being mailed back to me from the Ukrainian Embassy (took them 2 weeks to get it to me via express mail.

Here are a couple of links you might find useful.  The first one was written by Dan who is a frequent poster on this board. It has step-by-step instructions for filling out the visa app.

http://www.rjstours.shawbiz.ca/visaappl.htm

The second is a link to Brama (Ukraine) travel  board and is generally a pretty good source for travel related info.

http://www.brama.com/travel/travelboard.html

... in response to Ukraine visa - tourist or private?, posted by Cal on May 26, 2003

Cal, I would recommend the private visa. With the touist visa you will usually be required to spend at least one night in a hotel, not so with a private visa.

With the private visa you must put the name and address of someone you will be staying with. You can essentially put any Ukraine person's name and address here. No phone number is required. These go on lines 20, 22 and 23 if memory serves me correct.

... in response to Re: (*/*), posted by Antonua on May 27, 2003

Who wants the bother and expense of getting the hotel vouchers for the tourist visa, when the private visa is so easy to obtain?

I guess you missed something in Jacks post, is English not your native language?

... in response to Ukraine visa - tourist or private?, posted by Cal on May 26, 2003

I've used this company for visa's both times I've gone to Ukraine. There service is excellent.  I've used the private visa in the past because I've gone to visit a particular woman.  However that visa did not restrict me from moving about the country.  I think the touist visa is also hassle free.  Here is the contact info for the company I've used contact them and they'll tell you the best visa to get.

UkraineTrip.com
Visa Department
4651 Roswell Road, Suite 301-D
Atlanta, GA 30342 USA
(888)263-0023 or (404)497-9190

Good luck with your trip.

Mark