Travel Allowance: What Ukraine Requires For Basic Travel

When travelling to Ukraine, it is important to be aware of the country's customs regulations and entry requirements to avoid legal issues and potential fines. For British citizens, a visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, for longer stays, a visa is necessary. Additionally, all visitors to Ukraine must provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. This includes evidence of bank cards, bank statements, accommodation bookings, or a letter of financial support. It is also important to note that certain items, such as medicines and agricultural products, may be restricted or prohibited from entering the country.

What documents do I need to enter Ukraine?

To enter Ukraine, you must have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. If you are travelling without a visa, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you are applying for a visa, your passport may need to have additional validity beyond your stay.

British Citizen passport holders can enter Ukraine without a visa for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa.

Upon arrival, you will need to complete an immigration card and may be asked to scan your fingerprints as part of the biometric data collection. You will also need to provide evidence of sufficient funds for your trip. This can include bank cards and statements, accommodation bookings, or a letter of financial support from your sponsor. If you are a permanent resident of Ukraine, you do not need to show proof of insurance.

If you are bringing personal belongings such as jewellery, clothes, toiletries, laptops, cameras, sports equipment, etc., you should check the relevant customs regulations before travelling.

For US citizens, additional requirements for entry include a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and travel medical insurance. The insurance should cover a minimum of €30,000 for trips outside the US and be valid in Ukraine.

Please note that specific entry requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. It is always recommended to check with the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Do I need a visa for Ukraine?

The visa requirements for Ukraine depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here is a breakdown of the visa requirements for British and American citizens travelling to Ukraine:

British Citizens Travelling to Ukraine:

British citizens can enter Ukraine without a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes. However, if you plan to stay in Ukraine for longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa. It is important to ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

When entering Ukraine, you will need to complete an immigration card, and you may be asked to scan your fingerprints as part of the biometric data collection. Additionally, you must provide evidence of sufficient funds, which can include bank cards with statements, accommodation bookings, or a letter of financial support from your sponsor.

American Citizens Travelling to Ukraine:

American citizens are also eligible for visa-free entry to Ukraine for tourism purposes for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, you must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. A visa and residency permit are required if you plan to stay in Ukraine for longer than 90 days.

To apply for a visa, you must submit your application to the Ukrainian Embassy or Consulate in advance, as long-term visas cannot be obtained upon arrival. Along with your application, you will need to provide various documents, including a national passport, passport photo, proof of sufficient funds, travel medical insurance, and a visa fee.

It is important to note that the security situation in Ukraine is unpredictable due to the ongoing conflict, and travel advisories from the US Department of State advise against travelling to Ukraine.

What is the cost of a Ukrainian visa?

Ukraine's visa costs vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of obtaining a Ukrainian visa:

Transit Visa (Type B):

The Type B visa is for foreigners or stateless persons intending to transit through Ukraine for a maximum of 5 days. It is typically issued as a single, double, or multiple-entry visa valid for up to 1 year or a different period based on supporting documents. The cost of this type of visa may depend on the applicant's country of origin due to the reciprocity principle.

Short-Term Visa (Type C):

The Type C visa is for foreigners or stateless persons who plan to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is issued as a single, double, or multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months or another period based on supporting documents, with a maximum validity of 5 years. Similar to the Type B visa, the cost of a Type C visa may vary depending on the applicant's nationality due to reciprocity.

Long-Term Visa (Type D):

The Type D visa is intended for foreigners or stateless persons seeking to apply for a temporary residence permit in Ukraine and planning to stay for more than 90 days. This type of visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa with a validity of 90 days. The cost of a Type D visa is typically $65.00 for processing via regular service, and the fee is doubled for expedited service. However, it's important to note that Ukraine's embassies and consulates abroad may only accept visa applications from applicants holding valid temporary or permanent residence documents.

E-Visa:

Ukraine also offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for citizens of 45 specified countries. The e-Visa is available for single or double entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. The consular fee for a single-entry e-Visa is 20 US dollars, while a double-entry e-Visa costs 30 US dollars. The fee is doubled for urgent processing. It's important to note that e-Visa applications are processed within 9 working days, and the fees are non-refundable in case of visa refusal.

Additional Costs:

In addition to the visa fees, applicants may need to consider other costs associated with the visa application process. These may include costs for obtaining supporting documents, such as medical/travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and invitation letters or other relevant documents confirming the purpose of their visit to Ukraine.

It is always recommended to check the official websites of Ukrainian embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and fees, as the costs may change over time.

How long can I stay in Ukraine?

The length of time you can stay in Ukraine depends on your nationality and the type of visa you hold.

Visa-free entry

Nationals of countries with a visa-free entry regime to Ukraine can stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes British and U.S. citizens. During the check, a public officer will count back 180 days from the date of the check and add up the total number of days you have spent in Ukraine. This sum must not exceed 90 days. Overstaying this allowance is considered a violation of the law and will result in fines and a possible ban from re-entering Ukraine.

Visa-based entry

For residents of countries with a visa-regime, the length of stay in Ukraine is determined by the validity period of their visa. It is forbidden to stay beyond the expiration date of the visa.

Extending your stay

In some cases, it is possible to extend your stay in Ukraine beyond the allowed period. This is usually granted in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances. Reasons for extending one's stay include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Taking care of a sick relative
• Applying for an immigration permit or Ukrainian citizenship
• Registration of inheritance

To extend your stay, you must collect the required documents, including proof of identity, legality of stay, and financial ability to remain in Ukraine. You will then need to fill out an application, attach 4 photos, and submit these documents to the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

What is the required amount of travel funds for Ukraine?

When travelling to Ukraine, you must be able to provide evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. This can be demonstrated through bank cards and statements, accommodation bookings, a letter of financial support from your sponsor, or return or onward travel tickets.

If you are a British citizen, you can enter Ukraine without a visa for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, you will need to apply for a visa.

If you are a permanent resident of Ukraine, you do not need to show proof of insurance. However, by Ukrainian law, all foreigners coming to Ukraine must have medical insurance covering their period of travel.

Funds of less than €10,000 must be declared to the customs authorities. Funds exceeding €10,000 are subject to a written declaration and must be accompanied by documents showing that the money was withdrawn from an accredited bank or similar financial institution.

Frequently asked questions