Rules of entry to the USA for Ukrainians

How to get a US visa for Ukrainians in 2026

The most popular visas to the United States:

• B-1 - for business travel, participation in conferences and exhibitions.
• B-2 - for tourism, visiting relatives, short-term medical treatment or study.

Combined B-1/B-2 visas are often issued. Ukrainians are usually issued for 10 years at a time.

Where Ukrainians should apply in 2026

On September 6, 2025, the rules for applying for non-immigrant visas changed.

• Ukrainians can now apply only at US consulates in Poland:

- Warsaw - Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw, tel: +48 22 504 2000

- Krakow - Stolarska 9, 31-043 Kraków, tel: +48 12 424 5100

• The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv does not accept visa applications.
• You can apply in other countries only if you have legal residence there (permanent residence or long-term status).

🧳✈️ We would like to remind you that you can buy plane tickets to the USA (or to other countries) and compare prices through the convenient booking service from Visit Ukraine! The site has a bonus points system that allows you to travel much cheaper.

How to apply for a visa to the United States: step by step

1. Select the type of visa (for example, B1/B2).

2. Fill out the DS-160 visa application form online.

3. Register in the system and pay the consular fee ($185).

4. Make an appointment for an interview in Warsaw or Krakow.

5. Prepare a package of documents.

6. Have an interview at the consulate.

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What documents are required

• foreign and national passports;
• a completed DS-160 application form (in English);
• confirmation of registration of the questionnaire;
• photo (not older than 6 months);
• receipt of payment of the fee;
• confirmation of an appointment for an interview;
• work certificate and bank statement;
• travel plan, airline tickets, hotel reservation;
• documents on marital status, birth certificates of children;
• property certificates (if necessary).

The list may vary depending on the type of visa. For business visas, an invitation from partners is required.

⚠️ Currently, when traveling to the United States, special attention is paid to the compliance of the purpose of the trip with the type of visa. During border control, they may ask about your plans for your stay, the duration of your trip, your return route, and your financial security.

👉 To avoid misunderstandings upon entry, it is worth preparing for the trip in advance and consulting with a Visit Ukraine visa specialist regarding documents and explaining the purpose of your trip.

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

Ukrainians pay a consular fee of $185 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 travel to the embassy and other expenses.

Important nuances of the new rules

• If you apply in a country other than your country of citizenship or residence, the waiting time will increase significantly.
• The consular fee is not refundable in case of refusal or change of country of application.
• Exceptions to the new rules apply to diplomatic, official visas (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO) and rare humanitarian cases.

Interview at the embassy

• Most often it is conducted in English, sometimes in Ukrainian or Russian.
• It lasts 5-10 minutes. The main thing is to confirm the purpose of the trip and the absence of intentions to stay illegally.
• You should not bring large bags, food, water, or electronics (except for an authorized phone) to the interview.
• After being rejected, you can apply again, but it becomes more difficult to get a visa.

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.

How much money do you need to cross the border

When entering the United States, border services may check that you have sufficient financial resources to stay in the country. There is no officially established minimum amount, but in practice, it is recommended to have a financial reserve (approximately $100 per day), proof of paid accommodation, and a return ticket.

If you are bringing in cash or financial instruments worth more than $10,000, you must declare them when passing through customs control.

👇🏼 Please note!

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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.