Visa application for entry to Ukraine for foreigners: list of documents, visa requirements and cost

Ukraine has not restricted foreigners from visiting its territory during martial law. However, document checks at the border require foreign citizens to be familiar with certain legal nuances and security issues. Find out all the details about obtaining a visa to Ukraine and plan your visit in advance

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Visa requirements in Ukraine depend on the nationality of the foreigner: Ukraine has a visa-free regime with certain countries, while citizens of other countries must obtain a visa before travelling. From February 2025, foreigners from 42 countries will once again be able to apply for an e-Visa for a single or double visit to Ukraine. We explain what foreigners need to do before arriving in Ukraine.

Visa-free regime for foreigners

The visa-free regime, which has been in effect in Ukraine with 148 countries, allows foreigners from these countries to visit Ukraine without a visa. These countries include EU countries, Japan, Kuwait, the United States, Uruguay, and others. Citizens of visa-free countries have the right to stay in Ukraine for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can check whether your country is on the visa-free list on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Entry into Ukraine on the basis of a visa

If you are not a citizen of a country with which Ukraine has a visa-free regime, you must obtain one of the following types of visa to enter Ukraine.

Types of Ukrainian visas

– Short-term visa (type C) – this visa is issued to foreigners whose stay does not exceed 90 days within 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 trips or private visits, medical treatment and media visits. A type C visa can be of two subtypes: C 01 (business visa) and C 02 (private visa).

– Long-term visa (type D) – issued to foreigners who wish to enter Ukraine for a temporary but long-term stay or for permanent residence. A type D visa entitles foreigners and stateless persons to stay or reside in Ukraine for a period exceeding 90 days.

– Work visa – the most common type of long-term visa to Ukraine, along with study and family visas. A long-term visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days, with the possibility of multiple entries. However, to obtain permission to stay in Ukraine for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a residence permit upon arrival.

– Transit visa – this type of visa is issued to foreigners who intend to transit through the territory of Ukraine while travelling to a third country. A transit visa to Ukraine can be issued as a single-entry visa for up to five days or as a double- or multiple-entry visa for up to one year, provided that each entry does not exceed five days.

– e-Visa – one of the types of short-term visas to Ukraine, which a foreigner can apply for online; an e-Visa is suitable for a single or double visit to Ukraine within 30 days.

Current rules for entry into Ukraine for foreigners – read the link.

Electronic e-Visa to Ukraine

From February 2025, citizens of 42 countries will once again be able to apply for an e-Visa to Ukraine. The electronic visa is issued entirely online – there is no need to visit the Ukrainian embassy or consulate. It is issued for short stays of up to 30 days with a single or double entry.

The purpose of the visit for which an electronic visa can be obtained: tourism, business, private visit, medical treatment, journalism, attending cultural, sporting, educational or scientific events.

Only citizens of the countries on this list can apply for an e-Visa to Ukraine.

How to apply for a visa to Ukraine

Documents for a visa to Ukraine can be submitted to the Embassy, Consulate of Ukraine and visa centres authorised to accept documents for Ukrainian visas. Most often, this is VFS Global.

Foreigners can apply for a visa in their country of actual residence, with the exception of citizens of certain countries who, on the basis of Order No. 469/897/605 of 30 October 2017, are entitled to apply for a visa only in their country of citizenship or permanent residence.

Detailed conditions for crossing the Ukrainian border in 2025 can be found at the link.

Documents for obtaining a visa to Ukraine

– Visa application form for Ukraine;

– Foreign passport, valid for at least 3 months after the trip to Ukraine and with a total validity period of no more than 10 years.

– Two passport-size photographs – 35 mm x 45 mm.

– Medical insurance for travellers with coverage of at least €30,000 for the entire period of stay.

– Proof of sufficient funds for the entire period of stay: bank statements, payment details, etc.

– Confirmation of accommodation in Ukraine (hotel reservation, hostel, etc.).

– Return ticket from Ukraine.

– Confirmation of payment of the visa fee for Ukraine.

– Additional documents confirming the purpose of your trip.

Follow the link and find out what documents foreigners need to enter Ukraine.

Please note! Under martial law, medical insurance covering war risks is particularly important. You can protect yourself against active and passive risks of war, including shelling, terrorist attacks and mass unrest.

If you have any questions about obtaining documents for entry into Ukraine, our lawyers are ready to answer them right now. Book a consultation and get comprehensive answers to all your questions. Our migration specialists have been providing comprehensive documentary support services for foreigners entering Ukraine for many years.

How to apply for a visa to Ukraine: step-by-step guide

1. Register and fill out the online application form for a Ukrainian visa on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. You must indicate your citizenship, purpose of travel and the country where you can submit your application. Here you will find information about which Ukrainian embassy, consulate or visa centre in your country you can apply to.

2. Print out the form. Once you have completed the form, you must print it out so that you can submit it later.

3. Gather the necessary documents mentioned above.

4. Pay the visa fee.

5. Submit your application and documents to the Ukrainian embassy, consulate or visa centre.

Important! Contact the office where you plan to apply or visit the website to find out the opening hours, reception times and preferred method of application. Not all Ukrainian diplomatic and visa offices work in the same way. Some may require you to apply in person, while others may ask you to send your application by post.

Earlier, we talked about entry requirements for foreign citizens.

How long does it take to get a visa to Ukraine?

The processing time for a Ukrainian visa is approximately 10 days (under normal circumstances) and approximately 5 days (for urgent processing). However, the processing time also depends on the embassy or consulate where you submit your application and may take longer in some cases. You must contact the authorised body to submit your visa application no earlier than 3 months before the start of your planned trip.

Attention! If you are planning to travel by car, please read the detailed instructions on the stay of foreign vehicles in Ukraine.

How much does a visa to Ukraine cost?

The standard fee for a Ukrainian visa is from $65, and for an urgent visa – from $130. The visa fee for certain types of visas for applicants from certain countries may differ from the standard visa fee. It should be noted that the price of a visa may be higher when applying through an intermediary.

Visas are issued free of charge to minors.

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How can a foreigner confirm the purpose of their trip to Ukraine?

Depending on the type of visa issued and the purpose of the trip, the trip can be justified with one of the following documents:

– A notarised invitation from Ukrainian citizens – relatives, acquaintances, friends, etc.

– Hotel reservations, apartment rental agreements.

– Travel vouchers.

– Invitations to seminars, tickets to exhibitions, fairs.

– Documents confirming treatment in medical institutions.

– Written confirmation of a meeting, conference, etc.

– Job invitations.

– Invitations from companies and organisations.

– Document confirming enrolment in a higher education institution in Ukraine.

– Visa or tickets to a third country (to justify the purpose of the trip as ‘transit to a third country’).

Is it safe for foreign tourists to travel to Ukraine right now – read this article.

How to invite a foreigner to Ukraine?

One of the most common ways to confirm the purpose of your trip to Ukraine is to invite a foreigner to Ukraine, which must be done correctly.

There are two types of invitations:

1. Invitation from a legal entity. This can be a Ukrainian company, volunteer organisation, charitable foundation, representative office of an organisation, etc. Such invitations are also called business invitations or business invitations. It is drawn up on the company's letterhead, signed and stamped by the director. The invitation must contain the outgoing registration number and date of issue, but does not require notarisation.

2. Invitation from an individual. This can be an invitation from a relative, friend, fiancé(e), etc. Such an invitation is also called a guest invitation. It must be certified by a notary, for which the person inviting the foreigner submits their passport (or ID card) and TIN to a state or private notary and signs an invitation letter printed on notary letterhead.

Ensure your trip to Ukraine is protected! Take out medical insurance that covers military risks so that you can feel confident in any situation. This is not only a requirement for entry, but also your personal guarantee of safety and peace of mind.

Reminder! We have previously published top tips for foreigners planning to travel to Ukraine.

Photo: Freepik

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