Feel free to email Eric Merola if you have questions about anything. eric@ericmerola.com

You will be required to get an insurance policy before traveling to Ukraine in case you get COVID-19 in while visiting Ukraine, and require treatment while there (Costs $3.50 per day). More info.

Here are the specific things to do if you wish to plan a trip to EmCell during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. OPTION ONE:  Easiest method: You should have a COVID-19 RT-PCR test with results printed within 48 hours of arrival to Ukraine from your home country. It should be a verified official test with laboratory stamp and signature from the lab. With this negative test, you can avoid all lines and applications at the airport. You will not be monitored by Ukraine border control and are free to travel around Ukraine without worries.

2. OPTION TWO:  Arriving in Ukraine without a COVID-19 RT-PCR test: This is a back-up plan. If you do not get a COVID-19 RT-PCR test before arriving to Kiev, or if your test results aren’t valid within the required 48 hour period: you will need to wait in line in the Kiev airport, fill out certain paperwork, and get a COVID test that will be performed at the airport—with results given within 24 hours – (You can freely check into your hotel while waiting for your results). You will then be asked by border control to install a phone app as well as a SIM card into your phone while you wait 24 hours for your COVID test to come back negative (this will allow border control to track your phone to make sure you stay self-quarantined in your hotel while waiting for your results).

*There is a workaround: take an extra “burner” phone with you to have the SIM card installed into. 

After you get your negative test results (24 hours later) you will be free of the self-quarantine, and can freely travel around Ukraine without being tracked.

Resources:

1. The 48 hour test that you will need before arrival into Kiev is called a PCR test. More info on PCR test here.
2. The visit Ukraine website also has updated information on traveling to Ukraine and the insurance. Go here for more info.
3. Details on the COVID-19 RT-PCR test here.