How to enter Ukraine for foreigners during the war: important recommendations and useful tips for safe entry and stay
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Currently, due to the aggression of the Russian Federation, there are no 100% safe places in Ukraine. The situation is complicated by the fact that the Russian army is shelling the critical infrastructure of Ukrainian settlements. In order to be prepared for unforeseen situations, we have prepared recommendations that may come in handy when entering Ukraine in winter and staying in the country.
What should you take with you to Ukraine?
For a comfortable stay in Ukraine in winter, you will need warm, comfortable clothes and shoes. Take care of warm socks, thermal coat, hat, scarf and gloves.
You should also definitely bring a power bank, a flashlight with spare batteries for it and, in case of loss of mobile communication, a battery-powered radio receiver.
Attention! Read about what to do if the mobile network is unavailable here.
If you need to take medicine, take a sufficient amount of medicine with you. We also recommend having a first-aid kit assembled according to the IFAK standard, but be sure to learn how to use it in advance.
Safety rules in Ukraine during air alerts
In no case should you ignore air alarms, because it is your safety! After arriving at your place of residence in Ukraine, immediately find out the location of the nearest shelters.
If danger is declared, go to the nearest shelter immediately. Find out what you need to remember when you are in a shelter and which shelters you can use here.
If there is no shelter, use the "rule of two walls". At least two walls should separate you from the danger, because one can collapse from an impact, and the second will take on debris, broken glass, etc.
Curfew in Ukraine during the war
A curfew has been established throughout the territory of Ukraine (except Transcarpathia) - this is a time introduced to maintain law and order. Its duration depends on the region and settlement.
What can't be done during the curfew?
During the curfew, it is forbidden to be on the streets and in other public places, unless a person is an employee of critical infrastructure facilities (for this, you must have a special pass).
A person who is on the street at this time can be considered a member of a sabotage and reconnaissance group.
Importantly! This rule does not apply to movement to shelters during an air raid.
Pay attention! Violation of the curfew entails a warning or the imposition of a fine from 30 to 50 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (from UAH 510 to UAH 850).
Where is the best place to stay in Ukraine?
For accommodation in Ukraine during martial law, choose hotels, hostels, private houses, etc., with a basement. In case of danger, it can perform the role of shelter.
It is also worth giving preference to housing where alternative sources of lighting and heating are available (for example, solar panels, solid fuel boilers).
If possible, choose a room with furnace heating. Recently, the state-owned online store "DrovaE" started operating in Ukraine - on the website you can easily buy wood for yourself or your loved ones with home delivery.
Power saving mode and possible shutdowns
In connection with the fact that the Russian army is shelling the energy infrastructure of Ukraine, an electricity saving mode has been introduced, as well as preventive or emergency power outages are possible.
During the power saving mode, consumers are asked not to turn on energy-intensive appliances during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m, but to limit their use during the day. Restrictions apply to heaters, boilers, electric stoves, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, microwaves, electric kettles, etc.
Also, in order to save money in many cities, street lighting is not turned on during the dark hours of the day. Consider this when moving around the city. For personal safety on the roads, choose light-colored clothing and purchase reflectors. Read more about how to dress in the dark here.
What should you stock up on in case of a power outage?
In order to be ready in the event of a power outage, you must purchase:
• fast food, or food that does not require cooking, for example, snacks, canned food, etc. It is also worth buying food products that can be stored for a long time;
• a thermos;
• drinking and technical water;
• matches, dry fuel or small tourist vodka, so that you can cook food or boil water;
• power bank, flashlight, batteries, battery-powered radio.
Also, if possible, we recommend taking care of the presence of:
• solar charger for mobile phones;
• accumulator battery;
• tourist coercion for cooking;
• generator (only for a private house).
In more detail, we talked about how to prepare for blackouts earlier at the link.
We will remind you, that earlier we wrote that interest in Ukraine is growing every day, and therefore tourist interest is also increasing. Read about whether it is safe for foreign tourists to travel to Ukraine now here.
Photo: zhzh.info
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