Kiev - new security measures. Where to wait or meet after

[RobertM54 36]

Kiev will no longer let us take our cell phones inside starting 1/2/2016. No on site storage at all.

The instructions also say there is no good place to wait outside the embassy.

Does anyone have a recommendation.

Google maps shows a pizzaria "Piastra Pizza" nearby. Opens at 10.

Anyone have any experience with that?

Any other recommendations? Sometimes apartment complexes have shops tucked inside - there appear to be a lot in the area.

Google street view for that area is pretty good - I did not find a coffee shop.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

It's the same in Jamaica. Local businesses and people have begun holding cell phones for people going into embassy for a fee. Be sure you leave it with a reputable person. Some take another person or family member with them to wait outside with their stuff. Some choose to leave it at home.

[yaholodna 1]

near Kiev embassy there are no coffee shops. Around embassy is a park and at the entrance to that park is a guy selling coffee from car. So, if you know that you have plenty of time, better cross the park there will be some shops, bank and a coffee shop

[NikLR 13,230]

Try leaving it in your car. Also a hotel near by may be a better choice?

[vbtwo 54]

Kiev will no longer let us take our cell phones inside starting 1/2/2016. No on site storage at all.

The instructions also say there is no good place to wait outside the embassy.

Does anyone have a recommendation.

Where did you see that there's something new? The instructions had said that you cannot bring your cell phones and that there is no storage since forever from what I remember. They still will take your phone and store it for you when you go through security (security is a completely separate building, they will store any small items that they don't want to let through, not just cell phones).

The instructions also said there's no good place to wait since forever, you can still wait just outside if you want - nobody will tell you to leave, but it is true that there are no benches or stores or cafes or anything right by the embassy.

Edit: these are the instruction from 2013, did they change now? As you can see, they say they won't store anything but they did store small items anyways.

All metal items as well as mobile phones, lighters, matches, etc. must be removed from pockets and presented for security screening. Mobile phones must be turned off before entering the building and handed to the guards.

The following items are not allowed inside the Consular Section: Bags or purses, except diaper bags and wallets, backpacks, cell phones, suitcases, weapons, electronics such as notebooks, iPods, PDAs, etc., cameras, cosmetics, food and drinks, liquids, documents in non-transparent folders (only transparent thin folders are allowed), and medication (pills, sprays, syringes, etc.). This list is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.

If you use electronic medical devices (such as hearing aids, pace makers, etc.), please inform the consular guards about this as soon as you arrive for your interview.

There is no facility at the Embassy to store prohibited items. You must make arrangements to store these items before entering.

The Consular Section does not have a parking lot, and on-street parking is very difficult.

Because of traffic and narrow streets surrounding the Consular Section, waiting on the street is both inconvenient and potentially dangerous, especially for children.

Edited February 1, 2016 by vbtwo

[RobertM54 36]

As of 2 February 2016

Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff. There is no facility at the Embassy to store prohibited items. In the past, applicants were allowed to check and store certain small items including cell phones with embassy security staff. As of February 1, 2016, this will no longer be allowed, and you must make arrangements to store these items before entering.

http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/security_requirements.html

[vbtwo 54]

Ah, ok, then it is a new rule. This would suck though if they will not let some item in that you thought would be allowed and then they will not store it for you so you must go bury it in the park or something. When I was there, they took away my smart watch and stored it together with my phone. I don't know where I would put the watch if they would not store it.

I guess to be safe, do not bring in any electronic devices at all.

[baron555 934]

Kiev will no longer let us take our cell phones inside starting 1/2/2016. No on site storage at all.

The instructions also say there is no good place to wait outside the embassy.

Does anyone have a recommendation.

Don't bring it with you.

Find a lock box, maybe near the Metro?

Google maps shows a pizzaria "Piastra Pizza" nearby. Opens at 10.

Anyone have any experience with that?

Any other recommendations? Sometimes apartment complexes have shops tucked inside - there appear to be a lot in the area.

Google street view for that area is pretty good - I did not find a coffee shop.

[HappyAndIKnowIt 24]

You can store your personal items at the pharmacy shown here: https://goo.gl/maps/km1ro342mNK2 .

There are storage lockers inside, 40 hryvna cost. Safe, secure, closest place to Embassy. So, feel safe to bring phones, whatever is needed. It's a short walk, and it's also a convenient place to wait for a taxi for pickup after your interview.