Last Updated: January 24, 2014
The
U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the potential risks of
travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing political unrest and violent
clashes between police and protesters. Protest-related violence,
particularly in Kyiv, has escalated sharply since January 19, resulting
in several deaths and hundreds of injuries. Protesters have occupied
Kyiv’s Independence Square and several government buildings in Kyiv and
other cities throughout Ukraine. Groups of young men, popularly called
“titushky,” have attacked journalists and protesters and committed other
random acts of violence in Kyiv and other cities. U.S. citizens are
advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.
U.S. citizens whose residences or hotels are located in the vicinity of
the protests are cautioned to leave those areas or prepare to remain
indoors, possibly for several days, should clashes occur. This travel
alert expires on March 24, 2014.
The situation in Ukraine is
unpredictable and could change quickly. Further violent clashes between
police and protesters in Kyiv and other cities are possible. The
location and nature of demonstrations and methods employed by the police
can change quickly and without warning. Protest sites have drawn large
crowds, and protesters have blocked roads in Kyiv and other cities and
may do so again.
Protests in Kyiv began on November 21, 2013,
following the Government of Ukraine’s announcement that it was
suspending preparations to sign an association agreement with the
European Union. On November 30, police severely injured several
demonstrators in an attempt to remove them from Independence Square.
Protesters retaliated by occupying Kyiv’s Independence Square, City
Administration Building (i.e. City Hall) and other buildings. Since
then, there have been several clashes between protestors and police
resulting in numerous injuries. On January 19, violence escalated with
protesters and police using stones, Molotov cocktails, tear gas and
rubber bullets. Several demonstrators have been killed and hundreds on
both sides injured.
U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in
Ukraine are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department’s Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet
access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to
contact you in case of an emergency.
Unless otherwise indicated
in a public announcement, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is open for all
routine American Citizens Services by appointment. U.S. citizens
needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment. The American
Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy is located at 4 A.I. Sikorsky
St. (formerly Tankova) in Kyiv, and can be reached by calling
+380-44-521-5000 or by e-mailing kyivacs@state.gov. The Embassy’s
after-hours emergency telephone number is +380-44-521-5000.
Current
information on safety and security can also be obtained on the
Department of State’s website or by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in
the United States or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers
from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays).
U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of
State’s Country Specific Information for Ukraine and stay up-to-date by
bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the
current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide
Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page
on Facebook as well.
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