Entry to Ukraine from the UK: rules for obtaining a Ukrainian visa for foreigners
British citizens can stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa. At the same time, foreigners can apply for one of the visas, depending on the purpose of their stay in the country. Learn more about the types of Ukrainian visas and the process of obtaining a document
The rules for obtaining a Ukrainian visa differ for citizens of different countries. Residents of the European Union can stay in Ukraine without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the UK left the EU in 2020. So what entry rules apply to the British? Read the details in our article.
Read the new UK immigration rules for international students here.
How to get a work visa in the UK: types of permits and basic requirements.
It should be noted that over 16 thousand tourists from the UK visited Ukraine in the first half of 2023.
Peculiarities of traveling to Ukraine for the British
Despite the fact that the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union, a special decree of the President of Ukraine extended the visa-free regime with Ukraine until January 30, 2024. Thus, all UK residents can stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa. It should be added that the British are also allowed to transit through Ukraine.
What visas are available for Ukraine?
Foreigners can apply for one of the following visas, depending on the purpose of their stay in the country.
1. Transit visa (type B). British citizens should choose this type of visa if they plan to transit through Ukraine for a period not exceeding 5 days.
This visa can be either single-entry or multiple-entry and is valid for one year or another period depending on the documents.
2. Short-term visa (type C). This is a popular type of visa among foreigners, as it allows you to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within each 180-day period. The visa can be single or multiple entry and is valid for six months to five years.
3. Long-term (type D). This type of visa is issued to foreigners or stateless persons if they plan to obtain a temporary residence permit in Ukraine (more than 90 days).
Visa and residence permit
If a British citizen plans to stay in Ukraine for a long period of time, he or she needs to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit. However, this is preceded by obtaining a type D visa.
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The process of obtaining a visa
If a British citizen plans to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, he or she will need to obtain a visa. For further advice on the requirements, you can contact the Embassy of Ukraine in London or the Consulate General in Edinburgh.
Ukrainian visas are issued through the online system "Visa". You will need to fill out an immigration card.
We would like to add that immigration officials may require you to scan your fingerprints when collecting biometric data at border crossings.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine advises all foreigners to fill out and register their visa applications online at visa.mfa.gov.ua. Entering personal data in advance will save time and speed up the visa application process.
When applying for a visa, a foreigner may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to stay in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian authorities accept the following as proof of sufficient funds: cash, bank cards with bank statements, accommodation reservations, a letter from the person or company you are visiting stating that they will reimburse your expenses, or a return ticket.
List of required documents
To apply for a visa, Brits need to make sure that their passport meets the visa requirements:
• Be valid for at least three months after leaving Ukraine;
• have at least two blank pages;
• have a validity period of no more than 10 years.
In addition, a visa application form must be filled out and attached:
• A color photo of 35x45 mm in size;
• a health insurance policy valid in Ukraine with a coverage of EUR 30,000 or more;
• proof of funds to cover expenses during your stay in Ukraine (for example, a bank statement);
• a document confirming the purpose of stay in Ukraine (it will differ for each type of visa).
For example, to obtain a short-term visa, an applicant must provide a letter of invitation or a document confirming the tourist purpose of stay. To obtain a long-term visa, a foreigner must provide a work permit, immigration permit, university invitation, etc.
Visa application fee
A single-entry visa costs £55.
Standard applications are processed within 10 business days, excluding the day of application. For urgent applications, the fee is doubled. Such applications are processed within 5 business days.
Safety is a priority during your stay in Ukraine
In order to feel as safe as possible in Ukraine during martial law, you need to buy a reliable insurance policy. It is easy to do this online at the link.
There are three options for policies that include:
- Compensation for losses in case of an accident due to military operations or terrorist acts;
- Outpatient treatment and hospitalization;
- emergency care.
Read more about the benefits of military risk insurance in Ukraine here.
We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;
Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.
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