According to the decree of Victor Yushchenko, the Ukrainian President, visa-free mode has been established in this country for the citizens of EU and Switzerland coming to the Ukraine for 4 months from May, 1st till September, 1st.

The main reason for this decree was the annual song contest “Eurovision”, which was held in Kiev in May, 2005. Thousands of guests were expected to enter the country during this period.

The president’s decree grounds this decision by the “realization of strategic policy of the Ukraine for integration into the European community, creation of conditions for foreign investors, active development of contacts between people,” as ITAR-TASS reported.

Later on it was decided to prolong the visa-free mode. The assistant of the State Secretary of Ukraine Markiyan Lubkivsky declared that from the 1st of September it will be prolonged without time limit. According to “LIGABusinessInform”, Mr. Lubkivsky emphasised that the repealing of visas for EU and Swiss citizens had great effect for the country. Visits to the Ukraine from these countries increased 2-3 times, and, as a result, the value of funds, imported into the Ukraine has grown respectively.

Hence, the visa-free mode will not be cancelled after September, 1st.

Citizens of Japan and Canada have also been allowed to travel to Ukraine without visas. Visa requirements for U.S. nationals have been considerably simplified. Starting July 1, 2005 visas are not required for the US citizens who reenter Ukraine within six months after their previous trip to Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period of up to 90 days with a valid American travel passport.

At the same time, the Ukraine negotiates on the liberalisation of visa requirements to these countries for Ukrainian citizens.