The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens to refrain from traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

The U.S. Department of State advises all U.S. citizens to refrain from traveling to Ukraine, particularly to the city of Uman for the annual pilgrimage during the Rosh Hashanah holiday. This is stated in a letter from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

The reason for the recommendation is security risks related to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

The advisory to U.S. citizens emphasizes that if a person is already in Ukraine and needs emergency assistance, they should have the contact information for Ukrainian emergency services, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, and the U.S. Department of State on hand.

The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Ukraine

The advisory states that U.S. citizens are advised to refrain from traveling to Ukraine.

Uman is specifically mentioned; every year on Rosh Hashanah, Hasidic pilgrims from various countries, including the U.S., travel there.

This warning is related to the security situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

What U.S. Citizens Should Do in Case of an Emergency in Ukraine

If a U.S. citizen is already in Ukraine and needs immediate assistance, the advisory recommends calling local emergency numbers.

In case of an emergency:

• police: call 102;
• ambulance: call 103.

These numbers are for contacting Ukrainian emergency services.

Contact Information for the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv

U.S. citizens in Ukraine who need assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected];
• Phone: 380 44-521-5566;
• Website: https://ua.usembassy.gov/

The statement also notes that due to security restrictions, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide immediate in-person consular services outside the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

U.S. Department of State Emergency Contacts

To contact the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs emergency number from abroad, call:

• 1 202-501-4444 — for calls from abroad;
• 1-888-407-4747 — for calls from the U.S.

U.S. citizens who are already in Ukraine or planning to travel abroad should save these contact numbers.

What to Do If Your U.S. Passport Is Lost or Stolen

The announcement specifically addresses cases of a lost or stolen U.S. passport.

If a passport is lost or stolen, a U.S. citizen must contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to replace the document.

The fee for replacing a passport is $165.

Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Thursday at the following link:

https://ua.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/

Why This Is Important for Pilgrims to Uman

Uman is one of the main pilgrimage sites for the Bratslav Hasidim. Every year on Rosh Hashanah, thousands of pilgrims come to the city to visit Rabbi Nachman’s grave.

However, amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, traveling to Ukraine carries additional risks.

Pilgrims should be aware of:

• the threat of missile and drone attacks;
• air raid alerts;
• possible transportation delays;
• curfews;
• restrictions on movement;
• difficulties in obtaining consular assistance outside Kyiv;
• the risk of losing documents while traveling or staying in Ukraine.

What U.S. citizens already in Ukraine should do

U.S. citizens already in Ukraine should:

• keep the contact information for the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv;
• keep their documents with them;
• make copies of their passports;
• know the numbers for Ukrainian emergency services;
• stay informed about security advisories;
• respond to air raid sirens;
• know the locations of the nearest shelters in advance;
• do not ignore martial law restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the U.S. State Department recommend traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah?

No. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to refrain from traveling to Ukraine, including to Uman for the annual pilgrimage during Rosh Hashanah.

Why are U.S. citizens advised not to travel to Ukraine?

Due to security concerns related to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

Who should U.S. citizens in Ukraine contact in case of an emergency?

In case of an emergency, call the local police at 102 or an ambulance at 103.

How can I contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv?

You can email [email protected] or call 380 44-521-5566.

What should I do if my U.S. passport is lost or stolen?

You must contact the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to replace your passport. The replacement fee is $165.