AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES NEWSLETTER
U.S. EMBASSY KYIV, UKRAINE

March 13, 2008

Through the American Citizens Services newsletter, the U.S. Embassy provides security and other information of general interest to U.S. citizens in Ukraine who have subscribed by registering with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv and providing an email address. This newsletter also serves as a test of our ability to reach Americans in Ukraine in the event of a wide-scale emergency. If you believe others would benefit from receiving this newsletter, please forward it to them and encourage them to subscribe. Please see the information on subscription at the bottom of this newsletter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

This year, Daylight Saving Time in the United States began three weeks earlier than in Ukraine. Daylight saving time in the United States began on Sunday, March 9, 2008. Clocks moved ahead one hour. In Ukraine, Daylight Saving Time will begin Sunday, March 30. Clocks will move ahead one hour at 0300. Ukraine will be GMT plus 3.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SSA AND VA BENEFICIARIES

Disability compensation, pension or survivors’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs:

Even if you are not otherwise required to file a tax return, you may still be entitled to an economic stimulus payment from the federal government.

WHAT YOU COULD GET: You could receive a payment of $300 for individuals or $600 if you are married and file a joint tax return with your spouse. Eligible taxpayers who qualify for a payment may receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child. To qualify a child must be under age 17 as of December 31, 2007.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: All you have to do to get the stimulus payment is file a 2007 IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040A and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form. You can include the amount of your VA benefits to qualify for the stimulus payment.

QUALIFYING INCOME: Add the amount of your VA disability compensation, pension, or survivors' benefits to any other qualifying income you have to reach the $3,000 requirement. Other qualifying income would include wage earnings or Social Security benefits.

WHAT YOU FILL OUT: Enter your name, address, Social Security Number, and filing status on the form. Then just enter the amount of VA and Social Security benefits you received on line 14a of the Form 1040A or line 20a of Form 1040. You can estimate the benefits you receive from VA or the Social Security Administration by taking the monthly amount you received last year and multiplying it by the number of months you received payments. If you need to include wage earnings to reach the $3,000 qualifying level, enter that amount on Line 7 of Form 1040A or 1040. In addition, you should write the words "Stimulus Payment" at the top of the 1040A or 1040.

IS THE STIMULUS PAYMENT TAXABLE NEXT YEAR? No!

WILL THIS PAYMENT AFFECT THE AMOUNT OF VA BENEFITS YOU RECEIVE? No!

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PAYMENT? For those who file a 2007 tax return, IRS will begin mailing checks in May.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: In late March 2008, the IRS will mail a packet of information to recipients of VA benefits who did not file a tax return last year. The packet will contain guidance to help you claim the stimulus payment. If you need information in the interim, you can visit the IRS web site at www.IRS.gov.

Social Security benefits:

Even if you are not otherwise required to file a tax return, you may still be entitled to an economic stimulus payment from the federal government.

WHAT YOU COULD GET: You could receive a payment of $300 for individuals or $600 if you are married and file a joint tax return with your spouse. Eligible taxpayers who qualify for a payment may receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child. To qualify a child must be under age 17 as of December 31, 2007.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: All you have to do to get the stimulus payment is file a 2007 IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040A and report at least $3,000 in qualifying income on the form. You can include the amount of your SSA benefits to qualify for the stimulus payment.

QUALIFYING INCOME: Add the amount of your Social Security benefits to other qualifying income, such as wage earnings or certain benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to reach the $3,000 requirement. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

WHAT YOU FILL OUT: You will enter your name, address, Social Security Number, and filing status on the form. Then just enter the amount of benefits reported to you in January on Form 1099-SSA on Line 14a of Form 1040A or Line 20a of Form 1040. If you don’t have Form 1099-SSA, you can estimate your Social Security benefits by taking the monthly amount you received last year and multiplying it by the number of months you received a check. If you need to include wage earnings to reach the $3,000 qualifying level, enter that amount on Line 7 of Form 1040A or 1040. In addition, you should write the words "Stimulus Payment" at the top of the 1040A or 1040.

IS THE STIMULUS PAYMENT TAXABLE NEXT YEAR? No!

WILL THIS PAYMENT AFFECT THE AMOUNT OF SSA BENEFITS YOU RECEIVE? No!

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PAYMENT? The IRS will begin mailing checks in early May.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: In late March 2008, the IRS will mail a packet of information to recipients of Social Security benefits who did not file a tax return last year. The packet will contain guidance to help you claim the stimulus payment. If you need information in the interim, you can visit the IRS web site at www.IRS.gov.

VOTING INFORMATION:

All American citizens are reminded that 2008 is a presidential election year in the United States.

Voters may use the electronic version of the FPCA to register to vote and/or request absentee ballots . The FPCA may be mailed to local election officials through the international mail (with appropriate postage), or voters can print out the attached postage-paid mailing label, affix it to an envelope, and send the FPCA in that envelope through the Embassy's diplomatic pouch system. Both the electronic FPCA and postage-paid envelope template are available at www.fvap.gov.

The Voting Assistance Officer at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, Kyiv, Ukraine is always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 8-044-490-4445 or send an e-mail to votekyivREMOVE@REMOVEstate.gov. Look for notices from the Embassy/Consulate throughout the year relating to the 2008 elections.

U.S. VOTING INFORMATION CENTER:
(703) 588-1343
DSN 425-1343
TOLL FREE: 1-800-438-VOTE (8683)
Visit the website for international toll-free phone and fax numbers: www.fvap.gov
E-Mail: vote@fvap.ncr.gov

VOTING RELATED LINKS OF INTEREST TO OVERSEAS CITIZENS

Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO): http://aaro.org/
Federation of American Women's Club Overseas (FAWCO): http://www.fawco.org/
American Citizens Abroad (ACA): http://www.aca.ch
Overseas Vote Foundation: https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/home.htm
Democrats Abroad: http://www.democratsabroad.org/
Republicans Abroad: http://www.republicansabroad.com/

The American Citizen Services does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this paragraph of the newsletter.

RECENT CHANGES FOR MONEY TRANSFER PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTED BY THE NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE

On December 29, 2007, the National Bank of Ukraine issued Decree #496 that stipulates new money transfer regulations. The Decree went into effect on February 10, 2008. Decree #496 affects both Ukrainian and Non-Ukrainian residents. The text of the law can be found on the website of the Ukrainian Supreme Council at the following link http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?page=3&user=m. See the paragraph under the title: "Íàö³îíàëüíèé áàíê; Ïîñòàíîâà, Ïðàâèëà âiä 29.12.2007 ¹ 496". You may alternatively try the following link: http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=z0074-08. The law is in Ukrainian. Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide a translation.

UKRAINIAN CUSTOMS RULES ON CULTURAL ITEMS AND ANTIQUES

The Ukrainian government imposes a strict ban on exporting certain items of cultural significance in order to preserve national heritage. American citizens must adhere to these restrictions as a matter of law. Please contact the Kyiv Department of Culture, Expertise Section at 3, Shevchenka blvd. or at 279-6109 or 279-5647 if you have any questions regarding items you own, wish to purchase, and/or plan to export. Before you make up your mind to buy antique items and export them from Ukraine, ensure that the subject item does not fall under the restrictions. Bear in mind that antique items of cultural or historical value are subject to inspection by the Department of Culture and further approval by the Customs Office.

The information below is not a translation but rather the Embassy's general understanding of Ukrainian Customs Regulations involving export and import of cultural items and antiquities. This information is unofficial and is not a substitute for guidance from the Government of Ukraine or a competent Ukrainian attorney. The text of the pertinent Ukrainian law can be found at http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=1068-14. Additional regulations issued by Ukrainian authorities can be downloaded from http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?user=l43848. The list of Ukrainian governmental entities who can authorize export of cultural items and antiquities is determined by Decree #647 of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine that can be found at http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=z0948-02.

Common souvenirs and cultural items that may be imported into Ukraine or purchased locally and then exported include:

  1. Pieces of contemporary art, handicrafts, souvenirs purchased on the local market.
  2. Paintings, small sculptures, authors' graphics, tapestry, decorative or household items made of ceramics, china, pottery, glass, wood, metal, textile or other materials which were produced after 1950.
  3. National and foreign-made household goods of mass and serial production manufactured after 1950, i.e.:
    • furniture (separate items and sets);
    • industrial and hand-made carpets, other carpet and textile goods;
    • articles of clothing;
    • dishware and other household goods made of glass, crystal, china, pottery, ceramics, majolica, wood, papier-mache, etc.;
    • jewelry of serial and mass production made of non-precious metal and semi-precious gems;
    • toys made of stone, hay, metal and plastic.
  4. Contemporary valuables of diverse religious nature, re-printed icons, crosses, chandeliers, and other religious items of mass production.
  5. Motor vehicles, boats, planes and other transportation means:
    • motor vehicles, motor cycles, bicycles and other transportation means of low historical value (exception: vehicles with historic value are prohibited from export: these include vehicles that belonged to famous people, politicians or might have been related to prominent historical events. Also prohibited are exclusive, non-serial motor vehicle brands, or those produced in small quantities, jubilee types or those made before 1950 and there are less than two examples in Ukraine).
    • clocks (wrist watches, floor, and wall clocks) manufactured after 1950;
    • contemporary models of air planes, motor vehicles, ships and other transportation means;
    • record players and records (beginning with # 285 for mono records and with # 739 for the stereo records) made after 1960.
  6. Printed materials published after 1945 inclusive of:
    • unique printed works, collection of works, collection of works written by different authors, scientific and popular literature, children’s literature;
    • periodicals, books of music, maps, arts editions, brochures, advertisements;
    • works that are being exported by the authors themselves;
    • university entrance handbooks and single volume language dictionaries;
    • contemporary re-printed and facsimile editions;
    • all editions and other information recorded on any media that are being sent by the governmental libraries, by libraries affiliated with scientific and civilian organizations, museums in the scope of different international book and inter-governmental librarian exchange programs;
    • mass printed graphics (copies, lithographs, engravings, posters, leaflets, announcements, calendars, envelopes etc.), photo albums, and photo souvenirs etc.
  7. Musical instruments made after 1950, if one of the following can be proven: manufacturer registration, money receipt, deed of sale, Trade Mark label, etc.
  8. Postage stamps and blocks, post envelopes and cards with stamps printed after 1991.
  9. Personal awards, decorations and medals. Exportation is allowed only the owner possesses proof of ownership for the awards bestowed, or is a direct heir of the awardee.
  10. State awards of Ukraine made of precious metals and/or gems. (The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Instruction # 677 dated June 21, 2001, provides special export procedures for these awards.)
  11. Badges, memorabilia, desktop medals, jubilee and memorable coins, banknotes that are not considered collectibles and manufactured after 1960.

REQUEST FOR CELLULAR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR TEXT-MESSAGING

The American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has implemented a text messaging network, whereby registered American citizens in Ukraine can receive short text messages (SMS). The SMS is sent to cellular telephones, informing the user that a new warden message has been issued (i.e., posted on the Embassy website and e-mailed to individual registrants) and providing important information in case of an emergency. Since some of our registrants do not have constant access to the Internet, this text-messaging capability enhances our ability to contact Americans in the event of an emergency.

As with all personal information provided by American citizens, we consider privacy and information technology security to be a top priority. We will ensure that cellular phone numbers are protected properly as required by law.

If you would like to participate, please make sure that your cellular telephone supports the text messaging option and provide us with your phone number in the following format: (2-digit country code)(3-digit provider code)(7-digit number) without blank spaces, brackets or any other symbols. For example, a UMC cellular phone number in Ukraine will look like the following: 380501234567. Please send the phone number, along with your name, by e-mail to KyivACSREMOVE@REMOVEstate.gov. We encourage your participation as an emergency preparedness measure.

INTERNET-BASED REGISTRATION SYSTEM (IBRS)

The Embassy strongly encourages all American citizens residing or traveling abroad to register with us.

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can access the State Department's secure online registration website either through a link on http://travel.state.gov or directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. We invite you to register yourself and your family and get acquainted with travel registration. Even if you believe you are already registered with this Embassy, please take a minute to check your record and update any information that may have changed.

If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about the State Department's registration website, please send an e-mail to caibrs@state.gov. If you have specific questions about your registration with this Embassy please contact us at KyivACSREMOVE@REMOVEstate.gov.

CURRENT TRAVEL WARNINGS:

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. The countries listed below are currently on that list. In addition to this list, the State Department issues Consular Information Sheets for every country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. The date next to the country name indicates when the country was added to the list. If the country is not excluded from the list, the warning for the country is still up-to-date.

Serbia 02/29/2008
Cameroon 02/28/2008
Nepal 02/25/2008
Chad 02/20/2008
Timor-Leste 02/15/2008
Philippines 02/13/2008
Sri Lanka 02/08/2008
Kenya 02/08/2008
Afghanistan 02/06/2008
Colombia 02/05/2008
Eritrea 01/18/2008
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 01/08/2008
Iran 01/03/2008
Algeria 12/23/2007
Saudi Arabia 12/19/2007
Burundi 12/10/2007
Cote d"Ivoire 12/05/2007
Somalia 11/13/2007
Nigeria 10/30/2007
Uzbekistan 10/25/2007
Lebanon 10/17/2007
Indonesia 10/05/2007
Yemen 09/24/2007
Pakistan 09/21/2007
Syria 09/18/2007
Sudan 09/06/2007
Haiti 08/31/2007
Central African Republic 08/09/2007
Iraq 07/23/2007
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 07/13/2007

For more details on specific countries in the list, please, follow the link of the Department of State, Consular Affairs website http://travel.state.govhttp://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

OTHER USEFUL INTERNET ADDRESSES AVAILABLE FOR U.S. CITIZENS

U.S. Federal Government: http://www.firstgov.gov
U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: http://travel.state.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration: http://www.faa.gov
U.S. Internal Revenue Service: http://www.irs.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov
World Health Organization http://www.who.org
Social Security Administration: http://www.ssa.gov
SSA Newsletter: http://www.ssa.gov/enews/
Federal Voting Assistance: http://www.fvap.gov
U.S. Customs & Border Protection: http://www.cbp.gov (for information including importation of household pets, animal and plant health inspection, etc)
U.S. Department of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov (for information on food products, food safety and inspection service)
U.S. Postal Inspection Service: http://www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/
Internet Fraud Complaint Center: http://www.ifccfbi.gov
Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C.: http://www.ukremb.com
Consulate General of Ukraine in New York: http://www.brama.com/ua-consulate
Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago: http://www.ukrchicago.com
Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco: http://www.ukrainesf.com

HOLIDAYS AND OTHER CLOSURES

HolidayDayDateCountry
Orthodox EasterSunday, MondayApril 27, 28Ukraine
International Labor DayThursday, FridayMay 1, 2Ukraine
Victory DayFridayMay 9Ukraine
Memorial DayMondayMay 26U.S.
Holy TrinitySunday, MondayJune 15, 16Ukraine
Constitution DaySaturday, MondayJune 28**, 30**Ukraine
Independence DayFridayJuly 4U.S.
Independence DaySunday, MondayAugust 24**, 25**Ukraine
Labor DayMondaySeptember 1U.S.
Columbus DayMondayOctober 13U.S.
Veterans DayTuesdayNovember 11U.S.
Thanksgiving DayThursdayNovember 27U.S.
Christmas DayThursdayDecember 25U.S.

* - When a Ukrainian holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, it is usually observed on Monday.

** - When a U.S. holiday falls on Saturday, it is usually observed on Friday, when on Sunday -- it is usually observed on Monday.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine may make additional changes in the holiday schedule during the year.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv will be closed for in-service training on Friday, February 08, 2008. For that week only, notary services will be available on Thursday, February 07, 2008, 9:00 am -- 12:00 noon. In cases of emergency, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit at 044 4904445 or 4904000.

SUBSCRIPTION TO AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES NEWSLETTER

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter and other updates, please register with the Embassy. You can do this online through the new Internet-Based Registration System (IBRS) directly at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or through a link on http://travel.state.gov. Please see above for more information on IBRS.

Published by the ACS Unit, Consular Section, U.S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine, tel: (+38 044) 490-4445; fax: (+38 044) 490-4040; e-mail: KyivACSREMOVE@REMOVEstate.gov; website: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov; public hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 noon, Monday - Friday; notary services - Fridays only.

CONSULAR SECTION, U.S. EMBASSY KYIV, UKRAINE
6, M. PYMONENKA STR., KYIV 01901, UKRAINE

Comments or suggestions on this newsletter are welcome.