Foreigners planning to enter Ukraine should prepare in advance and plan everything. Find out more about the rules for foreigners entering Ukraine, what documents are required and answers to frequently asked questions

Legal assistance on entry, stay and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

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The rules for crossing the border and the list of documents required for the successful entry of foreign nationals into Ukraine differ depending on the grounds for entry, purpose, timeframe, etc.

What documents are required for foreigners to enter Ukraine in 2024 and all the necessary information about crossing the border and the rules of stay in the country are described below.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER UKRAINE: A CHECKLIST

FOR THOSE TRAVELLING ON A VISA

If you plan to stay in Ukraine for no more than 90 days, you do not need a visa. To cross the border, you must have a valid foreign passport. An identity card is not a reason for entry, except for citizens of Turkey and Georgia.

Therefore, foreigners and stateless persons travelling without a visa must have:

- a valid passport;

- no entry ban imposed by Ukrainian authorities;

- medical insurance;

- documents confirming the purpose of the trip;

- sufficient financial means for stay and return or transit to another country.

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FOR CITIZENS OF TURKEY AND GEORGIA 

Citizens of Georgia and Turkey can enter Ukraine without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. They need to have a valid passport to cross the border. Citizens of these countries can use both passports and ID cards for entry.

Documents required for citizens of Georgia and Turkey to enter Ukraine:

- a valid passport or ID card;

- medical insurance;

- no entry ban;

- confirmation of the purpose of the trip;

- proof of sufficient financial means to stay in Ukraine.

FOR CITIZENS FROM VISA-REQUIRING COUNTRIES

Obtaining a visa is the first step for foreign nationals planning to visit Ukraine. Information on the visa requirements for a particular country can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

For a short-term stay in Ukraine, foreigners are issued a type C visa. It entitles them to stay in the country for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This type of visa can be a single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa and is usually issued for tourist trips, business meetings or private visits.

To apply for a Ukrainian visa, a basic set of documents is submitted to a consular office.

Although the list of documents may vary depending on the type of visa, the main documents are:

- a foreign passport with a validity period exceeding the date of completion of the trip by 3 months;

- a completed visa application form;

- health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000;

- documents on financial support of the trip;

- a photograph of 35x45 mm in size;

- proof of payment of the consular fee;

- documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit.

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FOR RUSSIAN AND BELARUSIAN CITIZENS

Ukraine has a visa regime for citizens of the russian federation.

Since diplomatic relations between Ukraine and russia have been terminated, russian citizens can apply for a Ukrainian visa only through the diplomatic missions of Ukraine in third countries. Such services are provided by the embassies and consulates of Ukraine located in Estonia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Moldova and other countries. In some countries, documents are accepted through accredited visa centres.

It is important to note that it is impossible to enter Ukraine through the borders with russia, belarus, as well as through the Transnistrian section of the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, as these checkpoints are closed.

It is worth noting that citizens of belarus can still enter Ukraine without a visa through other borders.

FOR UKRAINIANS

Citizens of Ukraine can enter their homeland by presenting any identity document. These include:

- a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad;

- Diplomatic passport of Ukraine;

- service passport of Ukraine;

- seafarer's identity card or crew member's identity card;

- an identity card for returning to Ukraine, etc.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A RESIDENCE PERMIT

A temporary residence permit is an official document that confirms the right of a foreigner or stateless person to legally reside in Ukraine for a certain period of time.

A temporary residence permit allows foreigners to cross the border of Ukraine without a visa. However, in order to enter, a person must present:

- a valid foreign passport;

- the original certificate issued by the relevant authorities of Ukraine confirming the right to stay in the country.

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FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL IN TRANSIT

Foreigners are allowed to travel through the territory of Ukraine in transit if they have:

- transit visa type ‘B’;

- visa of the country of destination;

- travel tickets or other documents confirming the transit nature of the trip.

All categories of visas provided for by law are issued by Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad.

FOR THOSE TRAVELLING BY CAR 

To enter Ukraine by car with foreign registration, the following documents are required:

- foreign passport or visa (depending on citizenship);

- passport of a citizen of Ukraine/residence permit (for residents of the country);

- insurance policy;

- driver's licence;

- car registration certificate with valid insurance;

- international car insurance card ‘Green Card’.

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FOR THOSE WHO GO TO STUDY OR WORK

Foreign students entering Ukraine to study must provide the following documents:

- a valid passport document;

- a long-term visa of type D;

- invitation to study;

- documents on previous education;

- medical certificate;

- health insurance policy.

In turn, foreigners planning to work in Ukraine must have the following documents:

- a valid passport document;

- a long-term visa of type D;

- work permit (issued by the employer through the Employment Centre of Ukraine);

- employment agreement or contract;

- medical certificate;

- health insurance policy.

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FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL AT THE INVITATION OF A UKRAINIAN CITIZEN

For foreigners to enter Ukraine at the invitation of a Ukrainian citizen, the following documents are required:

- a foreign passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from Ukraine;

- visa (for citizens of states whose entry is not subject to the law on visa-free travel);

- an official invitation from a citizen of Ukraine (issued through the State Migration Service of Ukraine);

- health insurance policy.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW LONG IS VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO UKRAINE VALID FOR?

The visa-free regime for entry to Ukraine allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 90 days in total within any 180-day period.

HOW TO CONFIRM THE PURPOSE OF ENTRY TO UKRAINE?

The purpose of a visit to Ukraine can be confirmed by various documents. The most reliable proof is a notarised invitation from Ukrainian citizens, including relatives, friends or acquaintances.

Alternative documents to confirm the purpose of the trip may include:

- documents on booking accommodation (hotel reservations or apartment rental agreements);

- documentation from tour operators (vouchers);

- confirmation of participation in events (invitations to seminars, exhibitions, fairs);

- medical documentation (if the purpose is medical treatment);

- official letters of confirmation of business meetings or participation in conferences;

- business invitations from Ukrainian companies and organisations;

- in case of transit, documents confirming further travel (visa or tickets to a third country).

In case of applying for visas of other countries in Ukraine, documentation related to the visa process at the relevant consulate (for example, a completed visa application form or confirmation of an appointment for an interview) is sufficient to confirm the purpose of the visit.

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IS MY INSURANCE VALID IN UKRAINE?

Due to the martial law imposed on the territory of Ukraine, the vast majority of foreign insurers automatically terminate the insurance policy after crossing the Ukrainian border, and therefore, to ensure reliable protection during your stay in Ukraine, it is recommended to take out a policy with local Ukrainian insurance companies.

On Visit Ukraine portal, you can take out an insurance policy for foreign citizens that fully meets visa requirements and provides medical protection while travelling in Ukraine. The insurance coverage includes emergency medical care, hospitalisation and round-the-clock support.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO HAVE TO ENTER UKRAINE?

In accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 884 dated 04.12.2013, foreign citizens must have sufficient financial resources to enter and stay in Ukraine. The availability of funds is checked by representatives of the State Border Guard Service on a random basis.

The amount of the required financial security is calculated using the following formula: FO = ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5).

Explanation: FF - the amount of financial support, Pm - the established subsistence minimum per month, Kd - the length of stay in days.

The calculation is based on the current subsistence level at the time of entry into Ukraine. As of January 2024, it is UAH 2,920 per month.

HOW TO CHECK IF YOU ARE BANNED FROM ENTERING UKRAINE? 

Information regarding the crossing of the state border of Ukraine, exit restrictions or entry bans for foreign nationals is provided in accordance with the Law of Ukraine ‘On Personal Data Protection’. In order to obtain information, an official written request must be submitted to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, which must contain the applicant's personal data and information about the identity document.

For professional support in resolving issues related to border crossing, we recommend that you contact the professional lawyers of Visit Ukraine portal, who provide qualified advice and assistance in preparing the necessary documentation.

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR STAY IN UKRAINE FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS?

Ukrainian legislation provides for a number of reasons why foreigners can extend their stay in the country. Among them are the need for medical treatment, care for sick family members, childbirth, or inheritance. Extension of stay is also possible in case of forced suspension due to emergency circumstances or in connection with the submission of an application for citizenship, immigration permit or temporary or permanent residence permit. Other exceptional circumstances that make it difficult or impossible to leave may also be grounds for extending the period of stay.

To obtain this service, you need to prepare the necessary documents and apply to the territorial body or unit of the State Migration Service of Ukraine at your place of residence.

The decision to extend or refuse to extend the period of stay is made within three working days from the date of submission of the documents.

You should apply for an extension no later than three working days before the end of the permitted period of stay. After reviewing the application, a decision is made to either extend the period of stay in Ukraine or refuse to do so.

In case of refusal, the foreigner has the right to appeal against this decision within 10 days to the same authority where the application was submitted or through the court in accordance with the procedure established by law. The complaint must be accompanied by documents confirming the grounds for revision and cancellation of the decision.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can quickly apply for health insurance for foreigners that meets the requirements for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit.

WHERE TO PAY THE FINE FOR VIOLATION OF THE TERMS OF STAY IN UKRAINE

The fine for overstaying in Ukraine can be paid at the following locations:

- at a unit of the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS);

- in banking institutions or via online banking;

- directly at the border if the violation is detected while crossing the border.

WHAT IS PROHIBITED TO CARRY THROUGH THE UKRAINIAN BORDER

- Narcotics, narcotic and psychotropic substances;

- explosive and poisonous substances;

- food products without a certificate;

- printed and video materials promoting violence, racism and war, pornography;

- unidentified animals;

- cultural property declared wanted;

- cold steel, firearms, gas (spray) weapons without the permission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Just a reminder. Obtaining a residence permit is a key step for foreigners who plan to reside legally in Ukraine. You can obtain a residence permit on various grounds. To find out what types of residence permits exist in Ukraine, please follow the link.

Photo: Freepik

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Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

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