Entry ban to Ukraine: what are the reasons and how to remove it?

A foreigner may not be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine and a previously obtained visa may be canceled. Find out what to do in such cases, how to appeal the ban, and why you may be denied entry to Ukraine

Legal assistance on issues of entry, stay, and legalization of foreigners in Ukraine

GET

Thorough verification of foreigners' documents has always been mandatory when crossing the Ukrainian border. However, the full-scale war has led to increased scrutiny of everyone who wants to visit Ukraine.

Despite the martial law, foreign citizens come to Ukraine for various purposes: business trips, study, or tourism. However, the Ukrainian migration service may refuse entry to a foreigner. Read about the grounds for refusal of entry and where foreigners can get legal advice on migration issues.

General rules for the entry of foreigners into Ukraine

The rules for crossing the border are regulated by the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons” and the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada on the rules for the entry of foreigners and stateless persons into Ukraine. In accordance with these regulations, officers of the State Border Service of Ukraine have the authority to grant foreigners permission to cross the state border.

To enter Ukraine, foreigners must have a valid passport and visa (if required by law – do you need a visa to enter Ukraine, read the link). We also recommend that you prepare proof of the purpose of your stay and sufficient funds to cover your expenses. For more information on entry rules and required documents, please follow the link.

However, Ukraine is not open to everyone. Indeed, there is an exhaustive list of grounds on which a foreigner will not be allowed to enter the country.

If you are not sure whether your documents meet the requirements of Ukrainian law, or if you have a non-standard situation, order a consultation with Visit Ukraine lawyers. Experts will explain the current rules for crossing the border and help you prepare for your trip.

Who will not be allowed to enter Ukraine?

The decision to deny entry may be made directly at the border crossing point. As stated in the Law “On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons,” the following persons will be denied entry into Ukraine:

● those who may pose a threat to the security of Ukraine;

● with forged or damaged passports or visas;

● who have violated Ukrainian law during their previous stay in the country;

● who may be carriers of an infectious disease identified by the relevant health authority;

● without sufficient financial means to stay in Ukraine.

Currently, entry to the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine or to the combat zone outside the entry-exit checkpoints is also restricted. For a complete list of factors affecting entry into the country, please visit here.

We would like to add that after receiving a refusal, the border service may cancel the visa and will also make a note about the ban on entry for a specified period. Information about foreigners or stateless persons who, according to Ukrainian law, do not have the right to enter Ukraine or are temporarily restricted from leaving Ukraine is entered into the relevant state information database.

If there is a risk of refusal of entry or you need clarification on the grounds for restrictions, Visit Ukraine lawyers will provide individual consultation. This will help you understand in advance how to avoid violations and problems at the border.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Received a ban on entry to Ukraine: what to do?

If you have been denied entry, don't despair, as any decision can be appealed. The decision of the territorial body of the State Migration Service of Ukraine can be appealed both administratively by filing a complaint directly with the State Migration Service and in court.

The main rule is to politely ask the border guard to provide you with a written decision on the refusal to cross the border, stating the specific reason. This decision is necessary to appeal the ban. Please note that filing an appeal does not immediately cancel the ban!

Tip: Do not argue or violate the rules of conduct at the border crossing point. If your behavior does not satisfy the border guard, you may be held administratively liable.

Those who are not allowed to enter Ukraine must immediately return to the country from which they arrived. If this is not possible, foreigners may remain at the checkpoint until they are able to return.

Remember that attempting to cross the border illegally will result in either forced return to the country of previous residence or criminal liability. At the same time, the law provides for certain situations when a foreigner cannot be expelled from Ukraine. Persons who are at risk of danger, the death penalty, torture, imprisonment, etc., are not subject to forced return.

How to appeal a ban on entry into Ukraine?

From the date of receipt of the decision on refusal, the person shall file a complaint directly to the State Migration Service. Such a complaint must be filed within 30 days from the moment the person becomes aware of the decision on refusal. The complaint must set out the circumstances with which you disagree and provide evidence to support those circumstances.

The complaint is considered within thirty calendar days from the date of receipt. The period may be extended by fifteen calendar days if necessary. The person is notified of the extension and the decision by official letter. If the State Migration Service rejects the complaint, you can appeal to the court. We have explained how to cancel a ban on entry into Ukraine on grounds of a threat to national security at the link.

If you are facing migration problems, need expert advice before coming to Ukraine, or have been banned from entering the country, order a legal consultation. The team of migration law specialists at Visit Ukraine will help you solve urgent problems and guarantees:

1. Expert knowledge in immigration law and complex migration disputes.

2. Professional advice and support on legal residence issues.

3. Preparation and submission of necessary documents (for legal entry/stay/cancellation of entry ban, etc.)

4. Representation of interests before migration authorities and in court.

5. Maximization of your chances of successfully appealing decisions of migration authorities.

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

We remind you! Medical insurance for entry into Ukraine in 2025 remains an important condition for safe travel. Read about whether you can enter Ukraine without medical insurance and what will happen if you do not purchase it in advance.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.