Ukraine. For many people, it’s a beautiful land. Home to some of the most celebrated architecture in the world. A rich and highly diverse culinary tradition. And some of the most breathtakingly exquisite people you’re likely to encounter in your life. But while traveling to this country is relatively easy, applying for a visa in Ukraine isn’t necessarily all that simple. There are numerous factors to take into consideration—and the length of time you plan on staying is just one of many. Are you traveling to Ukraine for business or pleasure? Where will you be staying? Who (if anyone) will you be staying with? And despite the fact that Ukraine is extremely safe, recent social turmoil may make it a little more difficult than simply booking a hotel and hopping on a plane.
Fortunately, there are ways of simplifying the process of getting your visa in Ukraine. But it will take some forethought—and more than a little patience. If you’re traveling to Ukraine and have wanted to know about the process of obtaining your visa, there’s a few things to consider first.
What Type Of Visa Will You Need?
Are you looking for a work permit? A student visa? A traveler’s visa? Defining the right type of visa will not only expedite the process of getting one; it can be a legal necessity in Ukraine.
Note that while not every visitor will need to obtain a visa if they’re traveling to Ukraine, you absolutely will need a valid passport. For certain countries in the EU (as well as Canada and the U.S.) that can be all that’s necessary for a casual stay of no more than a week or two. But for more extensive periods, you’ll need to obtain both if you’re looking for work opportunities or plan on marrying a Ukranian citizen. In fact, Ukranian law requires you to leave the country after 90 days with no right to return for a period of no less than three to six months without one.
Please note that as of 2018, Ukranian law has authorized the collection of biometric data from all visitors to the territory. Please see here for more information.
Tourist Visas
Tourist visas are fairly easy to get if you’re traveling to Ukraine. But they’re limited. They’re valid for no more than 30 days and allow no more than two trips outside the country during that period. They’re easier to obtain if you have a tourist voucher, although it’s recommended you’d also provide confirmation of a hotel booking in Ukraine. There are several locations online which specialize in tourist vouchers but be careful. There’s also a fair amount of disreputable sellers as well.
Work Visas
Whether you’re planning on a limited or extended stay in Ukraine, many businesses will be happy to help you with the process of getting your business visa. However, they’re also only valid for anywhere from 90 days up to a year, although extensions can be granted. Please contact your employer or contractor for further details about potential extensions.
Private Visas
Private visas are only obtained through the direct invitation of the host you’ll be staying with. Your host must be a legal Ukranian citizen and the invitation must be accompanied by an officially notarized letter. A private visa is only valid for 90 days and allows you travel solely within the city of the host you’ll be residing with.
Student Visas
Both students and teachers that plan on studying or teaching in Ukraine are encouraged to do so provided they have a specific invitation from their school. Student visas are valid for anywhere from 90 days up to a full year. Please note that fees can vary substantially depending on your length of stay.
Transit Visas
A transit visa can only be obtained if you’re traveling to a third country through Ukraine. Official documentation isn’t necessary, however, specific details of your itinerary should be provided. Please note that transit visas are only valid for a period of 5 days.
What Else Do I Need To Know About Getting My Visa For Ukraine?
How Many Visits Can I Make With My Visa?
There are single entry, two-entries and multiple-entries visas available, which are valid for a period of up to 5 years. Short term visas are not issued to U.S. citizens.
What Documents Do I Need To Provide?
- An application (which can be made online; please visit the website of the consulate embassy of your particular country for official forms)
- Your visa fee as outlined in the application
- A valid passport and ID
- One additional passport photo
- Proof of legal residence in the country you’ll be traveling from
Supporting documents are frequently requested. These can include:
- An official notarized letter of invitation from the school, company, media outlet or host you’ll be staying with
- Proof of sufficient funds during your stay equal to no less than 20 days worth of monthly per capita subsistence minimums, established on the day of your arrival
- Traveler’s medical insurance, including a confirmation letter from your provider stating coverage with a minimum of 30.000 EURO. If you don’t have insurance, you must purchase coverage for the duration of your stay
How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Visa?
While that can vary depending on the embassy of your country, generally no more than 10 business days. Expedited visas of 5 business days are available but subject to your circumstances and needs.
Are Visas On Arrival Permitted?
As of 2019, entry into Ukraine is no longer permitted with a “visa on arrival” at airports. You will need official approval and documentation prior to your visit. Citizens of the following countries can apply for an e-visa online:
Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bahrain, Bolivia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Fiji, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mauritius, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Oman, Palau, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
Need more tips on traveling in Ukraine? At Simply Travel, we specialize in destination packages to Kiev, Lviv, Odessa and points beyond! Visit us today at simplytravel.international or email [email protected] for more information
