The border of Crimea and Ukraine today: what is happening, how to get through, what can be transported

Holidays and a series of weekends contribute to the authorized exchange of citizens across the Crimea-Ukraine border in 2021. Family ties cannot be cut with a hacksaw.

What is the situation at the border now, what about coronavirus tests, who needs the Home Alone ? Based on my own experience, I’ll tell you how to travel to Ukraine and back in the era of the development of nanotechnology and coronavirus madness !

Tips and recommendations for those who are stuck between two worlds and are not limited to remarks “what’s up with the crests?”

I recommend our guides and Telegram chat to Ukrainians who come to Crimea. Save a lot of time! If you plan to be based in the Sevastopol area, then we can show you Crimea!

Traveling during quarantine

Friends, if you have complex questions “what should I do if...”, then it is better to ask them on forums where people sensibly explain all the nuances: forum and Viber.

From Crimea to Ukraine

Russian border

From May 18, 2021, Mishustin gave the go-ahead for Russians who have a second citizenship to travel multiple times by land transport. Order No. 1291.

Those. Now Crimeans can travel to Ukraine the old fashioned way, but in compliance with testing rules. Be sure to have both passports!

Upon return, all Crimeans need to pass 2 PCR tests within 5 days.

Ukrainian side

Allows all its citizens, but with a number of conditions:

1. Install the “ Diy Vdoma ” application at the border. Read more about the program here.
2. Complete 14 days of self-isolation under the control of this application.
3. Free yourself in advance by taking a PCR test for coronavirus .

The test can be taken right on the border of Kalanchak and Chongar in 15 minutes for free! If it is negative, then the “ Diy Vdoma ” application can be deleted.

Laboratory opening hours are 10.00-16.00. If you didn’t have time, below is a list of places with paid tests.

Those who are traveling in transit and undertake to leave Ukraine within 2 days are free from the test (but not to return back and not citizens of Ukraine!).

For anyone who needs to spend the night in Kherson, I recommend the Versailles Hotel, we had to go through a lot before we found it!

From Ukraine to Crimea

Ukrainian side

It releases its citizens without any problems.

Russian side

Ukrainians can enter Crimea for several reasons:

1. For treatment
2. To the funeral
3. To 1st degree relatives, and from 05/18/2021 to any relatives.

Again, Mishustin, with his Order No. 1291, gave the green light to grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings. In the old fashioned way, all supporting documents of relationship are needed.

Please note! Son-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister’s husband are not relatives!

All citizens of Ukraine (from birth) entering Crimea must present a PCR test no older than 72 hours. The test must be in Russian or English.

During the quarantine period, the following documents and travel conditions are required:

To travel from Ukraine to Crimea, one of the following travel documents is required:

– Crimean (red) passport

– registration in a Ukrainian passport: Crimean or Lugansk, Donetsk (in the uncontrolled territory of Ukraine)

– relatives: parents, children, spouses, guardians, trustees, adoptive parents, adopted children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, who have a Russian passport, regardless of what registration, a copy of their passport is required.

– residence permit in Crimea

– RVP

– voucher for treatment or recovery in Crimea (invitation to a Crimean sanatorium)

– permission (call) to work in Crimea

– other humanitarian reasons

Personal documents are also required as during the quarantine-free period, see the information below. Children under 14 also need a copy of their birth certificate.

We provide information assistance in obtaining official permission to enter Crimea from Ukraine, details by phone in the header of the site.

A test for COVID-19 when traveling from Ukraine must be done by citizens:

– if only Ukrainian citizenship – then you need to take a test in Ukraine with a translation into English or Russian, the test is taken from the age of 12, the test result is valid for 72 hours from the date of issue. If for some reason the test is a little late, then there is nothing to worry about; you will also be allowed through with such a test.

– if Ukrainian and Russian citizenship – then from May 1, 2021 it is necessary to submit it only upon arrival in Crimea through “GosDiya”.

The mobile application “Diya” must be installed in advance when leaving for Ukraine, for each person on his smartphone with a Ukrainian number. A Ukrainian number can be ordered when booking a seat on a flight; the driver will issue it upon boarding. If you take the test, then after a negative result, self-isolation is automatically lifted from you. Read more about the “Diya” application on the official website of the department.

We will help you quickly remove self-isolation and “Diya”, details from the operator by phone in the header of the site.

Crossing the border with Ukraine

On the shelves, all the changes on the border of Crimea with Ukraine:

1. At the Russian border, both Russian and Ukrainian passports are looked at.
2. You need a non-feature phone to install the “ Diy Vdoma ” application with a selfie camera and geolocation.
3. You need a valid Ukrainian SIM card to activate the “ Diy Vdoma ” application.

You need to get a Ukrainian SIM card They are not sold at checkpoints. Either a friend will bring it to you, or ask the carrier. Life SIM cards were sold for 300 rubles.

They say you can install it on a Russian SIM card, but I haven’t tried it.

You cross the border, install the Diy Vdoma and you have 24 hours to get to the place of self-isolation. During this time, you take a PCR test and based on the test results, you will be removed from self-isolation.

Read more about this procedure and requirements on the website of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

Basic checkpoints

Today, crossing the border of the peninsula and the Ukrainian state is carried out at the following checkpoints:

1. Chongar.
2. Armyansk-Kherson.
3. Armyansk-New Kakhovka-Chaplynka.

To cross the border of Crimea with Ukraine at Chongar, you need to take the Moscow highway to the Kharkov-Dzhankoy direction through Melitopol.

The third checkpoint does not allow all travelers to pass through. Nationals of other states cannot use it.

Checkpoint Chongar

How to use "Diy at Home"

Right before your trip (not earlier), install the program on your smartphone and activate it at the Ukrainian border. For this you will need the Internet.

Wi-Fi network Kalanchak at the border , but not all phones accept it. I used mobile Internet from Vodafone , topping up my account at home via the Internet in advance.

If you buy a SIM from a carrier, you will have mobile Internet on the Ukrainian side.

In the security control room on the Ukrainian side you will find a crowd of people installing the program. In addition to the Internet, you will need a passport and your phone numbers.

Activation algorithm

1. Choose Ukrainian or English. We enter the phone number and wait for the confirmation code. Please note that the code does not arrive immediately. Wait before sending the next request, which will automatically override the previous code .
2. We give permission to the program to access images and geolocation.
3. We enter your passport information and show it to the border guard.
4. The border guard will press the button that he has checked everything.
5. We move on to the passport control window.

Please note that the final screen of working with the program should be a request to arrive at the location of deployment. Under no circumstances do you confirm it ( So ) until you arrive at the place of self-isolation (for which you have 24 hours ).

If you accidentally pressed Yes , then on the next screen cancel this step ( Ni , I’m not on the map yet). When you get home, click Yes and go through the verification procedure. You will turn your head and wink at the program)

Test for coronavirus

A negative PCR test will help you cancel self-isolation for 14 days The test must be taken within 24 hours of getting to your location. Or then call a nurse to your home.

A list of such laboratories can be found on the website of the Center for Civil Health. The cost of the test is 1000 - 2300 hryvnia, and the execution time is 12-36 hours.

Among the most popular are:

• Infectious diseases hospital in Kherson. 850 hryvnia and results the next day
• Valeo in Nikolaev. 2300/1800 hryvnia. Urgent ones pick up from 7.00 to 10.00 and the result is on the same day, and not the urgent 10.00-13.00 result for tomorrow.
• Simesta in Odessa. 1500 hryvnia. Collection from 9.00 to 14.00 and results the next morning.

I recommend taking the test at one of the Sinevo laboratories. Cost 990 hryvnia results by mail the next day. And in other companies, if you need a piece of paper, they require you to come and pick it up in person.

Crossing the border with Russia

Upon returning to Russia, you need to take 2 coronavirus tests within 5 days. The 1st within 3 days, and the 2nd one day after the 1st.

Please note that vaccination does not exempt you from testing!

At the entrance to the Russian border there is now a stand with information and forms for mandatory filling out. If you run out of forms, you need to ask for them at the checkpoint.

To fill out, you will need to indicate your residential address in Crimea and a Russian mobile phone number for communication.

Please note that Russian SIM cards at the border. Try to negotiate with carriers.

If you have a valid test from Ukraine (no older than 3 days) printed out in Russian/English, you still fill out the form.

On the Russian side you can take it directly at the border in the GEMOTEST from 8.00 to 20.00. Everything takes about 10 minutes, if there is no queue. Fill out the form and submit the material. The cost is 1700 rubles and only in cash.

You can exchange money at the extortionate rate of 2 to 1 in a nearby cafe. There you can top up your mobile account (cash rubles) and drink coffee and a roll.

The test can also be taken in the cities of Crimea. Prices in Gemotest branches are the same everywhere. They will also send the result to the Rospotrebnadzor .

Border points Crimea-Ukraine

3 checkpoints on the border of Ukraine with Crimea:

1. Kalanchak (Ukrainian) — Armyansk (Russian)
2. Chongar - Dzhankoy
3. Chaplynka - Perekop

At the end of 2021, large-scale reconstructions were carried out on Kalanchak and Chongar , which brought their appearance to world aesthetic standards. Chaplynka is still operating with a regular service “open field + 2 booths” and for years there have been rumors about its closure.

• Webcams of all 3 checkpoints
• And here is a map of all checkpoints in Ukraine

Of the 3 checkpoints, I consider Kalanchak the most optimal. Car carriers also flock here to transfer citizens of Russia and Ukraine from Crimea to Kherson, Odessa and even Kyiv.

Despite the depleted flow of passengers, after restrictions at the border due to the pandemic, there are still queues at the checkpoint. Why?

2 reasons:

1. Strict checks of candidates for leaving Russia on all points
2. Simultaneous transportation of passengers by different carriers

The border of Crimea and Ukraine: what is happening today, what is the situation

The situation on the border between Ukraine and Crimea is now stable. Entry into and exit from Crimea occurs through checkpoints with customs inspection, in a calm and business-like environment.

Ukraine, considering the Republic of Crimea a “temporarily occupied territory” according to state regulations, applies laws to restrict the movement of citizens and goods from Crimea. For its part, Russia carries out customs inspection of citizens in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation in force on the territory of the peninsula.

Movement occurs through checkpoints. The following points are intended for road transport:

• Chongar,
• Kalanchak,
• Chaplinka.

Those arriving in and leaving Crimea by train will undergo control at the following checkpoints:

• Novoalekseevka,
• Melitopol,
• Kherson,
• Vadim.

Carriers

Over the course of several years, we had to go through thick and thin, and also change several carriers. It all depends on the schedule, fares and transport coverage.

Today, only the most persistent ones remain, but transportation tariffs have also increased significantly.

As far as I know, they all now travel through the Kalanchak checkpoint. And those who travel to Kherson-Odessa and those who go to Kyiv. A special group is the routes to Zaporozhye-Melitopol that travel through Chongar .

Please note that from these companies you can order not only the full segment, but also part of it (Checkpoint - Ukraine or Crimea - Checkpoint), which can be very convenient if you get somewhere on your own.

Bus-panda

The best and cheapest carrier before the pandemic. Once a wide network of routes, now there are only a few flights left to Kherson and 2 times a week to Kyiv.

I indicate Sevastopol everywhere, but cars go through Simferopol, which costs 200 rubles. cheaper.

In any case, keep your focus on them, since they are the only ones on Instagram and VKontakte who promptly provide the latest information on crossing the border.

• Sevastopol - Kherson: 1700 rubles
• Sevastopol - Kyiv: 2700 rubles

Schedule on the official website bus-panda.ru

Buspro 24

2nd verified carrier. Everything is orderly, noble and there is Wi-Fi on board. Punctuality and organization are also excellent.

They run from the 5th km (some flights from the railway station) in all directions you need in Ukraine:

• Sevastopol - Kherson: 1800 rubles
• Sevastopol - Odessa: 3000 rubles
• Sevastopol - Kyiv: 3500 rubles

Schedule on the official website: buspro24.com

Southern Express

Another worthy office on the route Kherson - Nikolaev - Odessa from any city in Crimea. In addition, they are making maneuvers towards Donbass and Lugansk.

In Sevastopol it departs from the Atan next to the Death to Fascism steam and the bus station:

• Sevastopol - Kherson: 1800 rubles
• Sevastopol - Odessa: 2500 rubles
• Sevastopol - Kyiv: 3000 rubles

Schedule on the official website: vcrimea.in.ua

Satellite

The last of the well-known and personally tested companies with an extensive network of trips to the cities of Ukraine. There are not only Kherson and Odessa here, but also Dnieper, Zaporozhye, Kharkov.

• Sevastopol - Kherson: 1800 rubles
• Sevastopol - Odessa: 2500 rubles
• Sevastopol - Kyiv: 3000 rubles

Schedule on the official website: s-putnik.info

South wind

The very first carrier that transported my mortal body across 2 borders in the busy year of 2014.

They drive not on nimble minibuses, but on large Neoplan . The seats are comfortable, and croissants and a bottle of water are provided along the way. In general, you feel like you are on a tour bus.

The direction of their work is Crimea - Kherson - Kyiv. If you need to send your mother or you are with children, then this is the most comfortable option.

• Sevastopol - Kherson: 1500 rubles
• Sevastopol - Kyiv: 3200 rubles

Official website: south-wind.com.ua

Bus station Krymavtotrans

On the Russian side of the border in Armyansk there was a bus station with bus company routes to different parts of Crimea. Let me remind you that tickets for Crimean buses need to be purchased on this website biletik.online

During the pandemic, the bus station is closed and there are no bus services. Here, for example, is the old flight schedule before the coronavirus attack.

Good news! free Wi-Fi at the bus station . Connection by phone number.

Alternative route Crimea - Kherson

Also, previously it was possible to leave for Ukraine from Crimea on transfers without the help of a transport company.

Drive your car to the border

How to get to Armyansk there are 3 options:

1. Enter the guarded parking lot at the checkpoint for 200 rubles per day.
2. Leave the car at the TPP gas station in Armyansk by agreement
3. Find local residents in the wilds of Armyansk with their own sites for cars

We were lucky to find private parking in Armyansk for 100 rubles per day! Write down the phone number: + 7-978-7299791, Sergey.

We left the car right in his yard in a covered area. And it’s not like that, but the car is parked under the windows of a residential building in the courtyard under a canopy. A taxi to the border cost 150 rubles +7-978-7378175

We cross the border with our feet and solve the problem of how to get from the Kalanchak checkpoint to Kherson.

How to leave the Kalanchak checkpoint to Kherson?

On the other side, as in Chongar, a clan of taxi drivers has already formed, who seat you in cars and confiscate your legally earned money for travel. The prices are as follows:

• Car to Kherson from 1000 hryvnia
• Car to the village of Kalanchak - 400 hryvnia
• 1st place to Kherson from 400 hryvnia

Please note that in the off-season, after 15.00 taxi drivers and carriers begin to crawl home.

2nd option is to call the carriers (about them above) and order a trip for only one segment. The cost is the same 400 UAH/1000 rubles.

3rd option - order a taxi in Kherson by number 5565 from any operator. The price according to the meter is 9 hryvnia per 1 km. The distance is a little more than 100 km.

By the way, for those heading to Crimea, there is also parking on the Ukrainian side, but at a more humane price - 40 hryvnia per day.

Where can you cross the border of Crimea with Ukraine today?

If you look at the map of the border between Crimea and Ukraine, you will see that there are three checkpoints:

• Chongar - on the Moscow highway through Kharkov-Melitopol-Dzhankoy;
• Kalanchak (Armensk) - in the direction of Kherson;
• Armyansk-Chaplynka-Novaya Kakhovka – Ukraine closed this checkpoint in Crimea in 2021 and today it is not functioning.

If you are interested in whether it is possible to travel to Crimea through Ukraine from other countries, we inform you that a free pass to the peninsula is valid only for citizens of Ukraine, but foreigners will need to obtain permission. Because of such difficulties, citizens of Belarus and other countries are advised to travel to Crimea, bypassing Ukraine, to get here through the Crimean bridge.

Documents for crossing the border

As always, the Ukrainian side is more loyal and faster in checking Ukrainians for entry and exit. On the Russian side they are now checking everything that can be checked!

Attention! For those who paste a photo into their passport “ without personal presence .” Once my backpack was turned inside out on the Ukrainian side in search of documents. By law, you do not have the right to have the passport of any other citizen with you.

So, it’s better to do such things in person and wait for the pandemic to end than to take risks.

Ukrainian passport

A required document to cross both borders. If your registration is not Crimean, then hand over and fill out a migration card. Border guards clearly scan the 11th page of the passport at a distance of a machine gun extended forward.

If your document is old, very used and also has some nuances - a faded photo or additional marks from a ballpoint pen, then at the Russian border they will also require a Ukrainian passport.

Important information!

I read at the stand on the Russian side that a Ukrainian passport with an expired photo is a combat document! You can use it to leave Crimea!

At the border you need to say that you are going to paste a photo.

I think this is a very correct decision. After all, then some kind of vicious circle turns out. There is no photo and there is no way to go paste it...

Unless you drool yourself, but this is, so to speak, no longer an authorized service))

Ukrainian passport

Everything is fine, but there is a nuance that you need to present documents about your place of registration on the Russian side, since there is no such column in your international passport. Fortunately, it is in the Russian passport.

On the Ukrainian side, make sure there are no Russian stamps about flying abroad! Back in 2016, we waved to Sri Lanka using Ukrainian passports from Domodedovo, after which we had a pale look at the border when asked: “What the f...!”

You will earn a fine of 3,500 hryvnia and a headache!

A beautiful video for a break. Last summer, guys from Ukraine went on vacation to Olenevka. They did it very well:

Russian passport

The only document today for the Russian border. If you have it, but didn’t take it with you, then the fine is 2-5 thousand rubles.

Since Crimeans received Russian passports on the basis of Ukrainian ones, I didn’t take it with me before with the excuse “I don’t want to take risks on the Ukrainian side.” But now it is mandatory !

What's on the Ukrainian side?

A Russian passport was found on a man in my presence. They twisted it in front of their noses to see what kind of candy wrapper it was. But they didn’t do anything, since almost every Crimean has such a passport and the Ukrainian side knows about it.

There were rumors that in some circumstances you may have to pay 1000 rubles so that your Russian passport is not spoiled with some ridiculous stamp in the spirit of “ no action !”

Over the years, there have been a lot of cries online about the dual citizenship of Crimeans. But Kyiv still does not officially recognize Russian documents issued on the territory of Crimea. So there is no dissonance.

Well, in general, on the topic of documents, take a look at this group. They are pouring in fresh demands.

Possible sanctions

Residents of Crimea, if they need to cross borders, find themselves in a difficult situation. If you have an old passport, it is tempting to travel using it without any additional problems. However, this is illegal according to Russian rules. There is a list of persons who are completely prohibited from entering:

• posing a danger to the stability of the situation;
• included in the list of citizens who cannot visit the country;
• military personnel.

Illegal entry and exit is usually punishable by a ban on visiting the state for an average of 3 years. The final decision on punishment is made individually.

Across the border with children?

On the Russian side:

1. Up to 14 years old: birth certificate
2. After 14 years: certificate + passport (simple or foreign)
3. You can travel with one of your parents (no need to obtain permission)
4. From the age of 18 you can ride independently with a passport.

On the Ukrainian side:

1. Up to 16 years old: birth certificate + international passport
2. You can travel with one of your parents (from February 9, 2021 you do not need to apply for a permit)
3. From the age of 16 you can ride independently

When leaving Ukraine for Crimea with one of the parents, the parent must be the same one with whom he entered Ukraine.

If you need to notarize any permits, please note that Crimean stamps are not valid. Either mainland Russia or Ukraine.

The border of Crimea and Ukraine today: current information

If you are traveling from Ukraine to Crimea, it is prohibited to transport the following products into the territory of the Russian Federation:

• vegetables and fruits;
• seedlings and seeds;
• nuts;
• salo;
• honey;
• eggs;
• raw meat (any);
• homemade dairy products (butter, cheeses, cottage cheese, feta cheese, etc.);
• finished products containing lard, pork (sausage, frankfurters, etc.)
• home-cooked finished products (cutlets, meat, stew, etc.);
• fish, shrimp.

Citizens of Ukraine, when entering Crimea with a minor child, if at least one of the parents is absent, must obtain permission to take the child to the occupied territory (in Ukrainian) from a notary.

Russian citizens crossing the Ukrainian-Crimean border must obtain a special pass from the Migration Service of Ukraine to visit the occupied territory. Getting it today is problematic if there are no relatives in Crimea, so it is better for Russians to visit the peninsula via the crossing in Kerch.

What products can be transported

To Ukraine

Let’s just say, I don’t see any point in bringing something from Crimea to Ukraine. Well, except for financial material assistance to relatives. Everything is simple here, up to 10,000 euros we negotiate verbally, if more we declare.

There is one thing! Russian rubles can be imported into Ukraine in the amount of no more than 10,000 hryvnia equivalent! Here is the link.

Otherwise, bags are practically not checked when entering Ukraine. They love to rummage through backpacks and briefcases in the hope of finding suspicious documents.

To Crimea

But back from Ukraine to Russia and all the questions arise.

In general, there are official regulations and all the rules in the form of a poster. Here's the most informative one.

As for bags, everything is very individual. I know that at the Russian border they confiscate all meat - lard, sausages, etc. There are no options here. Just some kind of raid. Very strict.

On a small note, no one composts their brains. I travel with a backpack and a piece of my brie cheese, 2 shampoos and Pharmacitron with Humer did not interest anyone at Russian customs.

Last time the bag was checked too. When they saw the “Red Poppy” and a very rare hair dye (my wife ordered it), they only clarified that it was for personal use and that’s all.

By the way, from January 1, 2021, the standards for importing luggage into the territory of the countries of the Eurasian Union have been updated. Now only 25 kg of goods worth up to 500 euros can be carried across the border.

Here, I took a photo at the border:

What products cannot be brought to Crimea: Video

What is allowed to be carried

The volume of goods that can be imported into Crimea or exported to Ukraine is regulated by the legislation of the two countries. In the first case - Russian. According to its rules, without filling out a declaration, you are allowed to have in your baggage:

• alcohol up to 3 liters;
• personal belongings;
• items worth up to 1,500 thousand euros;
• up to 200 cigarettes;
• money up to $10,000.

When answering the question of what can be transported to Crimea from Ukraine, it is necessary to take into account the presence of goods prohibited for import. They include:

• weapons and components;
• toxic and poisonous substances;
• medicines of one type in large quantities;
• drugs;
• plants and animals without appropriate documents;
• pornographic, terrorist, extremist literature, photo, video and audio materials.

The list for the two countries is approximately the same, and as a result of a check at customs when prohibited items are identified, there will be problems not only with entry, but also with explaining the nature of their occurrence.

How to dress?

This requires experience and skill. I use the “ extra layer ” rule when leaving Crimea or Kherson.

Eating in a T-shirt? - take a jacket. If you eat in a jacket, take a light jacket. Are you wearing a jacket? - take something warm to put under your jacket.

And once we actually got into some kind of weather disaster. In the morning there was wet snow, which densely covered the entire territory with champing snow formations 10 cm thick. And on the way back, the sun was shining and not a single wet footprint on the asphalt.

It is better to have a windproof jacket, a change of socks and an inflatable pillow with a sleep mask.

Here are photos in the morning and evening of the same day: April 19, 2021.

The walking distance between the strongholds is about 900 meters. The road is surprisingly good, so the bags on wheels almost roll by themselves.

Occasionally, you may be overtaken by a car or a begging dog that has crossed the border.

Queues at the border

Although the border is empty today, thanks to the efforts of the carriers, there are still queues. Russian border guards contribute to the slippage by checking bags and documents.

In Ukrainian, time drags on due to the installation of the “ Diy Vdoma ” application and authorization.

Here is my time consumption for the last border crossing during the Crimea-Ukraine quarantine:

• queue and bag check at the entrance to the Russian checkpoint - 40 minutes
• passing a Russian checkpoint and bag scanner (!) - 20 minutes
• crossing between borders - 20 minutes
• installation of the application and passage of the Ukrainian checkpoint - 20 minutes

When you arrive at the place, you will still have to wait for all your companions on the bus. In fact, from the time of arrival of the minibus on the Russian side to the time of departure on the Ukrainian side, 2 hours and 15 minutes passed.

Required documents

To enter Crimea from Ukraine you will need a certain set of documents:

• invitation from a relative or organization (if available);
• travel documents;
• Hotel reservation;
• return ticket;
• medical insurance (desirable);
• special permission (if necessary);
• additional (for children, animals, etc.).

Papers are collected depending on the situation and purpose of stay, and the composition of those entering.

Registration of a special permit

The advisability of obtaining this additional document is governed by the fact of the affiliation of the interested party. So, citizens of Ukraine do not need to register it, but Russians do. Such permission is obtained due to the lack of final recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. To obtain it you need a special reason, supported by documents:

• death or illness of a relative;
• the presence of burials of loved ones on Ukrainian territory;
• ownership of real estate;
• carrying out regular border crossings caused by work activities.

The paperwork is completed with the migration authorities of both countries.

Toilet theme

On the approaches to the border on the Russian side there are a number of gas stations where bus drivers make stops upon request or at their own request. There are no problems with this.

On the Russian side

In front of the Kalanchak checkpoint on the Russian side at the Bus Station there are normal toilets with a bi-currency fee of 20 rubles/10 hryvnia. Everything is very decent, there is even a hook for bags in the cabins. But toilet paper is still available upon request at the entrance.

Note the symbolic cross with the inscription WC. While waiting for the bus, you can expertly circle around it.

At the checkpoint itself, which is of Russian origin, there is a toilet only at the entrance. For a very long time they could not control the electricity here and had to deftly use mobile phone flashlights.

The smell is terrible (ventilation is done using the open door method), so I recommend that sensitive people bear with it.

Be carefull! In front of me, a lady dropped her passport into the toilet. At that time, she crossed the Russian border to leave and later was unable to self-identify on the Ukrainian side.

If it weren’t for the help of passers-by who found and returned the passport, it would have been possible to shoot the film “ Terminal 2 ” about a lady living in an uncontrolled territory the size of 1 km!

On the Ukrainian side

Before passing through the checkpoint there are new booths with good toilet stalls. Not everyone uses them, feeling that the crowd behind can overtake)

Behind the checkpoint, similar to a bus station, dry toilets were installed for 5 hryvnia. The keys are inside the room, which functions like a waiting room.

At the Border - Kherson , a gas station with a toilet finally began to function. Before that, they were equipped with hoses and obedient employees, but not with sanitary facilities. Request a stop from the driver upon request.

In the buffer zone, do not try to run behind a tree or into bushes that are not located along the road. Firstly, it may be completely mined there, and secondly, they may hunt you (although now part of the path is already surrounded by a fence).