Visa to Ukraine for Slovak citizens: when to apply and application procedure

The visa regime between Ukraine and Slovakia allows for border crossing on the basis of a biometric passport, as both countries are part of the Schengen area. Under these conditions, Slovak citizens only need to obtain a visa to Ukraine in the case of early travel. Find out the rules for entering Ukraine in 2025 and plan your trip in accordance with the current visa requirements

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Slovakia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so citizens of this country have the right to enter Ukraine without a visa – only on the basis of a biometric passport. However, this rule applies only to short-term trips; long-term trips (such as for work, study or family reunification) require other documents to travel to Ukraine. In this article, we explain whether Slovaks need a visa to Ukraine and how to avoid mistakes when applying for one.

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Do Slovak citizens need a visa to enter Ukraine in 2025?

Ukraine and Slovakia have a visa-free regime for short-term travel, which greatly simplifies border crossing for Slovak citizens. Even in 2025, citizens of the Slovak Republic will not need a visa to enter Ukraine if the purpose of the trip is tourism, visiting relatives or short business negotiations. This visa-free regime allows you to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The main condition for such entry is the possession of a valid foreign passport, as well as the provision of documents confirming the purpose of the trip, sufficient financial means and the availability of medical insurance at the request of the border service.

However, if a Slovak citizen plans to stay in Ukraine for longer than the established 90-day period, or is travelling for a purpose that requires a temporary or permanent residence permit, a visa becomes mandatory. In particular, a visa is required for purposes such as employment, study at higher education institutions, family reunification with a Ukrainian citizen or a foreigner who has a residence permit. In these cases, it is necessary to apply for a long-term visa (type D) before entering the country. Such services are provided by the Consulate of Ukraine in Slovakia.

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Types of visas to Ukraine for Slovak citizens

There are three main types of visas for foreign citizens in Ukraine, which differ in the purpose of the trip and the period of validity. Each of these types requires the submission of a corresponding set of documents confirming the stated purpose.

Short-term visa (type C) – most often issued as a tourist visa to Ukraine – is usually not required for Slovak citizens due to the visa-free regime and is issued only for stays in Ukraine of up to 90 days within 180 days. It can be single, double or multiple entry.

A transit visa (type B) is issued in the case of transit through the territory of Ukraine to a third country. The permitted period of stay under this visa does not exceed five days. It can also be single, double or multiple entry.

A long-term visa (type D) is the most important for a long stay. It is issued for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit in Ukraine when the planned period of stay exceeds 90 days. This visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa for 90 days, and it is during this period that a foreigner must submit documents to the State Migration Service of Ukraine to obtain a residence permit.

Important! A business visa to Ukraine is often used for concluding agreements and signing contracts. Despite the fact that the purpose of such trips is business agreements, this type of visa is considered short-term.

How to apply for a visa to Ukraine?

Submitting an application through the Ukrainian consulate in Slovakia

Visa applications for Slovak citizens, in cases where a visa is required, are processed through Ukrainian consular offices. To apply, you must complete an online application form on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (e-Visa/eVisa), where you must indicate the purpose of your trip and the type of visa you require. After completing the form, the applicant must make an appointment with the Consular Section of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Slovak Republic (located in Bratislava) or the Consulate General. This appointment, as well as all relevant information about the consulate's work, is usually available on the official website of the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia (it is recommended to check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in the Consular Issues section).

Documents required to obtain a visa to Ukraine

To apply for a visa, you must collect a complete set of documents, which includes:

✔︎ a valid foreign passport (which must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from Ukraine and have at least two blank pages);

✔︎ a completed and printed visa application form;

✔︎ one colour photograph measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm;

✔︎ a document confirming the purpose of the trip (for example, an invitation from the Ukrainian side for a type D visa, an employment contract, an order of enrolment for study);

✔︎ a valid medical insurance policy;

✔︎ confirmation of sufficient financial means for staying in Ukraine.

Processing time and cost of a visa to Ukraine for Slovak citizens

The standard processing time for a visa application at consular offices is usually up to 10 working days. However, there is an option for expedited processing, which takes up to 5 working days but requires payment of double the consular fee. The amount of the consular fee is set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and is subject to change, so it is essential to check the current amount at the time of submission of documents. After payment of the fee and successful processing, the visa is affixed to the foreign passport.

Useful services for obtaining a visa to Ukraine from Visit Ukraine

Do I need insurance to enter Ukraine?

Medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign citizens entering Ukraine, regardless of whether they have a visa or not. Given the ongoing full-scale war, special attention should be paid to choosing a policy that not only covers standard medical cases (illnesses, injuries) but also provides protection against military risks. Unfortunately, standard travel insurance policies often exclude coverage related to the consequences of military action. To ensure reliable protection, it is recommended that you take out a specialised insurance policy that covers risks associated with war. Visit Ukraine offers a fast and reliable online service for purchasing such insurance, which is used by thousands of foreigners entering Ukraine.

How can I get help with a visa or immigration to Ukraine?

The procedures for obtaining a long-term visa (type D), and especially for subsequently obtaining a residence permit, can be quite complex and require knowledge of Ukrainian law. Therefore, legal assistance is recommended to ensure simplicity, transparency and compliance of all documents with the requirements. Legal advisors can help with obtaining an invitation to apply for a D visa, further processing of a temporary residence permit, as well as extending the period of stay in Ukraine. Visit Ukraine provides comprehensive legal support for foreigners, providing English-language support and assistance at all stages of the migration process. Get advice and assistance by following the link.

When visiting Ukraine, especially during martial law, Slovak citizens should be aware of security issues. It is essential to respond to air raid sirens and proceed to the nearest shelters. For up-to-date information and assistance, it is recommended to have the contact details of the Slovak Embassy in Ukraine with you. It is also worth using the useful services provided by Visit Ukraine, in particular, checking the status of queues at border crossing points or familiarising yourself with the current routes and rules for crossing the border to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Reminder! Detailed information about the operation of border crossing points between Ukraine and Slovakia was published in our previous article. Follow the link to find out the operating hours of border crossing points, possible queues, and the basic rules for crossing the border when entering and leaving Ukraine.

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