Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Whether the Border Service is ignoring the rule deliberately or not, the confusion that foreign visitors confront reflects poorly on Ukraine.

90 days, the Ministry’s former spokesman Andriy Deschytsia told the Post that the prior policy was a kind of grace period.

The honeymoon was over, and visitors from developed countries ought to play by the new rules, which he stressed are far more relaxed than the restrictions developed countries impose on Ukrainians. If they want the relaxed rules back, they ought to petition their own governments to relax restrictions on Ukrainians, Deschytsia said.

Very well, except that Ukraine’s border and customs services haven't been enforcing the rule requiring foreigners to remain outside Ukraine for 90 days before returning. More and more expats are getting slapped with a fine for overstaying, but are welcomed back once they’ve crossed the border. Not that expats are complaining. They are quite happy the rule isn’t being enforced.

Whether the Border Service is ignoring the rule deliberately or not, the confusion that foreign visitors confront reflects poorly on Ukraine.

The situation isn’t nearly as bad as Russia, where a visa is required just to enter, rarely offered beyond 90 days and renewing a visa requires returning to your home country. But Ukraine’s foreign policy goals are significantly different than those of its eastern neighbor.

It makes sense for the Ukrainian government to limit non-visa visitations to 90 days. But if a foreigner chooses to set up residency in Ukraine, the government ought to make the Visa and Registration Department (VVIR) more efficient and humane. Waiting in line for hours while enduring rude clerks is not at all reflective of Ukrainian hospitality and Euro-integration goals.

In enforcing entry and residency requirements, the Ukrainian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Border Service of Ukraine, needs to begin consistent enforcement of its entry and residency laws, which it is reportedly planning to do upon its May 16 entry into the World Trade Organization. If fines are applied to those overstaying their 90 days, then they should also be applied consistently, based on a fair and clear system. The rules should not leave room for confusion, nor leave a lasting taint on Ukraine’s image as foreigners enter or leave the country.