Kiev Borispol Airport

Arrived at Kiev Airport from Vienna. Immigration was a bit cramped otherwise I was out of there in 15 minutes. The immigration form had two parts both of which had to be filled in. One the immigration agent keeps the other stamps and gives back to you (which I discovered was basically your departure form.) Customs was a breeze but exiting out was a bit of a zoo. A lot of men offering "taxis". If you don't know where you're going not a good idea. Departure from Kiev for Vienna. The drop off is not curbside and I had to get out of the car quickly as stopping wasn't allowed. Checking in and getting through immigration was a breeze but there isn't very much in the departure lounges. Also they tend to use Euros. Overall it's a bit dated crowded and felt unsafe.

On arrival to Borispol B was greeted in Passport Control by a number of other flights arriving at the same time consequently passage through took 30 minutes before getting to luggage carousel. On departure the same thing happened (many passengers - few Passport Control officers) and took equally as long. Landside there is an Irish bar and a snack bar a duty free shop but very few seats. The balancing act is keeping your passage short but ensuring you have adequate time to bypass Passport Control.

Have used terminals A and B on a regular basis. Things are improving but for a country of this size Borispol is a poor introduction to the Ukraine. It will grow over the next few years and hopefully by 2012 it might be adequate for the international traveller. Staff speak little English which is bizarre as the many times I have been there it is often filled with English speaking customers! I have never had a problem with the toilets in terminal B but A is different too small and not cleaned very often. The bus ride to the planes in winter can be like sardines in an icebox - be warned! Passport control is all about knowing the system on my first visit it took me over an hour. I then learnt to jump the lines and got it down to 10 minutes standing in line for anything is not the Ukraine way pushing to the front is acceptable. To avoid taxi sharks learn a little Russian and they leave you alone never had a problem. Finally it is a developing country give it time and it will come good overall Borispol is OK crowded noisy too small with little Western style ideas of customer service - accept these things and you will be fine.