The Kyiv Beat......

[Muddy 0]

As I have mentioned in prior posts to you, first determine when DHL has delivered the package, then wait 3 or 4 days, then start calling the Embassy directly every day, and ask if the KEV # is complete. Once they tell you it is ready, you can then call for the interview. In the mean time, you should contact the Call Center and purchase a PIN code with your Credit Card (this will be required in order to schedule the interview). You should also download that Information Packet, and begin getting all the specified documentation ready.

- Scott

The problem is every time I call NVC I get busy signal, or I get the tape message which says call back, all operators are busy. I have called 8-10 times in the last 2-3 days, after 8pm eastern time

[Scott and Iryna 2]

As I have mentioned in prior posts to you, first determine when DHL has delivered the package, then wait 3 or 4 days, then start calling the Embassy directly every day, and ask if the KEV # is complete. Once they tell you it is ready, you can then call for the interview. In the mean time, you should contact the Call Center and purchase a PIN code with your Credit Card (this will be required in order to schedule the interview). You should also download that Information Packet, and begin getting all the specified documentation ready.

- Scott

The problem is every time I call NVC I get busy signal, or I get the tape message which says call back, all operators are busy. I have called 8-10 times in the last 2-3 days, after 8pm eastern time

Yes, it's a huge pain. I had my best luck either very early when they open, or just before they close (like 10:45pm ET).

At this point, you could just skip that step, and start calling the Consular Section every day and inquire. The direct # is

+380444904422. Eventually, he will tell you it's ready. Otherwise, you must wait until she received the package in her mail, but that can take a while... Did you purchase your PIN code yet?

[Muddy 0]

As I have mentioned in prior posts to you, first determine when DHL has delivered the package, then wait 3 or 4 days, then start calling the Embassy directly every day, and ask if the KEV # is complete. Once they tell you it is ready, you can then call for the interview. In the mean time, you should contact the Call Center and purchase a PIN code with your Credit Card (this will be required in order to schedule the interview). You should also download that Information Packet, and begin getting all the specified documentation ready.

- Scott

The problem is every time I call NVC I get busy signal, or I get the tape message which says call back, all operators are busy. I have called 8-10 times in the last 2-3 days, after 8pm eastern time

Yes, it's a huge pain. I had my best luck either very early when they open, or just before they close (like 10:45pm ET).

At this point, you could just skip that step, and start calling the Consular Section every day and inquire. The direct # is

+380444904422. Eventually, he will tell you it's ready. Otherwise, you must wait until she received the package in her mail, but that can take a while... Did you purchase your PIN code yet?

No, not yet. I will start calling next Monday

The date on the letter from NVC to me was 6-11

BTW- the embassy is very good in answering emails

Edited June 19, 2008 by Muddy

[Muddy 0]

Which documents must be translated and notorized:

1- International Passport

2- Birth certificate

3- Police certificate

4- vaccination record: I know its not required for K1, but need it for AOS

She has not been married, has not changed her name, no children, no military service

Thank you

[payxibka 10,047]

Which documents must be translated and notorized:

1- International Passport

2- Birth certificate

3- Police certificate

4- vaccination record: I know its not required for K1, but need it for AOS

She has not been married, has not changed her name, no children, no military service

Thank you

Did you d/l the information packet? It is explicit in the exact requirements as to document preparation (translations, number of copies, etc)

[Muddy 0]

Yes, I just finished reading it, now i know.

regards

[zqt3344 21]

You might try emailing the US embassy there in Kiev, their email address is listed on their website. We found that to be the fastest and easiest way to communicate with them and get timely information, links or answers within hours or the day of. Good luck.

Which documents must be translated and notorized:

1- International Passport

2- Birth certificate

3- Police certificate

4- vaccination record: I know its not required for K1, but need it for AOS

She has not been married, has not changed her name, no children, no military service

Thank you

[Muddy 0]

I live in california, what is the best airline option for my fiancee to travel from Kiev or Odessa to the US?

I read its best to stay away from JFK and Chicago airports?

I want her to come direct from Odessa/ Kiev to the US. It seems my only option is Aerosvit, I know they have direct flights from Kiev to JFK, always lands at JFKaround 4:30 pm, very busy times

[payxibka 10,047]

I live in california, what is the best airline option for my fiancee to travel from Kiev or Odessa to the US?

I read its best to stay away from JFK and Chicago airports?

I want her to come direct from Odessa/ Kiev to the US. It seems my only option is Aerosvit, I know they have direct flights from Kiev to JFK, always lands at JFKaround 4:30 pm, very busy times

Delta is the only other direct KBP-JFK... (I assume Delta is still running this flight)

Out of ODS your connection choices are limited - Kiev, Vienna, Prague, Istanbul, Warsaw & Budapest if I remember

Out of KBP you can pick up only one US carrier (Delta) or just about all major European carriers.

We have done

ODS=WAW=ORD=MSP on LOT/UAL...

ODS-VIE-IAD-MSP on Ukraine Int'sl/Austrian/UAL (tends to be spendy)

ODS-KBP-JFK-MSP on DOnBass/AeroSvit/NWA

Edited June 20, 2008 by fwaguy

[Muddy 0]

ODS=WAW=ORD=MSP on LOT/UAL...

ODS-VIE-IAD-MSP on Ukraine Int'sl/Austrian/UAL (tends to be spendy)

ODS-KBP-JFK-MSP on DOnBass/AeroSvit/NWA

Thanks

WAW must be Warsaw

What is ORD? Orlando?

MSP? Is it Minniapolis?

IAD?

[payxibka 10,047]

ODS=WAW=ORD=MSP on LOT/UAL...

ODS-VIE-IAD-MSP on Ukraine Int'sl/Austrian/UAL (tends to be spendy)

ODS-KBP-JFK-MSP on DOnBass/AeroSvit/NWA

Thanks

WAW must be Warsaw

What is ORD? Orlando?

MSP? Is it Minniapolis?

IAD?

ORD = O'Hare (Chicago)

IAD = Washington - Dulles

Edited June 20, 2008 by fwaguy

[Muddy 0]

I didnt know Delta had flights from Kiev to JFK, thanks.

HERE IS SOME GGOD INFO:

I'm trying to fly Marina back from Ukraine, avoiding JFK. She HATES the homeland security folk there--they have given her hard times every time---my guess is they just like to talk to her!!!

But most of the flights require a connection in London. Any ideas or experince on what the current view of transit visas might me? Is it possible? Or should we avoid Frankfurt or London or Paris?

Returning to

A lot depends on the major carriers which service your final destination. Here in Denver, it is United - which means the United, Lufthansa partnership works well for us - and now that UA/LH have direct flights to/from Denver and Frankfurt or Munich, the options are pretty straight-forward.

If Delta - their primary European partner is now Air France (yuch!).

In Dallas, I think it is a major hub for American - which is aligned with (IIRC) BA.

In all these cases - Frankfurt/Munich or Paris or London, an overnight stay will be a PITA. Frankfurt does have an airport hotel which is considered behind security, so no visa requirement.

The best situation is usually with Swiss Airlines (Zurich) or Austrian (Vienna) - as the airports are small, and they both have overnight facilities still within the confines of security, so no visa requirement. You make those arrangements with the airline directly. Sadly, they are no longer in partnership with Delta - but they *may* have partnering agreements with United.

It is possible with any of those carriers to find arrangements which arrive at a different POE than JFK. My preference is for first-time foreign travelers to arrive into IAD (Dulles) which is almost always efficient and friendly (United) - or Cincinnati or Atlanta (Delta). I suggest avoiding JFK and ORD (Chicago) if at all possible.

[payxibka 10,047]

Go here to look for transit visa requirements

http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations...ation/index.jsp

[Muddy 0]

Go here to look for transit visa requirements

http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations...ation/index.jsp

Delta flights from Kiev stop at paris

It seems if she travels alone the best option is Aerosvit, because its direct from Kiev to JFK, there will be other Ukrainians on that flight who must go through customs and INS so she wont be the only person.

[payxibka 10,047]

Go here to look for transit visa requirements

http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations...ation/index.jsp

Delta flights from Kiev stop at paris

It seems if she travels alone the best option is Aerosvit, because its direct from Kiev to JFK, there will be other Ukrainians on that flight who must go through customs and INS so she wont be the only person.

The CBP not the INS but the process is what it is nonetheless. FWIW, POE's handle foreign travellers each and every day... Major POE's have interpreter services available as well... It is not a big decision point in my mind. Pick the flights that are best for your situation, (itinerary, cost, etc...).

Delta Flight 88/89 JFK-KBP and KBP-JFK maybe do not operate on a daily basis, that is possibly why you saw a flight with a CDG stop, as you may have selected a non operating day for your return...

Edited June 20, 2008 by fwaguy