Attention!
Starting from February 24, 2022, in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law", martial law was introduced in Ukraine!
On February 28, 2022, the President of Ukraine issued Decree No. 82 "
On Temporary Introduction of Visa-Free Regime", according to which, starting from March 1, 2022, a
visa-free regime for entry into Ukraine for foreign nationals wishing to join the
International Defense Legion of Ukraine was temporarily introduced for the period of martial law until the President of Ukraine makes a relevant decision.
In addition, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 132 dated March 14, 2022 "
On Temporary Introduction of Visa-Free Regime", a visa-free regime for entry into Ukraine was introduced for the period of martial law until the President of Ukraine makes a relevant decision for foreign nationals who are
employees of international medical or humanitarian organizations, foundations or programs, other organizations that arrive in Ukraine at the invitation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance to the population, except for citizens of the state of Ukraine.
First of all, remember about your documents and visa
You will need to obtain a short-term visa (type C) to enter Ukraine. This visa is issued to foreigners whose stay does not exceed 90 days in the last 180 days. It can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries. A type C visa is most often issued for tourism, business travel, or private visits.
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Ukrainian visas are issued within 3 types:
- short-term (C type) visas. C type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within every 180 days. C type visas are issued as single / double / multiple entry visas valid for 6 months or another period depending on supporting documents but cannot be issued for more than a 5 year-term.
- long-term (D type) visas. D type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to apply for a temporary residence permit to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days. D type visas are issued as multiple entry visas valid for 90 days.
- transit (B type) visas — not relevant today. B type visas are issued in cases where a foreigner/stateless person intends to transit through Ukraine and each transit period does not exceed 5 days. B type visas are issued as single / double / multiple entry visas valid for a maximum of 1 year or another period depending on supporting documents.
Visa applications must be submitted via
website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (before submitting your application, you will be able to choose the country, embassy or visa application center where you plan to get your visa, if allowed in your case by visa regulations).
How to apply for a Ukrainian visa?
1. Ukraine's Embassies or Consulates abroad. Every foreigner or a stateless person who is required to have an entry Ukrainian visa may apply for her/his visa to the relevant Ukraine's Embassy or Consulate not earlier than 3 months before the date of the planned entry to Ukraine.
2. One of Ukraine's 74 Visa Application Centres abroad. VACs receive visa applications from foreigners and stateless persons residing in 47 VACs location countries only -
list of operating VACs may be found here.
! Please note that in cases where applicants reside in a country that is different from the country of their nationality / citizenship Ukraine’s Embassies / Consulates abroad may only be able to accept visa applications from applicants holding valid temporary / permanent residence documents (long-term visas / residence permits or their equivalents etc.).
MFA’s advice to all applicants is to fill in and register their visa applications for the relevant Embassy / Consulate / Visa Centre online at website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Registering, printing, signing and bringing your visa application form along with your supporting documents will make the application process easier and save your time.
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According to Ukraine’s Visa Rules all applicants should provide the following documents in order to apply for their visa:
1. passport/travel document which should comply with these requirements:
- be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Ukraine;
- have at least 2 pages free from any visas/marks/stamps;
- be issued for no more than 10 years.
2. printed and signed visa application form;
3. 1 applicant’s photo (35x45 mm);
4. proof that the applicant is a holder of (or is entitled to benefit from) a valid medical / travel insurance policy to cover Ukraine and the period of stay (the policy should provide a minimum of €30 000 or equivalent coverage). Holders of diplomatic / service passports are exempt from this requirement;
5. proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay (e.g. bank statement for 2 recent months, cash in Ukrainian hryvnia/other convertible currency, bank cards along with current/savings account balance statements provided the bank cards can be cashed in Ukraine, hotel/accommodation booking, letter from the applicant’s employer/sponsor confirming their coverage of applicant’s expenses in Ukraine, a return/transit ticket etc). Holders of diplomatic/service passports are exempt from this requirement;
6. paid visa fee receipt (unless stipulated otherwise by Ukraine’s legislation or Ukraine’s international treaty).
Please note that in cases where applicants reside in a country that is different from the country of their nationality/citizenship Ukraine’s Embassies/Consulates abroad may only be able to accept visa applications from applicants holding valid temporary/permanent residence documents (long-term visas/residence permits or their equivalents etc.).
❗️ Important!
To ensure that a trip to Ukraine during the war is safe and does not carry additional risks, it is important to take out reliable insurance that will cover not only basic medical services, diagnostics and treatment, but also the risks associated with a full-scale invasion of Russia.
You can take out reliable insurance that will guarantee compensation in case of traumatic injuries, accidents, and death as a result of military operations on the Visit Ukraine website. Foreign citizens (except for Russian citizens), stateless persons, and citizens of Ukraine can purchase an insurance policy. There are no age restrictions, and both minors and elderly people over 70 can take out insurance.
With travel health insurance in Ukraine, you can enjoy every moment of your trip knowing that you are protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Choose the insurance that will give you peace of mind on your trip to Ukraine.
Along with the mentioned documents applicants are expected to submit documents confirming the purpose of their planned visit to Ukraine:
for short-term (C type) visas – one of the following:
- invitation letter from an entity/company/organisation registered in Ukraine, presented on the official letterhead, with indication of the entity/company/organisation’s number according to Ukraine’s Unified State Registry of Legal Entities, Individual Entrepreneurs and Citizens’ Associations, registration number, date and signature, full name of the invited person, information about his/her date and place of birth, nationality, passport details, place of residence, purpose of visit, duration of intended visit to Ukraine, number of entries and place of stay in Ukraine, legal person’s obligations to cover costs related to the invited person’s stay and/or departure from Ukraine;
- original of the notarized invitation letter from Ukraine’s national or a foreigner/stateless person who legally resides (temporarily or permanently) in Ukraine. Invitation should contain full surname and name(s) of the inviting person, details of his/her passport and temporary or permanent residency permit (for a foreigner/stateless person), address, and full name of the invited person, information about his/her date and place of birth, nationality, passport details, place of residence, purpose of visit, duration of intended visit to Ukraine, number of entries and place of stay in Ukraine, inviting person’s obligations to cover costs related to the applicant’s stay and/or departure from Ukraine. Copies of the inviting person’s Ukrainian passport (if an inviting person is Ukraine’s national) or copies of the foreigner’s/stateless person’s passport and their Ukrainian temporary/permanent residency permit (if an inviting person is a foreigner/stateless person) should be provided as well;
- invitation letter issued by Ukraine’s ministries / other central executive authorities, state entities and organizations;
passenger / cargo carriers’ contract as well as the relevant international passenger / cargo carrier’s license;
certificate of a person of Ukrainian descent issued by Ukraine’s National Committee on Persons of Ukrainian Descent. If applicant’s family applies for this type of visa as well documents on their status and family relation to the applicant should also be provided;
- proof that the applicant’s main purpose of journey to Ukraine is tourism (hotel/accommodation booking(s), programme of stay, information on the tour(s) and the tour(s’) timeframes, tourist agency details, transfer details, sightseeing information etc.);
- invitation letter issued by Ukraine’s hospital/medical treatment institution;
- document issued by the relevant regional/city state administration/bank confirming that the applicant has made an investment to Ukraine’s economy;
- document(s) confirming that the applicant owns property (real estate) allocated in Ukraine;
- invitation letter issued by a religious organization in Ukraine for a short-term performance of missionary activities accompanied by a letter issued by Ukraine’s Ministry for Culture / Department on Religious Matters of the relevant regional or city state administration – depending which authority has registered that religious organization;
a letter of the foreign Mass Media with a request to issue a visa to the foreign correspondent/Mass Media staff member who intends to travel to Ukraine in his/her professional capacity;
- invitation letter issued by foreign states’ authorities / international organizations;
- an Order of Ukraine’s Central Election Commission on registration of official observers from foreign states and international organizations for presidential elections, parliamentary elections, local elections and national referendums;
- document(s) confirming that the applicant is a spouse, a parent or a child of a citizen of Ukraine.
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Visa fee
The cost of a visa varies depending on:
1) Citizenship;
2) Age of the applicant.
1) Citizenship: the standard fee for processing a visa application in the normal mode is USD 65. The fee is doubled for processing an application in an urgent mode (130 USD). Visa fees for certain types of visas for applicants from certain countries may differ from the standard visa fee listed above based on the principle of reciprocity (if the visa fee for entry to such countries is high for Ukrainians, the Ukrainian government sets the same price for entry visas to Ukraine for citizens of such country).
2) By age: visas for minors are issued free of charge.
A foreigner can apply for a visa regardless of the previous period of stay in Ukraine: even in case of overstay, a visa can be issued. Please note that if a fine is imposed for violating the law, it must be paid before submitting a visa application.
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How much money do I need to have when entering Ukraine?
Entry and stay of foreigners on the territory of Ukraine is carried out if they have sufficient funds or the ability to legally obtain these funds (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 884 of 04.12.2013). Financial security checks are carried out by authorized officials of the State Border Guard Service on a selective basis, i.e. there is always a possibility that you will not have to prove your solvency.
The calculation of the amount of money necessary for living in Ukraine is carried out according to the formula: FO = ((20 × Pm) ÷ 30) × (Kd + 5), where
FO - sufficient financial security
Pm - subsistence minimum per person per month
Days - number of days spent in Ukraine
According to the methodology for calculating the minimum amount that a foreigner must have to visit Ukraine, the subsistence minimum established on the day of entry into the country is taken for calculation. Starting from December 1, 2021, the subsistence level for 1 person per month is UAH 2393.
Holders of a residence permit in Ukraine, minor children, diplomats, refugees, and cruise tourists are exempt from financial verification. Other categories of citizens need only present the following documents to confirm that they have sufficient financial security
- cash in hryvnia or other convertible foreign currency;
- bank cards, ATM statements and receipts;
- a letter of guarantee from the host party undertaking to pay all expenses incurred by the foreigner in connection with his/her stay in Ukraine and travel abroad;
- confirmation of booking or payment for accommodation and meals;
- a contract for travel services (voucher, voucher);
- a travel ticket for returning to the country of permanent residence or to a third country with a fixed date.
NOTE
Foreigners and stateless persons have the right to enter and legally stay in Ukraine if they have a temporary or permanent residence permit that has expired or is subject to exchange after 24 February 2022.
This rule will be valid during martial law and for 30 days after its termination or cancellation.
Note: The new rules do not apply to citizens of the Russian Federation. In the absence of a valid document, Russians must apply for a visa to Ukraine.
We remind you that foreigners who have a permanent or temporary residence permit in Ukraine can add this document to their smartphone.
Watch the video instruction on how to add a residence permit to the Diia mobile application.
We invite you to an unforgettable journey through Ukraine - a country of rich history, cultural diversity, unsurpassed hospitality and unique cities that can surprise even the most demanding tourists.
📌 A selection of the best tours in Ukraine:
Independent organization of a trip to Ukraine requires considerable preparation, taking into account a large number of nuances and limitations, and therefore, if you do not have extensive experience in organizing independent travel, we recommend that you do not neglect your own safety and rely on professionals. The Visit Ukraine team has already helped more than 1000 foreign tourists organize a comfortable and safe trip to Ukraine under martial law, so you can fully rely on us to plan and implement your trip!
👉🏻
Following this link, you can choose ready-made safe tours to Ukraine, or create an individual tour together with a manager that will fully meet your needs, preferences and desires. You can contact Visit Ukraine managers via the
hotline daily from 08:00 to 02:00 (Kyiv time).
There are currently no cities in Ukraine that are completely safe. And although the main fighting is concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, the entire country is constantly under rocket fire.
❗️ If you do decide to visit Ukraine, remember the basic safety rules:
• Always carry an identity document with you.
• Strictly observe the curfew. During the curfew, it is forbidden to be in public places, to move around on foot or by transport.
• Air raid alert - we recommend installing the application of the same name on your smartphone and immediately go to the nearest shelter when you receive the signal. You should also do the same if you hear the corresponding signal on the street.
• Take out an insurance policy that covers war risks. In order to feel as safe as possible in Ukraine during military operations, you need to take care of purchasing the proper insurance. You can do this by following the link.
• Keep a record of your blood type and any possible health problems in your clothing pocket.
• Always keep your cell phone and power bank charged.
• There are checkpoints on the roads of all cities in Ukraine. Be prepared to be stopped and have your documents checked.
• Do not wear army uniforms, camouflaged clothing, or clothing with chevrons.
• Do not take photos or videos of people in uniform, checkpoints, or any military vehicles or military equipment.
• For accommodation in Ukraine, choose hotels, hostels, private houses, etc. with a basement. In case of danger, it can serve as a shelter.
Transit passage of foreigners through the territory of Ukraine is allowed if they have a Type B transit visa, a 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 legislation are issued by foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine.
Foreigners entering Ukraine from countries with which the visa-free regime has not been concluded must apply for a visa.
To be imported into Ukraine, all animals must have:
Microchip for pets. Your pet must be chipped with a 15-digit unencrypted microchip that complies with the ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Vaccinations. Your dog or cat must have a valid rabies vaccination after chipping.
Health certificate. A licensed veterinarian must complete an EU medical certificate for Ukraine 10 days before travel. If your pet is traveling from the United States, the veterinarian must be accredited by the USDA and the health certificate must be certified by the state Department of Agriculture office. If you are traveling to Ukraine from another country, the forms must be certified by the state body responsible for the import and export of animals.
To learn more about the rules for importing your pets, follow the link: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/ukraine.cfm
What can be imported from abroad
Green customs corridor
Items that are not subject to customs taxation and declaration can be transported through the green corridor.
Persons passing through the green corridor are exempt from filing a written customs declaration. Exemption from submitting a written customs declaration does not mean exemption from mandatory compliance with the procedure for moving goods across the customs border of Ukraine.
Thus, you can import:
- Personal belongings;
- goods that cost no more than 500 euros and weigh up to 50 kg;
- edible products not for sale, which cost up to 200 euros;
- cash (both hryvnia and foreign currency) in the total amount of up to 10 thousand euros. If the amount is larger, you must present a bank certificate stating that this amount was withdrawn from your personal account;
- medicines (except for narcotic and psychotropic substances) in the amount specified by law: no more than 5 packages of each medicine per person.
Red customs corridor
Using the "red" customs corridor, it is allowed to transport items that must be declared in writing, namely
- goods that require permits;
- currency and cultural values;
- securities and payment documents;
- drugs containing narcotic, psychotropic substances or precursors;
- goods more expensive than 500 euros and heavier than 50 kg.
Please note!
Taxes are calculated on the basis of the value of the goods, for which you should present the customs officer with sales receipts, labels, and other available documents. If you do not have such documents, customs officers will have to determine the customs value of the goods based on the prices of identical or similar goods.
What is prohibited to import to Ukraine
- Drugs, 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, firearms, gas (spray) weapons without the permission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Goods you can export from Ukraine
You are allowed to export goods with a total value of less than EUR 10,000 across the customs border of Ukraine without a written declaration and payment of customs duties. If you plan to export goods that are restricted by Ukrainian legislation (e.g., cattle or oilseeds) or goods subject to customs control with a total value of less than EUR 10,000, you must declare such goods and pay customs duties.
If you are exporting goods with a total value of more than EUR 10,000 across the customs border of Ukraine, you must declare them and pay customs duties. Certain goods exported by citizens across the customs border of Ukraine with a total value exceeding EUR 10,000 are declared in writing without paying taxes, for example
- goods exported in connection with leaving Ukraine for permanent residence in another country;
- goods inherited by a non-resident citizen in Ukraine, provided that the composition of the inheritance is confirmed by a notary;
- goods temporarily exported by resident citizens across the customs border of Ukraine in the presence of a written obligation to return them.
What cannot be exported from Ukraine
It is strictly forbidden to transport certain food products across the border, namely:
- Lard and sausages;
- cheese, milk and dairy products;
- fresh meat;
- more than 20 kg of fish and 125 g of sturgeon caviar (for larger amounts, a special permit is required).
Some medicines are also prohibited. The following categories of drugs cannot be transported:
- Medicines with narcotic or psychotropic substances that are not intended for medical use;
- Potent medicines, unless they have a prescription from a doctor;
- medicines with a volume of more than 500 ml.
In addition to these items, it is forbidden to transport weapons, cultural monuments and poisons:
- Cold, pneumatic and firearms and accessories;
- explosives and gas canisters;
- Toxic and poisonous substances;
- household appliances (more than 1 item);
- minerals that are in the public domain;
- endangered plants and animals;
- cultural monuments (without appropriate permission);
- equipment with pornographic materials or unlicensed software;
- materials calling for racism or violence.
According to the Customs Service of Ukraine, the following items are prohibited for export from Ukraine:
- Weapons and ammunition;
- narcotic and psychotropic substances;
- potent poisonous, radioactive, explosive substances;
- works of art, cultural and historical values;
- canceled securities;
- items exported in violation of intellectual property.
Under Ukrainian law, foreign nationals temporarily residing in Ukraine have the right to drive vehicles.
There are 3 categories of foreigners:
1. Foreigners temporarily staying in Ukraine on a visa (or from a visa-free country) for tourist purposes
2. Foreigners who temporarily reside in the territory for other purposes than tourism (if they have a temporary residence permit)
3. Foreigners who are residents of Ukraine and have received a permanent residence permit
The first 2 categories of foreigners must have a driver's license to drive a car:
- A driver's license of a foreign country with personal data in Latin alphabet (as per the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, 1968);
- International driving license with personal data in Latin alphabet; may drive a car under their national license.
The 3rd category of foreign citizens who have received a permanent residence permit in Ukraine must obtain a Ukrainian driver's license. After all, a foreign driver's license is canceled after 60 days (from the date of receipt of the license). Read more about how a foreigner can obtain a Ukrainian driver's license here.
Rules for foreigners to enter Ukraine by car with foreign license plates
Citizens of other countries can import cars with foreign registration into the territory of Ukraine exclusively for their own use.
Please note: Foreign citizens can drive cars with foreign license plates in Ukraine for up to one year. However, if you plan to stay in Ukraine for more than two months, you need to contact a service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for temporary registration of the car. After the one-year period expires, the car with foreign license plates must leave Ukraine.
Rules of entry for foreigners with a temporary residence permit for cars with foreign license plates
Foreign nationals with a residence permit in Ukraine may import a car with foreign license plates for their own use after a written declaration and payment of customs duties.
In Ukraine, cars are driven on the right-hand side of the road, and there are no fees for using the roads.
You are allowed to drive at the following speed on highways:
- In the pedestrian (residential) zone - 20 km/h.
- In settlements (cities), the maximum speed is 50 km/h.
- On roads outside of settlements, you are allowed to drive at a speed of 90 km/h.
- If the road outside the city is equipped with a dividing strip, the speed limit is 110 km/h.
- On highways, the speed limit is 130 km/h.
Road users must know and strictly follow the rules of the road. Drivers must have a driver's license and vehicle registration documents. Both the driver and the passenger in the front seat must wear seat belts.
Rules for transporting children in a car
The law prohibits the transportation of children under the age of 12 without seat belts and child seats. It is prohibited to transport children in the front seat without a child seat. Children over the age of 12 must wear seat belts.
What you need to know about driving in Ukraine during martial law
Drivers should be prepared for some unexpected situations that, unfortunately, often occur on Ukrainian roads today.
1. Be as focused as possible on the road and keep a close eye on all road users, while following the traffic rules. This is important because you must be prepared for danger at all times.
2. Be prepared to give way, even where, according to the rules, you have the right of way. After all, on the roads of Ukraine, mainly in cities, there are now many patrol cars (police, military, ambulances and other first responders) that can respond to a call or potential danger at any time.
3. Do not approach military vehicles or record their movements. Firstly, it is prohibited by the legislation of Ukraine, and secondly, as a rule, military equipment has poor visibility, and therefore you may not be noticed on the road.
4. Do not exceed the speed limit and carefully monitor the road conditions, even if there are no other road users on the road besides your car. There may be defensive structures on the road, or incompletely dismantled checkpoints. These obstacles can cause an accident, especially if you hit them at high speed.
5. Follow the rules of behavior at checkpoints.
Rules for driving through a checkpoint
There are checkpoints in Ukrainian cities and between regions where the military may resort to checking civilians.
1. When approaching an equipped checkpoint, drivers should slow down and prepare their documents for possible inspection. Please note that the dashcam should be turned off and removed from the windshield, as well as the phone.
2. When approaching the checkpoint, you will notice a "STOP" sign - you need to stop near it, then turn off your headlights and turn on your hazard lights.
3. Wait for the military to give you a signal with their hand or flashlight. Drive up to them slowly, but do not get out of the car unless asked to do so. To communicate with the military, lower the side window.
4. At the request of an authorized person, allow the trunk and interior of the vehicle to be inspected. After passing the inspection, you can start driving only after the permission of the inspector. Driving should be slow, as a sharp increase in speed may arouse suspicion.
What is checked at checkpoints?
- Documents of persons
- belongings (inspection)
- vehicles;
- luggage and cargo.
What do the signals given by other drivers in Ukraine mean?
- Signaling with hazard lights while the vehicle is moving means "thank you" or "excuse me" depending on the context of the situation. For example, if you let someone pass you on the road, you will most likely be thanked with a hazard light.
- short headlight signals (flashing) from a passing car - you are asked to give way.
- signals (flashing) from the headlights of the oncoming car warn of danger ahead. However, please note that in the dark, this may mean that you have not switched your high beams and may have blinded another driver on the road, so make sure you have your low beams on.
- A left turn signal (in some cases with brake lights) from a truck in front of you warns you that you are not allowed to overtake because there are cars in the opposite lane. Conversely, a right turn signal (in some cases with brake lights) means that the oncoming lane is clear and you can overtake.
Queues at the checkpoints to enter Ukraine
Useful resources for tracking traffic
Security
Where to go for psychological support:
- The line of the international humanitarian organization "Person in Need" - 0 800 210 160
(round the clock, calls are free)
- IOM emotional support line - 0 800 211 444
(from 10:00 to 20:00 daily, calls are free)
For friends of foreigners
Ukraine
