Ukraine - travel advice update

RPS has a consultant on the ground in Southern Ukraine. He has let us know that there are unconfirmed reports of water supplies being contaminated in the eastern cities. Locals are buying up all the bottled water. If there is anyone working in the area they should consider this in their planning.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has now just sent out the latest travel advice.

All travel to the following areas is now not advised unless absolutely necessary:

Crimea and the towns of Slovyansk, Kostyantinivka, Krematorsk and Horlivka - in Donetsk oblast (region)

The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the remaining parts of Donetsk oblast, Lugansk oblast, Kharkiv oblast and Odesa city.

Events in Ukraine are fast moving. It is recommended that you monitor this travel advice regularly, subscribe to the FCO and RPS email alerts. 

RPS has just learnt that the FCO is not able to provide consular services to anyone choosing to remain in Crimea.

Latest situation - travel

Russian forces and pro-Russian groups have established full operational control in Crimea. Flights in and out of Simferopol airport are subject to disruption. Ukrainian International Airlines have cancelled all flights to and from Simferopol until 29 April. If you’re using this route, you should stay in touch with your airline.

Train and bus routes out of the peninsula are still operating, though subject to unscheduled disruptions. There are reports of road blocks, with passengers being searched but traffic is able to get through. If you’re currently visiting or living in Crimea, the FCO is recommending that travellers leave now and RPS would agree. If you decide to remain, you should keep a low profile, avoid areas of protest or stand-off and stay indoors where possible.

Eastern and Southern Ukraine

Given the armed clashes, kidnappings and the ongoing seizure of buildings that have occurred there, the FCO advises against all travel to Slovyansk (north of Donetsk). Due to continuing tensions in eastern Ukraine, the FCO advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Donetsk oblast, and to Lugansk and Kharkiv oblasts.

You should take great care and remain vigilant throughout eastern and southern Ukraine. There have been violent clashes, including some fatalities, in the oblasts of Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Lugansk, and in Mariupol city. Other incidents have occurred in Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa and Mykolayiv. Such incidents could occur again at short notice. RPS recommends that all travellers avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.

Following violent incidents in Odesa yesterday and at present RPS advises all but essential travel to Odesa city.

Other parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv

The situation in Kyiv and western cities has calmed considerably following months of violent protest during which nearly 100 people were killed, though occasional non-violent public demonstrations continue in and around Independence Square, St Michael’s Square and outside the Verkhovna Rada (parliament building). Elsewhere in Kyiv, life has largely returned to normal.

British Embassy assistance

The British Embassy in Kyiv is open to the public by appointment only. If you need to contact the British Embassy, please call +380 44 490 3660, or send an email to [email protected]

If you require more advice from RPS's consultant on the ground please contact us at [email protected]

Thanks to FCO advice and RPS's consultant

Photos: RPS Southern Ukraine