How to get a visa to the USA for Ukrainians?

The most popular visas to the United States:

B-1. With this document, people come to the country for work, attend conferences and exhibitions.

B-2. It is used to travel, visit relatives, go for short-term treatment or study.

The US Embassy also often issues combined B-1/B-2 visas. Recently, Ukrainians have been issued them for a maximum of ten years.

You can obtain a US visa in Ukraine at the US Embassy in Kyiv, which reopened in November 2024.

If it is more convenient for you to apply for a visa in another country, you can contact the following US embassies:

1. Poland - Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw Poland, tel: +48 22 504 2000
   
2. Hungary - Szabadság tér 12 H-1054 Budapest, tel: (36-1) 475-4400
   
3. Slovakia - 814 99 Bratislava, tel: +421-2-5443 3338
   
4. Romania - 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118, tel: +40 21 200-3300
   
5. Moldova - 103 Mateevici street, Chisinau MD-2009, tel: (+373 22) 408 300

How to get a visa to the United States and how it is processed

1. First, choose the type of visa that suits you;
2. choose a country where there is a US embassy where you will submit your documents;
3. fill out the DS-160 visa application form on the website;
4. register in your personal account and pay the consular fee;
5. choose a time for an interview at the embassy;
6. prepare a package of documents;
7. go to the embassy on the appointed date and time to apply for a visa to the United States.

What documents are required for a visa to the United States?

• confirmed hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay;
• booked, or better yet, redeemed round-trip airline tickets;
• plan of a tourist trip;
• national and international passports;
• a completed application form in English;
• official confirmation of successful registration of the DS-160 application form;
• electronic photos taken within six months prior to submission;
• receipt of payment of the consular fee;
• certificate of employment in Ukraine;
• bank statement containing information about the funds on the account and the movement on the account;
• documents on marital status;
• Applicants with children under the age of 18 will need birth certificates of their children;
• information on movable and immovable property;
• information on confirmation of an appointment for an interview.

The list of documents may be shortened or extended. It depends on the type of visa and individual characteristics of the person. If you are applying for a business visa, you must have invitations from your partners.

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How much does it cost to get a visa to the United States?

Ukrainians pay a $185 consular fee for a visa to the United States. This is the price for the fee for the following visas: B1/B2, F1, C1/D, I, J. But in addition, you need to calculate the money for the trip to the embassy and other expenses.

How to pass an interview at the US Embassy?

• The interview is often conducted in English. But in some countries, it can be conducted in Ukrainian or Russian. For example, in Poland.
• You should come to the interview in advance (20 minutes in advance). You should not bring bulky bags, prohibited items, lighters, electronic accessories, food, or water.
• Each country has its own rules. Sometimes you are allowed to take your phone and small handbags with you and leave them in special cells.
• When talking to a visa officer, you have 5-10 minutes to confirm the purpose of your visit and that you are not going to stay in the country illegally.
• You may also be denied a visa if you have relatives living in America illegally, if you filled out the documents incorrectly, behaved strangely during the interview, concealed important information, etc.

It is important to note that after a visa is denied, you can reapply for it, but it will be difficult to get a visa after the first one. And after the second and third refusal, it will be very difficult.

What documents are required for Ukrainians to enter the United States?

• A valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your intended entry into the United States.

• Valid visa: You must have a valid visa to enter the United States. The type of visa (e.g. B1/B2) depends on the purpose of the trip (tourism, business, etc.).

• Return flight tickets: You need to have tickets for your return flight or to another country to confirm your return plans.

• Proof of financial means: Documents that confirm your ability to finance your stay in the United States on your own (bank statements, income statements).

• Confirmation of the purpose of the trip: Documents confirming the purpose of your trip (for example, an invitation to a conference or confirmation of a hotel reservation for tourist visas).

• Health insurance: is mandatory.

• Form I-94: This form is issued electronically at the border crossing and contains information about the date of entry and length of stay in the United States.

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1. 🚌 🚆 Traveling by land to neighboring European countries

Poland:

• Bus: There are regular buses to Poland, including the cities of Warsaw, Krakow, and Rzeszow, from major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. The ticket price starts from 1200 UAH and the travel time is 9-16 hours.

• By train: There are several train routes from Ukraine to Poland. In particular, you can get from Kyiv to Przemysl or Warsaw. Trains to Poland are fast and convenient, with ticket prices starting at 1300 UAH.

• Bus: There are also bus routes to Budapest and other Hungarian cities from Ukrainian cities. The trip takes about 15-20 hours and the ticket price starts at 1500 UAH.
• Train: Direct trains from Kyiv to Budapest are a convenient option for traveling. The travel time is about 18 hours.

• Bus: Bus routes to Bucharest or Suceava take approximately 11-14 hours.
• Train: A direct train from Kyiv to Bucharest or Suceava is also a convenient option. Travel time is about 18-22 hours.

2. ✈️ Flights from Europe to the USA

• Numerous direct flights to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles are available from Warsaw. Ticket prices range from $450 to $750, with travel time from 9 to 17 hours.
• Krakow and Rzeszow: it is also possible to fly from these airports, although transfers may be necessary. The cost is from $500 to $800.

• Budapest: direct flights to the United States from Budapest are a convenient option. Ticket prices start at $300 and travel time is about 11-15 hours.
  

• Bucharest: Flights to New York, Atlanta, and other US cities are available, usually with stopovers in Europe. The cost is from $350, travel time - from 15 hours.

• Experience awe-inspiring vistas, 
• Hike along the rim, 
• Marvel at the geological wonders. 

• Witness the erupting Old Faithful geyser, 
• Encounter diverse wildlife, 
• Explore vibrant hot springs. 

• Immerse yourself in the arts at Broadway, 
• Visit iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park, 
• Explore the vibrant neighborhoods. 

• Experience the lively atmosphere of the French Quarter, 
• Indulge in delicious Creole cuisine, 
• Immerse yourself in the city's unique jazz and blues traditions.

• Witness the mesmerizing sight of molten lava, 
• Hike through lava tubes, 
• Explore the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to volcanic conditions.

How to travel abroad with a child in 2025?

During martial law, Ukraine has simplified rules for children traveling abroad:

• Children under 16 can travel with one parent without the notarized consent of the other.
  
• Children over 16 years of age have the right to cross the border on their own if they have a valid passport.
  
• If the child is traveling with relatives or other trusted persons, the child's birth certificate and documents confirming the relationship with the accompanying person are required.

Documents for a child traveling abroad

Before traveling to the United States, make sure your child has all the necessary documents:

• Passport. Every child, regardless of age, must have their own passport.
  
• A birth certificate. It is especially important if the parents and child have different surnames; it is recommended to have a translation of the certificate in English.
  
• Health insurance. Mandatory for entry into the United States; make sure that the policy covers the entire period of stay.
  
• Return tickets. Confirmation of plans to return to Ukraine.

Features of entering the United States with children

Citizens of Ukraine must obtain an appropriate visa to enter the United States. Each child needs a separate visa, regardless of age. The visa application process for a child is similar to that for an adult, but has its own peculiarities. In particular, it is necessary to provide a child's birth certificate and, if traveling with one of the parents or an authorized person, a notarized consent of the other parent or documents confirming legal guardianship.

📌 Need advice on documents or an extended stay in the United States?

Visit Ukraine specialists will help you with:

• Registration of a power of attorney for the child's departure
  
• Consultation on the rules of entry and stay in the United States
  
• Preparation of the necessary documents for legal stay

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List of things to pack for a trip with a child

Documents:

- Originals and copies of all required documents.

- Medical insurance.

What to take on the road:

- A change of clothes and shoes.

- Hygiene products, diapers (if necessary).

- Medications (antipyretic, anti-allergy, digestive).

- Snacks and water.

- Toys, books or gadgets for the child's entertainment.

📌 Health insurance is a must for traveling to the USA!

There is no free healthcare in the United States, and even a routine doctor's appointment can cost hundreds of dollars. Hospitalization or emergency care means thousands of dollars in bills if you don't have an insurance policy.

👉 Apply for insurance in a few minutes on Visit Ukraine - it covers emergency care, diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and even medical evacuation if necessary.

Protect yourself and your child - take out insurance before you travel!

Legal aspects of traveling abroad with a child

Travel permit:

• If the child is traveling with one parent, the other parent's notarized consent is not required.
  
• If the child is traveling with relatives or other trusted persons, it is necessary to have a notarized consent of one of the parents and documents confirming the relationship.

📌 Not sure whether you need a power of attorney or how to draw it up correctly?

Visit Ukraine's lawyers will help you understand all the nuances of a child's travel abroad, tell you what documents are needed and how to prepare them.

Translation of documents:

It is recommended to have a translation of the child's birth certificate into English.

Practical tips for traveling with a child

1. Rules regarding child car seats

In the United States, all children under 8 years of age or under 145 cm tall must ride in a car seat. This even applies to taxis! If you rent a car, add a car seat to your order - fines for not having one can be high (from $100 to $500).

2. Visiting a doctor: what is important to know

• In the United States, even emergency medical care is expensive if you don't have insurance. A single trip to the doctor can cost $100-300, and emergency room (ER) care can cost $500 and more.
  
• Many medications that are sold over the counter in Ukraine require a doctor's prescription in the United States. Therefore, it is worth having an international prescription in English if your child has a chronic illness.
  
• It is better to buy children's paracetamol and ibuprofen locally - they are sold at any pharmacy without a prescription.

3. Follow the nutrition rules - the US has different standards. Many foods in the US contain more sugar and preservatives than their counterparts in Europe. Choose “organic” or “no sugar added” products for children.

4. How to save money on children's entertainment in the USA

• “CityPASS” - gives significant discounts on museums, amusement parks and attractions (for example, in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago).
  
• Free days - many museums in the United States have days when admission is free for children or the whole family.
  
• US national parks are free for children under 16 years old - visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Yosemite at no extra cost!

Useful contacts in the USA

Embassy of Ukraine in the United States

Address: 3350 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Phone: +1 202 349 29 47

Hotline: +1 202 322 2616

Email: emb_us@mfa.gov.ua

Website: http://usa.mfa.gov.ua

Consulate General of Ukraine in New York

Address: 240 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017

Phone: +1 (212) 371 6965

Hotline: +1 (917) 325 1444

Email: gc_usn@mfa.gov.ua

Website: http://ny.mfa.gov.ua

Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago

Address: 10 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: +1 (312) 642 4388

Hotline: +1 (312) 536 9418

Email: gc_usc@mfa.gov.ua

Website: http://chicago.mfa.gov.ua

Emergency numbers

Ambulance and police: 911