Traveling to Ukraine for citizens of some countries requires a transit visa through the Schengen area. Find out how and when to apply for a short-stay visa and what nuances to pay attention to

Legal assistance on entry and stay in Ukraine

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Traveling to Ukraine is currently complicated by the lack of air service, and therefore it is possible to enter only by land through checkpoints on the borders with the EU. Ukraine has a visa-free regime with most countries of the world, but travel through the Schengen area by citizens of some countries requires a special transit visa. 

It should be noted that the Schengen transit visa type A is currently not suitable for traveling to Ukraine, as there are no flights to Ukraine, and therefore travelers will need to apply for a Schengen short-term (transit) visa type C.

Unfortunately, there is currently no universal formula that would guarantee transit through the EU. At the same time, we consider it appropriate to provide several recommendations, the implementation of which will facilitate successful travel through European countries and arrival in Ukraine.

Who needs a Schengen transit visa to enter Ukraine?

First of all, you need to understand whether you need a visa for Ukraine and a separate visa for transit through the EU. Full information on the visa regime with Ukraine is published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, where you can check whether you need a visa to Ukraine.

At the same time, the Schengen Agreement provides for a Common List of third countries from which travelers are required to obtain transit visas for travel. These are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, Ethiopia and the United States.

However, it should be borne in mind that each member of the Schengen area has its own separate list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a transit visa. Therefore, you need to check the exact information through the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country through which you plan to transit.

Thus, the algorithm of actions should look like this:

1. Check the visa regime with Ukraine and the Schengen countries

2. Applying for and obtaining a visa to Ukraine

3. Application and obtaining a transit visa through the Schengen area

Read more about what visas to Ukraine exist and how to apply for them here.

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Getting a transit visa through the Schengen area

As there are many nuances that differ in each Schengen country, it can be difficult to understand the paperwork during transit. As a rule, a standard package of documents for a transit visa may include 

– a passport

– a completed and signed application form

– photos

– insurance policy

– airline tickets

In some cases, you will also need to provide a bank statement or a salary certificate.

You can find out additional details at the consulate of the country where you will be transferring. Just call and explain where you are going and what transfers you are planning - they will tell you all the details.

If you need legal assistance on entering Ukraine, you can contact Visit Ukraine specialists. Our team of lawyers can help you understand the migration rules of certain countries, the specifics of obtaining visas to Ukraine and the Schengen area, as well as the collection and submission of documents required for travel.

Follow the link and order a consultation or full legal support from a specialist.

Transit through the EU: useful tips

1.Visit the website of the embassy of your country in the EU country through which you plan to travel in transit. Check out the latest news and announcements. Embassies publish information on transit travel without delay. 

2. Take all necessary steps to purchase a ticket to Ukraine. Print this ticket to present it when boarding a bus or other transportation. The purchased and printed ticket is one of the confirmations of the transit purpose of the person through the EU Member State to Ukraine.  

3. For more information, please read the instructions of the European Commission on the organization of border crossing of people and goods, which are available on the official website. 

Please note that the border services of the EU Member States are authorized to make final decisions on the admission of foreign nationals to the territory of the EU Member States.

We remind you! Today, you can enter Ukraine only by land, and there are several important details to consider in order to cross the border quickly. Read how to prepare for a trip to Ukraine and what you need to do to pass passport control in our previous article.