Transit visa: who needs it and how long can you stay in Ukraine?
Foreigners and stateless persons who intend to transit through the territory of Ukraine while traveling to a third country must obtain a visa of the appropriate type. Find out what you need to apply for and who, on the contrary, does not need transit permits
Despite the fact that Ukraine has been at war for two years now, foreigners continue to come to the country, both for work and leisure. Thus, according to official statistics provided by the State Border Guard Service at the request of Visit Ukraine, more than 2.4 million foreigners entered Ukraine in 2023. The vast majority of them traveled for private purposes, while the rest were vehicle service personnel or transiting through Ukraine.
Since the issue of the rules of entry to Ukraine is only gaining popularity among foreign citizens, we will tell you what is required to obtain a transit visa and who needs this document.
Who needs to apply for a transit visa to Ukraine?
Depending on the planned duration of a foreigner's stay in Ukraine and the availability of relevant documents, visas are divided into several types. One of them is a transit visa (type B). According to the current rules, the period of stay in Ukraine during each transit through its territory should not exceed 5 days.
A visa of this type is required in case of transit through Ukraine to a third country, as well as transit transportation of goods and passengers by road. The visa is issued both as a single and multiple entry visa for the period specified in the documents that are the basis for issuing such a visa.
In this case, a transit visa is required for citizens of countries that do not have a visa-free regime. In general, Ukraine has visa regimes with about 100 countries.
How to apply for a transit visa?
To obtain a visa for entry into Ukraine and transit through its territory, a foreigner or stateless person must apply to one of the authorized bodies, namely
– a foreign diplomatic mission of Ukraine;
– Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;
– representative office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the territory of Ukraine.
Documents required to apply for a transit visa:
– passport document
– a completed and signed visa application form
– one color photo measuring 35 x 45 millimeters
– biometric data
– valid health insurance policy
– a document confirming payment of the consular fee
In addition, the foreigner must provide: a document confirming transit travel (visa to a third country (if necessary), travel ticket, etc.); a document confirming the transit transportation of goods and passengers by road; a license for international transportation issued by the relevant competent authority of a foreign country.
Visa processing time: 5 working days in an urgent procedure and 10 working days in a regular procedure after submitting documents to the relevant institution.
For more information on the rules and necessary documents for obtaining other types of visas to Ukraine, please follow the link.
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Can I be banned from transit through Ukraine?
A visa is canceled during a foreigner's or stateless person's stay in Ukraine if the following facts are found
– submission of an invalid passport or other documents issued to another person or forged documents when applying for a visa;
– submission of deliberately false information when applying for permits;
– making a decision on the forced return or forced expulsion of a foreigner or stateless person from the territory of Ukraine.
At the same time, foreigners and stateless persons legally staying in Ukraine have the same rights and obligations as Ukrainians. And the exercise by foreigners and stateless persons of their rights and freedoms should not harm the national interests of Ukraine, the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of its citizens and other persons residing in Ukraine.
If you need assistance in applying for a visa to Ukraine, as well as obtaining a residence permit or other documents, please contact Visit Ukraine's lawyers. Our specialists specialize in migration law and are ready to help you solve your urgent problems and prepare the necessary documents.
Follow the link and order a legal consultation or full legal support.
We remind you! Foreign tourists can travel to the territory of Ukraine. However, due to the martial law, citizens of other countries need to prepare a package of documents and comply with migration legislation. Read more about the current rules of entry to Ukraine for foreigners in 2024 and prohibitions in our previous article.
Photo: Unsplash
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.