Friendlier atmosphere, quicker crossings at the Ukrainian frontier

As many benefit from and enjoy today’s open, free borders throughout mainland Europe, this privilege ends at the EU-Ukrainian frontier where restrictions pre-Schengen zone still apply and a passport must be produced – at least for now. An article written by a guest author, Alexander Stemp.

I have passed through the main Záhony border post from Hungary, which crosses over the defining River Tisza by road and rail to the Ukrainian town of Chop, and through other nearby, lesser frequented checkpoints without any real fuss, other than occasional transportational delays.

Chop, which is four kilometres further on from Záhony, is roughly half-way between Budapest and Lviv. With visas no longer required for most persons, this procedure is lighter and easier than ever, albeit still formal. It makes sense, as there is a general wish today for neighbouring Transcarpathia and indeed the rest of Ukraine to attract tourism.

But certain doubts and fears still linger, as some people continue to be wary about venturing forth due to past Soviet “antagonistics”, as also seen with the current conflict with Russia in eastern Ukraine. Plus there is today’s political fall-out between Hungary and Ukraine over minority language rights.

Add in the renowned reputation for smuggling across the border, which continues to prevail, and tourism is yet to find its way into Ukraine. But it will for sure.

But putting all this aside, really much has improved both for visitors and with general “life there” since former times and with today’s more liberal border scene. Local authorities really have gone out of their way to be more hospitable to travellers and to stamp out practices of border crossing corruption. They have also reduced the heavy congestion, so much so that, on a good day, one can get through from either side and be cleared within 20 minutes, as tested by me in a taxi. This is remarkable progress and unthinkable not so long ago.