Ukraine: Non-resident entry restrictions lifted from September 28 /update 21

Event

Ukraine authorities announced on Monday, September 28, that coronavirus (COVID-19) entry restrictions for non-resident foreign nationals have been lifted. The easing of restrictions is on the condition that individuals entering the country provide proof of traveler's insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 observation and treatment. Additionally, the insurance must be either provided by a domestic insurance company or by an international one with a representation or partnership in Ukraine. Foreign residents residing in Ukraine, as well as refugees, and diplomats are exempt from the requirement.  

Social distancing and hygiene measures remain in place across the country. Commercial international and domestic flights have resumed operations as has public transport between regions on a reduced scale. Face masks remain mandatory in public spaces and on public transportation.

As of September 30, Ukraine's total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases stands at 210,309 with 4,154 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized. 

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.