US citizens can travel to Ukraine for both tourist and business purposes. Find out all about the current entry rules and the documents Americans need to cross the Ukrainian border

Buy insurance for safe entry to Ukraine

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Despite the martial law, Ukrainian borders are open to travelers from other countries. Foreigners come to Ukraine as volunteers, journalists, as part of diplomatic missions, to visit relatives, etc. The tourism sector is also gradually reviving.

It should be noted that in the first half of 2023, more than 26 thousand tourists from the United States visited Ukraine.

We have already told you how to make a convenient route and come to Ukraine from the USA. In this material, we will tell in more detail about the rules of entry for US citizens to Ukraine and visa requirements.

Find the 7 best countries for Americans to visit here.

Do Americans need a visa to enter Ukraine?

US citizens do not need a visa if the duration of their stay in Ukraine is less than 90 days. On the basis of the visa-free regime, a foreigner has the right to travel, visit relatives, receive medical treatment, etc. However, you cannot get an education or work.

In what cases do US citizens need a visa to travel to Ukraine?

To stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days, as well as for work and study, you need a visa and a residence permit. Persons who need a visa must obtain it from a Ukrainian embassy or consulate before arriving in Ukraine. In the United States, citizens may contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC, or the Consulates General in Chicago, New York, or San Francisco for information on current visa requirements and application procedures.

You cannot get a Ukrainian visa at the airport or at the border.

What documents are required for a US citizen to cross the Ukrainian border?

Entry into Ukraine is based on a valid foreign passport, which must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Also, to cross the Ukrainian border, you must provide:

● health insurance policy;

● confirmation of the purpose of the trip;

● confirmation of financial support – proof that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your planned stay in Ukraine or transit to a third country ($45 per person for each day of your stay in Ukraine).

Foreigners who have a decision to ban entry to Ukraine from an authorized state body will not be able to cross the Ukrainian border.

Pay attention! As of July 1, all Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine measures have been canceled in Ukraine.

What documents can justify the purpose of traveling to Ukraine?

● Visiting relatives – a notarized invitation from citizens of Ukraine: relatives, acquaintances, friends of a foreigner.

● Tourism – tourist vouchers, accommodation reservation confirmation, ticket to and from Ukraine.

● Business trip – invitation from companies or organizations.

● Attending events – invitations/tickets to seminars, exhibitions, fairs.

● Medical tourism – documents about treatment in medical facilities.

● Transit – visa or tickets to a third country. US citizens do not need to issue a visa for transit through the territory of Ukraine.

What is important to consider when planning a trip to Ukraine from the USA?

When you have collected the necessary package of documents, you must additionally take care of:

● Having a reliable insurance policy

Do you need insurance to enter Ukraine? Yes, an insurance policy is a mandatory document for crossing the Ukrainian border.

Also, traveling through Ukraine under martial law has certain special risks. To protect yourself from unforeseen situations, you should buy a reliable policy. A fairly limited number of insurance companies cover risks associated with hostilities and war. VisitUkraine offers a unique offer – insurance covering war-related risks. Read about the advantages of this type of insurance here.

● How to buy a ticket from the USA to Ukraine?

There is no direct air connection between Ukraine and the USA, because the airspace in Ukraine is closed due to martial law. Therefore, during his trip, the tourist will need to use several types of transport:

1. Fly to one of the European airports by plane, preferably to the one located as close as possible to the Ukrainian border.

2. Continue the journey to the selected Ukrainian city by train or bus.

You can plan your trip, find out the schedule and buy tickets to Ukraine by following the link.

● How to find housing in Ukraine?

A tourist in Ukraine can stay in a hotel, hostel, private apartments, guest house, etc. The largest database of safe hotels in Ukraine by link.

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Customs regulations of Ukraine

● Cash

A foreigner may import or export from Ukraine any amount of cash up to 10,000 euros or the equivalent in other currencies (including Ukrainian), by verbally notifying the customs officer. This applies to any person regardless of age. In case of importation or exportation from Ukraine of amounts of cash exceeding 10,000 euros or the equivalent, it is necessary to fill out a customs declaration and provide proof of origin from the bank.

● Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes

If you are over 18 years old, you can legally bring into Ukraine: 1 liter of liquor, 2 liters of wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

● Food

Food for an amount equivalent to 50 euros, the weight of each product must not exceed 2 kg or more than one package.

● Declaration of things

Items worth less than 200 euros can be imported into Ukraine duty-free. Items with a value of between 200 EUR and 1000 EUR must be specified in a civil declaration, and over 1000 EUR - in a cargo declaration.

A permit is required to export works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and antiques, from Ukraine. Such permits are issued by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

Legal assistance for US citizens in Ukraine

Entry to Ukraine for the purpose of tourism for US citizens does not require a visa, however, if you are going to stay for a longer period of time, you need to take care of obtaining permission documents. A highly qualified lawyer will advise on the legal aspects of entering Ukraine, help with the preparation of documents and help resolve any issue that may arise during your stay in Ukraine.

The security situation in Ukraine does not stop foreign tourists from seeing the beauty of Ukrainian nature and the atmosphere of its cities with their own eyes. Read more about why Ukraine attracts so many tourists despite the full-scale war and where people go most often here. 

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.