Everything You Need To Know About A Ukraine Visa

ukraine-visa-image Citizens of the United Kingdom do not require a visa to enter Ukraine if the intended period of stay is up to a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. This means that irrespective of your purpose of visit (business, tourism, transit, family reunion, and others), you can cross Ukrainian borders without a visa.

However, for long-term stays, you might need a visa. We shall come to that in the subsequent sections.

Requirements to avail visa-exemption facility

In order to avail the visa-exemption facility, you need to present some regular documents after your arrival at the airport.

Of course, you should have a passport that has a minimum validity of six months from the entry date and at least two blank visa pages. This is needed to allow the immigration officials to put the necessary stamps upon arrival/departure.

It is not required to fill in an immigration card. However, the immigration officers might collect biometric data by scanning your fingerprints.

Also, ensure that you carry proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ukraine. This can be in the form of cash, bank cards and bank statements, accommodation reservations, tourist vouchers, or an invitation letter from the person or company who ensures that they shall cover your expenses.

Additionally, keep your onward/return airline tickets handy. You may be asked to present the required documentation which specifies the purpose of your trip.

Remember to carry all the documents required for your next destination.

Note: If your travel plans change and you need to extend your stay beyond 90 days in a 180 day period, you are required to obtain a visa. For this purpose, get in touch with the Ukrainian Embassy in London or Consulate General in Edinburgh.

Long-term Visas for UK nationals visiting Ukraine

A long-term or category D-visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. You can enter Ukraine within this period and apply at the office(s) of the State Migration Service of Ukraine for a temporary residence permit.

Long-term visas are issued in the following major categories:

Study or Student Visa
Work or Employment Visa
Immigration Visa
Diplomatic Visa

Student/Study Visa

A student visa allows you to study in any of Ukraine’s registered educational institutes.

In order to apply for one, you shall need:

A printed, completed, and signed visa application form
One copy of the biodata page of your passport
A passport-size photograph, not older than 3 months
Valid UK residence documents
A letter of invitation (in original) from the university in Ukraine
Medical insurance, covering your stay in Ukraine
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your educational fees and stay in Ukraine

Once you have all the documents, fix an appointment with the nearest embassy, and submit your application. Once the visa is approved, you can collect your stamped passport from the office.

Work or Employment Visa

You can apply for a work visa if you wish to seek employment in any of Ukraine’s organizations, a foreign, non-government company registered in Ukraine, a branch of mass media in Ukraine, foreign company registered in Ukraine, or a registered foreign bank in Ukraine.

The required documents for obtaining a work visa are:

A filled, printed, and signed visa application form
One copy of your passport’s biodata page
One recent, passport-size photo
UK residence documents with proper validity
A certified copy of the work permit issued by the State Centre for Employment in Ukraine. This document has to be obtained in advance by your employer in Ukraine and sent to you.
Proof that you have medical insurance to cover your stay in Ukraine
A letter of invitation from the Ukrainian company
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ukraine

The steps to obtain a visa under this category is similar to the ones outlined under a student visa.

Diplomatic Visa

A diplomatic visa is issued to employees working in consular missions and international organizations, who seek to enter Ukraine for carrying out related activities

Required documents

A completely filled, printed and signed visa application form
One copy of your valid passport’s first page
An official letter issued by a UK authority, diplomatic mission, or international organization, stating your purpose of visit

Immigration visas

Required documentation

A printed and completed visa application form. Please ensure that you sign the document before you submit it at the embassy
A copy of the photo page of your passport
One recent, passport-size photograph
Valid UK residence documents
One copy of the immigration permit, which is issued by Ukraine’s State Migration Service or any of its local offices
Evidence that you hold the minimum medical insurance to cover your stay in the country
Proof of required funds

Note: For all of the visa applications mentioned above, you need to register online and book an appointment with the Consular Section via this site: http://visa.mfa.gov.ua.

Once you fill in the online application form and book your appointment, visit the office on your chosen date and time. Carry all the documents listed above and submit them in the consular section. Once your visa is approved, you shall be notified and you can collect your stamped passport from the embassy.

Other additional points

During your stay in Ukraine, if you happen to lose your passport or your passport is stolen, damaged, or surpasses its validity, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document.

ETDs are accepted by Ukrainian authorities for entry, edit, and transit.

The Ukrainian immigration department follows strict custom rules when it comes to importing and export goods from this nation.

If you are carrying antiques or historical items, you might need to obtain prior permission. Please visit the website of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine if you need to address any doubts regarding custom rules in Ukraine.