Message for U.S. Citizens Considering Travel to Uman, Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah – U.S. Embassy Chisinau, Moldova (September 13, 2022).
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine suspended consular services in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The State Department recommends U.S. citizens do not travel to Ukraine. U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance in Ukraine should email KyivACS@state.gov. U.S. citizens seeking consular services in Moldova should email ChisinauACS@state.gov.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging foreign citizens not to travel to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah this year because of the security risks. The MFA’s Security Alert is online here.
The border between Ukraine and the Transnistria region of Moldova remains closed to all traffic and is being monitored by Ukrainian armed forces.
The State Department’s Current Travel Advisory for Moldova is Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens reconsider travel to Moldova due to armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine. The Travel Advisory for Transnistria is Level 4 (Do Not Travel) due to armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine and the unresolved conflict between this breakaway region and the central government. Ukraine has closed its border crossing points into the Transnistrian region. Visitors may encounter difficulties at checkpoints along roads leading into and out of Transnistria.
The State Department’s Current Travel Advisory for Ukraine is Level 4: Do Not Travel
The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Those U.S citizens in Ukraine should depart if it is safe to do so using commercial or other privately available ground transportation options.
All U.S. citizens should carefully monitor U.S. government notices and local and international media outlets for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. Those remaining in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, and civil unrest.
The security situation throughout Ukraine is highly volatile. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar or rocket fire, follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.
There are continued reports of Russian forces and their proxies singling out U.S. citizens in Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality.
Travel to High-Risk Areas
If you choose to disregard the travel advisory not to enter Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps prior to travel:
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
- Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
- Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information.
- Enroll your trip in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
- Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
- Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
- Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your contingency plans based on the new information.
