can ukrainian travel to mexico without visa

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Mexico: Visa requirements for Russians haven’t been eliminated

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CLAIM: Mexico is planning to soon eliminate visa requirements for Russian nationals seeking to enter the country.

AP’S ASSESSMENT: Missing context. Mexico’s ambassador to Russia says discussions between the two nations about mutually dropping visa requirements have been ongoing for years, but no agreement has been finalized. Eduardo Villegas Megías, Mexico’s ambassador to Russia, says there’s been no movement in the talks as Mexico remains neutral in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

THE FACTS: As Russia’s war in Ukraine approaches a full year next month, social media users this week are trumpeting an alleged new benefit for Russian traveling abroad: relaxed visa requirements for entering Mexico.

“Mexico will introduce a visa-free regime with Russia. Currently, active consultations are taking place on this issue. - Mexican embassy in Moscow,” one Twitter user wrote, suggesting confirmation of the news comes directly from Mexican diplomats. The post has been liked or shared more than 1,500 times as of Tuesday.

“Mexico is now looking at a visa free arrangement with Russia,” a Facebook user wrote. “It’ll be interesting to see America’s reaction when Russian missiles are stationed in Mexico.”

But while Mexico and Russia have made commitments to such an arrangement in recent years, nothing has been finalized, according to Megias.

“This project has been going on for years. These topics generally take a long time,” Megias told The Associated Press in Spanish via direct messages on Twitter. “However, the current situation does not allow us to continue this path for now.”

Despite what users claim on social media, he said discussions around visas aren’t currently active because Mexico has taken a neutral stance in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“At this moment, there are no conditions to modify the migration agreement,” Megias wrote in Twitter messages. “Mexico has reiterated its position of neutrality in the face of the conflict.”

Additionally, no announcement of an accord between the two nations has been posted on the website or social media accounts for Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry’s press office didn’t respond to requests for comment this week.

Mexican and Russian officials had expressed interest in loosening visa requirements to encourage more travel between the countries when Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obradorv was first elected in 2018.

Since then, however, the leftist politician has declared Mexico will remain neutral in Russia’s war and voted in favor of a United Nations resolution condemning the invasion.

At the same time, Obrador, of the Movimiento Regeneración Nacional Party, has slammed NATO’s policies toward the war as “immoral” and refused to join international sanctions against Russia or send aid to Ukraine.

Megias noted that since 2010 Russian nationals have been able to obtain a Mexican visa electronically and free of charge, whereas Mexicans must still go to the Russian embassy in Mexico in person and pay a fee for a visa to Russia.

“As far as I am concerned, this issue has been discussed on various occasions with the Russian authorities,” Megias wrote. “For years there has been no progress, although there’s interest in eliminating the requirement for a travel visa.”

Spokespersons for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov told Russian state news agency Tass that “work is currently underway on draft projects regarding visa-free agreements” with a number of Latin American and Middle Eastern nations.

The minister specifically cited Mexico, noting similar agreements are also in the works with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and some Caribbean island nations.

If anything, the misleading claims demonstrate how Russia, throughout the war in Ukraine, has sought to show it’s still strengthening its ties across the globe, including in America’s backyard, said Evan Ellis, a Latin America expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in D.C.

“I interpret this as the Russians trying to put some life into an initiative that had never gone anywhere, but maybe some in diplomatic circles in Mexico were politely not declaring dead,” he wrote in an email. “This is likely consistent with Russian disinformation, trying to leverage ambiguities in diplomatic discourse to show a lack of, or decrease in Russian diplomatic isolation.”

This is part of AP’s effort to address widely shared misinformation, including work with outside companies and organizations to add factual context to misleading content that is circulating online. Learn more about fact-checking at AP .

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Mexico Visa for Citizens of Ukraine: How to Get it + More

Mexico is the top destination this year. With its borders open and the sun and the sea waiting for us, it’s time to dust off our bathing suits and get ready for the holiday of a lifetime.

Don’t postpone your trip any longer! If you’re considering traveling to Mexico for your next holidays, here are some reasons to visit, easy to follow steps to get your visa and some recommendations of the best things to do during your trip.

We hope this article gives you the momentum you need to start planning your trip to magical Mexico!

Why travel to Mexico?

Mexico offers its visitors a wide variety of experiences to suit every taste. At one moment, you’re enjoying the waves in the Caribbean sea and the next you’re eating a hearty plate of cochinita pibil - slowly cooked marinated pork - while listening to mariachis. The truth is that Mexico has so much to offer, that you can visit the country many times and still find new and exciting experiences on each trip.

That’s the magic of Mexico!

History and culture

Mexico was home to ancient civilizations that were so rich, that inspired the story of El Dorado, a city made entirely of gold. They constructed great cities, created beautiful art, developed intricate economic systems and studied the movement of the stars next to the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On the same day as visiting these historic sites, you can enjoy a swim in the fresh waters of a cenote and explore an ancient pyramid while the most interesting stories through their masterful engravings.

You can also delight in the work of some of Mexico's great artists like the painter Frida Kahlo and her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera in one of the many museums throughout the country.

Local cuisine

If one thing Mexico is famous for is the spectacular cuisine. Whether you prefer to enjoy high-end restaurants, or traditional dishes cooked by the hands of abuelas, you’ll find something to delight your senses in Mexico.

There are tortillas and tacos filled with pork, chicken, beef or fish. There are also enchiladas, tamales and mole. Mexican food is a whole experience. But be careful, Mexican food has one recurrent ingredient: chili peppers. It is very spicy and you want to be ready, because it will get hot!

Colorful lifestyle

In the end, what really traps visitors is the Mexican lifestyle. Mexicans are known for being lively, friendly and very welcoming.

If you’re more of a city dweller, you can explore Mexico city’s lovely streets full of art and experiences. Take a Spanish class and communicate with locals in their musical language, or learn history through botany at the Ethnobotany Garden. There’s so much to do in this massive city.

But if you prefer a more wholesome experience, consider visiting one of Mexico’s magic towns. These pueblos mágicos are a perfect reflection of the beautiful, traditional Mexican life.

But before you can do any of this, we need to take care of a very important affair: your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine. Let’s get to it, and at the end of this article, we’ll give you some more suggestions of things to do and places to visit during your trip to Mexico.

Visa and Requirements

What do I need to enter Mexico as a citizen of Ukraine?

Travelers from the European country require a Mexican Electronic Authorization (eTA) to enter Mexico. This mandatory travel document was made available to select countries in Europe, including Ukraine. It can be considered a Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine as it’s valid to travel to Mexico for tourism purposes.

Travelers can process this document completely online and it will grant them a stay of 180 days Per Entry in Mexico. Keep in mind that this Mexico visa for citizens of Ukraine cannot be used for business purposes. Visitors are forbidden to seek paid work or employment with this travel authorization.

If Ukrainian travelers are looking to work or study in Mexico, they will need to process a different Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine directly at the embassy.

What requirements do I need to get a Mexican Electronic Authorization?

Because the whole process of this Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine is done online, the requirements to get it are minimal.

You’ll need:

• A passport scan - Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months after your application process for the Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine. You’ll need to upload a clear scan of your information page. The scan cannot present any smudges, blurs, or glares on it that prevent government officials from reading any of your details.
• Email Address - Make sure this is an email address you check frequently, as your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine will arrive via email.
• Payment Method - You’ll need a valid payment method to pay for your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine.

Pro-tip : Avoid getting your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine rejected by presenting a clear scan of your passport information page. If you’re using your phone to scan your passport, here are some tips to get the best picture.

• Take the picture near a natural source of light, instead of a lamp, and do not use flash. This will prevent glares on your picture.
• Clean the lens of your camera with a cloth before taking the picture, to avoid any smudges or blurs in your scan.
• Use a tripod or find a stable position to take the picture. If your hand is shaking while taking the picture, it will end up blurry. Try resting your arm somewhere comfortable for a clear final product.

If I’m traveling with children, can I include them in my Mexico Electronic Authorization?

No, each traveler needs to have their own Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine. You’ll need to fill an additional form for each child that is traveling with you. If you’re applying through iVisa.com , we make it easy for you to add children to your form. Just click on “Add new applicant” when applying for your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine and you’ll be able to add all your family members traveling with you.

If you’re not the parent or tutor of the child you are traveling with, you’ll also need to check if you meet your local requirements to travel abroad with them. They are usually requested at the airport before leaving the country.

When should I apply for the Mexico Electronic Authorization?

The Mexican government recommends applying for your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine 30 days before traveling. However, we know that some of the best trips are the ones that happen on the spur of the moment. That’s why at iVisa.com we offer processing times as short as 30 minutes before your trip, so even in a rush you can process your travel documents quickly and easily.

Does applying for the Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine guarantee my entry to Mexico?

Sadly, no. All governments reserve the right to accept or deny entrance to their countries at any time, regardless of the documents you have. However, getting all your documents sorted before your trip improves your chances of a smooth transit through the borders.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mexico?

Only if you’re coming from a country with high-risk of yellow fever transmission. If you’re unsure, you can check the list of countries directly on the WHO site by clicking here.

COVID-19 Restrictions

What are Mexico’s current entry restrictions due to COVID-19?

Currently travelers arriving to Mexico from Ukraine are not required to present a negative PCR or vaccination proof to enter the country alongside their Mexico visa for citizens of Ukraine. They are also not required to quarantine upon arrival.

If you’re arriving into Mexico through a transit country, you’ll need to check the requirements of that country before your trip to make sure everything goes out smoothly.

In any case, as the pandemic evolves and the COVID-19 restrictions change we invite you to stay tuned to our Mexico Visa for citizens of ukraine . We update it regularly to reflect the most recent changes in pandemic related restrictions.

Applying with iVisa.com

Why should I apply for my Mexico visa for citizens of Ukraine with iVisa.com?

Applying for your Mexico Electronic Authorization can get tricky, especially if you don’t find the form in your own language. Making a mistake in your application, like filling out the wrong information or forgetting to upload one of the required documents is reason enough for getting your application rejected.

iVisa.com offers an easy-to-use service that will allow you to apply for your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine in less than 15 minutes. You can access immediate assistance through the chat if you have any questions. Additionally, after you submit your application, it gets carefully reviewed by one of our experts. If we encounter any problem with your application, we’ll contact you right away via email to sort it out before processing it.

Once your application is perfect, then we’ll process your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine with the authorities saving you precious time by taking care of the whole process.

How can I apply with iVisa.com?

Applying with us is as easy as setting up a new email account. Gather your documents - your passport and method of payment - and follow these three simple steps to apply for your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine:

Step one : Fill out our application form with your personal information and details of your flight and choose the processing time that suits your needs best.

Step two : Check that all the information you entered is correct and proceed to pay for your Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine.

Step three : Upload the required documents and you’re done!

The whole process takes less than 15 minutes. And if you have any questions or run into any issues along the way, contact our customer service team . They are available to help you with your Mexican Visa for citizens of Ukraine 24/7.

What are the cost and processing times of my Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine?

We offer all our customers three different processing speeds for their Mexico Electronic Authorization .

• Standard processing – This is our most affordable option. Your Mexico visa for citizens of Ukraine will be ready in 24 hours . It costs USD $39.49 .
• Rush processing – This is meant for travelers who are in a rush and want to get their documents quickly. We will process your eTA in 4 hours and it costs USD $71.99 .
• Super Rush processing – This is perfect if you want to receive your Mexico visa for citizens of Ukraine ASAP. It’ll be ready in 30 minutes and it costs USD $121.99 .

What happens after I apply for my Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine?

After completing your application for the Mexico Visa for citizens of Ukraine, one of our experts will carefully check it and make sure everything is correct before processing it.

You will receive your Mexico Electronic Authorization within the agreed time directly to your email inbox. You won’t need to go to the embassy to get it. We do recommend that you print a hard copy of your Mexico visa for citizens of Ukraine before your trip and present it to the authorities upon arrival.

It will look like this:

iVisa.com Recommends: Things to do in Mexico

Visit a magic town

Mexico has 132 pueblos mágicos or magic towns. They are places of historic value to the country. They are rich in symbols and legends that correspond to the historic events that took place there.

One of these towns is Vallaloid. This colonial town is located in the Yucatan peninsula, just minutes away from Chichén Itzá. In Valladolid, you can experience the real Mexico. Hotels and restaurants are located in colonial houses painted in bright colors as this is traditional in the country.

The town is home to historic buildings like the former San Bernardino Convent and the San Servacio Church, and museums where you can admire the Mayan archeological artifacts, like the San Roque museum.

Around the city, you can explore breathtaking cenotes, like Cenote Xkeken and Cenote Zaci and impressive Mayan ruins, like the famous Chichen Itza. The advantage of staying in Valladolid is that you can explore these popular locations early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Mexican food has a lot of delicious preparations, but the mystery surrounding mole is what makes this particular dish so exciting. Each family, restaurant and street vendor prepares mole differently and they hold on to their own family recipe with the utmost secrecy. Cocoa, three types of chilies and an assorted variety of spices are among the list of ingredients.

In Oaxaca you can try it’s seven colored mole, with mole negro, being the highlight of the lot. In Puebla, you can try mole poblano, made with roasted poblano pepper, peanuts, and plantain for a strong earthy flavor. Mexicans eat mole smothered on chicken or enchiladas.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead

This is by far the most popular Mexican celebration. The day of the dead happens on November 1st and 2nd every year, but the celebrations start days before and can extend as far as November 6th depending on the location.

This celebration, that can be traced back to the Aztecs, contrary to what one might think, is a celebration of joy. Mexicans prepare altars and decorate graves with food, flowers and pictures of their loved ones who have passed. Before, as family members were usually buried near their homes, there was no need of decorating both the graves and the altars separately. But now, graveyards come to life as families bring candles, fruits and marigolds to honor their dead. It’s believed that on this day, the dead come back to the world of the living to visit their families.

There are processions and parties in the evening around the country to celebrate this traditional Mexican festivity.

Eat at a local market

There’s no better place to experience the real Mexico than a local market. Arrive early to see locals get ready for a busy day. After everything is set, enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast at one of the stalls. Try tamales, chilaquiles or huevos rancheros to start your day the right way. Eating at the market assures you have to try real Mexican food at an affordable price.

After breakfast, head out for a walk around the market. You’ll see the most beautiful colors on delicious ripe fruit, piñatas and locally made Mexican clothing. Here’s where you will find the best souvenirs to bring back home or the snacks you need to continue your visit around the country.

One of our top recommendations is Mercado de San Cosme, located in San Rafael, one of Mexico City’s most popular neighborhoods. Here local vendors sell everything from produce, meat, spices, traditional candies and flowers. If you go at lunch, you find stalls selling tortas - Mexican hearty sandwiches - and quesadillas in the middle of the building.

Take a dip in a cenote

Cenotes are natural sinkholes exposing groundwater that are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. Their water is incredibly pure as it’s filtered through the ground by rainwater.

Cenotes are exclusive to the Yucatan’s peninsula which makes them the area’s main attraction. In ancient times, they were used by Mayans as reliable water supplies, as this region has almost no rivers and very few lakes. They were also places of worship, as Mayans believe they were gateways to the afterlife. Today millions of travelers visit them every year to enjoy a dip in fresh waters.

Our top recommendation is Cenote Azul. It’s one of the largest cenotes in Yucatan with different kinds of pools to satisfy every tourist. If you feel like relaxing, you can just take a dip, swim around and enjoy the sun. For more daring tourists, there’s a 10-feet-tall platform to jump from.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/finlandia/index.php/traveling/visas

Do you need a visa to go to Mexico?

Oct 24, 2023 • 4 min read

Find out if you can apply for a working holiday visa in Mexico © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Mexico is a vibrant country full of incredible culture and wonderful people – no wonder it's so continuously popular with visitors.

But navigating tourist permits, visas and officialdom can be daunting when you’re headed to a foreign country, especially one that revels in red tape. Have no fear! Here’s exactly what you need to know about entry requirements for  Mexico .

Who doesn't need a visa for Mexico?

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, Israel, Japan and dozens of other countries are among those who do not require a visa to enter Mexico as tourists.

The same goes for any visitor, regardless of nationality, who is a permanent resident of or has a valid visa from the US (including an H1-B visa), Canada, the United Kingdom and any country in the Schengen Area or Pacific Alliance.

Notwithstanding visas, all foreign visitors must have  a passport with at least six months validity and a completed  Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), Mexico’s tourist card or stamp.

Where do I get an FMM?

The paper version of the FMM is gradually being phased out across Mexico and replaced with a passport stamp. However, when needed, FMM forms are available at border crossings , international airports and ports ; if you’re flying to Mexico, the form will be provided to you on-board your aircraft. The FMM form can also be completed online , printed and presented to immigration officials.

Processing an FMM costs US$28, which is paid on the spot at borders and ports or is integrated into the cost of airline tickets under “fees and surcharges.”

Upon entering Mexico, immigration officials stamp the FMM or your passport, adding the number of days you’re permitted to stay. Officials can approve up to 180 days but often grant less. Be sure to ask for the number of days you’ll need to cover your visit!

When you leave Mexico, you must surrender your FMM, if it’s a paper version. Keep it safe. If you lose it, you’ll face a US$40 fine.

The requirements are a little different if you're entering Mexico by land:

• FMMs are free for visitors staying less than seven days
• FMMs are not required for visitors who stay less than 72 hours in the " Zona Libre " or "Free Zone" – the areas 20 to 26 km (12 to 16 miles) south of the US border
• If you're entering through the Zona Libre but are planning to travel beyond its limits, request an FMM form when crossing the border. If you forget, you’ll be stopped upon return to the Zona Libre and made to pay for the FMM. If departing Mexico from beyond the Zona Libre , you may be fined if you don’t have an FMM.

Visitors requiring a visa

Chinese, Indian, Russian and South African citizens are among those who are required to have a tourist visa to enter Mexico . In addition to having a valid passport, the following must be submitted in person at the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate:

• Visa application form
• A color passport photograph
• Proof of ties to an origin country (eg, a letter certifying employment or full-time study)
• Proof of economic solvency (eg, three months of bank statements or investments)
• Approximately US$51 fee (cash or bank transfers only)  

Appointments for tourist visas at Mexican embassies and consulates must be made online with the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores . At the pre-scheduled time, the submitted documents will be reviewed, biometric data taken (photo and fingerprints) and an interview conducted by a consular agent.

Once approved, a tourist visa is valid for up to 180 days. Upon entry to Mexico, travelers with tourist visas must also have an FMM.

Can I extend my stay in Mexico?

It's no surprise that many visitors wish to extend their visa and see more of Mexico. How you do that will depend on the details of your particular visit.

If your FMM was issued for less than 180 days, you can request an extension at an immigration office . Be sure to apply well before your FMM expires! Documents needed include a valid passport, valid FMM, valid tourist visa (if necessary) and proof of sufficient funds to remain in Mexico for the intended length of stay.

If your FMM was issued for 180 days, you'll need to leave Mexico and re-enter – this triggers the issuance of a new FMM. Most travelers opt to visit a neighboring country for just a couple of days before returning.

Travelers with tourist visas should seek an extension or apply for a new visa at an immigration office. Be sure to start the process well before the visa expires, as it may take some time to process the paperwork.

Can I take a working holiday in Mexico?

Mexico offers a working holiday visa called a " Visa Temporal – Vacaciones y Trabajo ," wherein certain foreign nationals are permitted to accept paid work in Mexico for up to 180 days. Those include citizens, aged 18 to 30, from Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Peru and South Korea.

Extensions are not permitted and the visa cannot be converted into a work visa. To obtain this visa, schedule an appointment at your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate via the website of the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores .

This article was first published Jun 30, 2021 and updated Oct 24, 2023.

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President Biden to Announce Uniting for Ukraine, a New Streamlined Process to Welcome Ukrainians Fleeing Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

WASHINGTON – Today, the President will announce Uniting for Ukraine , a new streamlined process to provide Ukrainian citizens who have fled Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression opportunities to come to the United States, fulfilling President Biden’s commitment to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. In addition, the State Department is announcing increased refugee resettlement processing and broadened access to visa processing at consular posts overseas. This builds on the robust humanitarian assistance the U.S. government is providing to complement the efforts of generous countries throughout Europe who are hosting Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced. 

“We are proud to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russian aggression to the United States. The Ukrainian people continue to suffer immense tragedy and loss as a result of Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on their country,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “DHS will continue to provide relief to the Ukrainian people, while supporting our European allies who have shouldered so much as the result of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.” 

“The U.S. Department of State stands with the people of Ukraine,” said Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. “We will help deliver on the President’s commitment to welcome 100,000 Ukrainian citizens and others forced to flee their homes in Ukraine, and our partnership with the Department of Homeland Security will help us fulfill that commitment.” 

Uniting for Ukraine is a streamlined process for Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russia’s aggression to apply for humanitarian parole in the United States. To be eligible, Ukrainians must have been residents in Ukraine as of February 11, 2022, have a sponsor in the United States, complete vaccinations and other public health requirements, and pass rigorous biometric and biographic screening and vetting security checks. Ukrainians approved via this process will be authorized to travel to the United States and be considered for parole, on a case-by-case basis, for a period of up to two years. Once paroled through this process, Ukrainians will be eligible for work authorization. 

Beginning on April 25, 2022, U.S.-based individuals and entities can apply to DHS to sponsor Ukrainian citizens who have been displaced by Russia’s aggression through the Uniting for Ukraine process, which will go live that day on the DHS website. Any U.S. citizen or individual, including representatives of non-government organizations, can sponsor Ukrainian applicants. Individuals and organizations seeking to sponsor Ukrainian citizens in the United States will be required to declare their financial support and pass security background checks to protect against exploitation and abuse. The Department of Homeland Security will administer the program. Eligibility requirements will include required vaccinations and other public health requirements, as well as biographic and biometric screening, vetting, and security checks. 

The United States strongly encourages Ukrainians seeking refuge in the United States who do not have and are not eligible for a visa to seek entry via Uniting for Ukraine from Europe, this will be the safest and most efficient way to pursue temporary refuge in the United States. The U.S. government is working with European partners to ensure Ukrainians can meet the vaccination requirements of Uniting for Ukraine.   

Ukrainians should not travel to Mexico to pursue entry into the United States. Following the launch of Uniting for Ukraine , Ukrainians who present at land U.S. ports of entry without a valid visa or without pre-authorization to travel to the United States through Uniting for Ukraine will be denied entry and referred to apply through this program.  

In addition to Uniting for Ukraine , the United States is announcing a series of measures designed to expand access to existing legal pathways for Ukrainian citizens.  The Department of State will expand U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operations in Europe to provide eligible Ukrainians with greater access to refugee resettlement processing under the Lautenberg program , while also expanding referral mechanisms for Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s war in Ukraine who are in need of permanent resettlement. 

As part of these efforts, the Department of State will expand U.S. resettlement operations in Europe to provide more resources to process Ukrainian citizens for refugee resettlement under the Lautenberg program, and will expand referral mechanisms for Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). To do so, the United States is working with European partners, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and NGOs to identify particularly vulnerable Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing the conflict who may warrant permanent resettlement through USRAP. These particularly vulnerable populations include women and girls, children, older persons with special needs, members of ethnic and religious minority groups, LGBTQI+ persons, persons with disabilities, medically fragile individuals, and stateless persons. 

In addition, European embassies and consulates are increasing, to the extent possible, the number of nonimmigrant visa appointments and ensuring there is an expedited visa appointment program for individuals with humanitarian, medical, or other extraordinary circumstances to get priority access. 

The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to supporting the people of Ukraine and continues to closely coordinate our efforts with our European allies and partners who are on the frontlines of aiding Ukrainian citizens forced to flee due to Russian aggression. The United States has contributed nearly $300 million in humanitarian assistance to provide displaced Ukrainians with food, safe drinking water, shelter, and winterization services, and will continue to serve as a global leader in the international humanitarian response. The United States is prepared to provide more than $1 billion in new funding toward humanitarian assistance for those affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine and its severe impacts around the world.

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Russians and Ukrainians are traveling to Mexico, buying cheap cars and driving them across the US border to claim asylum, says report

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Almost 20,000 Ukrainian and Russian adults arrived in the US in 2021.

The asylum-seekers have increased due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Most on-foot asylum-seekers are turned back at the border, vehicles are stopped less frequently.

An increasing number of Russians and Ukrainians fleeing political repression and war are traveling to Mexico, buying "throwaway cars" and driving to the US border to seek asylum, Reuters reports .

Customs and Border Protection data only show figures up to January before Russia invaded Ukraine, but they were already growing rapidly. The war could well encourage greater numbers to make the journey.

US border officials encountered about 6,400 Russians in the four months between October 2021 and January this year, CBP data show, said Reuters. It compares with approximately 4,100 apprehended during the entire 2021 fiscal year, which ended September 30. There was also a significant increase for Ukrainians, with just over 1,000 apprehended between October 2021 and January, compared to about 680 for the last fiscal year.

Related video: Nearly 6,000 Ukrainian refugees are in this Polish train station

But this has further increased since Russia invade of Ukraine, with Ukrainians being the third-most-common nationality among arrivals within the last week, according to Reuters.

Russians are also fleeing in growing numbers due to President Putin's authoritarian crackdown on dissent, political protests, and the independent media.

"Repression is intensifying and the people coming out to protest the war are treated very harshly," Dmitriy Zubarev told Reuters. "There will be more people trying to use refugee routes to escape the bad situation in the country," Zubarev, a civil rights lawyer, who left in June 2021, said.

Driving to the border improves the chance of 'jumping the line'

At a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Representative Lou Correa, a Democrat from California, said he was taken aback by the number of Russian and Ukrainian migrants arriving by car when he visited the San Ysidro port of entry between San Diego and Tijuana about a month ago.

He said a border agent showed him 20 cars that had been pulled over, explaining they were full of Ukrainian and Russian migrants.

"This problem is not going away," Correa said.

Many migrants from Russia and Ukraine opt to go via Mexico as it is easier to obtain a visa for Mexico. They then seek asylum into the USA rather than get a tourist visa for the USA, Jessica Bolter, an immigration expert at the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute, explained to Reuters.

Many at the US borders are arriving by car in an attempt to circumnavigate a pandemic-era policy known as Title 42.

Under the policy, most on-foot refugees are turned back at the border. Vehicles are stopped less frequently.

Former U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott told Reuters that this means some are buying cheap cars in Mexico to raise their chances of getting through to the US, describing it as a way to "jump the line."

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday that his country will continue to accept Ukrainian refugees.

The Biden administration has announced temporary protection from deportation to Ukrainians in the US. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement on March 3 that it had created an 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Ukrainians living in the US since March 1.

Earlier this week, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, announced that over 1 million people have fled Ukraine in the last week, to escape the Russia's all-out invasion dubbed a "special operation" by President Putin. Most have headed to neighboring European countries.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Ukrainians seeking refuge at the U.S.-Mexico border stuck in legal limbo

SAN DIEGO — Armed with a backpack and a smartphone, Ihor Solomko paced back and forth outside the San Ysidro Port of Entry at the U.S.-Mexico border Tuesday, anxiously waiting for news from his eldest daughter, who was stopped by border officials as she attempted to cross into the U.S. early that morning after fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

The family has been separated since 2016, when Solomko and his wife secured green cards and relocated permanently to Wisconsin with their youngest daughter. Their older daughter stayed behind in Ukraine with her husband and hadn’t seen her parents in two years.

“I’m so stressed. I can’t think straight,” Solomko said. “I just want to hug my daughter.”

Solomko is one of hundreds of Ukrainians living in the U.S. who rushed to pick up loved ones at the U.S.-Mexico border, which became a flashpoint in recent weeks for Eastern Europeans expecting to be immediately welcomed into the United States. 

But confusion and frustration is overshadowing humanitarian efforts as conflicting information from the Biden administration leaves thousands of people stuck in legal limbo, without a direct way to seek asylum and making it difficult for loved ones in the U.S. to contact relatives who are being detained or processed by immigration officials.

“They’re sending a message not to come here,” Julia Bikbova, a Chicago-based immigration lawyer working pro bono at the border, said. 

The U.S. border is still officially closed to asylum-seekers because of Title 42, a public health policy enacted under the Trump administration that expires May 23 . That will coincide with the Biden administration’s new plans to expedite asylum claims at the border by allowing immigration officers to grant asylum instead of waiting for judges.

After initially blocking Ukrainian refugees from entering through Mexico, the U.S. began admitting some asylum-seekers on humanitarian parole nearly three weeks ago. A Department of Homeland Security memo dated March 11 told border officials that Ukrainians may be exempt from the sweeping asylum limits, designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, on a case-by-case basis.  

Then last week, the Biden administration announced plans to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians through a range of pathways, including the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, and other means.

Combined, the two announcements sparked hope for thousands of people eager to wait out the war with friends and relatives in the United States and triggered a wave of arrivals to the border.

Once they reached the border, however, many Ukrainians have not received the welcome they expected. Unaware that migrants from other countries have been waiting for weeks or longer to be processed, Ukrainians are sometimes swept into a rigorous vetting system that can take up to a day or more before they are released into the United States. 

In the meantime, they wait in a makeshift holding area on the Tijuana, Mexico, side of the border. Packed into a long line littered with food and water, hundreds of Ukrainians crammed together in recent days to stay out of the wind and rain. Volunteers passed out pizza and other snacks, using donation money to pay for bathroom access at nearby stalls.

Many of those waiting to enter the United States are traveling with small children or older relatives. Luggage is not a problem: Many rushed out of their homes with just a small backpack or whatever they could carry.

“It’s horrific,” Bikbova said Tuesday afternoon. “It’s getting into a crisis situation right now like no other day I’ve seen.”

Bikbova's phone has been ringing nonstop since she arrived at the border. She said it's filled with anxious texts and messages from people wondering when their loved ones will finally be allowed into the United States.

Earlier this week, she met Mark Lehmkuhler, who had been waiting since Sunday for his Ukrainian fiancée to be processed. By Monday evening, he had still not heard from her. 

“There’s just a single check mark on WhatsApp,” he said, indicating that the last message he sent her had not yet been read. “She has no access to a phone. I have no idea what’s going on in there.”

Lehmkuhler flew with his fiancée from Cancun, Mexico, to Tijuana on Sunday. The two had been staying with friends in Mexico for several weeks and rushed to the border after hearing news that Ukrainians would be admitted on a case-by-case basis. Lehmkuhler, who is a U.S. citizen, passed through immigration in 15 minutes. His fiancée, a Ukrainian citizen, was stopped Sunday night and forced to sleep in a holding cell with nine other women, he said. They slept on thin mats with metal benches and an open toilet in the room. 

On Monday, Lehmkuhler’s fiancée was released into the United States and sent to a hotel near the border where she was screened for Covid-19, he added. After she tested negative, the couple was reunited. 

“There is no rhyme or reason why they treated people like this,” Lehmkuhler said. “Nobody was prepared.”

Volunteers and immigration lawyers working at the border say the number of Ukrainians attempting to enter the U.S. is growing by the hour. Natalie Moores, a business attorney from nearby Rancho Santa Fe, California, who has helped build a loose coalition of volunteer organizations for Ukrainian asylum-seekers, estimated that she and her network of some 90 volunteers have been in contact with roughly 800 Ukrainians attempting to cross from Tijuana to San Diego this week alone.

Bikbova said she counted some 300 people waiting to cross Tuesday morning and another 350 Wednesday morning. Several had been waiting since the night before, while others had recently landed on flights from Mexico City and Cancun. 

Solomko’s daughter was one of those arrivals. 

She fled Ukraine at the beginning of March, leaving behind her husband and dreams of starting a family in her home country. She made her way to Poland and waited for two weeks until hearing news that the U.S. would accept Ukrainian asylum-seekers, Solomko said. She boarded a train to Paris and eventually flew to Tijuana to cross by foot. 

“She hasn’t showered in four days,” Solomko said while standing outside the port of entry.

Several hours later, he collapsed. Volunteers standing by ready to help Ukrainian asylum-seekers rushed to his aid as the former history teacher nearly shattered a knee and narrowly avoided slamming his face into the concrete, Moores said.

Emergency room doctors would later check his vitals and release him with blood caked to his arms and lips.

“He was so worried about my sister,” Solomko’s younger daughter, Marina Solomko, said from her family’s home in Green Bay, Wisconsin. “He was running around trying to figure out what to do and hadn’t eaten or slept in 24 hours.”

When she heard the news, Moores rushed to pick up Solomko from the hospital. Volunteers near San Diego secured him a meal and a hotel room using their own money, she said. On the Tijuana side of the border, Moores’ network of volunteers rushed to find Solomko’s daughter and helped push her to the front of the processing line.

She was granted humanitarian parole and, Tuesday night, stepped onto U.S. soil.

Alicia Victoria Lozano is a California-based reporter for NBC News focusing on climate change, wildfires and the changing politics of drug laws.

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Ukrainians have arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border by the thousands

Adrian Florido

A makeshift shelter for Ukrainians in Tijuana, Mexico. Thousands who fled the war have been arriving here and waiting to be admitted by border agents into the United States. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

A makeshift shelter for Ukrainians in Tijuana, Mexico. Thousands who fled the war have been arriving here and waiting to be admitted by border agents into the United States.

Ukrainians fleeing the war have been arriving at Mexico's northern border cities by the thousands. There, they are presenting themselves to U.S. border agents and asking for temporary admission to the United States on humanitarian grounds. Thousands of Ukrainians have been let in — availing themselves of the avenues that the Biden administration has opened to ease their admission into the U.S. faster than people who have come from other countries.

But so many Ukrainians have arrived that a backlog has formed.

In Tijuana, Mexico, across from San Diego, the swelling numbers spurred into action a massive volunteer effort organized by Ukrainian-Americans and others with ties to the region. They established a sprawling makeshift shelter, brought trays of Ukrainian food from Los Angeles and San Diego, and coordinated with immigration agents to shuttle large groups to the border for processing.

Despite their quick mobilization to ensure a measure of comfort for thousands of refugees nearing the end of their journey to safety, their efforts have been overwhelmed by the unending flow of new arrivals.

Here are some of the people whose lives have converged at the U.S.-Mexico border thanks to a war a half a globe away.

"The war is still affecting her"

It took weeks for Aleksey Ivkov to convince his mother Tatiana to leave Ukraine. She'd been determined to wait the war out by sheltering in a subway tunnel in their home city of Kharkiv. But as the war intensified, she finally agreed to evacuate — and to meet her son in Tijuana.

The trip took her nine days. Ivkov drove from north of San Francisco to pick her up. He noticed immediately that loud noises startled her. As they stepped out of the Tijuana airport, the rumble of a large truck made her jump.

"The war is still affecting her," he said. On a recent day, Ivkov and his mother were sitting in folding chairs at the shelter housing Ukrainians as they await their turn to be processed into the United States.

Tatiana, who shared only her first name, is 74, and after more than a month of anxiety said she was feeling more cheerful now, eager to see her relatives and grandchildren in California. But she's looking forward to her return to Ukraine, and to reuniting with her partner, who because he is in his late 50s is considered of fighting age and prohibited from leaving the country.

"Once things calm down a little," she said, "I'll go back."

Ukrainians board a shuttle from the shelter to Tijuana's border crossing with San Diego. The United States is allowing Ukrainians fleeing the war temporary admission on humanitarian grounds. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

Ukrainians board a shuttle from the shelter to Tijuana's border crossing with San Diego. The United States is allowing Ukrainians fleeing the war temporary admission on humanitarian grounds.

On the shuttle to the border. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

On the shuttle to the border.

Volunteers worked with Tijuana officials to turn a municipal sports complex into a shelter to house thousands as they wait for their turn to be processed at the border. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

Volunteers worked with Tijuana officials to turn a municipal sports complex into a shelter to house thousands as they wait for their turn to be processed at the border.

"We need more help"

Olya Krasnykh is a Russian-American real estate executive in Silicon Valley. But when she learned of the Ukrainians arriving at the border, she set her job aside and came down to help. A tent city had formed within steps of the border crossing. Krasnykh and other volunteers worked with Tijuana city officials to move everyone into a municipal sports complex a short drive away.

It became a sprawling operation. Ukrainian-American volunteers began greeting entire planes full of Ukrainians at the airport and shuttling them to the shelter, registering them and placing them into a queue. When it's their turn, they and their luggage are loaded onto another shuttle to the border. In recent days, people were waiting from two to three days at the shelter for their turn to come up. But the wait was getting longer, because Ukrainians are arriving in Tijuana faster than border agents can process them.

As of a few days ago, Krasnykh estimated that the shelter had registered about 10,000 people.

"It's an operation that has been managed well by a band of grassroots volunteers," Krasnykh said. But she added that it had grown so quickly that it now needed support from a professional nonprofit. "We're at a breaking point where we need more help."

"We bought like six air mattresses"

Phil Metzger had not planned for his church in San Diego to become a major stopover for Ukrainian refugees. Metzger is the lead pastor of Calvary San Diego , about a 15-minute drive north of the Mexican border. When the Ukrainians started arriving there, he thought he could lend a helping hand.

"Two weeks ago we bought like six air mattresses, thinking, let's help a few people out," he said. "We just had no idea. The next night, it was a hundred people."

On a recent day, shuttles were arriving at his church loaded with people freshly admitted into the United States. Many needed some time to contact family and friends who they'd be joining in other parts of the country. They booked airplane tickets and church volunteers drove them to San Diego's airport for the final leg of their trip. Other new arrivals needed somewhere to stay for a few nights, because not everyone was sure of their next steps.

It's all been a little stressful, Metzger admitted.

"But I'm thankful these people are not back in Ukraine right now, because it's dangerous," he said. "I'm glad that they're here."

A backlog meant Ukrainians were waiting two to three days for their chance to request humanitarian admission at the border. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

A backlog meant Ukrainians were waiting two to three days for their chance to request humanitarian admission at the border.

The shelter housing Ukrainians is entirely run by volunteers. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

The shelter housing Ukrainians is entirely run by volunteers.

"These are my people"

At the shelter in Tijuana, Helen Davidov was doling out Ukrainian food: bitochki, plov, and grechka. She and other Ukrainian-Americans drove it down from Los Angeles.

She placed drumsticks and fried cottage cheese cakes onto people's plates. And she tried to make eye contact with each one.

"These are my people," she said, her voice catching. "It's just people. It's horrible what's happening right now. And if we don't all put in a little bit, it'll get worse."

"It could be the last goodbye"

Last week, Iryna Merezhko flew from her home in Los Angeles to Warsaw, Poland. Then she took a train into Ukraine to meet her sister and her sister's son Ivan at a hotel. Her sister had decided to stay in Ukraine to support the country's soldiers, but she wanted Ivan, 14, to join his aunt in the United States.

In the hotel room, Merezhko's sister handed her a thick stack of documents — anything a border agent might conceivably request as proof that Merezhko had permission to bring Ivan into the country. Ivan felt uneasy about leaving his parents behind.

"We told him it was going to be like a long summer break in California," Merezhko said. "Disneyland! Universal Studios!"

At the hotel, they all exchanged tearful embraces, and promised to see each other soon. No one spoke what everyone understood.

"We knew it could be the last goodbye," Merezhko said.

Ivan said he'd left his heart in Ukraine. "My friends, my family," he said.

But the strength of the their family's convictions, Merezhko said, left them no other choice. "I am very proud of my sister."

Ukrainians have been arriving at other Mexican border cities, but Tijuana — with the world's largest border crossing — has become a main point of entry to the United States for Ukrainians fleeing the war. Carlos A. Moreno for NPR hide caption

Ukrainians have been arriving at other Mexican border cities, but Tijuana — with the world's largest border crossing — has become a main point of entry to the United States for Ukrainians fleeing the war.

Watch CBS News

U.S. to extend legal stay of Ukrainian refugees processed along Mexican border

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

Updated on: March 13, 2023 / 7:43 PM EDT / CBS News

The Biden administration is allowing thousands of Ukrainian refugees who were processed along the southern border after Russia's invasion of Ukraine to remain and work in the U.S. legally for at least another year, according to a government notice obtained by CBS News.

Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and displaced millions of refugees, thousands of Ukrainians flew to Mexico seeking to enter the U.S. along the southern border, mainly in California. In a few weeks, U.S. border officials allowed more than 20,000 Ukrainians to enter the country, exempting them from a pandemic restriction known as Title 42 that has blocked hundreds of thousands of migrants from staying in the U.S.

The ad hoc process along the U.S.-Mexico border was shut down in late April after the Biden administration created a formal program for displaced Ukrainians to fly to the U.S. directly if they had American sponsors. Under that program, known as Uniting for Ukraine , more than 118,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the U.S.

While both populations were allowed to enter the country under a humanitarian immigration authority known as parole, the Ukrainians brought to the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine policy have received two-year grants of parole. Those processed along the southern border were granted parole for 12 months, meaning that their temporary permission to live and work in the US. was set to expire this spring.

But under a policy announced Monday, the government will consider extending by one year the parole grant of Ukrainians who were processed along the southern border between Feb. 24 and April 25, 2022. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expects to review these cases in four weeks, according to the notice. Those approved will be able to download their updated parole grants online. 

In a statement, Homeland Security spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández confirmed the policy change.

"As Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis it has caused continue, DHS assesses that there remain urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as a significant public benefit, for extending the parole of certain Ukrainians and family members on a case-by-case basis to align with the parole provided under Uniting for Ukraine," Fernández Hernández said.

Ukrainians who have lived in the U.S. since April 19 can also apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that allows immigrants from crisis-stricken countries to obtain work permits and deportation protections. Like parole, however, TPS is temporary and does not offer recipients permanent legal status.

While U.S. government officials have said most Ukrainians wish to return to Ukraine, it's unclear when the fighting there will cease. Those seeking to remain in the U.S. permanently must apply for asylum or other immigration benefits, like family-based green cards, to remain in the U.S. legally.

The announcement Monday could prove to be a test case for how the Biden administration handles the temporary legal status of tens of thousands of refugees and migrants it has allowed to enter the U.S. under the parole authority. 

In addition to the tens of thousands of Ukrainians paroled into the U.S. since last year, the Biden administration used the parole authority to admit more than 70,000 Afghan evacuees following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. More recently, as part of an effort to deter illegal border crossings, the administration has granted parole to thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela with U.S. sponsors. 

Unlike other immigration benefits, there's no straightforward way for immigrants paroled at airports to request an extension of their legal permission to stay in the U.S., since they are processed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a law enforcement agency that does not typically adjudicate applications.

Afghans relocated to the U.S. under the parole process will start to lose their deportation protections and work permits this summer, and only a small number of them have secured permanent legal status through applications for asylum or special visas for wartime allies, according to data published by CBS News.

While a bipartisan group of members of Congress have proposed to make Afghan evacuees eligible for permanent residency, a bill to do so, dubbed the Afghan Adjustment Act, has failed to gain enough support from Republican lawmakers. 

Advocates have urged the Biden administration to extend the parole grants of Afghans to provide more time for Congress to act or for evacuees to apply for asylum or other immigration benefits.

Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

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Travel Advisory May 22, 2023

Ukraine - level 4: do not travel.

Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not travel to Ukraine due to active armed conflict. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

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 choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, civil unrest, and consult the Department’s latest security alerts.

The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should stay 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, missile, drone, or rocket fire, follow 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 Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine for detention, interrogation, or harassment because of their nationality. U.S. citizens have also been singled out when evacuating by land through Russia-occupied territory or to Russia or Belarus.

U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance should email [email protected] for assistance. Please review what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas . U.S. citizens may also seek consular services, including requests for repatriation loans, passports, and visa services, at U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries .

On February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian government declared a state of emergency. Each province (oblast) decides on measures to be implemented according to local conditions. Measures could include curfews, restrictions on the freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections, among other measures. Follow any oblast-specific state of emergency measures.

Many in the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, do not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea in 2014, nor the September 2022 purported annexation of four other Ukrainian oblasts -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in these areas. There are also abuses against foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in these regions, particularly against those who are seen as challenging Russia’s occupation.

Although Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine severely restricts the Embassy’s access and ability to provide services in these areas, the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continue to remotely provide certain emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea as well as four other Ukrainian oblasts partially occupied by Russia – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – to the extent possible given security conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aviation operations into, out of, within, or over Ukraine. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ukraine.

Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Ukraine, you should consider taking the following steps:

• Visit our website on Travel to High-Risk areas .
• 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. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

If you are currently in Ukraine:

• Read the Department’s country information page on Ukraine.
• Familiarize yourself with information on what the U.S. government can and cannot do to assist you in a crisis overseas .
• 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.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notices related to your travel.
• Get a COVID vaccine to facilitate your travel.
• Understand the COVID testing and vaccine requirements for all countries that you will transit through to your destination.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Ukraine.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk areas .

Embassy Message

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry and exit

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for tourism stays of less than 90 days within a 180-day period

Anything over €10,000 or foreign currency equivalent must be declared in writing

Same as restrictions for entry

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy kyiv.

4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova) 04112 Kyiv, Ukraine Telephone:  +38 (044) 521-5000 Fax: +38 (044) 521-5544 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You do not need a visa to enter Ukraine for tourism purposes for visits of up to 90 days in any 180 day period, but must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
• No vaccinations are required for entry, but you should be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations .
• A visa and residency permit is required for stays over 90 days. You must receive the visa in advance at a Ukrainian embassy or consulate. You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border. For information regarding visa requirements and to find the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate, visit the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
• You must have a visa to apply for a Ukrainian residency permit; you may not do so while on visa-free tourist travel. You must apply with the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) for a residency permit no later than 15 working days before your visa’s expiration date. Once you have a residency permit you can reside in Ukraine for as long as it remains valid. More information is available at the SMS website (limited information available in English).

Crimea: There is an extensive Russian Federation military presence in the Crimean Peninsula. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine and defer all travel to Crimea. If you choose to travel there, you should be aware:

• U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Crimea and are unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
• You may only legally enter Crimea from mainland Ukraine.
• Entrance into Crimea by any other entry point other than from mainland Ukraine, such as air, sea, or the Kerch Strait Bridge is illegal. You will be denied entry into mainland Ukraine and banned from entering Ukraine for five years.
• Time spent in Crimea will count against the 90 day visa-free period. 

Eastern Ukraine: Russia-led forces continue to control areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and the ongoing armed conflict has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths. Follow the guidance in our Travel Advisory for Ukraine , and do not travel there. If you choose to travel to these areas, you should be aware:

• U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and to adjacent regions, and the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.
• Entering Ukraine through the area of armed conflict is a violation of Ukrainian law. U.S. citizens who enter Ukraine illegally through the area of armed conflict along the Russian border will not be allowed to pass through government checkpoints to territory controlled by the government of Ukraine.
• Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) procedures at entry/exit points require that permit applications be submitted and approved electronically prior to travel in the zone of armed conflict.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ukraine. However, anyone with tuberculosis cannot get permanent residency in Ukraine. There are no waivers or exceptions to this rule.

Information about customs rules can be found on the Ukrainian State Customs Service website and on our Customs Information page.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our website.

Safety and Security

Terrorism Activity: Credible information indicates that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Small-scale bombings continue to occur throughout Ukraine. While most attacks are at night and appear intended to cause property damage and incite fear, multiple attacks within the past year have been fatal, sometimes occurring in populated areas during daylight hours.

Please read the Travel Advisory for Ukraine before traveling. While in Ukraine, you should carry travel documents with you at all times.

Potential for civil disturbances: Large-scale protests have occurred from time to time in cities throughout Ukraine.

• You should avoid large gatherings or protests and adjacent areas.
• In the past, some protests have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries. 
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media.
• The Embassy will post information about sizeable planned protests on the Embassy website .

Crimea: There is extensive Russian Federation military presence in Crimea as part of Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of this part of Ukraine, which the international community, including the United States and Ukraine, does not recognize. There are continuing abuses against and arbitrary imprisonment of foreigners and the local population by the occupation authorities in Crimea, particularly abuses against individuals who are seen as challenging Russian authority on the peninsula. The U.S. government prohibits employees from traveling to Crimea and is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens there.

Eastern Ukraine : U.S. citizens should not travel to the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to ongoing armed conflict.

• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area.
• U.S. citizens have been specifically targeted by gunmen representing the self-proclaimed authorities and threatened, detained, or kidnapped for hours or days.
• Shortages of water, power, medicine, and food supplies have also been reported in Russian-proxy-controlled territory, and widespread disorder and looting has been confirmed in these areas.

Crime: Criminals may target tourists due to perceived wealth. A new professional and well-trained police force (Patrol Police) has been implemented, but police corruption remains an issue.

• Criminal activity, including burglaries, robberies, muggings, and pickpocketing is increasingly a problem in Ukraine.
• Law enforcement and emergency officials rarely speak English, and interpreters are not readily available.
• Muggings, attacks, armed robberies, harassment, or the drugging at nightspots of unsuspecting victims (who are then robbed and/or assaulted) have been reported.
• Cases of assaults in apartment building corridors, elevators, and stairwells, as well as armed break-ins and crimes involving firearms, have also been reported.
• Recently, there has been an increase in reports of criminals luring unsuspecting visitors to Ukraine with promises of cheap lodging and/or companionship. The criminals then forcibly abduct the visitors and proceed to make unauthorized transactions via their victims’ bank cards and accounts.
• Many incidents of criminal activity occur on the public transport system, including the metro. When riding on public transportation or moving in crowded areas, keep your purse, bag, or backpack tightly under your arm and/or in front of your body. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victim of sexual assault should report crimes to the local police at 102 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521-5000 after hours. 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• provide you with information about medical facilities
• provide information about reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution (subject to approval)
• help you find temporary accommodation and arrange flights home in cases of destitution
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. The Embassy will be able to assist with contacting police and provide you with a list of local shelters.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not occur everywhere. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide necessary medical treatment, but it may take time for them to arrive. Local law requires foreigners to have medical insurance when traveling to Ukraine. U.S. citizens are encouraged to consider purchasing additional medical evacuation insurance when arranging their medical insurance for traveling to Ukraine. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. If you are arrested, you can face extended periods, even years, in pre-trial detention. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe, and if convicted you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Furthermore, some violations of laws in Ukraine are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrests: When in a foreign country, you are subject the country’s laws. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

• Ukrainian law permits police to stop you for any reason and check your identification documents.
• You are required to carry your passport at all times; police may check to verify your legal presence in Ukraine.
• Police are permitted to detain you for up to 72 hours without formal charges.
• If stopped by the police for an unclear reason, call the U.S. Embassy at +38 (044) 521 5000.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report and the following webpages for details

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a problem in Ukraine, as LGBTI individuals have been the target of harassment, threats, and acts of violence. For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in Ukraine, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017 .  For further information on LGBTI travel, please read our Information for LGBT Travelers page.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Accessibility is an issue in Ukraine. Public transport systems are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Some newer buildings feature ramps and elevators, but older buildings do not. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Ukraine. See our Traveling with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

By Ukrainian law, all foreigners coming to Ukraine must have medical insurance covering their period of travel. Note that the general quality of healthcare in Ukraine does not meet U.S. standards.

• Fees at government clinics and hospitals are lower than those at private clinics, but there have been reports that doctors request bribes or additional payments before treating patients.
• Private physicians and private hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance. 
• Public facilities only accept cash payments, while most private clinics accept credit cards.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the State Register of Medicines (Ukrainian language only) to ensure the medication is legal to bring into the country, as many medications that are legal in the United States are prohibited in Ukraine. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

The following diseases are prevalent in Ukraine:

• Tuberculosis

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Generally, roads outside major urban areas are in bad condition and poorly lit.
• U.S. drivers licenses are not valid in Ukraine as their vehicle categories do not meet the standards enumerated in the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (as amended in 2011). Travelers who do not have a foreign driver’s license that meets these requirements must obtain either a Ukrainian driver’s license or an International Driving Permit .
• You should drive defensively at all times.
• Drivers are often poorly trained; many drive without a valid driver's license.
• Drivers can also be dangerously aggressive; often do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at clearly marked pedestrian crossings; and sometimes drive on the sidewalks.
• Many cars, including some taxis, do not meet U.S. safety standards.

In case of accidents:

• Emergency number: Dial 103 for ambulance service and 102 for police. Ambulance crews do not respond quickly and do not often include trained paramedics.
• Notify the police immediately. By law, police must be notified in the event of an accident. Remain at the scene until the police arrive to conduct an investigation.
• It is a criminal offense to move the vehicle from the site of the accident unless it presents a clear safety concern (causing a traffic jam is not considered a safety concern). In practice, this even includes moving a vehicle to the side of the road.
• You must wait until the police arrive and complete their report; often this can take several hours.
• The police will decide preliminary responsibility, take the drivers’ personal information, seize driver’s licenses, and file an accident report. Temporary driver’s licenses will be issued. Once a court decision has been made regarding responsibility, the original driver’s licenses can be recovered from police. Note that in the vast majority of cases, the police will not speak English.

Traffic Laws:  

• Ukraine has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
• Non-payment of traffic or parking fines may result in travel bans, which means you cannot leave the country until the fines (plus penalties) are paid.
• Using a cellular telephone or texting while driving is illegal.
• Do not turn right on a red light, unless there is a special green arrow sign attached to the stoplight.
• Front seat belts are mandatory.

Public Transportation:

• Only use marked taxis. Fares are given in advance when you order a taxi by phone, but prices are typically negotiated with the driver in advance if hailing a cab in the street.
• Do not sit in the front seat of the taxi, enter a taxi with unknown passengers, or travel to unfamiliar areas.
• Buses and trams are widely used.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ukraine’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ukraine’s air carrier operations. You can find further information on the FAA website at the FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Ukraine should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website ( https:homeport.uscg.mil ), and the NGA broadcast warnings website ( http://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal - select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ukraine . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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What you need to know when you travel in the EU

In most cases, if you have fled the war in Ukraine you will be able to travel to other EU countries. For Ukrainians with a biometric passport this right comes from the visa free regime in place between the EU and Ukraine. If you come from a third country, you need to check whether your country of origin is on the list of third countries whose nationals are exempt from the requirement to have a visa.

After crossing the EU border for the first time, can I continue to travel to other EU/Schengen countries, or do I need to stay?

Ukrainian nationals holding a biometric passport, as visa-free travelers, have the right to move freely within the EU after being admitted into the territory for 90 days. On this basis, you are able to choose the EU country in which you want to enjoy the rights attached to temporary protection and to join your family and friends in the EU country where they are present.

If you are entitled to temporary protection but hold a non-biometric passport, authorities at the border of the EU country of first entry should issue a short-stay visa valid for 15 days when entering the Schengen area. This will allow travelling to the EU country of destination to enjoy the rights attached to temporary protection.

If you are entitled to temporary protection but do not hold a travel document, it will be up to the authorities at the border of the EU country of first entry to allow you continuing your journey if needed, e.g. by issuing a travel document and a visa or by using transfer forms relating to temporary protection legislation.

If you crossed the EU border for the first time through a country that is not part of the EU area without internal border control (Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Ireland) your documents will, as a general rule, be checked again at the border crossing point of the next Schengen country. Please see also the explanations about the registration of unaccompanied or separated children.

I entered the EU through Romania or Bulgaria. What happens if I want to continue my journey to a country that is part of the area without internal border control?

You can do so, but your documents will be checked again at the border of the first EU country that forms part of the Schengen area. This will be the case, for example, if you are crossing the border between Hungary and Romania.

Can I move between countries that are part of the Schengen area without internal border control?

Yes. Once you enter a country that is part of this area, you can move, in principle without border checks, to other countries that are part of the Schengen area. However, you can only do so for 90 days within a 180 days period.

Note that Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not EU countries, but they are Schengen countries. You can travel to those countries once you have entered the Schengen area, but your rights related to international or temporary protection may differ from those you have in EU countries.

While Denmark is an EU and a Schengen country, it does not take part in the temporary protection scheme and does not apply the EU rules on asylum. Therefore, your rights related to international or temporary protection in Denmark may differ from those you have in other EU countries.

My 90 days visa free travel in the EU expires soon and I registered for temporary protection, however, I did not yet receive my residence permit. What can I do in this case, if I need to go back to Ukraine or if I need to travel to another EU country?

According to EU rules, you should receive a residence permit and you can use that to travel for up to 90 days within 180 days to other Schengen countries. With the same permit, you can leave the EU to another third country – for example Ukraine - and re-enter the EU again.

If you have not yet received your residence permit, you may receive national papers or permits. This is different from one EU country to another. Certain papers or permits - those listed in  Annex 22 to the Schengen Handbook  allow you to travel as if you would have a residence permit. However, this is not the case for all national papers/document issued by Schengen countries. Please check with the national authorities of the country where you are registered for temporary protection if the papers you receive allow you to travel.

If this is not the case, but you need to travel to Ukraine and come back, the only viable solution would be for you, when you come back to the EU, to enter directly - by land, air or sea- to the EU country where you are registered for temporary protection.

If you need to travel to another Schengen country you can do so for up to 90 days within 180 days with your residence permit or a national paper/document which is listed in  Annex 22  (and therefore has the same effect as a residence permit). If you don't have such document you are advised not to travel for the time being to other Schengen countries, since your stay there might be considered illegal.

Attention: Residence permits issued by Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Ireland don´t have Schengen wide effect and don't give you the right to travel to other Schengen States. Residence permits issued by States that are in the Schengen area without internal border controls are, however, recognised by Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus and give a right to travel to these countries.

Can border guards, police or other relevant authorities still ask for my identification documents, even though I am in a Schengen country?

Yes. Police and other administrative checks are always possible including within the territory and at internal borders for security and migration purposes. It is important to cooperate and provide the required documents and information to police or border guards. In certain circumstances you may be required to remain available to the authorities during these checks in designated facilities.

Are there any travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Please consult  Re-open EU  for information on travel and health measures in EU and Schengen Associated countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is my Ukrainian driving license valid in the EU?

As of 27 July 2022, new temporary EU rules ensure that people fleeing Ukraine can continue to use their Ukrainian driving licence, without needing to exchange it for an EU driving licence or to sit a new driving test. The new Regulation sets specific rules on expired, lost and stolen Ukrainian driving licences to reduce the administrative burden for those residing in the EU under the temporary protection regime. Digital driving licences issued by Ukraine (DIIA) may also be recognised once verification tools have been made available and deployed by Ukraine. Read more about these  rules .

The recognition of non-EU driving licenses differs across EU countries. A list of the sources informing about foreign licenses in EU countries is available in the map below.

National contact details and information

In this map by clicking on the country you will find useful information about national authorities in EU countries who you can contact about temporary protection, as well as information on healthcare or employment support.

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Mexico tightens travel rules on Peruvians in a show of visa diplomacy to slow migration to US

Mexico has begun requiring visas for Peruvians in response to a major influx of migrants from the South American country

BOULEVARD, Calif. -- Julia Paredes believed her move to the United States might be now or never. Mexico was days from requiring visas for Peruvian visitors. If she didn't act quickly, she would have to make a far more perilous, surreptitious journey over land to settle with her sister in Dallas.

Mexico began requiring visas for Peruvians on Monday in response to a major influx of migrants from the South American country, after identical moves for Venezuelans, Ecuadorians and Brazilians. It effectively eliminated the option of flying to a Mexican city near the U.S. border, as Paredes, 45, did just before it was too late.

“I had to treat it as a emergency,” said Paredes, who worked serving lunch to miners in Arequipa, Peru, and borrowed money to fly to Mexico's Tijuana, across from San Diego. Last month smugglers guided her through a remote opening in the border wall to a dirt lot in California, where she and about 100 migrants from around the world shivered over campfires after a morning drizzle and waited for overwhelmed Border Patrol agents to drive them to a station for processing.

Senior U.S. officials, speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of top diplomats from about 20 countries in the Western hemisphere this week in Guatemala, applauded Mexico's crackdown on air travel from Peru and called visa requirements an important tool to jointly confront illegal migration.

For critics, shutting down air travel only encourages more dangerous choices. Illegal migration by Venezuelans plummeted after Mexico imposed visa requirements in January 2022, but the lull was short-lived. Last year Venezuelans made up nearly two-thirds of the record-high 520,000 migrants who walked through the Darien Gap, the notorious jungle spanning parts of Panama and Colombia.

More than 25,000 Chinese traversed the Darien last year. They generally fly to Ecuador, a country known for few travel restrictions, and cross the U.S. border illegally in San Diego to seek asylum. With an immigration court backlog topping 3 million cases, it takes years to decide such claims, during which time people can obtain work permits and establish roots.

“People are going to come no matter what,” said Miguel Yaranga, 22, who flew from Lima, Peru's capital, to Tijuana and was released by the Border Patrol Sunday at a San Diego bus stop. He had orders to appear in immigration court in New York in February 2025, which puzzled him because he said he told agents he would settle with his sister on the other side of the country, in Bakersfield, California.

Jeremy MacGillivray, deputy chief of the Mexico mission of the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration, predicts that Peruvian migration will drop “at least at the beginning” and bounce back as people shift to walking through the Darien Gap and to Central America and Mexico.

Mexico said last month that it would require visas for Peruvians for the first time since 2012 in response to a “substantial increase” in illegal migration. Large-scale Peruvian migration to Mexico began in 2022; Peruvians were stopped in the country an average of 2,160 times a month from January to March of this year, up from a monthly average of 544 times for all of 2023.

Peruvians also began showing up at the U.S. border in 2022. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Peruvians an average of about 5,300 times a month last year before falling to a monthly average of 3,400 from January through March, amid a broad immigration crackdown by Mexico.

Peru immediately reciprocated Mexico's visa requirement but changed course after a backlash from the country's tourism industry. Peru noted in its reversal that it is part of a regional economic bloc that includes Mexico, Chile and Colombia.

Adam Isacson, an analyst at the Washington Office on Latin America, said Peru's membership with Mexico in the Pacific Alliance allowed its citizens visa-free travel longer than other countries.

It is unclear if Colombia, also a major source of migration, will be next, but Isacson said Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is in a “lovefest” with his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, while his relations with Peru's government are more strained.

Colombians are consistently near the top nationalities of migrants arriving at Tijuana's airport. Many find hotels before a guide takes them to boulder-strewn mountains east of the city, where they cross through openings in the border wall and then walk toward dirt lots that the Border Patrol has identified as waiting stations.

Bryan Ramírez, 25, of Colombia, reached U.S. soil with his girlfriend last month, only two days after leaving Bogota for Cancun, Mexico, and continuing on another flight to Tijuana. He waited alongside others overnight for Border Patrol agents to pick him up as cold rain and high winds whipped over the crackle of high-voltage power lines.

The group waiting near Boulevard, a small, loosely defined rural town, included several Peruvians who said they came for economic opportunity and to escape violence and political crises.

Peruvians can still avoid the Darien jungle by flying to El Salvador, which introduced visa-free travel for them in December in reciprocation for a similar move by Peru's government. But they would still have to travel over land through Mexico, where many are robbed or kidnapped.

Ecuadoreans, who have needed visas to enter Mexico since September 2021, can also fly to El Salvador, but not all do. Oscar Palacios, 42, said he walked through Darien because he couldn't afford to fly.

Palacios, who left his wife and year-old child in Ecuador with plans to support them financially from the U.S., said it took him two weeks to travel from his home near the violent city of Esmeralda to Mexico's border with Guatemala. It then took him two months to cross Mexico because immigration authorities turned him around three times and bused him back to the southern part of the country. He said he was robbed repeatedly.

Palacios finally reached Tijuana and, after three nights in a hotel, crossed into the U.S. A Border Patrol agent spotted him with migrants from Turkey and Brazil and drove them to the dirt lot to wait for a van or bus to take them to a station for processing. Looking back on the journey, Palacios said he would rather cross Darien Gap 100 times than Mexico even once.

Associated Press writer Christopher Sherman in Mexico City contributed.

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