State of Emergency in Ukraine

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On February 23, the government of Ukraine declared a state of emergency. The decree went into force at midnight on February 24 for 30 days. Each oblast will decide on the measures to be implemented according to local requirements. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, increased security inspections; and other measures.

On February 24, 2022, the Government of Ukraine closed its airspace to all commercial flights due to Russian military actions. U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine, and those in Ukraine should depart immediately using commercial or other privately available ground transportation options. The Department previously ordered the departure of most U.S. direct hire employees from Embassy Kyiv on February 12, 2022.

Actions to Take:

  • Visit the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv’s webpage to view the most recent safety and security alerts for U.S. citizens.

  • Regularly monitor local and international news and social media news channels.

  • Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.

  • Review your personal security plans and always have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.

  • Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.

  • Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

  • Regularly monitor the State Department’s website for current Travel Advisories. Read the Country Specific Information for Ukraine. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

  • Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis.

For Assistance:

Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas may apply in any country in which they are physically present and where there are appointments available. As each U.S. Embassy has specific application procedures, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you wish to apply directly.  Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates is available at www.travel.state.gov.

If you have an immigrant visa case currently pending with U.S. Embassy Kyiv and would like to transfer processing of an immigration case to another U.S. Embassy, you must contact the receiving U.S Embassy in that country to authorize and initiate transfer.  The Embassy will have a list of requirements which must be satisfied in order to begin the transfer process.