I am coming up on my 90 passport limit and need to do a "border run" to get my passport stamped or I must register it with the OVIR which isn't going to happen. I don't know anyone with practical experience in this matter. I get the impression many use trains. I would much prefer to fly for time and other factors. I heard at the US Embassy that I can get back in but I may have to pay a 900uah fine. Any thoughts...good advice! I don't speak Russian so I like to keep things as simple and direct as possible.
"If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need to have a Ukrainian visa as long as you will be in Ukraine for fewer than 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism. You need a visa or valid Ukrainian residency permit for all stays longer than 90 days."
Possible your 'border run' will still find you illegally getting back into Ukraine. According to rules you need to be gone for 90 days to come back into Ukraine 'legally', yet I know guys that tried it and passed through okay. Even a few that have been there for several years.....do you want to take that chance( not knowing Russian?).
I agree with beemer, its a crap shoot. one day you are lucky the next day its being charged with illegal entry. you could go to jail if caught.
Ive seen it happen especially not knowing Russian. 900UAH fine? not if you get caught. However, its likely that if you keep the conversation
between you and one border agent you can pay $200 to let you go. This negotiation needs to be done quickly. Id suggest that if you dont know
Russian then either find a friend who does or hire an interpreter for the trip. The argument can be made that after the 2nd 90 days you will return home for a year and that the first 90 days covered the proceeding 180 day period. It really just depends on the guy's mood that day.
Why wouldnt you want to register? getting a long term visa is a piece of cake. you may have to wait a few hours in line to get a registration/tax number
but if you plan on staying longer then it is absolutely the best way to go and less expensive if you get my drift;)