1. For US citizens at least, Ukraine apparently no longer requires the migration card (the small white form they hand out on the plane). jetmba posted about this just a few days ago, but my head was too cloudy to register what he wrote. My experience, just like jet's, was that the Passport Control officer disregarded the card as soon as he saw what is was. Because he didn't stamp it, it has no official meaning.
I haven't seen any rules about this, but my guess is that migration cards are no longer needed for people like US citizens who can enter without a visa. If I had understood this yesterday, I could have gotten five more minutes of much-needed sleep on the flight from Russia.
2. Most of us fly into KBP airport (Kyiv Bory Spil, or if you prefer the Russian version, Kiev Borispol). For years, the Passport Control lanes nearest the door have been reserved for Ukrainian citizens.
But now, the most accessible lanes near the entry door have new colorful signs that say Non-Visa, and the farther lanes are for those with visas, and after that the lanes for citizens. If you are from a non-visa country like the USA, you can take advantage of this when you get off the plane, by using the rear door of the bus. This will put you on the right-hand side of the crowd coming into the entry door, and make it easier for you to steer into the Non-Visa lanes.
I mention this, because it makes a real difference: I have a special gift for finding the slowest passport control lane, and often get to the baggage conveyor after everyone else from my flight has gone. Yesterday, things went much more quickly.
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Like everywhere, the rules of entry are dictated by the person at the window. I have not needed the entry card or a personal contact on one trip and then the next trip I need it again. I was held on an internal flight because there was no contact person listed. Fortunatly she was with me. As I read the limited instructions , the card is for those travelling on business, not for personal travel. I advise keeping it with you and filled out completely, because you might have an agent that sees it differently on your way out of the country or away from the port of call.
I recently visited Ukraine and had a similar experience like Jet and durak... I was told by the customs control agent that the arrival/departure card is no longer necessary, I even asked him "are your sure" and this got a smile from him and another reassurance that the card is no longer necessary. I didn't quizz him on the particulars because I had already waited in line for 45 minutes and wanted to get my luggage before it was lost again like on New Years.
I also had a similar experience but I kept the form just as precaution. Sure enough on my way back I got stopped by Police getting off the bus in Kiev heading to Borispol. They actually did want the form and asked why I had both halves. I couldn't answer their question as I really was not sure if it was needed or not. Good thing was the taxi driver I had was informing them I was leaving in the morning so I do not think they (the Police) thought I was worth the trouble of a bribe.
I think terminal F should be up and running soon, supposed to handle around 40% of volume, mostly from UIA. I did read in next few years terminal D (next year)and E to be up and running. The interesting fact is there is a go ahead to start planning on building a high speed rail link from borispol airport to the centre stopping at the Central train station.
New terminal F
ATTENTION! Dear passengers, starting October 31, 2010 all international scheduled and charter flights of Ukraine International Airlines will be operated to and from the new Terminal F at Kiev Boryspil airport. Detailed information about the new Terminal F you can find on Kiev Boryspil airport web-site
All UIA domestic scheduled flights will continue to operate from and to the Terminal "À" at the Kiev Boryspil airport without change.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR TRANSIT PASSANGERS.
If you are a transit passenger at Kiev Boryspil airport be aware of the following procedures:
Connecting from International to International flights:
When checking in for you flight to Kiev, please inform the staff of your transit flight through Kiev Boryspil airport. Upon arrival at Kiev Boryspil airport at Terminal F, look for the Check-in desk for Transit and Transfer passengers which is located to the right of the entrance. Sstaff will take your passport and tickets and check you in for your onward international flight. Although all international scheduled flights of UIA will operate to and from Terminal F, some code share and partner airline connecting flights will continue to operate from Terminal B. If this is the case, you will be offered a free shuttle bus which will deliver you from the Terminal F to the Terminal B.
While waiting for your connecting flight you may wish to visit the Duty Free Shops or the cafe in the general departure hall.
The reverse procedure applies if you are transferring from the Terminal B to Terminal F. Please, go to the Check-in desk for Transit and Transfer passengers.
Connecting from International to Domestic flights:
Upon arrival at Kiev Boryspil airport, you must clear Immigration, collect your baggage and then clear Customs before making your way to Terminal A for your domestic flight onward.
Traveling from Terminal F to Terminal A:
At the exit of the Terminal F you can find a free shuttle bus circulating between the terminals every 20 minutes. Approximate travel time: 3-5 min
You can also walk to the Terminal A which is located 400 meters straight and to the right from the Terminal F. Approximate travel time: 10-12 min
Connecting from Domestic to International flights:
Upon arrival at Terminal A, you must collect your luggage and check-in at the desk for Transfer passengers OR make your way to the Terminal F to check-in for your international flight.
Traveling from Terminal A to Terminal F:
At the exit of the Terminal A you can find a free shuttle bus circulating between the terminals every 20 minutes. Approximate travel time: 5-7 min
You can also walk to the Terminal F which is located 400 meters to the left of the Terminal A. Approximate travel time: 10-12 min
You can always turn for assistance to UIA or airport staff who will help find your way around the airport and provide necessary information.
List of code share partners whose flights will be operated to and from the Terminal F
Airline
AY FINNAIR O/Y
OS AUSTRIAN AIRLINES (AUA)
A9 GEORGIAN AIRWAYS
JP ADRIA AIRWAYS
Ivor, thanks for the information, it will certainly help everyone in the future with negotiating the different terminals and avoid the parasite cab drivers!
Update on migration cards: a couple of evenings ago, a young police officer stopped me on Independence Square in Kyiv, and asked for my passport. As I handed it to him, I was thinking, "OK, if there is still any need to have a migration card, I'll probably find out about it now."
For clarity, I didn't have with me the migration card I filled out on the flight into Ukraine -- because it wasn't stamped by the Passport Control officer, it has no official meaning; any person could have filled it out at any time.
The cop said, "you are American" ... he also asked if was a tourist. I told him (in Russian) I had been there many times before, which he could see leafing through my passport ... he pleasantly returned the passport, and that was that.
For those readers who are NOT citizens of the USA -- it seems that migration cards are no longer required for US citizens, and I am guessing perhaps not for citizens of other countries who can enter Ukraine without a visa ... but unless you know what the rules are, you might want to fill out a card on the airplane anyway. If it turns out that you need the card, and don't have one, it will add at least a few minutes longer before you can get to Baggage Claim.
I was in Ukraine last week and it seems there is no need to have a migration card. I think they have advance warning from the airlines on passengers and do a type of electronic 90 day tourist visa, They stamp your passport and that is it done and dusted. On returning to Heathrow, i went through an Electronic migration gate, not manned by anyone, put your passport in the reader look at the camera gate opens and thats it welcome home. Maybe Ukraine is moving fast towards an electronic system maybe even toward becoming an EU country.
I am off again to Kiev and points south on the African Continent. I am flying through London and Vienna. It is my plan to bring an American Pizza, vacuum packed so my lady can have a good pizza. Does anyone know if there are any restrictions?
I don't think there would be any problems. Many times I have carried different food to prepare for my girl when I travel to Ukraine. Only problem is my checked luggage is always searched and everything in it is always a total "mess" when I arrive in Ukraine. I would suggest that you put it in your carry on bag... at least that way you would know it was not tampered with i.e.: package opened.
I've already been through the new "F" terminal 4 times now. It is inadequate in seating and flight informations screens for people waiting on connecting flights. You can't see flight staus from the seats. There is a Italian restaurant there that by the time I noticed, didn't have time to try. For an airport the prices seemed reasonable and the pictures of the food looked good. There are coffee machines there, but they are not commissioned as November 24. A tip for travelers, use the coffee machines in Terminal A or B. A cup is only about 3 hryvnias as opposed to the lounges. I got ripped at the "Internet Cafe" for $4 in Terminal B last trip and the coffee was like hot water. There is not Internet Cafe in F at this time. There is a Duty Free Shop on the 2ND floor in Terminal F.
The security staff was still rather disorganized at check in so it was good that the traffic was light, because with only a few people in front of me it was very slow, but they were thorough.
The funniest thing though was, the sidewalk curb ramps were not on the direct path to the other terminals and people were dumping there luggage carts constanly and there is a big puddle right in front of the terminal when it rains. Stay in the middle walkway until you pass Terminal "C" then cross the road to the Termonal "B" side and you only have to jump one curb. A guy from Sweeden ran past me with his cart and 50 feet past me he dumped his cart. As I past him again I used the line from the movie "Jeremiah Johnson", "Saw it right off" he started off again on dumped it again. He slowed up at that point and we laughed about and talked about his travels to Lake Tahoe as we approached Terminal B.
Thanks to Ivor!! I will copy your info for future use!
I am a lot like durak,,, I always find the longest, slowest line at the airport too! I had my luggage show up in the "lost and found" already,,, and I think it was at KBP??!!
My Int'l flights alway come into Terminal A, and then I fight my way past the taxi drivers to get to B!! No place to sit, carry all of the luggage down the steps to the bathroom!!! I won't miss it!! lol
Site for info on terminal F(layout, shuttles, 4hr check-in)
http://kbp.com.ua/english/terminal-f/index.html
'He y Mr. Ranger, sir"(Yogi!!)
Terminal A is domestic and Terminal B is intl. Yes, it is a bitch to go to restroom in B....hauling your luggage up and down!!!!
Hey Rodan, what airline flew into F? I thought only very few other than UIA(or code share) did.
I did notice Air Moldova, Wizz Air and Estonian did.
They were all UIA flights or operated by UIA. Unless you are severely handicapped, the shuttle is absurd. It is a short walk between all terminals, shorter than walking between check in and the gate in most airports, you won't even have time for your coffee to get cold.
Wizzair was a great deal flying to Simferopol. An A319 Airbus, "BIG" leather seats, but no free coffee service and a 55 minute flight. Easy to book a flight and no big changes in price for not buying a roundtrip ticket. I paid 307 hyrvnas total one way ($40 U.S.)booking one week in advance. The cost on the day of the flight was 588 hyrvnas. So if your plans may vary you have options. They do not fly everyday though. There is a hotel directly across the street from the bus station in Simferopol for $35 a night. Not fancy , but a TV, refridgerator and it's own restroom and shower. For you that map your travel from a McDonalds, it's directly across the street. The staff did not speak English at time I arrived there, so take that in mind. The buses can get you to to the cities in Crimea for about less than 30 hyrvnas, just make sure you can read the name of the city posted on the dashboard in Cyrilic. The villages on the way, you're on your own.
I don't mind being last. I do not like to compete for position. I let those who are rushing go. When I get to the lines, I just pick what I think is the fastest. I am not usually last, but even if I was, I usually still have to wait for the baggage along with the others who were in front of me.