Ukraine's visa-free program for Americans changed in August, 2007 such that Americans may stay only for 90 days out of every 180 days without a long-term visa. Previously it was possible to enter for 180 days and extend with the local OVIR, but no more. One solution is to take a trip to the Ukrainian Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova.

If you have your own car or a personal driver, you can factor it to be about a five hour drive each way, with at least one, maybe two, additional hours going through the Ukrainian and Moldovan customs and immigration checkpoints, each way. You will need to be at the Ukrainian Embassy before 1000 to provide ample time to complete the paperwork. For $165 (USA rate), you get your visa on the same day, good for one year (confirmed), possibility for three years (pending confirmation).

Another alternative is to take the bus for about $10 each way, involving about a 7-8 hour trip. Coordinate an apartment with Svetlana and Daniel at www.chisinau-moldova.com/. They have excellent apartments, in great locations, and at reasonable rates. Between them, Svetlana and Daniel speak English, Russian, Romanian, French, Dutch and Nederlands.

On Daniel’s recommendation (and my own) if you plan on staying a day or two, try Andy's Pizza - phone number 210 210. Pretty close to real American pizza delivered to your apartment.

Embassy of Ukraine to Moldova
Address: 17, Vasil Lupu str, Chisinau, 2008 Moldova
Phone: (8-15-373 22) 58 21 51
Alt: (8-15-373 22) 58-22-34
Fax: (8-15-373 22) 58-51-08
E-mail: emb-md@mfa.gov.ua
Working hours: 0900 – 1800 (Mon - Fri)

Important – You must arrive before 1100 to process any kind of visa request. The office closes for lunch at 1200 and tends to issue visas after 1600. It is necessary to speak Russian or Ukrainian at the embassy, and the representatives there while fast and efficient provide the barest minimum of customer service. OdessaFX offers interpreter assistance and support for trips to Moldova.

United States Embassy to Moldova
Strada Alexei Mateevici 103, Chisinau, Moldova
Phone: (373 22) 23-37-72
Recorded Info: (373 22) 40-83-00
After Hours: 23-73-45 or 40-84-45
Emergency involving US citizens only: 0-69-11-08-51

As of January 1, 2007, US citizens are exempt from Moldovan visa requirements and may stay up to 90 days within a six month period without registration.