Overview for Ukraine
Take care when crossing the roads; walk and drive defensively as traffic overtakes on both the inside and outside. In fact, take care when using the sidewalks, as in rush-hours the black, slab-sided Audi/BMW/Mercedes sometimes opt to avoid the traffic by using the wide sidewalks; pedestrians or not. Always watch out for your safety.
There is radiation contamination in the northeast from the accident at Chornobyl however the effect is negligible unless you permanently live in Chornobyl area itself. There are even tours to the town of Prypyat' (the closest to the site) which is famous for the haunting scenery of blocks of apartment buildings abandoned in 1986, now standing out amid the vegetation which spawned from years of neglect.
Best Time to Visit
The Ukraine ranges from predominantly temperate in the north, to mild, winters and temperate summers in the Crimean region in the south. Every seasons offers excitement and stimulating weather.
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Visas
Tourist visas are no longer required for citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco, Iceland, Norway, San Marino, Mongolia, Serbia, Montenegro and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan). This applies only for tourist travel lasting less than 90 days. For other countries, visas are obtainable within a few hours of visiting a Ukrainian consulate having received a 'letter of invitation' from one's prospective lodging or business provider.
Religious Etiquette
Ukraine is a melting pot of religions including Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox - Kiev Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic (Uniate), Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and are tolerant in their beliefs. Simply show respect the fact that Ukraine is an independent nation as people may be sensitive about being grouped as "Russians” - Ukrainians have their own ethnicity.