A large number of foreigners continue to visit Ukraine despite the war and the difficult security situation. Find out more about what foreigners need to enter Ukraine in 2024, the necessary documents, visas, routes and other important nuances

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the country remains open to tourists from all over the world. Foreigners planning to visit the country should familiarise themselves with the entry rules and other important nuances in advance.

What documents do foreigners need to enter Ukraine, whether a visa and insurance are required, and other important details are described below.

What documents do foreigners need to enter Ukraine?

To cross the border of Ukraine, foreign nationals need to have the following documents:

1. International passport. The document must be valid for the entire period of stay in Ukraine. Citizens of Turkey and Georgia can enter with an ID card.

2. Visa. A visa is required only in the absence of a visa-free regime or if it is required by law.

3. Confirmation of the purpose of the trip. This includes documents proving family ties, invitations from Ukrainian citizens, invitations to events or conferences, tour or hotel bookings, etc.

4. Proof of financial solvency. It is necessary to demonstrate the availability of sufficient funds for the entire period of stay and return to the country of origin. For this purpose, you can present:

- cash in hryvnia or other convertible currency;

- bank cards, account statements or ATM receipts;

- a letter of guarantee from the host party to cover expenses;

- proof of payment for accommodation and meals;

- a contract for travel services (voucher or voucher);

- a return ticket with a specified date.

5. Insurance policy. Due to martial law, foreign insurance policies cease to be valid after crossing the Ukrainian border. The policy must be issued by a Ukrainian insurance company or a foreign one that has a representative office in Ukraine. It is recommended to have insurance covering military risks, which includes standard medical care, diagnostics, treatment, and compensation in case of injuries or accidents related to military operations.

On the Visitukraine.today portal, you can take out reliable travel insurance to Ukraine, which will guarantee compensation in case of unforeseen situations.

With travel health insurance in Ukraine, you can rest easy during your trip, knowing that you are protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Visa requirements for foreigners entering Ukraine

Visa-free regime

Ukraine has a visa-free regime with 148 countries, which allows their citizens to enter without the need for a visa. This list includes the EU, the US, Japan, Kuwait, Uruguay and others. Citizens of these countries can stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can check whether your country is on the visa-free list on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Entry with visa

If your country does not have a visa-free regime with Ukraine, you will need to obtain a visa depending on the purpose and duration of your stay.

The main types of Ukrainian visas for foreigners:

- Short-term visa (type C). This visa allows you to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within 180 days. It can be a single-, double- or multiple-entry visa, depending on the applicant's needs. Type C is usually issued for tourism, business trips (subtype C-01), private visits (subtype C-02), medical treatment and work of media representatives.

- Long-term visa (type D). It is issued for those who plan to stay in Ukraine for a long time or permanently. Such a visa entitles you to stay for more than 90 days and is mandatory for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit.

- Work, study and family visas. These are the most common categories of long-term visas. They are issued for a period of up to 90 days with the possibility of multiple entries. For stays longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit upon arrival.

- Transit visa. It is intended for foreigners planning to transit through Ukraine to another country. It can be a single-entry (up to 5 days) or double- or multiple-entry (up to a year), provided that each stay in Ukraine does not exceed 5 days.

Each type of visa is issued in accordance with established procedures, so it is important to prepare the necessary documents in advance. Read here to find out how to apply for a visa to Ukraine, what documents you need and how much it costs.

Facing difficulties in migration matters? Qualified lawyers of the Visitukraine.today portal are ready to provide you with professional support: from obtaining residence permits to solving any migration issues!

Insurance for entry to Ukraine: protection for foreigners

When planning a trip to Ukraine, you should pay special attention to health issues. After all, unforeseen illnesses or ailments in an unfamiliar country can create many difficulties. To avoid unnecessary problems, travellers are advised to take out a health insurance policy. It is mandatory for foreign nationals in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Tourism’ and the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The Visitukraine.today portal offers several types of insurance to choose from:

- Basic health insurance for foreigners in Ukraine. The insurance can be taken out for a period of 3 to 180 days. Three packages are available for purchase: Covid-19 (UAH 100,000 coverage), insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage, and Safe Travel insurance (UAH 250,000 coverage).

- Medical insurance Plus. Extended coverage and increased level of protection for travellers. For the convenience of users, the website offers four different insurance packages: Silver/Platinum/Gold packages (provide the same amount of coverage - EUR 30,000, but differ in the list of insured events and the amount of indemnity limits) and the Armour + Year of Protection package (coverage amount - UAH 120,000, suitable for obtaining a residence permit, designed for 365 days and has coverage specially adapted for situations related to military risks).

- War Risk Insurance. Suitable for short-term trips from 3 to 180 days and visa applications. Insurance with war risk coverage has two packages: Armour 30,000 euros and Armour 100,000 hryvnias.

You can find out who needs insurance to enter Ukraine , what the rules are, and how to buy insurance to enter Ukraine online on Visit Ukraine by following the links.

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Rules for entering Ukraine by car for foreigners

To enter Ukraine by car, foreigners must have the following documents

- international passport;

- driver's licence;

- car registration certificate with valid insurance;

- international car insurance card ‘Green Card’.

Please note! Foreign citizens can drive cars with foreign licence plates in Ukraine for up to one year. However, if you plan to stay in Ukraine for longer than two months, you need to contact a service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for temporary registration of your car. After the one-year period expires, the car with foreign number plates must leave Ukraine.

Read more about what can be imported and exported from Ukraine and the main customs rules for crossing the border here.

Foreign visitors to the country are advised to additionally take out voluntary car insurance that covers the risks of war. This policy will protect the driver from possible unpleasant situations and the cost of vehicle repairs if the vehicle is damaged by military risks. On the Visitukraine.today portal, you can purchase a Mini Hull insurance policy from a reliable insurer for guaranteed protection on the roads of the country online. Three package options are available for periods ranging from a month to a year for cars, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, as well as trailers and semi-trailers.

How to confirm the purpose of entry into Ukraine: instructions for foreigners

The purpose of a foreign citizen or stateless person's entry into Ukraine is certified by a visa in a passport or other identity document. The specific justification of the purpose depends on the type of visa issued. To confirm the purpose of stay in Ukraine, foreigners may submit the following documents:

- travel vouchers, hotel booking confirmation or a rental agreement;

- invitations or tickets to participate in seminars, exhibitions, fairs and other similar events;

- a certificate or other document confirming the intention to undergo treatment in a Ukrainian medical institution;

- official confirmation of participation in conferences, meetings or other events;

- a written invitation from a company or organisation, for example, for participation in a conference or employment;

- a notarised invitation from a citizen of Ukraine, e.g. a relative, friend or fiancé/faithful spouse;

- a document confirming enrolment in a Ukrainian educational institution;

- a visa or travel tickets to a third country if the entry to Ukraine is for transit purposes.

Each document must correspond to the purpose of the visit and be executed in accordance with the requirements of the current legislation of Ukraine.

For more information on confirming the purpose of entry to Ukraine for foreigners, please follow the link.

Can I travel to Ukraine right now: security situation

Today, there are no completely safe cities in Ukraine. Although active hostilities are mostly in the eastern and southern regions, and the western regions are moderately safe, rocket attacks periodically affect the entire country.

If you decide to visit Ukraine, please follow the basic safety rules:

- always have a document proving your identity;

- observe the curfew. During the curfew, it is forbidden to be outside, use public transport or visit public places;

- respond to air raid alerts. Download the alarm notification app on your smartphone and immediately go to the nearest shelter in case of a signal. If you are outside, do the same;

- take out an insurance policy covering war risks. To be more confident in your safety during your stay in Ukraine, you should take care of proper insurance;

- keep information about your blood type and any health problems with you;

- keep your phone and power bank charged so that they are always ready for use;

- there are checkpoints on the roads. Be prepared to be stopped and have your documents checked.

Following these recommendations will help you minimise risks during your stay in Ukraine.

To find out how to avoid risks and make your trip to Ukraine as safe as possible, as well as whether it is safe for tourists to travel to Kyiv and Lviv now, please follow the links.

How to organise an unforgettable trip to Ukraine?

Are you planning a trip to Ukraine? Tours from the Visitukraine.today portal are exactly what will help you make your trip comfortable, interesting and as organised as possible. We offer a wide range of services that will satisfy the needs of any traveller:

- Individual tours. Create your own unique itinerary with us! We will help you choose the most interesting places that suit your preferences - from historical monuments to natural wonders.

- Group travel. Travel with friends or colleagues! We organise group tours with a well-thought-out programme to ensure that each participant is satisfied.

- Business trips in comfort. We will arrange transfers from neighbouring countries, book a hotel and offer interesting excursions for a pleasant leisure time.

- Excursions to combine business and leisure Travelling on business but want to experience the flavour of Ukraine? We will offer interesting routes, excursions and activities that will make your trip unforgettable.

- Full travel support. We take care of every detail: booking accommodation, transport, guides, 24/7 support. Everything for your peace of mind and pleasure.

To book or find out more about the tours, please contact our managers: WhatsApp/Telegram.

Remember. Obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine opens up new opportunities for foreigners. Read here to find out why a foreigner needs a residence permit, what benefits the document provides and how to obtain a residence permit with minimal effort.

Photo: Freepik

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 – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

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;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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